EXCELLENCE EXPO FACILITATORS
Performing Arts Workshop Facilitators
KC Martin, Drums- Performing Arts Workshop
KC is known for his time with the Metro Youth Program Drill Team. He served as Head Drum Major, Head Drum Captain and helped with operations of the group for several years. He was the youngest tenor drum captain in Rock Island High School Marching Band. His dad Ken Martin was famously known as one of the “Founding Fathers” of the drill team and he worked tirelessly to keep that legacy alive. Because of drill team KC was able to be flown to Washington DC to talk about youth empowerment and perform for President Barack Obama. He is currently serving as the Riot Pro Wrestling General Manager and is enjoying his new role in pro wrestling. KC Martin believes in the power of opportunities and continues to guide and mentor people of all ages to seek their dreams.
KC Martin’s slogan is “Just Keep Marching” and will continue to push people to march to their dreams and goals until they can’t march anymore.
KC has been known to work with up and coming drill team drum lines and is excited to teach some of these techniques in his session. You can expect to learn some fundamental techniques and create a fun new experience in the world of percussion.
Timina Micou, Dance- Performing Arts Workshop
Timina has had a passion for dance and the arts since she was a young child, performing her first live event at age 4. Since then, she engaged in dance, theater, and vocal lessons to improve her skill. At the young age of 18years Timina began teaching dance at her home church. She was honored with the privilege of choreographing a dance for Mason Betha during the annual Word Explosion at Celebrations Church. From that time, Timina has done dance clinics for local churches, coached her high school alma mater dance and cheer squads, and has enjoyed choreographing dances for her two daughters who have also been blessed with the gift of dance. Timina founded Anointed Praise Dance and Art Ministry in 2016 and aspires to teach and train young people in dance, exposing them to many artistic forms in the Cedar Valley and beyond.
Loreal Lester, Step- Performing Arts Workshop
Loreal Lester is a Waterloo Native who grew a love for the arts at a very young age. She started dancing and singing at the age of four and continued to flourish in those gifts throughout her life. At the age of 12 she joined Kingdom Regiment and shortly after gained title of captain. She enjoyed dancing, stepping and performing throughout the states in massive competitions. Through these experiences she learned discipline, dedication and leadership skills she’s able to carry throughout her life’s journey. She learned the importance of teamwork and was able to really dive into herself and realize all that she is capable of. Since then, she has continued to perform through dancing, singing, and poetry to express herself and creativity. She has also had two separate dance teams she lead through paid performances and opportunities. Now she enjoys sharing these gifts with her own daughter and molding her into her own.
Amber Day, Color Guard (Flag)- Performing Arts Workshop
Born and raised in Waterloo, IA. Where at an early age of 6yrs old she started out in the Lords Warriors Drill Team, where for love for dance, drums and flags came about. In the early 2000’s she was introduced to color guard from Sis Kay Jordan. This is where her passion began for flag work. It taught her different techniques and disciplines. She met new people, learned different style of art, and it helped with her confidence. With her confidence it helped her understand that to be a part of drill team she didn’t have to be a drummer or a dancer. One thing she wants the youth to take from this class is the simple technique of twirling a flag, to be free and over all be yourself. You don’t have to be a dancer or a drummer to spin a flag. We always see dancing and drummers in movies and how they can get you to college. Yet color guard can get you just as far in college and beyond. You can be any shape or size to spin a flag. Just come learn, have fun, be free and be you!
Skills Seminar Facilitators
Chris Tims, Leadership & Mental Toughness- Skills Seminar
Christopher Tims was born and raised in Waterloo, IA and graduated from Waterloo East High in 2008. He attended Wartburg college where he received his BA in World History Education and wrestled all 4 years. After college, Chris began his education career at George Washington Carver Academy. While teaching there, he received his Masters degree in Social Science from the University of Northern Iowa. Chris currently teaches history at East High School where he also serves as the lead wrestling coach. He has taught and coached in the Waterloo School District for 12 years. He was a 2021 recipient of Cedar Valley’s 20 Under Forty and the 2023-2024 NE Iowa District 3A wrestling coach of the year. He was recently chosen as
a candidate for the Lead Waterloo program. He also serves on the board of directors for Tri-County Headstart and was a former board member for the Waterloo Writing Project. He currently serves as a minister in training for Antioch Baptist Church and is an Iowa USA National Team coach for wrestling.
In addition, he is a devoted husband to his wife, Katie, and their two children.
Community Bank & Trust: Shanterra Martin & LaTonya Robertson, Financial Success- Skills Seminar
Shanterra graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in management and is currently a Branch Manager at Community Bank and Trust. Shanterra is a part of Community Bank and Trust’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee and has worked with the company to integrate DEI into the company’s culture and values. Shanterra loves to teach youth how to become financially successful and will teach budgeting skills in her session at the Excellence Expo.
Travis Ferguson, Confidence & Career Readiness- Skills Seminar
Travis Ferguson is a driven entrepreneur, real estate leader, and former Division-I football player who brings the same discipline, teamwork, and determination that defined his athletic career into the business world.
Born on the East side of Waterloo Iowa, Travis attended Grant Elementary, Logan Middle School, and East Waterloo High School. It was there that Travis developed his love for his beloved hometown, and now is on a mission to transform it (and other communities) through the power of ownership.
As the founder and leader of The Ferguson Real Estate Team, he has spent the past decade building one of Iowa’s most dynamic and diverse real estate teams, serving clients across multiple cities including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Iowa City.
His vision is to redefine what success looks like in real estate—combining top-tier systems, training, and mentorship with a deep commitment to service and community impact.
Beyond real estate, Travis is passionate about personal growth and leadership. A dedicated husband and father, he models consistency, faith, and self-discipline through his daily routines of early-morning workouts, business planning, and reflection. He believes true success is built through mindset and accountability—principles he lives by and teaches to his son, who is now joining him in the real estate business, and to other young agents he mentors across the state.
Travis also extends his leadership beyond business by inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. He frequently speaks to middle-school students about mindset, consistency, and service, helping them see how entrepreneurship can turn defiance or challenge into creativity and purpose.
Whether he’s building a real estate empire, motivating youth, or leading by example in his community, Travis Ferguson embodies the spirit of growth, resilience, and opportunity—proving that success is not just about where you start, but how far you’re willing to grow.