Leon Russell

Chair, NAACP National Board of Directors

Leon W. Russell has dedicated his life to fighting for human rights and has served on the National Board of Directors since 1990 in various roles, including Assistant Secretary, Chair of the Convention Planning Committee, and Vice Chair. His peers recognized his decades of work and leadership when they elected him as chair in 2017.

Before joining the board, Russell served as president of the NAACP Florida State Conference of Branches for 4 years after serving for 15 years as the first vice president.

After 35 years of public service as the Director of the Office of Human Rights for Pinellas County in Clearwater, Florida, Russell retired in 2012. During his time as a civil servant he was responsible for implementing the county's affirmative action and human rights ordinances. These ordinances continue to ensure a racially and sexually diverse workforce and support the implementation of the county's equal employment opportunity programs.

From 2007 to 2011, Russell served as President of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies (IAOHRA). The IAOHRA membership consists of statutory human and civil rights agencies throughout the United States and Canada and other nations. These agencies enforce state and local civil rights laws and are actively engaged in reducing and resolving intergroup tension and promoting intergroup relations.

As part of his lifelong work and leadership, Russell has served as a member of several organizations including the International City Management Association and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. He served as a board member of the Pinellas Opportunity Council, president and board member of the National Association of Human Rights Workers, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Children's Campaign of Florida.

As the Chairman of Floridians Representing Equity and Equality (FREE), a statewide coalition, Russel worked to oppose the Florida Civil Rights Initiative, an anti-affirmative action proposal. Ultimately, the initiative failed to get on the Florida ballot for voter consideration, because of the strong legal challenge spearheaded by FREE.

Russell has received numerous civic awards and citations for his work ensuring equality and equity across the U.S.

Derrick Johnson

President and CEO, NAACP

Derrick Johnson serves as the 19th president and CEO of the NAACP, a role he has held since October 2017. With a long history of leadership within the NAACP, including vice chairman of the National Board of Directors and president of the Mississippi State Conference, he has been instrumental in guiding the Association through a period of reinvigoration and transformation.

Under Johnson's leadership, the NAACP has taken on numerous impactful initiatives to advance racial justice, expose systemic inequities, and amplify the organization's advocacy for Black communities across the nation. Most recently, he spearheaded the launch of NAACP Capital, a fund of funds aligned with the NAACP's mission of achieving equity, political rights, and social inclusion for Black people and all persons of color. In 2020, Johnson led the "We Are Done Dying" Campaign, which exposed systemic inequities in American healthcare and beyond, further amplifying the NAACP's advocacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also oversaw the Jamestown to Jamestown Partnership in 2019, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the arrival of enslaved Africans in America. 

As the Biden Administration came into office in 2021, Johnson led the charge in calling for a Cabinet-level position dedicated to advancing the nation's issue of racial justice. His efforts culminated in President Biden signing an Executive Order to eliminate systemic racial barriers, ensuring federal policies are rooted in equity.

A seasoned civil rights advocate, Johnson has consistently been on the frontlines of the nation's most pressing issues. From calling out instances of racial insensitivity, like Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's use of Blackface; to condemning the burning of Black churches in Tennessee and Louisiana, he has been an unwavering voice for justice. His leadership also included testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee in opposition to Attorney General William Barr's nomination and overseeing the NAACP's historic vote to impeach President Donald J. Trump at the 110th National Convention in 2019.

One of Johnson's top priorities is financial empowerment for Black Americans. He is working to close the wealth gap by supporting Black entrepreneurs through micro grants and resources. His advocacy also extends to keeping future presidential administrations focused on policies that benefit Black Americans, while actively combating harmful agendas.

Johnson envisions the NAACP as a leader in data-driven civic engagement, shaping the most comprehensive Black voter mobilization efforts to date. By leveraging technology and cutting-edge research, he aims to transform how the NAACP engages with communities across the country. Under his leadership, the organization is becoming the leading authority on Black culture, expanding its legacy from civil rights to fighting for equity across multiple arenas of American life.

Among his recent achievements, Johnson was awarded the 2024 Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Champion Award for his relentless work to eliminate menthol cigarettes and the industry's predatory marketing toward Black communities. He also received the 2024 Tougaloo College Light of Justice Award and the 2022 Warrior of Justice Award, recognizing his steadfast dedication to justice and equity.

Born in Detroit, Johnson attended Tougaloo College in Mississippi before earning his JD from the South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. He has furthered his training through fellowships with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the George Washington University School of Political Management, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Johnson's career as a veteran activist is defined by his commitment to defending rights and improving lives — whether through advocating for equitable education in Mississippi or pushing for national civil rights reforms.

Johnson is a frequent voice on networks such as CNN, MSNBC, CBS, and ABC, where he advocates for the Black community and all those impacted by systemic oppression and injustice.

Letitia James

Attorney General | New York State Office of the Attorney General

Letitia “Tish” James is the 67th Attorney General for the state of New York. With decades of experience and a long record of achievements, she is a powerful, effective attorney and lifelong public servant. When she was elected in 2018, she became the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New York and the first woman to be elected Attorney General.

In her first term, Attorney General James focused on protecting vulnerable New York residents and ensuring that individuals or companies that broke state laws were held accountable. She secured more than $7.5 billion for New York from those who broke state laws and took advantage of New Yorkers, including more than $2.5 billion from opioid manufacturers and distributors for their roles in the opioid epidemic. Under her leadership, the Office of the New York State Attorney General helped remove more than 4,000 guns from New York communities, took down dozens of dangerous drug and gun trafficking rings throughout the state, and took legal action to stop the proliferation of ghost guns.

Attorney General James took on predatory landlords who harassed tenants and endangered children by violating New York’s lead paint laws. She protected New Yorkers’ health and the state’s natural resources by going after polluters and companies that flouted environmental protection laws. Attorney General James stood up for vulnerable populations by going all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to stop a question about citizenship from being added to the census and successfully protecting DACA. 

She has been a national leader in the fight to defend access to reproductive health care, leading dozens of legal actions across the country to protect and expand access to this lifesaving care. Attorney General James also stood up against corruption and took strong action against officials who broke New York laws or workplace protection measure, regardless of their status or political affiliation.

Before serving as Attorney General, Letitia James was the public advocate for the City of New York. When she was elected in 2013, she became the first woman of color to hold citywide office. During her tenure as public advocate, her office passed more legislation than all previous public advocates combined, including a groundbreaking law that banned questions about salary history from the employment process to address the pervasive gender wage gap. Prior to serving as public advocate, Letitia James represented the 35th Council District in Brooklyn in the New York City Council for 10 years. As a council member, she passed the Safe Housing Act, legislation that forced landlords to improve living conditions for tenants in New York City’s worst buildings. Before her election to the City Council, Letitia James was head of the Brooklyn Regional Office of the New York State Attorney General’s Office. 

Letitia James began her career as a public defender at the Legal Aid Society. A proud Brooklynite, she is a graduate of Lehman College and Howard University School of Law.

Loretta E. Lynch

Partner | Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Former Attorney General of the United States, Loretta Lynch advises clients on complex government and internal investigations and high-stakes litigation matters, including those that implicate significant regulatory enforcement issues, that involve substantial reputational concerns, and that are international in scope. Loretta chairs the Civil Rights and Racial Equity Audits practice. Clients note that Loretta “is flawless in presentations and brings gravitas and experience to any situation” adding “people go to her for her extraordinarily broad experience and truly unique service - she is phenomenal.”

Since her return to private practice in 2019, Loretta has helped lead several of the most sensitive investigations and reputation-threatening litigation and regulatory enforcement matters in recent years. BlackRock retained Loretta to help lead an internal investigation into former staffers’ allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination. She has also recently co-led representations of Syracuse University in an independent review of its Department of Public Safety’s handling of bias-related incidents raised by students during the 2019/2020 academic year; North Carolina State University in an NCAA investigation concerning money and other benefits allegedly offered to a former student-athlete in violation of NCAA regulations; and a Fortune 50 energy company in an internal investigation regarding discrimination and retaliation claims. Loretta is currently representing the McDonald’s Corporation in three high-profile racial discrimination lawsuits. She also counsels a number of prominent companies on ESG-related matters.

Loretta is also frequently retained for high-profile public advisory roles. She was appointed as a Special Advisor to the N.Y. Attorney General’s Office as part of its investigation into issues arising out of the conduct of New York City police officers during protests related to the death of George Floyd; and by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York to mediate a dispute between the Federal Defenders of New York and the Federal Bureau of Prisons concerning issues of attorney access to their incarcerated clients during the COVID-19-related suspension of in-person visits at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Government Service

Loretta served as U.S. Attorney General from 2015 to 2017, becoming the first African-American woman to hold this office. In that role, she oversaw more than 100,000 employees across numerous agencies and offices, including the 93 U.S. Attorneys; major investigative agencies, including the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Bureau of Prisons; the National Security Division; and the Office of the Solicitor General, among others. She also supervised the DOJ’s major litigating divisions, including Antitrust, Civil, Civil Rights, Criminal, Environment and Natural Resources, and Tax.

Loretta served under Presidents Obama and Clinton in a number of senior roles for over 15 years, including three Senate-confirmed roles.

- Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice (2015-2017)

- U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of New York (1999-2002, 2010-2015)

- Chief Assistant to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York (1998–99)

- Chief, Long Island Division, United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York (1994-1998)

- Deputy Chief, General Crimes Section, United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York (1992-1993)

- Assistant U.S. Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York (1990-1992)

Loretta has been recognized as a “Distinguished Leader” by the New York Law Journal and has been named one of Benchmark Litigation’s “Top 250 Women in Litigation” and a “General Litigation Trailblazer” by the National Law Journal. She has been recognized as a Band 1 practitioner by Chambers in the Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (New York) and Crisis Management categories. Loretta has also been recognized by The Legal 500 as a Leading Lawyer in the Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense category.

Loretta received her J.D. and her B.A. in American Literature from Harvard University.

Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr. MD

President of Howard University Hospital and President-Elect of the National Medical Association

Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr. is the President of the historic Howard University Hospital. He is a board certified forensic pathologist and recently served as tenured Professor of Pathology and Chair of the Department of Pathology at Howard University College of Medicine.  He also served as Chief Medical Officer for the Faculty Practice at Howard University just prior to his role as President. 

Dr. Mitchell also serves as President-Elect for the National Medical Association (NMA), the oldest and largest group of Black physicians in the United States.  He will take over as the 126th President of the NMA in Chicago – July 2024.

Dr. Mitchell’s leadership also included service as Chief Medical Examiner for Washington, DC as well as Interim Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice.  There he developed and supported numerous programs and policy for violence prevention for the District of Columbia. He recently co-authored the book entitled Death in Custody: How America Ignores the Truth and What We Can Do About It, published by John Hopkins Press.  He recently appeared on the PBS Frontline documentary, Documenting Police Use of Force.  He is the co-host of the recent NAACP Image Awards nominated podcast entitled Official Ignorance – The Death in Custody Podcast.

Dr. Mitchell received his bachelor of science degree from the Howard University, medical degree from Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School, pathology residency from the George Washington University Hospital, and forensic pathology fellowship from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner – New York City.

Dr. Hillary Edwards, PhD, MPH

Director of Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy PATIENTS Program

Hillary (they/them) is a qualitative researcher with expertise in continuous patient engagement and leads several capacity building and training initiatives at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, including the PATIENTS Professors Academy, for which they serve as the program director. They have spoken and published widely on the topic of patient-centered research and methods for continuous engagement. Prior to joining P-SHOR, Hillary served as the training specialist in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, where they coordinated admissions, activities, and evaluations for the Middle East Research Ethics Training Initiative (MERETI) and the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies’ Online Research Ethics Certificate Program.

Hillary holds a BA from Goucher College, an MPH from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and a PhD in health professions education from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

President Dyotha Rene’ Sweat

President | Charles County, MD NAACP

Dyotha Rene’ Sweat was born in Franklin, Virginia, and raised in Paterson, New Jersey.   She was educated in the Passaic County school system and had the honor and privilege of being educated by the late Principal Dr. Joe Clark. After high school, President Sweat enlisted in the United States Navy, where she would serve honorably for 24 years. 

