Corey Damon Lillard was born and raised in East Oakland, California. As the youngest of six siblings, he grew up surrounded by challenges that could have easily broken him. At just eight years old, Corey was shot at point-blank range, hospitalized for six months, and endured six surgeries to survive. By the age of thirteen, he lost his mother to violence. He has been kidnapped, tied up with pillowcases over his head, and held at gunpoint. Soon after, Corey suffered another devastating blow when police killed his older brother.

At the age of twenty-seven, Corey took on a new responsibility—caring for his father, who battled dementia and Alzheimer’s. For thirteen years, until his father’s passing, Corey was his full-time caregiver. Balancing fatherhood, work, and caregiving, he learned the true meaning of sacrifice, patience, and unconditional love.

Through all of this, Corey could have been consumed by his environment. Instead, he chose a higher path—transforming his pain into a mission of purpose. He shares his story not as a victim, but as a survivor determined to inspire others to rise above adversity.

In 2017, Corey wrote and self-published his first book, dedicated to uplifting people—especially Oakland’s youth—by showing them how to face and overcome obstacles. In 2024, he followed with his second book and clothing line, also continuing his mission of hope, resilience, and empowerment.

Corey’s philosophy is built on empathy, compassion, and strength of mind, body, and spirit. Through personal training and bodybuilding, he teaches people how to reflect on their past, harness their inner power, and connect physical discipline with mental and spiritual growth to break free from the forces that hold them down.

Today, Corey is an author, public speaker, mentor, and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience. He is a devoted father to three daughters and a proud grandfather, building a legacy rooted in love, leadership, and service. He also serves as Chairman of the Bay Area’s longest-running Martin Luther King Jr. Multicultural Rally and continues to pour back into his community through workshops, mentorship programs, and free community meals.