Team Member Spotlight

“I can truly say that I’m never bored,” says Jalen Lee, a Beef Team member from the Dallas area. And it’s no wonder—his life is a blend of meaningful work, adventure, family, and good food, all wrapped in a deep appreciation for community. From his role as Assistant Director of Presidential Initiatives at Dallas Theological Seminary to his love of running, volunteering, and, of course, beef, Jalen embodies the spirit of someone who embraces and makes the most of every moment.

In his career, Jalen is a project executor for the president of Dallas Theological Seminary, managing everything from large-scale events to policy writing. His job has taken him across the globe to places like Albania, Ethiopia, and Panama, where he facilitates gatherings for like-minded leaders. This includes projects like designing drone shows to creating spaces where people can have fun and experience community. His work is fueled by a love of people and connection, a theme that carries over into all aspects of his life.

But, as a kid, Jalen dreamed he’d be a steer wrestler. “Something about hopping off a horse to tackle a steer to the ground just felt right to me,” he elaborates. “I really loved Professional Bull Riding (PBR) and knew the names of the riders and the bulls they rode. However, life took him down the route fated for him, and he ended up earning two master’s degrees, one in Health Services Administration, and another in Theology.  

While studying at Dallas Theological Seminary, he met Anna Lee and they later married in a ceremony officiated by her cattle-producing grandfather. Today, the couple is raising their daughter, Georgia Kate, with another little one on the way in August. “Marrying my wife was the prize, but it was a bonus to land in a cattle-producing family,” he says. 

“Here at the family ranch, I’ve learned how to feed, protect, and care for our cows. I love being part of a beef family. And so does my daughter, in the morning she will frequently go to say ‘hello’ to the cows!” Jalen dotes, sharing how their family is already instilling a love of agriculture in the next generation.

A U.S. citizen born of Hong Kong immigrants, Jalen shares that they didn’t have much, and eating beef was a special treat while growing up. “Once in a blue moon, my dad would surprise me, my mom, and my two younger sisters with two steaks for supper. With his special sauce, it was a hard meal to beat.”  Now, with a family of his own, Jalen carries that tradition forward, but more frequently. Today, there is always plenty of Tri-Tip, Brisket, and Korean barbecue-style Short Ribs (his favorite) in the mix. 

When it comes to running, it’s something Jalen really never pictured himself doing – and enjoying! But, after falling in love—and a little family pressure—he found himself growing fond of the sport. “I did not grow up a runner, but I married into a family who competes in marathons and Ironman races,” he says. “In order to connect with the family, I began to slowly participate with them.” What started as a bonding activity has turned into a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, one he maintains with the help of the Beef Team community. His mother-in-law, Jody McGowan, is a Beef Team member.

“Being on the Texas Beef Team for the last couple years has not only given me the opportunity to learn more about the health benefits of eating beef, but also provided an amazing opportunity to connect deeper with the family that I’ve married into here in Texas,” he says. Jalen might not be setting world records, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t had his victories. “I’m the kind of guy who runs and will give my absolute best, but will inevitably be passed up by the dad pushing two kids in a stroller,” he jokes. But at last year’s Turkey Trot, fate intervened. “The chip reader malfunctioned and almost everyone’s times were not recorded. Almost everyone… By some act of God, my time was recorded, and in a strange turn of events, I placed third in my division! Life is such, and I’ll take it!”

Jalen enjoys 5Ks for the variety of people they attract, and while he doesn’t keep strict track of his races, he did complete four races in four weeks last year, a testament to his growing dedication to the sport. His running mantra? “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

When Jalen isn’t working, running, enjoying family time, or serving at Watermark Church, you might find him playing pickleball or hunting for shark teeth—a unique hobby he shares with his mother-in-law. “To date, we’ve found over 3,000,” he says. He also considers himself a foodie and enjoys traveling around the world to discover how different cultures love and honor each other – and eat!

When asked what keeps him motivated to stay active, Jalen doesn’t hesitate. “I want to be able to see my kids grow up. An inactive lifestyle is the silent killer in the United States, and for me and my family, we want to be there for one another as long as we can.”

Read on to learn more about this inspiring member of Texas Beef Team:

Beef Team Memories:  The Too Hot to Handle race in Dallas will forever be a fond memory, as it was the first time I met the DFW Beef Team community. Taking the Grilling 101 and Smoking Beef 101 course later with many of these same people and more was amazing. I’ve loved these people ever since!

Dream Celebrity Run Partner: Some people may roll their eyes, but I would say Jesus. In the Bible it says that I am a sinner and consequently have earned death because of my disobedience to God, but because He took my place and died for me, I am now reconciled with God who loves me fully. A guy who’s willing to do that for me? Yeah, I wouldn’t mind going on a run with Him to thank Him. But if Jesus isn’t available, I would also gladly have a casual run with Post Malone for funsies. 

Pre-Race Food & Drink: I try my best to absolutely pound water the night before! Otherwise, I know this isn’t the best, but I usually don’t eat or drink before a morning race. 

Best Running Advice: Running is 95% mental and 5% physical. 

Favorite Running Gear: I absolutely love running with my belt bag! It keeps all of my belongings in one place and doesn’t move around making it something that doesn’t inhibit performance. 

Running Playlist: Believe it or not, I actually burn through a lot of musical soundtracks while running. Anything from Wicked to Shrek the Musical could be pumping through my headphones at any given time.