President Sweat’s distinguished military career includes several notable accomplishments for women serving in the United States military. In 1996, by the Executive order of President Clinton, President Sweat along with 20 other female Sailors was assigned to the USS Vella Gulf (CG72) as part of the integration of female Sailors to the guided cruiser class ship.  Additionally, in 2005, President Sweat reported to the USS STETHEM (DDG 63) in San Diego, CA to serve as its first Female Chief Petty Officer. Her outstanding military service enabled her to be recommended for appointments such as Command Equal Opportunity Officer (CMEO), Female Advisor to Commander Officer on USS Stethem; and Sailor of the Year for Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific (NCTAMS PAC) Wahiawa, HI. She was awarded the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification. 

Before becoming the President of the Charles County NAACP in 2019, President Sweat’s public service career in Charles County began as a volunteer with the Charles County Literacy Council. She also mentored our youth as a basketball coach for several years with Charles County Parks and Recreation, Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) teams the Lady Clippers, Team Hustle, and the SoMD Spartans. She completed her coaching career as the 1st Head Coach for the Junior Varsity Girls basketball team at St. Charles High School. 

She also served 2 terms as 1st Vice President of the CCNAACP. In October 2017 Dyotha submitted a resolution to address Missing Person to the Maryland State Conference of the NAACP to address the lack of an alert system for missing persons ages 19-65 under suspicious circumstance. Dyotha advocated for this resolution to be adopted by the NAACP at its annual convention in San Antonio, Texas on July 2018. When the resolution was adopted, she continued to advocate with community leaders that the resolution become a part of the H.R. 5075 – Ashanti Alert Act of 2018. On December 31, 2018 the Ashanti Alert Act was signed into law. Because of this law, local law enforcement agency will now have funding to search for missing person ages 19-64 under suspicious circumstances

Ms. Sweat now devotes her life to advocacy work with multiple organizations. She not only serves as the President for the Charles County Branch of the NAACP, but she is the Maryland State NAACP Youth and College Division Advisor.  As Youth and College Division Advisor she manages all Maryland NAACP Youth members in supporting the development of future civil rights leaders today. In the areas of Voting Rights and Political Representation, Economic Sustainability, Education, Health and Juvenile Justice. She also supports organizations like The Arnold House and Lifestyles who provide resources to our homeless and disenfranchised population within the County. As a retired Veteran, Ms. Sweat remains passionate about the care and concerns of our veterans. For this reason, she continues to support local Veteran organizations such as Home Away Transition Services (HATS) and serves as Adjutant for the American Legion Randolph Furey Post 170 located in Pomonkey, Maryland. She is member of Top Ladies of Distinction, Southern Maryland Chapter, and is a charter member for National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) section of Charles County. She serves as a member of the Robert D. Stethem scholarship committee. Ms. Sweat also co-author of “We All Grieve Differently” book project to address grief when losing your mother.  

As the President of the local branch of the NAACP, Ms. Sweat has worked with policy makers to implement legislation to promote fair representation at the ballot box when electing members to the local school board, to bring accountability to the local law enforcement agency and advocated for a local Civil Rights Commission to address discrimination cases locally. As branch president, spearheaded the organizing of the local school bus drivers in their quest to unionize the bus drivers and the bus attendant’s. In June 2021, President Sweat played a pivotal role in conjunction with the CCNAACP Youth Council advocating for an acceptable graduation of 7 students 2 posthumously. The seven were part of a larger group of 23 seniors and others who engaged in a sit-in on May 29, 1969, to protest the method for choosing cheerleaders and majorettes at the high school. They were allowed to graduate but were instead given frames without diplomas, which were mailed later. Alas, seven diplomas were returned to the school system undelivered to the graduates. La Plata Class of 1969 who were denied their High School diplomas. Through her leadership the local NAACP has partnered with Maryland Equity Task Force and the local Dept of Health to address the disparities of the COVID vaccination by hosting 5 very successful vaccination clinics. In 2022, the advocacy work of organizing the school bus drivers to unionize with ATU 629. In 2024 the advocacy work led to the school policy change which allows the changing of the names on established buildings. This advocacy work led to the first school renamed after an individual who owned enslaved Africans.

Ms. Sweat received the following awards in recognition for her dedicated community service:

• 2017 Female Veteran of the Year – Boots 2 Heels Organization
• 2019 Dream Team Award – Maryland State Conference NAACP
• 2020 Hall of Fame recipient – Southern Maryland Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
• 2021 Southern Maryland Women to Watch Nominee
• 2021 Humanitarian Award – Southern Maryland Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
• 2023 Benjamin Hooks Keeper of the Flame Award – 114th Annual NAACP convention

President Sweat holds a BA in Sociology and MBA in Information System Management. She is currently a cybersecurity professional with a US Department of Defense contractor. 

Ashlee Wisdom

Founder & CEO | Health in Her HUE Inc

Ashlee Wisdom is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Health In Her HUE, the premier digital health platform aimed at reducing racial health disparities by leveraging the power of technology, media and community to improve health outcomes for Black women and women of color.

Wisdom holds over a decade of experience working across the healthcare industry at companies such as Weill Cornell Medicine, NYC Health + Hospitals, and Junto Health. Her previous roles span grants management, clinical research and consulting strategic healthcare investors. 

As a public health innovator and an advocate for equitable access to quality care, Ashlee has successfully raised over $4 million in venture capital funding to advance Health In Her HUE’s mission. Under her leadership, the platform has grown into a critical resource for Black women, connecting them to culturally responsive providers, evidence-based health content, and supportive peer communities. 

Ashlee currently serves on the boards of Peer Health Exchange and We Are ILL. Her impact in the field has been widely recognized; she was named an Aspen Institute Healthy Communities Fellow in 2022, received the First in FemTech Award by FemTech Focus, and was honored as a Top 50 in Digital Health by Rock Health in 2021. Ashlee’s thought leadership has been featured on Good Morning America, CBS News, ESSENCE, EBONY, Business Insider, Forbes, Vogue, among others, and she has shared her insights on health equity in a TEDx talk. 

Wisdom holds a Master of Public Health in Healthcare Policy and Management from New York University’s School of Global Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Howard University. 

Ashlee is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She resides in New York City and is passionate about traveling, enjoying culinary experiences, and staying active and healthy on her Peloton.

Dr. Kendric Dartis

Vice President, Outreach and Engagement | Truth Initiative

Dr. Kendric Dartis is the Vice President of Outreach and Engagement at Truth Initiative, America's largest nonprofit public health organization committed to preventing youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empowering quitting for all.

At Truth Initiative, Dr. Dartis leads the organization’s efforts to engage communities and stakeholders to create a future free from commercial tobacco use, especially among Black Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other populations disproportionately impacted by tobacco. He brings years of health leadership and tobacco regulatory experience to this work, including at the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products, where he most recently served as Acting Branch Chief of Strategic Outreach.

A Tennessee native, Dr. Dartis is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University, where he also serves as adjunct professor in the College of Health Sciences and president of the Washington DC alumni chapter. His commitment to civic engagement is also reflected in his service on advisory boards for Meharry Medical College and Tennessee State University, where he actively contributes to the development of future health leaders.

Dr. Dartis holds a Doctor of Healthcare Administration from Virginia University of Lynchburg, a Master of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health from Touro University, and a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Planning from Tennessee State University.

Dr. Jamila Burgess Perritt, MD MPH FACOG

President/CEO | Physicians for Reproductive Health

Jamila Perritt MD MPH FACOG is a fellowship trained, board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and  President and CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health (PRH), a physician led nonprofit that mobilizes the  medical community, educating and organizing providers, using medicine and science to advance access to  reproductive health care for all people. 

Dr. Perritt has a comprehensive background in family planning and has worked more than 20 years in the  reproductive health, rights and justice spaces. She provides on the ground, community-based care focusing  primarily on the intersection of sexual health, reproductive rights and social justice. In addition to her work as a  clinical provider in the Washington, DC area, she has led PRH since 2020. 

Dr. Perritt is a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine and completed her residency training in  Obstetrics and Gynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. She completed a fellowship in  Complex Family Planning at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. During her fellowship training,  Dr. Perritt received a master’s degree in public health from The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public  Health. 

Dr. Perritt is a passionate advocate for reproductive health, rights and justice which has allowed her to work  closely with many organizations in support of access to comprehensive reproductive health care, including  Advocates for Youth, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America.  

Dr. Perritt serves via Mayoral appointment as co-chair of Washington DC’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and has  served as Chair of ACOG’s Committee for the Health Care for Underserved Women. She is a writer with Echoing Ida, a community Black women and nonbinary writers that seeks to shift culture and build movements  through narrative change, the Black Maternal Health Federal Policy Collective, a founding member of the  collective, Centering Equity and Racial Literacy in Family Planning (CERCL-FP), and a co-convener of the  Federal Repro Strategies Coalition (FRSC). 

She has been featured in multiple media outlets, including C-SPAN, CNN, MSNBC, PBS NewsHour, NPR,  Glamor Magazine, MedPage Today, RewireNews, and The New York Times. 

Follow me: 

JamilaPerrittMD.com 

@ReproRightsDoc

Kenya Joseph

Board Chair / President | Charlotte Mecklenburg Food Policy Council / Hearts and Hands Food Pantry

Kenya Joseph is a passionate advocate for compassionate assistance and underserved populations, born  and raised in New York City. Now based in Charlotte, North Carolina, she is the President and Co Founder of Hearts and Hands Food Pantry, a nonprofit established in 2017 that has become a vital  resource for families across the greater Charlotte area. 

Kenya relocated to Charlotte in 2013, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in corporate finance  and a deep commitment to service. Her professional expertise and strategic leadership have helped feed  more than 100,000 people and foster lasting partnerships throughout the community. 

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya mobilized the food pantry’s resources to address  rising homelessness and provide critical support services at a time of unprecedented need. Her impact  extends beyond the pantry—she currently serves as Board Chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food  Policy Council, having joined the board in 2021. 

Kenya also holds several regional and statewide leadership roles, including serving as a State Advisory  Council representative for NC Cooperative Extension (representing Mecklenburg, Gaston, and Cabarrus  counties), a regional representative for the North Carolina Local Food Council, and an active member of  both the North Carolina Food System Advocacy Coalition and the North American Food Systems  Network. 

Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for systems innovation, Kenya is committed to  expanding her work in the nonprofit sector. She continues to build transformative partnerships aimed at  creating sustainable, community-centered solutions for Charlotte and beyond.

Chiquita Brooks⁃LaSure

Former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation

For more than 25 years, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure has dedicated her career to ensuring that people in America live healthy, thriving lives. With an exceptional ability to see challenges and solutions from multiple perspectives, a proven record of assembling dynamic teams, and a listen-first leadership approach coupled with clear-eyed decisiveness, Chiquita has positively transformed organizations that are making a significant impact across the nation.  

Brooks-LaSure served as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)  from 2021 to 2025. This government agency oversees over $1.4 trillion in annual spending, provides health coverage to more than 160 million Americans, and oversees health, safety, and performance standards at over 20,000 U.S. hospitals, nursing homes, and other health facilities. An average week for the CMS Administrator includes billion-dollar decisions and direct engagement with health leaders,  advocates, Congressional leadership, governors, mayors, and Fortune 100 CEOs.  

As Administrator, Chiquita assembled and led a diverse senior staff, along with 6,000 dedicated agency employees and over 30,000 contractors, in delivering record-breaking results for the American people.  Under her leadership, CMS doubled health coverage under the Affordable Care Act from 12 to 24 million enrollees, expanded and strengthened Medicaid, raised maternal health standards, and led negotiations with Fortune 100 corporations to lower prescription drug prices. These negotiations are estimated to save $6 billion in overall costs and $1.5 billion for Medicare enrollees in the first year alone.  

Chiquita met and exceeded the policy goals of the Biden-Harris Administration with an administrative budget of less than 1 percent of total expenditures, guiding the agency through budget shortfalls,  establishing clear lines of accountability for CMS to work more effectively across offices, and strengthened internal operations to address cybersecurity and improve accountability from contractors. 

