Who we are | Dbexcellence

Meet the Founders

CEO and Founder

Duane B. Evans Jr.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, is a third-generation military veteran and a living testament to resilience, hope, and transformation. Having endured the profound challenges of homelessness and domestic violence, Duane emerged stronger through eight years of honorable service in the United States military. His personal journey—from adversity to leadership—is marked by both lived experience and academic achievement, including an associate’s degree and a Certificate of Achievement from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business for completing the intensive program Principles of Leading Transformational Nonprofits in July 2019.

With a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and systemic struggles veterans often face upon returning home, Duane founded Doing Better Than Excellence (DBE)—a nonprofit organization committed to breaking cycles of hardship and empowering survivors and veterans. Through DBE, he shares his testimony and teaches practical, actionable steps for rising from rock bottom, proving that transformation is possible even in the darkest seasons of life.

Duane’s vision is rooted in dignity, compassion, and justice. He works to ensure that those who have served—especially those impacted by trauma and instability—are met with pathways to healing, resilience, and lasting change. His leadership reflects a powerful blend of lived wisdom, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to those society too often overlooks.

Co-Founder/Public Relations Manager

Venica Hearst Evans

Venica Hearst Evans, a lifelong resident of Cleveland, Ohio, is a dedicated leader whose career and ministry reflect a deep commitment to service, justice, and community empowerment. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Baldwin Wallace University and has built a diverse professional background in both public safety and social services. Venica previously served as a Dispatcher with the City of Cleveland Division of Police and as a Social Worker with the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services, where she advocated for vulnerable families and children.

Currently, Venica ministers at Shiloh Baptist Church in Cleveland, where she integrates faith, compassion, and practical support into her service. Since the founding of Doing Better Than Excellence (DBE), she has been a vital member of the Board of Directors, contributing to the organization’s growth and expanding opportunities for community involvement. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping DBE’s outreach initiatives, including the annual Fill the Truck Event, a project she launched eight years ago that continues to grow and provide essential resources for those in need.

Venica’s work is guided by a clear understanding of both the organization’s mission and the needs of the community. She leverages available resources to empower others, helping individuals learn, grow, and live with greater dignity and resilience. Through her professional expertise, ministry, and nonprofit leadership, Venica embodies DBE’s vision of holistic service and transformative impact.

Serve on our Board of Directors

Join the Board of Directors at Doing Better Than Excellence and help shape a future rooted in dignity, justice, and transformation. Your leadership can empower veterans and survivors to rise from hardship and reclaim their lives.

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