Unscripted: Portrait of Peace, Purpose and Perseverance
Unscripted
(Commentary) By Keith Edmonds Ink Spot Contributing Writer
“Do not be anxious about anything, but i every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” ... Philippians 4:6 6
The title of this story accurately describes my guest today. Diveeta Kinchen has certainly embodied these words by living her life in such a way that their essence comes into play almost daily for her. If I may, I’d like to add the word Passion to this list simply because after sharing a few moments with her, I heard what drives, encourages, and motivates her to work with those that she comes in contact with, and how she can further assist them on their financial, spiritual, and emotional journeys through life. After reading this piece, I think that you’ll agree that Diveeta Kinchen is a woman on a mission, with her quest to hear “Well done, my good and faithful servant” being her keynote goal when her life’s work is being measured. Please join me in welcoming her to todays edition of UNSCRIPTED.
UNSCRIPTED: Good afternoon, and welcome! Can you share with us what your do, and what led you to choose this position as your field of “purposeful ministry” for others?
DK: “Good afternoon, thanks for having me. I am a Community Development Mortgage Loan Officer for Old National Bank. I have a Finance degree from Indiana
University and have worked in the Banking and Mortgage industry for over 30 years.
When I was a youngster, my grandmother shared her stories of the racial divide, and her devastation of losing the 1st home she and my grandfather purchased through
eminent domain for far less than its value. It’s a blessing to assist people to take advantage of the opportunities our forefathers fought for us to have. Given the Fair
Housing Act passed on April 11 th 1968, April is National Fair Housing month. My “purposeful ministry” has allowed me to help hundreds in fulfilling their dreams of
homeownership by educating and patiently walking customers through what could otherwise be a challenging experience.
UNSCRIPTED: The title that comes with this position is of “Unique” distinction. Can you share what that distinction is?
DK: “As I recall, I was the first African American to hold the title of Mortgage Loan Officer in the City of Fort Wayne. This is something that means a lot to me as my passion, that lead me to mortgage lending, was to help individuals who may not have
a clear understanding of the power of homeownership. Although homeownership isn’t for everyone, with rents skyrocketing, I hope more of our people will realize the
magnitude that comes with owning their own home. Homeownership can create legacy and yield equity…a return on their investment.”
UNSCRIPTED: I’m hearing more and more about the importance of Financial Literacy, and how young people need to become more invested. Can you share how you try to impact our young people in creating better financial gains?
DK: “One of the things that I share with my own kids is: Knowledge is power and
people perish for the lack thereof. Our life’s experiences yield a testimony that
can be beneficial to others. Financial empowerment and economic self-sufficiency comes from understanding credit, the value of a dollar and utilizing available
resources to achieve. It’s important to teach our young people how to gain and secure generational wealth for themselves and their families. Adversities can be overcome.”
UNSCRIPTED: So let’s pivot for a moment and discuss something that is very dear and passionate to you. With this being National Distracted Driving month, how have you championed this cause in your own life?
DK: “On October 17 th 2008 my son was killed in a tragic automobile accident. Actually, the coroner reached out and asked me if I would be a voice on behalf of distracted driving and its dangers. I was told that my son died instantly (with no
pain) but the accident was the cause of distractions in his car involving his cell phone.
The mortgage debacle of 2008 happened SIMULTANEOUSLY! Trying to cope with the
devastating loss of my son, and still be of service to those hurt by the mortgage debacle was literally the most challenging period of my life. My prayer to God was… “please
help me. Don’t let my son’s death be in vain.” I became compelled to help as many families as I could to avoid the devastation of distracted driving fatalities. We created a non-profit organization and have encouraged millions to STANDD (Stop
Texting and Driving Distracted) while raising money to give scholarships to college
bound students.”
UNSCRIPTED: How do you feel that this whole experience has changed you? And what have you done (since 2008) to reflect and become more resolute in your push to educate others?
DK: “I think that it’s made me more intentional about life. So many times, we take for granted the people that have played an integral part in our life not realizing that in a moments notice, they can be taken away from us. Its important to live our life with purpose and intentionality and I intend to do just that!”
UNSCRIPTED: As we close this piece please respond to the following: What makes you…
THINK: “People or things that stimulate consideration.”
SMILE: “The peace and perspective that comes from being more than a conqueror, watching my daughter and bonus children excel, along with the love of family and
friends.”
EMOTIONAL: “The current state of the world makes me emotional. With so much evil and devastation, I really have to maintain FAITH. Seeing someone else experience the joy of Homeownership or personal success sparks positive emotions for me. I
want nothing more than to share my knowledge and inspire others. That being said, it would be an honor to assist potential buyers on their homeownership journey.
Interested parties may contact me via phone 260-310-6651 or email
diveeta.kinchen@oldnational.com.”