She brought to CMS her experience at consulting firms Avalere Health and Manatt Health, where she provided nuanced and actionable insights on Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act to leaders of health plans, hospital systems, pharmaceutical companies, and advocacy organizations.  She helped clients pivot in the midst of a changing federal and state policy landscape, preparing them for ACA repeal efforts and crafting state initiatives on healthcare cost containment, consumer affordability, and network adequacy. Through her thought leadership, she also spurred meaningful policy discussions on health equity and maternal health.

Chiquita played an instrumental role in the passage and implementation of the Affordable Care Act,  first as a legislative aide on the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee and following the ACA’s passage, at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Modern Healthcare named Chiquita the most influential person in healthcare in 2023, and Time  Magazine included her among the 100 most influential global health leaders and “most admired women” leaders. A member of the National Academy of Medicine, Chiquita received a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University.  She is married with one daughter.

Deborah Archer

Professor of Law (NYU) and President (ACLU)

Deborah Archer is the President of the ACLU, the first person of color to serve in that role in the organization’s history, and a nationally recognized expert on civil liberties, civil rights, and racial justice. She is also the Margaret B. Hoppin Professor of Law and Faculty Director of the Community Equity Initiative at New York University School of Law. Deborah is an award-winning teacher and legal scholar whose articles have appeared in leading law reviews and national publications, and she has offered commentary for national and international media. Prior to fulltime teaching, Deborah worked as an attorney with the ACLU and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., where she litigated in the areas of voting rights, employment discrimination, educational equity, and school desegregation. Deborah also previously served as Chair of the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board, the nation’s oldest and largest police oversight agency.

Recent recognition of Deborah’s contributions to civil rights and racial justice advocacy and scholarship include elections to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Law Institute; the Smith College Medal, the highest honor Smith College awards to an alum; the National NAACP William Robert Ming Advocacy Award; the Arabella Mansfield Award from the National Association of Women Lawyers; and an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Seattle University.

Deborah is also the author of the national best-selling book Dividing Lines: How Transportation Infrastructure Reinforces Racial Inequality.

Garrison Hayes

Influencer

Garrison Hayes produces innovative short documentaries to his 800,000+ follower community, especially on TikTok, where he explores the hidden or forgotten corners of Black history, faith, and politics, and his love of books. He was selected as a member of the Inaugural Class of Snap Inc.’s Black Creator Accelerator and is currently Mother Jones’ Video Correspondent. He lives in Nashville.

George Lee

Influencer

George “Conscious” Lee Jr is a dynamic orator, innovator, educator, and influential content creator.  His work sits at the intersection of media, socio-political issues, and popular culture. Lee is “purposefully provocative” as a tool to elevate and educate around pertinent topics through social media content, speaking engagement, lectures and online courses. Lee has developed a brand of educational entertainment that translates an understanding of oppression, consciousness, intersectionality, and gender identity to the TikTok generation and baby Boomers alike. 

Born in Bryan, Texas to incarcerated parents, Lee overcame childhood adversity to attend the University of Oklahoma where he received a Bachelor’s and two Master’s while becoming one of the top college debaters in the country. He was a member of the first African-American duo to become number one in the National Debate Tournament, where they were touted for their introduction of hip hop to sustain sophisticated arguments. 

Lee has an engaged audience of over 3M across social media. His work was recognized as a 2022 receipt of YouTube’s Content Creator Choice award. In 2022, he was also nominated for his first NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Social Media Personality and was selected into the second creator class of YouTube’s Black Voices Fund. His videos have been featured in Forbes, Essence, the Washington Post, Yahoo Life, The Atlantic, Business Insider and The New York Times and he’s partnered with organizations including BET, YouTube, University of Kentucky, and many more! In his free time, Lee enjoys traveling, attending trail rides in rural Texas and creating memories with his family.

Lynae Vanee

Influencer

Three-time NAACP Image Award Nominee Lynae Vanee is a profoundly multifaceted talent, shining as a poet, producer, director, and starring personality. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Lynae's academic journey is as impressive as her digital presence, holding a degree from Spelman College and a Master's Degree in African American Studies from Boston University. These foundational experiences deeply inform her compelling digital content, where she incisively explores crucial topics like race, feminism, politics, and inclusivity.

Lynae's influence extends to traditional media as well, notably as the host of Revolt's "The People's Brief." In this role, she brings her signature insightful commentary and sharp analysis to a broader audience, breaking down complex issues into understandable and engaging segments, further cementing her reputation as a vital voice in contemporary discourse.

For the past five years, Lynae has meticulously crafted her brand around the powerful mantra, "keeping it black but keeping it brief." This philosophy guides her in delivering critical context on today's most pressing issues in a manner that is both succinct and highly stylized. Her unique approach has earned her significant recognition, being highlighted in publications like Mashable and Politico, and earning a coveted spot on TikTok’s first-ever Visionary Voices List.

Lynae's impact is undeniable, with her viral videos garnering hundreds of millions of views across various platforms. This immense reach has naturally led to high-profile collaborations with an array of influential figures, including actress and producer Issa Rae, and former Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. As a creator, Lynae has also partnered with numerous brands, leveraging her authentic voice to connect with diverse audiences. With her innovative approach to content and unwavering commitment to addressing relevant social issues, Lynae Vanee is clearly just getting started.

Elizabeth Booker Houston

Influencer

Elizabeth Booker Houston is a lawyer, social scientist, professor, stand up comedienne, and political commentator who hails from Memphis, Tennessee and now calls the Washington, DC metro area home. Elizabeth obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2013 from Christian Brothers University and her Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health degrees in 2017 from the University of Memphis. Her professional work centers around public health law, privacy law related to health systems, administrative law, food and drug law, and various public health topics including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and tobacco research.  

As a comedienne, Elizabeth has performed at venues such as the Lincoln Theater in DC and the DC Improv, and headlined at the DC Comedy Loft, West Side Comedy Club, FunnyBone, and Mic Drop. She has worked with comedians such as DL Hughley, Atsuko Okatsuka, Chaunté Wayans, and Alok Vaid-Menon. When Elizabeth is not on stage, you can find her making witty and funny political commentary on Instagram and TikTok where she has amassed millions of views and hundreds of thousands of followers. 

Social Media Handle: Bookersquared on all platforms 

X: Booker_Squared

Nicco Annan

Actor, P-Valley

Nicco Annan is an actor, host, producer, and choreographer who, after making his mark in the Off-Broadway and regional theatre communities, has etched his way onto the Hollywood scene. 

Most recently, Annan hosted the Starz docuseries DOWN IN THE VALLEY, which he also created and executive produced, a spin-off of the popular drama series P-VALLEY that premiered in June 2024. In this compelling six-episode series, Annan dives into the lives of individuals living in the Deep South, exploring the complexities of sex work, faith, and economic adversity. Variety praised the series for “showcasing Annan’s innate dynamism” and commended him for “bringing energy to match the resilience of those he features.” 

Annan is best known for starring in Katori Hall’s critically acclaimed Starz drama series, P- VALLEY, which recently wrapped production on its highly anticipated third season. The series follows the community that builds around a strip club in the Mississippi Delta. Annan plays “Uncle Clifford,” a role that he has been with since its conception over a decade ago. As a Black gay man playing a non-binary role, Annan defies traditional gender limitations while bringing dignity and grace central to the common humanity of the character he plays. Alan Sepinwall from Rolling Stone calls Annan‘s role, “the cast’s big breakout — cynical boss and sentimental mother hen in one shiny package...” 

For his role as Uncle Clifford, Annan garnered a 2021 Independent Spirit Award nomination for "Best Male Performance in a New Scripted Series," a 2021 NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series” and won “Best Actor” at the 2022 Critics Choice Awards and 2023 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.” 

Also on television, Annan has starred in memorable recurring and guest roles in series such as SHAMELESS, THIS IS US, SNOWFALL, CLAWS, HALF SISTERS, SMOSH, and CHEETAH IN AUGUST. 

Alongside his partner, Rhapsody James, via their commercial dance program, Motivating Excellence, Annan choreographed the cotillion piece in the ALL AMERICAN episode titled, “Protect Ya Neck.” The piece fuses the worlds of classical ballroom dance and current day commercial hip-hop. 

Annan trained under pillars of the American theatre such as Israel Hicks, George Faison, and Marilyn McCormick, and he earned his BFA from the Conservatory of Acting at Purchase College. Annan made his Signature Theatre debut in Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Hot Wing King. His other theatre credits include Katori Hall’s Pussy Valley- World Premiere, Lady Killer's Love Story (CeeLo Green musical), Smokey Joe's Café, Five Guys Named Moe, and Storyville.

Thaddeus J. Mixson II

Actor

Artist Papa Jay, (born January 19, 2008.) Raised in Chicago Illinois. R&B

songwriter, singer, dancer, and actor whose talent has paved the way

into millions of viewers nationwide at the age of 5 years old. Since his

early childhood development to now he has encountered working with

top notch executives, producers and directors in the industry.

Father/manager “Big Tee” has developed Papa Jay into an up and

coming icon. Musically known, ‘Papa Jay’ which is his moniker in the music industry persona that properly exposes his old soul ability. Papa Jay’s label ‘One Luv Entertainment’ has partnered with SoundCloud which will eventually lead to Papa dropping his EP soon. His roots in music will always be a part of him. Known producers like Timbaland,

Babyface, Hitmaka, Harmony Samuels, Boogzdabeast, J Classic, and

Troy Taylor all shared that Papa Jay is the real deal. They all see his

potential and know that his future is very bright. They all recognized his

exceptional talent, drawing comparisons to legends like Michael

Jackson for his remarkable skills at such a young age. "He is really

writing his own songs and they are really dope," says Troy Taylor,

underscoring the authenticity and brilliance of Papa Jay's work. Even

executives say that he gives Michael Jackson vibes not because he looks

or sings like Michael but because they can’t believe he’s that good at a young age. Papa Jay wants to bring the love back to music, and help change the way his generation listens to music. So with Songs like ‘I aint playin,’ ‘Sorry,’ and ‘Say Nothin’ that's what he was striving for. When it comes down to his timing in his craft Papa Jay has put in 10,000 hours, and it is time for his footprints to be in the music business. At the age of 13 Papa Jay has gained the number one song on Chicago’s largest radio station. No small accomplishment at any age! Papa Jay remains grounded in his interest and enjoys being a teen. With that being said some of his favorite hobbies are basketball, and video games. He would also like to create his own clothing company and sneaker line. Imagination has no boundaries, sky’s the limit! His favorite words of encouragement is “Practice makes perfect” and he will not stop until his career in entertainment is fulfilled and everything he imagined. Rapping, singing, and dancing had become an obsession for him. With millions of streams on various platforms, Papa Jay has already gone viral multiple times and boasts a dedicated fanbase. His accolades include a nomination for the Youngest Star Award at the BET Awards, further cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. In addition to his musical achievements, Papa Jay is making significant strides in acting. Acting roles presented themselves, when he landed the lead role for Disney Plus film, “Safety.” Shortly after, Papa Jay continued to take on more roles, such as the Marvel film “South of Heaven” starring Michael Colter, Evangeline Lilly, and Jason Sudeikis. Following these achievements Papa Jay has booked a role playing Spencer in the new ABC’s show “reasonable doubt” directed by Kerry Washington. He will be featured in a new film “ Creed III” playing young Adonis, the film is directed by Michael B Jordan. Starring in the second season of "Reasonable Doubt" on Hulu, starring alongside Eddie Murphy in "Candy Cane Lane," and in the upcoming Netflix series "The Madness" with Colman Domingo. Papa Jay is not just the future; he is the present, bringing a refreshing wave of love and authenticity back to music and entertainment. He doesn’t have next, he has NOW!

Leah Jefferies

Actress

Leah stars as Annabeth Chase in the hit Percy Jackson series for Disney+, which has recently wrapped filming its second season and has been greenlit for the highly anticipated third season. Prior to Percy Jackson, Leah shot back-to-back features, first in a lead role opposite Idris Elba in Beast (Universal Films), and then Amazon's Something from Tiffanys (Amazon) with Zoey Deutch. Leah was previously a series regular on the Fox television series, Rel, playing the daughter of Lil Rel Howery, and got her start as a recurring role on Fox Television series Empire.  Leah was recently nominated for a Children's Emmy, and is a two-time NAACP Image Award Winner. 

