Jovon “Q” Quarles

Occupation: Directing Staff

Jovan “Q” Quarles, a 15-year NAVY SEAL veteran, made history as the first Black man to graduate at the top of his class in SEAL training, earning honors in Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) and SEAL Qualification Training (SQT). Despite kidney failure during “Hell Week,” he completed the grueling selection process, with his helmet now displayed at the NAVY SEAL Museum. Jovan served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and top-secret missions under Operation Enduring Freedom, later becoming a leading SEAL supervisor. He has assessed and trained over 1,200 candidates for Naval Special Warfare, conducted outreach at schools and colleges, and led international events.