Born and raised in New Orleans, Sterling Mendenez grew up in a city rich in culture, music, and resilience. His upbringing exposed him to both poverty and affluence, shaping his deep commitment to service. His parents, Louis and Vivian Mendenez, created a program that motivated children to excel in school, respect their parents, and read the Bible-rewarding them with trips to Disney World. Over 25 years, they personally funded 25 trips, with Sterling playing a key role in securing sponsorships. Inspired by his parents’ legacy, Sterling founded Mindset Inc. in 2008, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting marginalized youth and veterans in New Orleans, Houston, and Mexico City through seven core principles: dreams, health, financial literacy, careers, purpose, and legacy. During Hurricane Katrina, Sterling housed 34 family members, including his pregnant wife and five children, developing funding strategies to support them. His Air Force service further fueled his commitment to veterans, leading him to develop a program at Saint Michael’s Learning Academy that raised substantial funds and supported 800 students annually. Mindset Inc. expanded through partnerships with Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown and Discovery Camp, gaining recognition on Great Day Houston for student success. In 2020, he refocused Mindset on social justice, financial literacy, and global outreach, reaching communities in Cambodia, India, Thailand, and Mexico. By 2022, Sterling had launched corporate housing in New Orleans and a virtual vocational school. In 2024, he returned to Texas A&M University to teach financial literacy. Now, as an ambassador of Limitless Films, he promotes digital personal development products, including the Think and Grow Rich movie and Living the Legacy with Bob Proctor, continuing his mission to empower the voiceless and create lasting legacies.