Social Media Handle: Instagram: @leahsavajeffries

Eboni K. Williams

Attorney, Author, and Media Personality

Eboni K. Williams is an American lawyer, author, and television host. She hosts and is executive producer of Equal Justice with Judge Eboni K. Williams, a nationally syndicated court television show. Additionally, she hosts and is executive producer of the NAACP Image Award-winning Holding Court with Eboni K. Williams. In addition to frequently guest hosting The View and The Breakfast Club, Williams starred on Season 13 of The Real Housewives of New York City, becoming the show’s first Black cast member ever. Williams has hosted and provided stellar broadcast coverage for CNN/HLN, ABC News, FOX News, Fox Sports, REVOLT, The Grio, etc.Her bestselling book, Bet on Black: The Good News About Being Black in America, hit shelves in January 2023. The paperback version will be released in July 2025.Eboni is a proud and active member of the Pi Kappa Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and The Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She is also a NYC Gender Equity Commissioner. Williams holds a Bachelor’s degree in Black and African Studies from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Benedict College.

MC Lyte

Celebrity DJ

MC Lyte is an iconic trailblazer in Hip Hop, celebrated as both a legendary rapper and DJ. With a groundbreaking career spanning over 30 years, she made history as the first female rapper ever nominated for a Grammy Award. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including BET's I Am Hip Hop Award, honors from ADCOLOR, BET Her, the National Urban League, and the Black Music Collective.

Recently, she was recognized with the Pioneers of Hip-Hop Honor from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the BET Her Hip Hop Legend Award, AARP's Living Legend Award, and the 2023 Culture Icon Phoenix Award from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, presented by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

MC Lyte was the first rap artist to perform at Carnegie Hall and the first female rapper to achieve a gold-certified single. A leader in the music industry, she has also performed at the Kennedy Center Honors and the White House for President Barack Obama. In addition to her artistry, MC Lyte serves on the Kennedy Center's Hip Hop Culture Council. In partnership with the Center, she produces the annual "I AM WOMAN" event, which celebrates the contributions of women in Hip Hop.

MAJOR. (Recording Artist)

Artist/ Singer

His name is MAJOR. and his impact the same. The American Soul singer's star fiercely struck at the debut of his Platinum hit love song, "Why I Love You". As Stevie Wonder projected: lovers from all over the world have commissioned the breakout ballad as the perfect soundtrack for their own love stories. MAJOR. (as both tv/film actor & singer) is a powerful storyteller who leans into a cool authenticity as his superpower. Amazingly, he has become a trusted artist for many while inspiring hearts with his relatable message of life laced in that signature falsetto! The joy is infectious and as a "Hope Dealer", he leads boldly with the very HOPE in LOVE his art professes.

With half a billion digital streams, 4 independent solo projects, network TV shows, movies, legendary cosigns, national tours, & the MAJOR.HOPE Foundation - MAJOR. is far from done. “The Hope Of My Soul” EP is his most recent artistic expression that intersects soul, gospel, and Americana - “Baby Will You Love Me”, “Joy In The Battle”, and the newly released hope anthem “I Prayed For You” are proof... The GRAMMY, 2x Soul Train, and 9x Image Award nominated entertainer promises a whole lot more to come. And it can only be as mighty as the name his mama gave him: MAJOR.!

Lovie Simone

Actress, Netflix's Forever

Lovie Simone stars as Keisha in Netflix's hit drama series Forever, adapted from Judy Blume's groundbreaking novel. Recently nominated for a Gotham TV Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Simone has garnered attention for her exceptional talent, appearing on ELLE's "Hollywood Rising" and Variety's "Power of Young Hollywood" lists. 

Simone's breakthrough role came as Zora Greenleaf in OWN's NAACP-nominated drama series Greenleaf, where she captivated audiences for five seasons. Her performance in the title role of Amazon's Selah & The Spades, directed by Tayarisha Poe and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, earned her critical acclaim in 2019. In 2020, she showcased her versatility as "Tabby" in Sony's The Craft: Legacy, a reboot of the classic supernatural thriller. She also starred in Netflix's Social Distance, a quarantine anthology series from Jenji Kohan. 

Continuing to build her impressive resume, Simone appeared in the Power prequel Power Book III: Raising Kanan, where she portrayed Davina Harrison, the love interest of Kanan Stark. 

Simone's film credits include the Netflix feature Monster, alongside John David Washington, Jennifer Hudson, and Jeffrey Wright; 57 Seconds with Josh Hutcherson and Morgan Freeman; The Walk with Justin Chatwin and Terrence Howard; and The Young Wife, featuring Judith Light, Leon Bridges, and Aya Cash. Her television appearances extend to notable series such as Orange Is the New Black and Blue Bloods. 

Raised in New York, Lovie Simone currently resides in Atlanta, where she continues to pursue her passion for acting.

Michael Cooper Jr

Actor, Netflix's Forever

MICHAEL COOPER JR stars in the Netflix series FOREVER, a reimagining of Judy Blume's influential and controversial 1975 novel of the same name. The series explores an epic love story of two black teens discovering their identities through the awkward journey of being each other's firsts. 

Michael played a lead role in Sanaa Lathan's feature for Paramount Pictures, ON THE COME UP which had its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto Film Festival. 

Additionally, he filmed a lead role opposite Odessa A'zion, Dermot Mulroney and Leslie Bibb in the horror feature, THE INHABITANT.

Social Media Handle: @michaelcooperjr

Tashira Halyard, esq.

Attorney and Content Creator

Tashira Halyard is a reformed attorney, multi-platform content creator and activist. She's a graduate of Georgetown University Law School and has a professional background as a child welfare attorney, public policy expert and racial justice trainer. She started her lifestyle blog, Politics and Fashion, while in law school as an outlet that combined her passions for justice and creative expression. 

Throughout the years, Politics & Fashion has become a home for Black women and femmes to find style and self-care inspiration, including her viral White Toenail Season rants on bodily autonomy. Today, she is a solopreneur who wears many hats including equity consultant, YouTuber, co-host of the podcast justUS, content creator and most importantly, breast cancer survivor. Her platforms host over 300,000 members through style, self-care, and social justice content. 

She's been featured in the Washington Post, Washingtonian, Essence and multiple local news outlets. Tashira is a former ACLU DC board member and currently sits on the board of the Canady Foundation for the Arts. She, her fiancée and highly disobedient dog live in Alexandria, VA.

Jasmine "Jaxs" Smith

Influncer/Artist

Jaxs, the electrifying lyricist from Currie, North Carolina, broke out as a Top 5 finalist on Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow Season 2. Known for her sharp pen, magnetic presence, and genre-blending sound, she delivers raw, relatable energy with every performance.

More than an artist, Jaxs is a branding powerhouse. She’s partnered with DTLR x New Balance and BACARDÍ x Casa BACARDÍ at Dreamville Festival, cementing her influence beyond music. She’s also graced stages like SXSW, Howard University Springfest, Grind Pretty Festival, and more.

Her freestyle over a beat by super producer Timbaland went viral, amassing over 4 million views and proving her lyrical skill on a global scale. Her single “DOX MRTNS” was named an Editor’s Pick by The Hype Magazine, and she’s keeping the momentum going with her newest release, “Tomato Tomato”—a bold, witty track that showcases her originality and edge.

Influenced by Eminem, André 3000, Missy Elliott, Joyner Lucas, and Childish Gambino, Jaxs brings a fearless, Southern-rooted sound that pushes boundaries. With over 137K followers, a rising brand profile, and nonstop creative energy, Jaxs is one of hip-hop’s most exciting new forces.

Tasha McCaskiel

Founder of Black Girls in Media, TashaMcCaskiel is a trailblazer dedicated to uplifting minority women in the media industry. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Tasha holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from North Carolina A&T. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communication from New York University after relocating to New York City to pursue her dream of working in entertainment.

Through her platform, Black Girls in Media, Tasha has created a powerful community of over 100,000 minority women in media. Known as a go-to mentor and resource, she connects ambitious professionals with the tools and experts they need to start and thrive in their careers. A celebrated leader, Tasha has been recognized as a 2024 Ebony Magazine Power 100 honoree and a Comerica Bank Women's Business Awards recipient. Whether you’re looking to break into the industry or elevate your career, Tasha’s passion for mentorship and community empowers those ready to make an impact in media.

Jivanta Roberts

Actress

Jivanta Roberts is a dynamic actress, producer, creative director, and the owner of UNI, a popular unisex fragrance oil brand.

Her career began as a professional dancer and choreographer, performing with global superstars such as Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, Pink, Shakira, Kanye West, Selena Gomez, and many more. Her talent has been featured on the Emmy-nominated HBO series Euphoria and Lifetime’s Vivica’s Black Magic.

As an actress and producer, Jivanta has appeared in major commercials, magazine campaigns, and screen roles including You Can Do Better and Spinners: Izzy Lyon – The Unspun Truth. She currently stars in Tyler Perry’s highly anticipated Netflix series, Beauty in Black.

In addition to her work in film and television, Jivanta is the producer and co-host of The Donnell Rawlings Show—a podcast with comedian Donnell Rawlings, available on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify.

Tashara Parker

Journalist and Founder, Loud Women Lead

Tashara Parker is a five-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, speaker, and media innovator shaping the future of storytelling and leadership. With a career spanning NBC, CBS, and ABC stations across Texas, most recently spending five years on-air in Dallas, she builds narratives that challenge conventions, expand representation, and drive change.

Tashara has built her career on authenticity and the power of owning one’s story. When her natural hair became a talking point instead of her reporting, she turned the moment into a movement. Through her Emmy-winning series "Rooted" and advocacy for the CROWN Act, she reframed the conversation around professionalism, identity, and power. 

Her impact has been recognized on national and global stages. She received the National CROWN Coalition Award for POWER, was named a 2022 Black Enterprise 40 Under 40 in Media recipient, and served as an American Ambassador for World Afro Day, a global initiative endorsed by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. In her TEDx talk, "Unleashing Your Authenticity Through Hair Freedom," she explored the connection between personal identity and self-expression, inspiring many to embrace their full selves. She has also been recognized as Dallas' Best News Anchor (D Magazine) and a two-time Best of Black Dallas Journalist (Dallas Weekly).

Tashara’s voice extends beyond journalism. She partnered with the Dallas Mavericks NBA team, serving as one of the voices for their 2025 Black History Month video campaign and their 2024 voting initiative, reinforcing the power of civic engagement and cultural storytelling through sports and media.

Tashara is the founder of Loud Women Lead (LWL Media), a media organization, leadership platform, and brand strategy firm that amplifies voices, redefines narratives, and equips women to lead. Through content creation, media training, and strategic storytelling, LWL Media provides women, especially Black women, with the tools to own their stories, expand their platforms, and lead with impact.

Her mission is clear: to inspire women to show up fully, speak up boldly, and take up space unapologetically. She believes being loud is about presence, purpose, and power, not just volume. Whether through journalism, advocacy, or entrepreneurship, her goal is to dismantle barriers and create a world where women shape the conversations that matter. 

Tashara Parker is more than a journalist; she is a Loud Architect, using her voice, presence, and platform to break barriers and build pathways for the next generation. She is committed to ensuring others do the same, equipping them with the tools, confidence, and platforms to step into their power, own their narratives, and create lasting change in their industries and communities.

Ohavia Phillips

Influencer

A Brooklyn native thriving in Charlotte, Ohavia Reed is a dynamic force in sports, media, and entertainment. As an electrifying emcee, in-arena host for The Charlotte Hornets, and award-winning entrepreneur, Ohavia lights up stages, arenas, and events with unmatched energy and impact.

From emceeing marquee events like the Jumpman Invitational, UNCF’s Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon, and the Ally Tipoff, to hosting the Queen City Awards and Black Girls in Media celebrations, Ohavia’s reach spans industries and audiences. She has been invited to presidential campaign rallies, partnered with esteemed organizations like the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and consistently commands the mic at the most influential and inspiring events.

