John Bible
President/CEO
John Bible is a Waco native who graduated from University High School in 1995. He began his college career at McLennan Community College and after two years, transferred to Baylor University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Finance in 1999. For over 15 years, Mr. Bible worked in the financial industry as an Investment Advisor, holding dual-licenses as an Investment Advisor and Broker. He has worked for some of the top insurance and financial firms in the nation such as: UBS Financial Services, AIG, and New York Life. In November of 2018, Mr. Bible decided to start his own Investment Agency and created Bible & Sovereign Partners Financial Services, of which he is currently CEO.
During the years of being a Financial Advisor, John Bible found time in 2004 to become certified as a Generalist 4-8 in the Education field. He taught 5th grade social studies, spelling, and English language for Chilton ISD for three years. During that time, he also coached Junior High girls’ volleyball, basketball, and track.
John Bible started his work in the community as a young child. He attends Waco Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Waco, Texas and has held several positions in the church; and is currently an Associate Minister. He served on the NAACP Board as Treasurer for two years and later began serving on the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce in various capacities, starting with board member, treasurer, and chairman; and as of May 1, 2019, the new President/Executive Director of the Chamber. His mission is to use his knowledge and experience to provide a positive impact on the small businesses and minority community in Waco, Texas. John Bible currently lives in Waco, Texas, with his family. He is a Christian Business man, who will continue to serve the Waco Community the best way possible.
Cen-Tex African American Chamber
of commerce Staff
Rachel E. Pate is the Vice President of Economic Development at the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce in Waco, Texas. Rachel is a Waco native and graduated from University High School. Since 2016, Rachel has served in various roles at the Chamber and championed the causes of small entrepreneurs, women and minorities. She is also a LeadershipPlenty Institute graduate, Rapoport Academy Public School Board Member, A.J. Moore Advisory Board Member, and StartUp Waco Board Member.
With her mother being a Sunday School teacher and now Evangelist, Rachel began serving the community at a very early age. She was very active on her church’s usher board and youth ministry. Some of her fondest memories of growing up in Waco are being surrounded by her large, extended family for reunions and Juneteenth gatherings; her mother is one of eleven siblings who all hail from Waco.
She’s also a proud mom of one, lifelong member of Toliver Chapel Church, lover of the great outdoors, an avid basketball fan and a dedicated wearer of Converse’s Chuck Taylor shoes. Rachel’s favorite scripture is Romans 8:31- “…If God be for us, then who can stand against us?”
Rachel E. Pate
Vice President
Teresa Collins is the Chamber Administrator at the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce. A resident of Canton, Mississippi, Teresa recently relocated to Waco, TX March 2017. She graduated from Jackson State University in May 2001 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Practicing as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker for over 15 years, she worked with the low-income impoverished community in Jackson, MS.
She later was promoted to Family Service Specialist, overseeing the caseloads and training of center social work staff. Since her relocation to Waco, Teresa became a regular volunteer at the African American Chamber of Commerce where she was later employed in her current position.
Teresa is the proud mother of daughter, Makayla and son, Bryson. They are learning the Waco community together and are excited about the new journey that awaits them.
Teresa Collins
Administrator
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Heaven Lee is the Esther’s Closet Coordinator at the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce. Heaven is a Waco native and graduated from Connally High School. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in August 2021 with a Bachelor of Psychology degree. She previously worked helping individuals advance in their careers through training and upskilling to gain financial security through high-wage and in-demand jobs.
She is a LeadershipPlenty Institute graduate and an Eastern Little League Board Member.
Heaven lee
Esther's Closet Coordinator
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Jocelyn Williams is the Center of Business Excellence Coordinator for the Centex African American Chamber of Commerce. As coordinator, her focus is centered around supporting and promoting Waco McLennan County small minority businesses. As CBE Coordinator, she works diligently in building a healthy relationship with local small business owners, understanding their needs and hopes for expanding their businesses. She also networks and partners with other local and national organizations and institutions to provide resources programming, and networking opportunities for those businesses.
Jocelyn currently serves on three boards: The Waco Symphony Association, The Waco Civic Theater and The McCif Investment Fund. Jocelyn is also a musician, a Classical Flautist, and former music teacher and church music director. She holds a Master of Music Performance from Catholic University of America, Inc. She also has a vast amount of experience and knowledge in Diversity, Inclusion and Equity initiatives and strategies from her previous work with schools and in the community. She is a certified SEED Facilitator. SEED stands for Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity. She has experience in planning and facilitating seminars, workshops and conferences on the local and national levels. Jocelyn is a native of Maryland and moved to Waco after marrying her husband, Morris. She enjoys traveling, movies, fine wine, is a foodie and a supportive patron of the arts.
jocelyn williams
CBE Coordinator