In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Doneilous King - lifelong Utica resident, DEIB strategist, senior counselor at SUNY Poly, community builder, DJ, and founder of We Inspire Consulting. From growing up in Cornhill to becoming one of the city’s most impactful connectors, Doneilous shares a powerful, honest look at how poverty, family, faith, sports, and service shaped the man he is today. This was his first-ever podcast appearance, and he doesn’t hold back.
We talk about the importance of access, mentorship, and being the “connective tissue” that keeps communities strong. Doneilous breaks down his work with students through the Educational Opportunity Program, why sports are one of the greatest teachers of life, and how losing, grit, and discipline matter more than talent alone. His perspective on youth development, leadership, and opportunity is both grounded and inspiring - especially for anyone who grew up with limited resources but big dreams.
The conversation also dives into the creative side of his journey - from becoming a DJ during the pandemic to launching Brown Sugar, a packed R&B sing-along experience, and Network & Chill, a monthly event designed to put people in rooms together who normally wouldn’t cross paths. At its core, this episode is about service, abundance, and proving that you don’t have to leave Utica to build a meaningful, impactful life.
In this episode, we talk about:
• Growing up in Cornhill and how poverty helped shape purpose, grit, and drive
• Why sports teach life lessons you can’t learn in a classroom
• Building social capital, mentorship, and being someone others can reach
• The story behind Brown Sugar and Network & Chill—and why community matters
• Why doing what you love first is the key to long-term success and fulfillment
This one is thoughtful, motivating, and full of real-life perspective—especially for anyone trying to figure out how to serve others while building something meaningful right where they are.
This is episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)
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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Doneilous Introduction
(1:00) - Early Life & Service Focus
(1:55) - Experiences & Developing Grit
(3:40) - Fatherhood & Social Capital
(4:45) - Role at SUNY Poly & EOP Program
(5:45) - Who Not How & Connections
(8:10) - Sports as a Teacher
(10:35) - What's Changed & Lessons in Losing
(12:30) - Specializing in One Sport
(14:30) - Basketball Enrichment Programs & DKBA
(16:15) - Staying Home & Connective Tissue
(18:15) - Vision For the Future
(20:20) - Being a Creator & Providing Joy
(21:45) - Becoming a DJ
(26:45) - Brown Sugar + Network & Chill
(29:30) - Community Servant & Inspiring Others
(30:30) - Next Chapter & We Inspire Consulting
(32:25) - Ideal Clients & Advice
(34:15) - Brianna Keisel Story
(36:00) - Abundance Mindset
(37:45) - Rapid Fire Questions
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Doneilous King's Links
Personal FB - https://www.facebook.com/Doneilous
Events FB - https://www.facebook.com/p/D-King-Events-100088006012383
Network FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095365847055
Personal IG - https://www.instagram.com/doneilousking
Events IG - https://www.instagram.com/dking.events
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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org