Ohavia’s media journey is equally impressive. She has been featured across every medium—from radio to television, news, and podcasting. Her magnetic presence and storytelling prowess have landed her collaborations with St. John Knits, Lexus, NPR, Power 98, V101.9, and more. As the founder of The cOHllab, a business highlight program showcasing thriving businesses from the Carolinas and beyond, Ohavia has carved a unique space to amplify voices, create powerful narratives, and inspire communities through her media endeavors.

Her accolades speak volumes: named one of the 50 Most Dynamic Women in the Charlotte Region, featured on Business North Carolina’s Power List, and recipient of the Andre Leon Talley Icon Award. Ohavia’s commitment to excellence in media and community impact has earned her numerous honors, including the Career Mastered Top Entrepreneurial Woman to Watch and Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award.

Ohavia’s interviews have spotlighted prominent figures like Dell Curry, Muggsy Bogues, Stacey Abrams, Dr. Eric “ET” Thomas, J. Alphonse Nicholson (P-Valley), to name a few, solidifying her reputation as a skilled conversationalist and safe-space creator. She has also featured athletes, music icons, artists, and award-winning business owners in her conversations. Her authenticity online continues to shine, earning her a spot as one of Meta’s top creators.

In everything she does—from fashion to sports and beyond—Ohavia lives her mantra of “leading with love and impact.” With dreams of establishing a multimedia empire through positivity and connection, Ohavia Phillips is not just living the dream; she’s redefining what it means to create meaningful change in media, entertainment, and beyond.

#DijeLoQueDije

Carlos King

Creator/ Executive Producer

DJ See Bird Go

DJ

Ambyr Michelle

"Eva Thomas" | Beyond the Gates, CBS

Ambyr Michelle is an accomplished American actress, writer, director and dancer. She currently stars as Eva Thomas in BEYOND THE GATES. 

Michelle co-starred in the Netflix comedy series “#BlackAF,” opposite Kenya Barris and Rashida Jones. Her television credits include the FX drama series “Snowfall,” HBO’s “Insecure” and BET’s GAMES PEOPLE PLAY. Recently, she recurred on the Amazon series “The Runarounds.” Her additional television credits include Mindy Kaling’s new Netflix series “Running Point,” slated to air later this year.

Michelle wrote, produced and starred in her first short film, “Right Where You Need to Be.” The film won Best Drama at the Festigious International Film Festival, Honorable Mention for Best Drama Short at the Independent Shorts Awards and Short Script Finalist at the California Women’s Film Festival. She wrote, directed and produced her second short film, “The Little Girl Inside.” Michelle continued to expand her repertoire by writing, directing and producing her first feature film, “Little Reminders,” which is available on major streaming platforms.

Michelle has appeared in numerous commercials for Walmart, McDonald’s, The Home Depot, Propel by Gatorade, StateFarm and more.

Michelle is a trained dancer and a graduate of the performing arts program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her birthday is May 17. She is from Omaha, Neb., and now lives in Los Angeles. Follow her on social media @ambyrmichelle_.

Trisha Mann-Grant

"Dana "Leslie" Thomas" | Beyond the Gates, CBS

Award-winning actress and author Trisha Mann-Grant continues to impress directors and producers with her amazing versatility, vitality and uniqueness.

A former Miss Black Chicago, Mann-Grant appeared in Ebony and Jet, has been seen on billboards and in commercials and toured for hair care company Luster Products. Mann-Grant soon became recognized as a writer, producer, motivational speaker, print and runway model. 

Her television credits include THE FAMILY BUSINESS, “Love Thy Neighbor,” COLD CASE on the Network, “The Parkers,” “Eve,” “All About the Andersons,” “Mind Your Business,” “Jupiter Jones,” “Haus of Vicious” and “Method and Red.”

Mann-Grant’s feature film credits include “Reunion,” “The Last Fall,” “Because We’re Done,” “The Man in 3B,” “Big Bag of Money,” “Who Can I Run To,” “Santa Games,” “Section 8,” “Lord All Men Can’t Be Dogs,” “The Lying Truth” and “A Royal Christmas Surprise.” 

Her theater credits include “The Great Women of Color,” “The Visit, An Evening of Shakespeare with Charles Dutton,” “Jeffery’s Plan,” “Say Amen” and “Souled Out.” Additionally, she shared the stage with Stephanie Mills and the late Tommy Ford in the national tour of David E. Talbert’s “His Woman His Wife.” Mann-Grant received noteworthy reviews for “If You Don’t Believe: A Love Story” as a big sister to Tatyana Ali, and was nominated by the NAACP for her performance in the musical. She also toured nationally in “The Clean Up Woman,” “Mrs. Independent” and “Mama’s Boy.”

Mann-Grant produced, directed and wrote songs for her own God-inspired play, “Mama’s Will”; Ted Lange’s “Washington’s Boy”; “Hope Runs Eternal”; “Eddie Lee Baker Is Dead,” with Wendy Raquel Robinson; and “Unbound,” which she also co-produced. 

Also, she is the creator and host of “Mann Talk” and the author of Amazing Testimonies, found on Amazon.com.

She attended Chicago’s Roosevelt University for music education, with a scholarship in voice performance, in early pursuit for recognition in a variety of creative talents. Mann-Grant is a Chicago native and resides in Los Angeles. Her birthday is Nov. 3. Follow her on social media @TrishaMannGrant621.

Daphnée Duplaix

"Nicole Dupree Richardson" | Beyond the Gates, CBS

Daphnée Duplaix boasts an illustrious acting career that has spanned over two decades. She currently stars as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson on BEYOND THE GATES.

On television, Duplaix was a series regular in the television soap opera “Passions,” playing Valerie Davis. Duplaix’s journey in the entertainment world reached a distinguished height during her seven-year stint on daytime soaps, most notably during which she received a NAACP Award nomination for her outstanding portrayal of Rachel Gannon on “One Life To Live.”

Having graced a variety of screens, Duplaix’s talent and dedication have garnered her 50 television and film credits. Her portfolio also includes over 70 national commercials.

In 2017, she made the pivotal decision to relocate to Colorado, where she prioritized her family and personal life. Now, with home bases in Atlanta and Los Angeles, she has enjoyed a triumphant return to both the big and small screens.

With a wealth of experience, an impressive body of work and an undeniable passion for her craft, Duplaix is poised and empowered as she embarks on the next exciting chapter in her acting journey.

Currently, Duplaix resides in Denver, Colo. She is originally from New York City. Her birthday is Aug. 18. Follow her on social media @theonlydaphneeduplaix.

Dr. Chris Pernell

Director, Center for Health Equity | NAACP

Dr. Chris T. Pernell is a dynamic physician leader and social change agent. In her practice, she focuses on health justice, community-based advocacy, and population-wide health promotion and disease prevention. A celebrated visionary and apostle of public health, Dr. Chris serves as the Director of the NAACP Center for Health Equity. The Center is charged with driving equitable health outcomes and transforming healthcare systems while valuing the whole person. Prior to joining the nation's oldest and most venerable civil rights organization, she launched The Esther Group, a public health consulting and health equity strategy firm. As founder of The Esther Group, she lives the mandate to dare a future where organizations, communities and systems can innovate for a better world and humanity.

Previously, she served as the first Chief Strategic Integration and Health Equity Officer at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. Dr. Pernell oversaw a portfolio which included Population Health, Strategic Planning, Community Affairs, and the Human Experience. Her office was responsible for leading health equity strategy development and integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism initiatives across all system operations.

Prior to joining University Hospital, she led the 1199SEIU/League Labor Management Initiatives (LMI) Workplace and Community Health Program. Working with 1199SEIU leaders and frontline workers—the nation's largest healthcare union—and executive partners across NYC healthcare institutions, her efforts centered on workplace health strategies, worker empowerment, health equity, and health system transformation.

Dr. Chris is a charismatic and leading voice in preventive medicine and public health. Singled out both for her business acumen and public health expertise, her list of honors include: ROI-NJ Top 150 Business Leaders; The Greenleaf Center Hall of Fame Servant-Leader; The New Jersey Public Health Association Dr. Ezra Mundy Hunt Award for distinctive leadership in the field; an NJBiz Best 50 Women in Business Award; a ROI-NJ Women in Business Influencer; The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) Ron Davis Special Recognition Award; an NJBiz Public Health Hero Award; and the NAACP NJ State Conference 100 Black People Who Changed the World Honoree.

Dr. Pernell has spearheaded issues such as criminal justice reform, care for justice-impacted populations, evidence-based wellness programs, civic health, and high-quality education. Known for her community work in the Greater Newark, New Jersey area, she serves on the Essex County Civilian Task Force as a medical expert. On Juneteenth 2023, she was tapped to join the New Jersey Reparations Council as a member of their health equity committee. Dr. Pernell is a frequent contributor across television, radio, and print media leveraging her lived experiences and insights as a public health physician and health equity champion. She regularly speaks at professional symposia and social forums and advises community, state, regional, and national leaders on health equity, racial justice, population health, community wellbeing, and faith-based initiatives.

Dr. Chris graduated cum laude from Princeton University before attending Duke University School of Medicine. She received her Master of Public Health from the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and completed the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health General Preventive Medicine Residency. Dr. Pernell is a fellow and Regent-at-Large for the American College of Preventive Medicine. She holds an appointment as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Previously, she taught as an adjunct associate professor at the NYU College of Global Public Health. She labors as a faith leader in a groundbreaking assembly, BET HaSHEM YHWH Worldwide Ministries, and travels domestically and overseas helping to transform lives through love, truth, creativity, and inspiration.

Vanessa Mbonu

Vice President, Digital Marketing and Communications | NAACP

Vanessa serves as the Vice President of Digital Marketing and Communications at the NAACP, headquartered in Baltimore, MD. Since her time at NAACP, she has primarily been responsible for communicating the historic organization's federal advocacy and policy initiatives through digital campaigns, media relations, and integrated marketing. 

An experienced public relations and communications professional, prior to joining NAACP, she was an Account Executive at one of the Washington, D.C. metro area's fastest-growing PR firms and before that, she was a health reporter for AARP and AARP the magazine, the widest circulated magazine in North America. She is passionate about equity-centered policies which uplift the Black, immigrant, and disenfranchised communities. 

Tirelessly working to shatter the glass ceiling, she seeks to highlight opportunities where women's voices can be represented. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ms. Mbonu emigrated to the United States at a young age and grew up in Laurel, MD. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a dual degree in Journalism and International Studies at St. John's University in New York and earned her master's in Global Media and Communication from the London School of Economic and Political Science.

Keith Boykin

Activist

Keith Boykin is a New York Times best-selling author of seven books, including his latest book, Why Does Everything Have to Be About Race? 25 Arguments That Won’t Go Away.

A longtime advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Keith studied under critical race theory founder Derrick Bell at Harvard, attended law school with future President Barack Obama, marched with civil rights leader Coretta Scott King in Atlanta, and traveled on a U.S. presidential delegation to Africa with the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

A graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, Keith taught at the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University and is a co-founder and first board president of the National Black Justice Coalition.

Keith is a former CNN political commentator, who has appeared on every major TV news network and co-hosted the BET talk show “My Two Cents." He lives in Los Angeles.

DJ Ace

DJ

DJ Ace — a name that rings out across the Carolinas — kicked off his radio journey in 2011 and quickly built a reputation as a vibrant voice and magnetic presence on the airwaves. In 2016, he made his mark on Radio One Charlotte’s 102.5 The Block, and has since brought his signature style to Radio One Raleigh, WPEG, and WBLK. Nationally, he’s been heard as a contributor for TMZ, proving his versatility in front of the mic.

A proud Charlotte native, DJ Ace has always stayed grounded in his roots, giving back to the community through initiatives like his annual Back-to-School Party, Nightmare on the Block Halloween event, and the impactful Ace’s Stuff the Bus Campaign, which delivers school supplies to local youth.

His talents have even reached the political stage — DJing for President Obama’s North Carolina Re-election Campaign — a proud milestone in a standout career.

After nearly two years away from radio due to pandemic-related downsizing, DJ Ace is back and better than ever — energized, focused, and ready to turn the volume all the way up.

