Gurtej Bains, M.B.A., P.G.D.C.A

Gurtej holds an M.B.A. in International Business Management from University of Texas at Arlington, USA and a master’s degree in Computer Applications from Guru Nanak Dev University, India. He started his career in the Hotel Management industry graduating top of his class and has been in the frontline of global events ever since.

“Ben, you are a motivation at living. You have set a memorable example in history; for love and adoration by a son for his father as well as courage and ambition by a father for his son. Your heroic passion has united the world.” – G

Bongani Mlambo

Bongani Mlambo, aka Bongaj, is an artist, designer, photographer, and filmmaker, currently residing in Dallas, Texas. He was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, joining a family of four, and enjoyed his childhood and rich cultural heritage. Bongani is mad and passionate about creativity, expression, helping people, and telling stories visually. In his free time he dances, he drums, and he ponders on social issues and the meaning of life.

Over the years, Bongani has grown in film, photography, graphic design, painting, art, culture and diversity, and leadership. His work ethic and his ambition have afforded him the opportunity to work in different capacities in information technology, education, service, graphic design, and photography and film – in staff and freelance capacities. And now with the Longest Swim as the overall creative “genius” – his words. Bongani is amazed at the concept of Ben swimming 5500 miles across the Pacific.

In the future, Bongani wishes to work and excel in the film industry as a director, director of photography, and producer; in his own words, “become a master, a legend, a virtuoso.” Beyond this, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and talents and in the future, plans to establish an arts & film school in Zimbabwe, inspiring and helping more Zimbabweans and Africans to pursue visual and performing arts. Learning from past experience, navigating the present, and hoping for the future, Bongani has begun his journey, is moving forward, and enjoying every moment.

Laura Reeves

Laura Reeves – CEO, Justice League Marketing, SEO/Social Media Manager for The Longest Swim

I am a happily married and mother of three, and my greatest thrill in life is helping others achieve their goals in both my professional and personal life. I left the corporate world in 2004 and have been an independent contractor, entrepreneur and business owner since then. My greatest achievement in life so far to me would be my children, for their entire existence motivates me to be the best that I can be. I won’t take up a lot of your reading time here for you should be focusing your time on the wonderful and courageous man, Ben Lecomte, for it is because of him that this website even exists. If you want to learn more about me just Google Laura Reeves, I am right there.

When I was approached about being part of The Longest Swim team I didn’t hesitate to jump on board. Ben inspires me for his determination and constant quest for higher achievement motivates me constantly. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been associated with The Longest Swim, Ben and the entire team. It has been a wonderful and extremely rewarding experience.

Lumbie Mlambo

I am the youngest of the ten children born to an orphaned father. Despite my father being an orphan at eight years old and never going to school, he sacrificed to educate all his ten children. I graduated with an associate degree in Computer Science from Indiana University South Bend, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a Minor in Mathematics from Texas Woman’s University, Denton. I hope someday to complete my masters at Kennedy Western.

I’m married to a wonderful man (Sam) and together we have the two boys, Sam Jr and JB, who are big dreamers. I’m a commercial print Model, Actress, Software Engineer, Happiness Ambassador, motivational speaker, and Editor-In-Chief/Publisher of a national, lifestyle magazine called Equanimity. My vision is to influence people’s lives by providing empowerment, encouragement, and inspiration to everyone who would like to meet a certain level of balance and unity to become productive in their communities. My interest stems from my upbringing in Africa.

In 2001, I had a stroke which partially paralyzed me, but I’ve since then recovered, although I’m forever a stroke patient. All I can say is, my life is never the same. But, I’m grateful to have a third chance at life. Some people only get a second chance.

Being a team member on the Longest Swim project has been “soul healing” for me. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me. Since my mission is to influence people’s lives positively, I’m overjoyed to work with Ben on this project. Ben, you inspire me to pursue my dreams and your drive is making all this possible. I’m committed to making sure you fulfill your dream – everyone’s dream!

Julieta Vazquez

Hello! My name is Julieta Vazquez and I’m a senior at the University of Texas at Arlington, majoring in Public Relations, minoring in Spanish. I joined The Longest Swim Project with Ben Lecomte as a PR intern in August 2011. Some of my duties include writing press releases, event planning, etc.p>I’m excited to form a part of this team because I admire Ben’s strength and dedication to complete the Pacific swim. He is truly an inspiration and has become a role model in my life. I’m grateful for the opportunity Ben has given me and I’m excited to see him fulfill his upcoming quest.

Robert Villalobos

I’m currently in my junior year at the University of Texas Arlington, studying Public Relations. Born and raised in Texas I’ve worked for my family most of my life while in school. Although studying is great, traveling is my real passion! Joining this team of wonderful people has shown me how to be successful in my own life, and how to make a positive impact while doing so!

Patrick Allison

Patrick serves as technical support representative for The Longest Swim venture. His primary responsibility is the development of the voice, video, communication and internet data system that will allow anyone with an internet connection to communicate with Ben via email while he is swimming. The system will also enable internet monitoring of Ben’s progress as he swims across the Pacific Ocean.

Patrick served five years in the United States Navy maintaining F/A-18C aircraft onboard aircraft carriers U.S.S. America and U.S.S. John F.Kennedy. He brings three years of Head Up Display system and software development experience, from several helicopter projects, to The Longest Swim venture. He earned a bachelor degree in aircraft maintenance from College of Aeronautics, Flushing N.Y. and a bachelor degree in computer science engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.