About Us

Building stronger communities through transformative life skills education

Our Story

In Real Life Inc. was founded on a simple but powerful truth: every young person deserves access to the life skills that will help them thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. In an era of digital overload and curated online personas, we recognized a critical gap—young people were being left unprepared for the real challenges of adult life.

Our founders, Jennifer and Wayne Rogers, saw firsthand how marginalized communities lacked access to essential education on healthy relationships, financial literacy, emotional intelligence, and authentic self-development. Traditional educational systems, while valuable, often overlooked these critical life skills that determine success and happiness.

From this recognition, In Real Life Inc. was born. We created a comprehensive suite of programs designed not just to teach, but to transform. Our approach is holistic, recognizing that strong individuals build strong families, and strong families build strong communities.

Today, we serve youth ages 13-25, single mothers, couples preparing for marriage, and families seeking to strengthen their bonds. Through our core programs, specialized youth initiatives like Girl Yes! and Ground Zero!, our comprehensive Marriage Prep program, and wrap-around family services, we're breaking cycles of dysfunction and poverty while building generational wellness.

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Our Mission

To empower youth, young adults, and families in marginalized communities with essential life and relationship skills, fostering their transformation into confident, productive, and emotionally intelligent members of society.

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Our Vision

A world where every person, regardless of their background, has access to the knowledge and skills needed to build healthy relationships, achieve financial stability, and live with confidence and purpose—unplugged from digital distractions and empowered to thrive in real life.

Our Values

  • Authenticity - Discover your true self
  • Empowerment - Transform through knowledge
  • Intentionality - Purpose-driven living
  • Inclusivity - Serve all people
  • Excellence - High-quality programs
  • Community - Build supportive networks

Leadership Team

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Jennifer Rogers

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Jennifer Rogers brings extensive experience in leadership, organizational development, and strategic program management to In Real Life Inc. As Associate Director of Premium Services at Eli Lilly, Jennifer leads a 10-person team providing specialized IT support and strategic initiatives focused on operational excellence and transformative service delivery.

Jennifer's leadership philosophy centers on empowering individuals to reach their full potential through structured development, clear communication, and authentic relationship-building. She has pioneered innovative team development approaches using personality assessments like Emergenetics to create personalized coaching resources and communication guides that recognize each person's unique strengths and needs.

Her passion for youth empowerment extends beyond her professional career. Through In Real Life Inc., Jennifer channels her strategic thinking, conceptual approach to problem-solving, and deep commitment to authentic human connection into comprehensive programs that address the critical gaps in traditional education systems.

Jennifer has developed transformative curricula including "Marriage Unlocked" for singles preparation and comprehensive life skills programs. Her approach combines evidence-based practices with real-world applicability, ensuring that every program delivers measurable impact and lasting transformation.

"I believe every young person deserves access to the tools and knowledge that will help them build authentic, fulfilling lives. Our mission is to meet them where they are and help them discover who they truly are—beyond the screens and outside the noise."

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Wayne Rogers

Co-Founder & President

Wayne Rogers serves as President of In Real Life Inc., bringing visionary leadership and strategic oversight to the organization's mission and direction. As President, Wayne holds veto power over board decisions and guides the organization's strategic planning initiatives, ensuring that In Real Life Inc. remains true to its core mission while scaling impact across communities.

Wayne's commitment to youth empowerment is rooted in a deep understanding of the systemic barriers that prevent young people in marginalized communities from reaching their full potential. His leadership focuses on breaking generational cycles of dysfunction and poverty through comprehensive, biblically-grounded life skills education that addresses the whole person.

As a co-founder alongside his wife Jennifer, Wayne has been instrumental in developing In Real Life Inc.'s holistic approach to community transformation. His vision extends beyond individual program delivery to building sustainable systems that create lasting change across multiple generations.

Wayne's governance philosophy emphasizes accountability, strategic foresight, and community-centered decision-making. Under his leadership, In Real Life Inc. has established strong governance structures including clear bylaws, comprehensive processes, and strategic partnerships that position the organization for long-term sustainability and expanded impact.

"Our work is about more than teaching skills—it's about transforming lives and building stronger communities. When we empower one young person, we impact an entire family and ultimately strengthen the fabric of our community."

Board of Directors

In Real Life Inc. is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors committed to ensuring fiscal responsibility, strategic oversight, and mission alignment. The Board consists of individuals with diverse expertise in education, youth development, finance, marketing, and community engagement.

Board members serve two-year terms and meet quarterly to provide guidance on organizational strategy, review financial performance, and support fundraising efforts.

Governance & Transparency

501(c)(3) Status

In Real Life Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Financial Accountability

We maintain rigorous financial management practices including monthly transaction reviews, annual budget preparation, and independent annual audits. All financial records are reviewed monthly and approved by our Board of Directors.

Compliance

In Real Life Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws. We file IRS Form 990 annually and maintain full compliance with all nonprofit reporting requirements.

Program Evaluation

All programs are regularly evaluated for effectiveness and alignment with our mission. We collect participant feedback, track outcomes, and continuously improve our offerings based on data and community needs.

Join Us in Building Stronger Communities

Together, we can help every young person tap into the real them so they can have a real life.