DJ TreMon Jamal

DJ

Sheila Ducksworth

President, CBS Studios/NAACP Venture

Entertainment veteran Sheila Ducksworth is president of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture. Based in Los Angeles at CBS Studios, Ducksworth supervises development and production of content for broadcast, cable and streaming platforms.

Ducksworth has worked in multiple facets of the industry, both as a buyer and a seller; and, across various distribution outlets, with production company, studio and network experience.

Ducksworth is executive producer of the CBS daytime series BEYOND THE GATES, which will be the first soap opera to debut on broadcast television in over a quarter century. In addition, this series will be the first hour-long soap opera to feature a predominantly Black cast in the history of daytime television.

Prior to boarding the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, Ducksworth spent three years as head of scripted television and production for Will Packer Media, where she executive produced the series “Ambitions” and “Wendy Williams: The Movie.”

Ever the tastemaker and innovator, Ducksworth previously served as CEO and executive producer of Ducksworth Productions, where she received a NAMIC nomination with Kym Whitley for “It’s Kymplicated”; executive produced the Regina Hall, Jill Scott, Eve and Brooklyn Sudano starrer “With This Ring,” alongside Gabrielle Union and Tracey Edmonds; and produced the film “Why We Laugh: Funny Women” with Lionsgate Entertainment, Codeblack Films and entertainment legend and executive producer Joan Rivers. 

Ducksworth also served as head of television for powerhouse players Susanne Daniels and Tracey Edmonds, running development and production of their respective companies. 

A native New Yorker, Ducksworth received her B.A. in economics and political science from Yale University.

Les Alfred

Les Alfred is a media entrepreneur and cultural storyteller shaping the future of women-centered narratives. As the creator and host of She’s So Lucky (formerly Balanced Black Girl), an NAACP Image Award-nominated podcast, she has built a thriving media ecosystem that explores wellness and self-discovery through the lens of trail-blazing women. This has led to millions of downloads and a partnership with the Dear Media network.

Les is deeply committed to investing in and supporting women in storytelling, including writers, content creators, and filmmakers. With a keen eye for narrative impact and cultural influence, she is laying the groundwork for a women-centered media company that provides resources, funding, and mentorship to amplify underrepresented voices in storytelling.

Everything she creates seamlessly blends content, commerce, and culture, positioning her as a next-generation media mogul committed to storytelling that elevates, empowers, and entertains.

Kortney Jamaal "Mali Music" Pollard

Musician

The evolution of Mali Music is quite evident, and it’s remarkable to witness. The charismatic and talented GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter/musician/producer has been blessing the world with his prolific and provoking songs over hypnotic and melodic beats since he officially came on the scene nearly 10 years ago. Now he is a little more seasoned and ready to resonate with listeners even more with his signature contemporary gospel and R&B sound. But Mali is more than his inspirational sound and his phenomenal catalog. Mali Music is a feeling, an experience, and he’s only getting better with time.

Mali has most recently collaborated with some of the industry's top artists, including Kierra Sheard-Kelly and We Are Messengers, but it was his amazing collaboration with fellow gospel heavyweight Jonathan Reynolds on their 2021 EP Jonny x Mali: Live in LA that wowed audiences and garnered the pair a GRAMMY for Best Gospel Song/Performance for their uplifting hit, “Movin’ On.” Mali is excited about working with even more artists in the future. He is also excited about what is up next for him. He plans to do more directing (he’s been directing visuals for his songs and loving it), appear in more films (he played Jesus in the 2018 film Revival!), and hopes to do more small screen work since serving as the host for the “Black History Honors” (a four-part docuseries that blends history and gospel music) earlier this year. Mali Music is a visionary with an undeniable creative spirit with so much to offer the industry and the world. And as he gives back to the world through his incredible artistry, he continues to evolve and grow as an artist and a man, all while praising the Lord. “Mali Music isn't necessarily me personally. It’s the sound, the music, the medicine, it's a feeling. I’m just the man behind it,” he says. “People have told me that my albums have helped them connect with God or got them through some serious things. I'm thankful that I can do that. But I could not do any of this without my relationship with God. He is bigger and wiser than me.”

Van Van

Musician; actress

Nikki Porcher

Founder, Buy from a Black Woman

Nikki Porcher is a 2x Thought Leader of The Year, founder of Organization of The Year Buy From A Black Woman and newly launched platform Buy From A Black Business, and host of Top 5 Goodpod’s podcast The Nikki Porcher Show.

She’s made it her mission to empower, educate and inspire Black Women Business Owners; and to raise awareness for the need to support and #BuyFromABlackWoman.

Over the last decade, Nikki has supported 700+ Black Women by providing them with the education, tools and resources they need to be successful. She helps them boost their visibility through the highest-ranking online directory of Black Women-Owned Businesses, placing them in front of 55K consumers a year. And with a network of 266.8K supporters, Buy From A Black Woman is also home to

one of the largest communities of Black Women Business Owners in the world.

As a sought-after Business Consultant, DEI Trainer and Speaker, Nikki has been invited to speak at events such as Hope Global Forum and SXSW, and she’s led a series of panels for The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.

Her list of accomplishments include leading the way as one of the first platforms dedicated to Black Woman-Owned Businesses; securing partnerships with major organizations like PayPal, Goldman Sachs and the IRS; and helping Black Women Entrepreneurs generate over $6.12 million in revenue over the last five years. However, her ability to keep going and inspire others in the process matters more to

her.

To learn more about Nikki visit: NikkiPorcher.com

To learn more about Buy From A Black Woman visit: BuyFromABlackWoman.org

Dana Bly

CEO, Pardon My Fro

DANA BLY’S JOURNEY TO BUILDING PARDON MY FRO IS A TESTAMENT TO GRIT, PERSEVERANCE, AND UNSHAKABLE PASSION. AS A SELF-TAUGHT GRAPHIC DESIGNER, DANA HAD NO FORMAL TRAINING OR MENTORS TO GUIDE HER. INSTEAD, SHE SPENT COUNTLESS NIGHTS TEACHING HERSELF TO

ILLUSTRATE, DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM FASHION, MUSIC, AND THE WORLD AROUND HER. THIS DETERMINATION FUELED HER DREAM OF CREATING A BRAND THAT CELEBRATES BLACK WOMEN IN ALL THEIR VIBRANCY AND BOLDNESS. BORN INTO A MILITARY FAMILY, DANA GREW UP CONSTANTLY

ADAPTING TO NEW ENVIRONMENTS. MUSIC BECAME HER ANCHOR, WITH PRINCE’S UNAPOLOGETIC INDIVIDUALITY INSPIRING HER CREATIVE SPIRIT. THESE EXPERIENCES TAUGHT HER RESILIENCE AND THE POWER OF SELF-EXPRESSION—QUALITIES THAT SHAPED HER ART AND BUSINESS. STARTING WITH CUSTOM STATIONERY AND INVITATIONS, DANA’S BIG BREAK CAME WHEN HER HOROSCOPE ARTWORK WAS FEATURED IN ESSENCE MAGAZINE IN 2015, VALIDATING HER TALENT AND DRIVE.

DESPITE HER SUCCESS, DANA FACED CHALLENGES AS A BLACK WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR. IN CORPORATE SPACES, HER NATURAL HAIR WAS DEEMED UNPROFESSIONAL, PLANTING THE SEED FOR PARDON MY FRO. FUELED BY THE NEED FOR REPRESENTATION, SHE CREATED BOLD ILLUSTRATIONS OF BLACK WOMEN, COINING THE TERM “WEARABLE ARTWORK” TO DESCRIBE HER UNIQUE STYLE.

BUILDING PARDON MY FRO WASN’T EASY. AS A SOLO ENTREPRENEUR, DANA JUGGLED EVERY ROLE—DESIGNER, MARKETER, AND ACCOUNTANT—OFTEN QUESTIONING IF HER DREAM COULD BECOME REALITY. HER BREAKTHROUGH CAME IN 2021 WHEN SHE PARTNERED WITH HORIZON BEAUTY GROUP, WHO HELPED HER EXPAND HER BRAND AND SECURE A SPOT ON THE HOME

SHOPPING NETWORK. HER PRODUCTS SOLD OUT DURING THE LAUNCH, PROVING THE DEMAND FOR UNAPOLOGETIC REPRESENTATION. BY 2023, DANA’S HAIRCARE LINE LAUNCHED NATIONWIDE IN WALMART, A SURREAL MILESTONE FOR SOMEONE WHO ONCE DOUBTED HER PLACE IN THE

INDUSTRY.

TODAY, PARDON MY FRO IS MORE THAN A BRAND—IT’S A MOVEMENT. DANA’S JOURNEY FROM SELF-TAUGHT ARTIST TO CEO REPRESENTS RESILIENCE, EMPOWERMENT, AND THE MAGIC OF STAYING TRUE TO YOURSELF. HER STORY IS A REMINDER THAT WITH PASSION, PERSEVERANCE, AND HARD

WORK, YOU CAN CARVE YOUR OWN PATH. EVERY ILLUSTRATION, PRODUCT, AND SALE IS A VICTORY FOR DANA—AND FOR THE COUNTLESS WOMEN WHO SEE THEMSELVES IN HER WORK.

Jordyn Weaver

Founder, Forefront

Jordyn Weaver is a cultural innovator, business strategist, and the founder/CEO of Forefront—the first influencer and UGC marketplace designed for BIPOC brands and creators. Forefront’s mission is to keep Black and minority-owned brands at the forefront of culture by making it easy to source, hire, and manage content creators— without breaking the budget. In 2024, Forefront was awarded the $50K HBCU Grand Prize from Pharrell’s Black Ambition Prize for its innovative approach to supporting underrepresented brands. Jordyn is deeply passionate about the intersection of culture, technology, and commerce as a means to close the wealth gap, amplify emerging Black brands, and build sustainable economic opportunities within our communities. Through strategic innovation, Jordyn is creating game-changing solutions that empower Black entrepreneurs and creatives.

Rev. Corine Mack (NAACP)

President, NAACP Charlotte-Mecklenburg Branch

Dr. Wendell Anthony

President, Detroit NAACP Branch

Reverend Dr. Wendell Anthony is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. He was educated in the Detroit Public School system. He graduated from Wayne State University with a B.A. in Political Science and Marygrove College with an M.A. in Pastoral Ministry. He attended the University of Detroit for advanced study in Black Theology. Rev. Anthony is a Certified Social Worker with the State of Michigan. On May 12, 2007, Rev. Anthony was the keynote speaker for the Graduation Class of Marygrove College at which time the Board of Trustees conferred upon Rev. Anthony the degree of Honorary Doctor of Arts. In 2022, Wayne State University conferred upon Rev. Anthony the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa. He became the Pastor of Fellowship Chapel in December 1986 following the passing of Reverend James E. Wadsworth, Jr. Through the grace of God and the labor of his ministry, the church has experienced the greatest growth in its 59-year history. Through its James E. Wadsworth, Jr. Community Center, Fellowship Chapel has a full-time outreach ministry with programs ranging from health and wellness, youth mentoring and development and job training. Rev. Anthony is the developer of the Isuthu Institute (Coming into Manhood Rites of Passage Program) for boys ages 6-18, dealing with African American male responsibility. It is one of the oldest mentoring programs of its kind in the country. He also initiated its female counterpart, the Intonjane Institute (Coming into Womanhood Rites of Passage Program) for girls ages 6-18. Currently, Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony is a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors. In addition, he is serving his 17 th term as President of the Detroit Branch NAACP, a position he has held for 30 years. The Detroit Branch NAACP is the largest branch in the country. It hosts the largest sit-down dinner in the nation, bringing at least 10,000 persons to gather every year to celebrate and commemorate the struggle for social justice, freedom, and equality. He is the founder of the Freedom Institute for Economic, Social Justice, and People Empowerment, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which also sponsors the annual Freedom Weekend in the city of Detroit. He is also the founder of the Fannie Lou Hamer Political Action Committee, a grassroots community-oriented organization which supports issues and candidates often overlooked by those in the traditional political arena. Reverend Anthony is the originator of the Take Your Souls to the Polls voter registration and mobilization program. This was initiated to bring about greater youth involvement in the electoral process. He is also the recipient of numerous awards and recognition, locally and nationally. Among them are the Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference How Beautiful Are Thy Feet Award and the 2021 NAACP Image Award for Activist of the Year. During the pandemic of 2020, Reverend Anthony led and coordinated the Connected Futures Program with business and corporate leaders. This program raised $23 million to provide laptop and Wi-Fi connectivity for 51,000 students, grades K-12, in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. It serves as a model for the nation. On June 5, 2005, Reverend Anthony led his congregation, community and business leaders, government officials, supporters, and well-wishers in a procession to the new Fellowship Chapel called The Village, for its grand opening and inaugural worship service. The Village contains the new church and soon to be developed 140 units of multi-family homes and senior citizen residencies. This is a $60 million-dollar project which will result in the building of a new community. In September 2005, Rev. Anthony married Monica G. Anthony. They are the proud parents of three adult daughters (Tolani, Maia and Theresa) and in 2011 a new addition was added, young Ms. Wendelaya Adiah Anthony.

Rabbi Judy Schindler

Activist

Rabbi Judy is an activist, author, professor, rabbi, mother, and wife. Rabbi Schindler is the Executive Director of Spill the Honey Foundation that serves as the national hub producing arts and educational content that empowers the Black-Jewish alliance today in combating antisemitism and racism. She is also the Sklut Professor of Jewish Studies at Queens University of Charlotte.  Rabbi Judy served as founding Director of the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center at Queens University from 2016-2024. She was named Rabbi Emerita of Temple Beth El in Charlotte, North Carolina, after serving as Senior Rabbi from 2003-2016 and as Associate Rabbi from 1998-2003.  Rabbi Schindler's engagement in social justice, racial justice and community leadership spans decades.

In addition to her ordination in 1995 from the Hebrew Union College, she recently received her Doctorate in Hebrew Letters from the Hebrew Union College on post-Holocaust religious reconciliation and pioneering documents of interfaith dialogue. Rabbi Schindler has contributed chapters and articles to more than a dozen journals and books. She co-authored Recharging Judaism: How Civic Engagement is Good for Synagogues, Jews, and America (CCAR Press, 2018) which focuses on recharging congregations through civic engagement and moving the religious community from volunteerism to advocacy. Among the many awards she has received, Rabbi Schindler was named Charlotte Woman of the Year in 2011. 

Candice BenBow

Tony Neville

Influencer

Antonio Neville is a comedian, actor, and content creator residing in Raleigh, North Carolina. With his cult-like following, ranging from A-list celebrities to everyday people, Tony’s content is consistently among the top shared and followed creators year after year. Tony's social media channels are filled with relatable and creative character skits, which have skyrocketed him to national fame, most notably his TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook accounts. Partnerships include Pepsi Co, Disney, Live Nation, Liquid Death, CarolinaDaze, NAACP, ACLU, Old Spice, ABC, Nike, Spotify, and Fenty.

Social Media Handles:

@HeyTonyTV

Clifford Matthews

Justin Perry

Founder, Perry Counseling Healing and Recovery PLLC

Justin Perry, MSW, LCSW, LCAS is the founder of Perry Counseling Healing and Recovery PLLC where he and his team of clinicians specialize in treating individuals 13 and up and families who struggle with shame, insecurity, and personal relationships. He has over 16 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma, and/or are managing mental health and substance use disorders. Perry has provided clinical services at a multitude of mental health and substance use disorder facilities around the greater Charlotte region.

He has previously run groups at West Charlotte High School offering support to freshmen and sophomores who need extra support with communication, conflict resolution, and healthy relationship skills. Additionally, he has provided trauma informed training for teachers, administrators, and support staff at various Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. 

Perry is a proud Charlotte native and graduate of West Charlotte High School while having been a Student Leader Intern at Charlotte’s first freedom school in 2002. He earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Sociology as well as his Masters in Social Work, all from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

As an advocate for social justice, he does speaking engagements around the region, has been published in multiple local publications, and currently does a monthly column as a Guest Columnist for the Charlotte Observer. He is the co-founder of OneMECK, a grassroots organization which focuses on increased equity and integration in education and housing. He also serves as a Board member and mentor for Wayfinders (formerly) Bruce Irons Camp Fund and as a board member of the Foundation for the Carolinas on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation Family Stability Committee. Perry, also is a partner with Charlotte For Black Futures and serves on the board of the Center for Community Transition. Perry was named one of the Charlotte Observer's Seven to Watch in 2016. He was also awarded a 2016 UNC School of Social Work Distinguished Alumni Award. Finally, in 2016, he also was selected as a Playing For Others Night of Gratitude honoree and named one of Southern Living Magazine's Top 50 Southerners of the Year. He is happily married and a father of 6 year-old son and 3 year-old daughter.

Tieranni Parquet

Tieranni Parquet, MA, MHS, LPC-S, is a PhD candidate in media psychology, a licensed professional counselor, and the clinical director of the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CADA) in Greater New Orleans. She possesses extensive knowledge and experience providing treatment in the mental health and substance use field. Her dissertation and research interests focus on the impact of media on marginalized communities, examining how storytelling influences identity, resilience, and mental health. She is passionate about the intersection of mental health and media, advocating for authentic storytelling and media literacy to foster empowerment and social change.

Chef Daniel Thomas

Chef

Chef Daniel Thomas is a Celebrity Chef and has cooked and served some of the most powerful in the world. He has been a Head Chef for the US Senate, House of Representatives leadership, US Capitol,  served 5 Presidential families, over 100 foreign heads of state, Joint Chiefs, Supreme Court Justices, celebrities, from Capitol Hill to Hollywood Hills, Chef Daniel has won the hearts and minds of the most discerning taste buds on the planet! He is even working to build the first restaurant in outer space and has worked with NASA! He is the author of the award winning healthy living cookbook, Recipes For A New You, Healthy Eating At It’s Best! You have seen him on National Television on Disney and ABC’s Tamron Hall Talk Show 3 times. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. 

Andrea Bowman

Andrea “Mona” Bowman is an Emmy Nominated Shreveport Louisiana based Hair Designer with 19 years of experience crafting hairstyles for Tv and Film.Most recently she was the Hair Designer/Department Head of the film The Children of Blood and Bone,(starring Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Regina King, and Idris Elba). She also served as Hair Designer/Department Head for the film The Piano Lesson (starring John David Washington, Danielle Deadwiler and Sameul L Jackson). and she was nominated for a NAACP IMAGE AWARD 2025 for he film. Her last TV series she served as Key Hairstylist was FIGH NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST which won the NAACP IMAGE AWARD 2025 this past February.

Mona's incredible work has earned her numerous accolades. She was Oscar Shortlisted and BAFTA Long-listed for Outstanding Hair and Make Up as the Hair Designer/Hair Department Head of Apple TV ‘s film EMANCIPATION.,( starring Will.Smith). As the Key Hairstylist for the film THE COLOR PURPLE she won the NAACP IMAGE AWARD for Outstanding Hairstyling (Tv or Film 2024) and she also received her second Guild Nomination MUAHS (Local 706 Make Up and Hair) for her work on the film. Her accolades futher include and EMMY NOMINATION for her work as the Key Hairstylist on Season 3 of HBO's TRUE DETECTIVE and her first GUILD NOMINATION for her work contribution to the Universal's film PITCH PERFECT 3.

Mona past credits include Hair Designer for ABC's limited series THE WOMEN OF THE MOVEMENT, Season 3 of NBC's series YOUNG ROCK(starring Dewayne Johnson), THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON (starring Shia Lebuf and Dakota Johnson), COP SHOP (starring Gerard Butler , Frank Gfillo).

She also served as Key Hairstylist on HBO's limited series LOVE CRAFT COUNTRY, Warner Brothers film JUST MERCY, Universal Pictures NIGHT SCHOOL, HBO's seris WATCHMEN, MGM studios film RESPECT to name a few. Her contributions to film and TV is a gift of craftsmanship.

Mona has also started her own production company...MONA B PRODUCTIONS. Her company is for the TRAINING and EDUCATION for future filmmakers in Below The Line departments of Tv and Film.

She has started trainings for Hair and Make Up artist first and will expand with all departments on set.

Her plan is the partner up with City and Local officials in areas that have Film Studios and tax incentives, so that local artists and workers can contribute to the city's growth and to the film industry as a whole.

Steven Jones

An esteemed Television Academy member, multi-hyphenate Steve Jones is a producer whose notable Executive Producer credits include Jennifer Lopez’ first Holiday visual, and The Oprah Winfrey Network’s Wearable Art Gala Special featuring the first televised interview with Beyoncé in 6 years. He additionally produced 3 seasons of OWN’s record-breaking docuseries, BLACK LOVE.

He is also the creator of Hollywood Confidential, an event series that serves as a North Star for creatives of color dreaming of a career in Hollywood. In existence for a decade, past guest honorees include OSCAR award-winning Lupita Nyong’o, Regina King, Angela Bassett, Sterling K. Brown, Issa Rae, Snoop Dogg, Tabitha Brown, and more.

Featured in VARIETY, PEOPLE, and in-book in ESSENCE Magazine’s Hollywood Issue for his impact on the industry, he’s appeared as a repeat guest on CNN shows "Anderson Cooper 360,” & “CNN Tonight” with Don Lemon. Jones also prides himself as a trusted host & journalist, credited w/landing the first interview w/Ben Affleck & JLO as a reunited couple for ADWEEK.

Adding Author to his growing list of titles, Jones will be released his first book with HarperCollins publishing entitled Hollywood Confidential: 12 Secrets to Becoming The Star of Your Own Life!

Dr. Charmain Jackman

Author

Dr. Charmain Jackman is an award-winning psychologist, TEDx speaker, and visionary entrepreneur, with over two decades of experience in mental health. As the founder of InnoPsych, a mental health tech company, she has connected more than 10,000 people to therapists of color transforming access and narratives around therapy for communities of color. She has a deep commitment to support mental health providers, and her debut book, The Black Therapist’s Guide to Private Practice and Entrepreneurship empowers BIPOC therapists to build profitable and sustainable businesses. A champion of mental health equity and workplace wellbeing, Dr. Jackman’s impactful work has earned her numerous accolades including the 2025 Boston Business Journal’s Innovators in Healthcare award and features reputable media outlets such as Oprah Daily, Essence, NPR, the New York Times, and the Boston Globe. She is a lifetime member of the NAACP, serves as a board member of the Citizens for Juvenile Justice (CFJJ) and is an appointed member of the Massachusetts 988 Commission. As a wife and mom to two creative humans, she is reminded every day to live life with joy and compassion.

Dr. Judith Joseph

Author

Dr. Judith Joseph MD, Social Media’s Favorite Psychiatrist

Dr. Judith Joseph MD MBA is a board-certified psychiatrist, researcher and award-winning content creator who specializes in mental health and trauma. She is chair of the women in medicine initiative at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, clinical assistant professor in child and adolescent psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Principal Investigator at Manhattan Behavioral Medicine, New York City’s Premier Clinical Research Site. She was one of the experts featured in Oprah Daily’s 2023 The Menopause Special and “The Magic of Menopause” Masterclass alongside Halle Berry and other experts. She is a board member of the national non-profit Let’s Talk Menopause. Dr. Judith was awarded by the US House of Representatives with a 2023 Congress Proclamation Award for her social media advocacy and mental health research. In 2024 she was named a top 6 NAACP Mental Health Champion and a VeryWell Mind top 25 Thought leader. In 2024 she taught a Workplace Mental Health Course to The Executive Office Of The President of The United States of America. In May 2025 she gave a Mental Health Google Talk at Google’s Playa Vista Headquarters and also became a Google official YouTube THE-IQ Creator in partnership with Harvard School of Public Health. In 2025 she became an official LinkedIn Top Voice and a LinkedIn Course Instructor. She gave the first US House of Representatives Congressional Recording Studio Filmed Special on Caribbean American Mental Health. In addition to being a notable public speaker at prestigious institutions, such as Columbia University, Concordia and United Nations UNGA events, Dr. Judith is a sought-after on-air expert. Her National Bestselling book, “High Functioning” is based on the first peer-reviewed published clinical study on high functioning depression which she conducted in her all-women research lab in New York City. Dr. Judith uses her platform of over 1 million followers to educate her community about mental health topics and she trains doctors at NYU about how to use various forms of media to educate the public about mental health issues.

Jay Lundy

Managing Director, NAACP Capital

Jay is the Managing Director of NAACP Capital, a newly established fund of funds that will invest in technology and data-driven strategies that drive positive outcomes in underserved and underestimated communities. NAACP Capital invests in venture firms, and selectively, startups that sustainably & profitably transform human infrastructure. NAACP Capital was conceptualized by the NAACP and group of general partners. 

Prior to his role at NAACP Capital, Jay invested on behalf of and advised numerous family offices; led growth strategy and transformation projects at Boston Consulting Group (BCG); and served as a public school teacher in New York City with Teach for America. Jay also has entrepreneurial experience and has founded two companies, a consumer wellness company and a govtech platform. 

Jay is based in Los Angeles with his wife, Honor, and their two young children. Jay graduated from Harvard College and received his MBA from The Wharton School and his MPP from Harvard Kennedy School. He serves on several startup and nonprofit boards, including The Center for Reproductive Rights.

Nicholas Wiggins

Managing Director, Value Partnerships

Nicholas I. Wiggins is one of the most talented, respected, and admired creatives in America today.

The New Jersey native is managing director at Values Partnerships, the country’s largest 100% Black owned social impact agency. He is also founder and principal of NIW Design, offering client-centered services to advance profiles and brands through highly efficient and effective event management, strategic visioning, and image consulting. At Values, he leads their entertainment industry portfolio as part of the marketing and amplification campaigns for films and TV shows such as TILL, Respect, Summer of Soul, If Beale Street Could Talk, Surviving R. Kelly, The Deliverance, Notes from the Field, Emancipation, The Fire Inside, and many others.  

In a six-year tenure at the NAACP, the George Washington University alumnus assisted in the planning and execution of the NAACP Image Awards and the organization’s Annual Convention; served as the lead on its NAACP Experience expo and Leadership 500 Summit; and developed the external relations strategy for the chairman and board of directors.

Currently, Nicholas serves as Vice Chair of the NAACP Image Awards Committee and chairs its Entertainer of the Year subcommittee. He also serves as a trustee of the NAACP Foundation.

Nicholas remains professionally, civically and culturally engaged in a number of additional roles. He is a co-founder of the 4 The Culture Brunch, a space where creators, entrepreneurs, and influencers network and connect throughout the year. He is the Immediate Past Chairman of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals Board of Directors. He maintains membership in the NAACP, National Urban League, Southern Poverty Law Center, Human Rights Campaign, Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and as an ambassador to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Alencia Johnson

Author, Flip the Tables

Alencia Johnson is a sought-after cultural commentator, bestselling author, advisor, and leader at the intersection of social justice and culture change. She is the Founder of 1063 West Broad — a social impact consultancy and media company connecting brands, organizations and people to purpose driven solutions. Her debut national bestseller, “Flip The Tables: The Everyday Disruptor’s Guide to Finding Courage and Making Change” is available everywhere books are sold.

Alencia has worked for the presidential campaigns of President Barack Obama and Sen. Elizabeth Warren and was a senior advisor to both President Biden’s 2020 campaign and Vice President Harris’ 2024 campaign. She also held national roles at Planned Parenthood and GEICO -- leading efforts in each organization to address issues facing marginalized communities through popular culture, brand engagement  and narrative strategies. During her six years at Planned Parenthood, she was one of the architects behind the “Stand With Black Women” branding and framework as well as led the organization’s election media strategies with Secretary Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. 

Alencia has been recognized by Harvard University with a "Woman of the Year" award, EBONY Magazine’s “Power 100” list of influential African Americans, PRWeek’s “40 Under 40” list and more. Her board service includes the Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation’s Social Justice Fund as well as Human Rights First and she was appointed to the Virginia Council on Women by Governor Ralph Northam. She was a Georgetown University Institute of Politics Fellow. 

Alencia is a sought-after thought leader and cultural critic regularly featured on MSNBC, CNN, ABC, BET, NPR, Washington Post, ESSENCE, Glamour and more. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Alencia can be found on Instagram at @AlenciaJohnson.

Dr. Uché A. Blackstock

Founder and CEO, Advancing Health Equity

Dr. Uché Blackstock is the founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity (AHE), appears regularly on MSNBC and NBC News, and is a former associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and the former faculty director for recruitment, retention, and inclusion in the Office of Diversity Affairs at NYU School of Medicine. 

In 2019, Dr. Blackstock founded AHE which partners with organizations to drive measurable change in health outcomes by embedding equity into leadership, strategy, and clinical practice.  In its five years of existence, AHE has helped major companies, hospitals, and health systems create strategic plans for promoting equitable health care moving forward.

Dr. Blackstock’s writing, including numerous OpEds, has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Scientific American, the Washington Post and New York Magazine. 

She was recognized by Forbes magazine, in 2019, as one of “10 Diversity and Inclusion Trailblazers You Need to Get Familiar With", in 2023 by Fortune Magazine as one of "13 Innovators Shaping the Future of Health”, and in 2024, as one of TIME's "100 Most Influential People in Health".

Dr. Blackstock received both undergraduate and medical degrees from Harvard University, making her and her twin sister, Oni, the first Black mother-daughter legacy graduates from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Blackstock's generational memoir, LEGACY: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine was published by Viking Books on January 23, 2024 and became an instant New York Times best-seller.

Dr. Blackstock currently lives in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York, with her two school-age children.

Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis

Former Director of Health for the City of St. Louis

Dr. Matifadza (Mati) Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, FIDSA, was appointed Director of Health for the City of St. Louis in 2021. She is an internationally recognized infectious diseases physician and an expert on public health and health equity. 

Dr. Hlatshwayo Davis earned her medical degree from the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and a Master’s in Public Health from Case Western Reserve University. She then completed her internal medicine residency at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. Dr. Hlatshwayo Davis went on to complete her Infectious Diseases fellowship, subspecializing in HIV and STIs, at the Washington University School of Medicine, also completing a one-year dedicated non-ACGME HIV fellowship and a two-year dedicated Sexually Transmitted Infection fellowship. In September 2023, she was elected as a Fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of America (FIDSA), an honor that recognizes individuals who have achieved professional excellence and provided significant service to the profession of infectious diseases. 

Prior to her appointment as Director of Health, Dr. Hlatshwayo Davis previously served as a Clinical Instructor, Associate Program Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases fellowship program, and in the Office of Inclusion and Diversity leadership at the Washington University of St. Louis School of Medicine. She was also an infectious diseases physician at the John Cochran VA Medical Center, where she was the Lead HIV Clinician, Graduate Medical Education Coordinator, and Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy supervisor. 

Recent highlights of her leadership as Director of Health include: 

• Leading a nationally recognized COVID-19 response, which was lauded by President Biden in 2022 
• Establishing the Health Department’s first Behavioral Health Bureau Implementing critical infrastructure and rebuilding the Fiscal Bureau with an innovative, first-ever partnership using an accounting firm; and 
• Has grown the Department of Health by over 31% during her tenure 

Dr. Hlatshwayo Davis’ recent accolades include receiving the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) Society Citation Award, a recognition of exemplary contributions in the field of infectious diseases. She also serves on the IDSA Board of Directors, is an Associate Editor for Disparities and Competent Care for IDSA, and is the Executive Producer and Co-host for IDSA’s “Let’s Talk” podcast. She has been invited to speak at more than 90 lectures, conferences, and organizations across the nation and has received more than 20 awards in recent years.

Karine Jean Pierre

Former White House Press Secretary

Karine Jean-Pierre is the former White House Press Secretary and Senior Advisor to President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Born in Martinique and raised in New York by Haitian immigrant parents, Karine was instilled with the belief that hard work and perseverance could help create a better life for her family. As the first Black person and the first openly queer person to serve as White House Press Secretary, Karine’s achievements offer a powerful reminder of what is possible—while highlighting the ongoing work required to make such opportunities more accessible to all. 

Prior to her leadership role at The White House, Karine had a notably extensive career in public service. She began by serving as Legislative and Budget Affairs for one City Council member and later as Deputy Chief of Staff for another. She transitioned into national politics by working at the Center for Community and Corporate Ethics, where she advocated for greater corporate accountability. In 2008, Karine joined President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign and after the election, she joined the Obama-Biden White House, where she worked in the Office of Political Affairs. In 2011, she transitioned to the 2012 re-election campaign, where she served as Deputy Battleground States Director, playing a key role in mobilizing key states for Obama’s second term. 

Her leadership and commitment to breaking barriers were on full display when she became Campaign Manager for Tish James’s successful run for New York City Public Advocate, making James the first woman to hold that office. 

As a senior advisor to President Biden’s 2020 campaign, Karine played a critical role in advancing the vision of a more inclusive and equitable America. She made history once again when she served as Chief of Staff to then–running mate Senator Kamala Harris, who would go on to make history as the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American elected Vice President of the United States. Karine’s ability to navigate complex political landscapes and bring diverse voices to the forefront made her a key figure in shaping the future of American leadership. 

Beyond her work in government, Karine has been a well-respected political analyst for NBC and MSNBC, bringing her expertise on democracy, social justice, and public policy to millions of viewers. At the same time, she served as an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. She also held the role of Chief Public Affairs Officer at MoveOn, further expanding her impact on national advocacy and political discourse. 

She received the MLK Day Visionary Award at the National Action Network’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast honoring her commitment to civil rights and equity. In 2023, she was awarded the Phoenix Award, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s highest honor, recognizing her trailblazing leadership and dedication to uplifting marginalized communities. 

Karine is the author of the memoir Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America and Independent, publishing in October. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. 

Kellie Dupree

National Director of Development | America Votes

Kellie Dupree is the National Director of Development at America Votes, where she serves on the Senior Leadership team and is responsible for leading the organization's development and grantmaking operations, strategy, and team. Born in Louisiana and raised in Northern Virginia, she started her political career in 5th grade when she acted as Bill Clinton’s campaign manager in her school’s mock presidential election. Since then, she has made a career of advocating for a variety of progressive causes, including working for Way to Win, the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, Planned Parenthood, USAID, the Democratic National Committee, Unity ‘09 and EMILY’s List. Kellie also proudly serves on the boards of Alliance for Youth Action and Progress Now. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Kellie craves Cookout milkshakes constantly.

Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig

Senior Advisor, The Michigan Hispanic Collaborative; Chair, NAACP Education Taskforce

Julian Vasquez Heilig serves as a Professor of Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology at Western Michigan University. His accomplishments across seven academic leadership positions reflect a steadfast commitment to enhancing institutional prestige, fostering inclusive excellence, and driving growth and innovation in higher education. His full curriculum vitae is accessible at bit.ly/ProfJVHcv.

A prolific researcher, Vasquez Heilig’s scholarship advances equity in K-12 education curriculum, policy, and leadership, focusing on systemic and grassroots innovations. With over 70 scholarly publications, he has engaged audiences globally, presenting at more than 30 universities and eight countries. For a decade, Education Week ranked him among the top 200 U.S. education scholars.

He has provided expert testimony for state and national legislative bodies, the United Nations, and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. He has also advised presidential and gubernatorial campaigns, reinforcing his role as a trusted voice in shaping educational policy.

His commitment to community extends to advisory roles in higher education, government, schools, foundations, civil rights organizations, and non-profits. As a leader in the NAACP, he served on the Executive Committee and as Education Chair for the Kentucky and California Hawai'i chapters, demonstrating dedication to civil rights and educational equity.

His contributions have earned more than 30 awards, including Multicultural Champion by Diversity in Education Magazine in 2015, the 2019 California Assembly Resolution 1459, and a Kentucky Colonel title from Governor Andy Beshear in 2022. Recent honors include recognition as Vive Magazine’s West Michigan 25 Most Influential Latinos and Crain’s Grand Rapids Notable Black Leaders.

His research is cited by media outlets such as the New York Times, LA Times, Washington Post, Associated Press, USAToday, and Education Week. He has appeared on local and national media, including Al Jazeera, ABC, Fox, CBS, PBS, NBC, NPR, Univision, LatinoUSA, Democracy Now! and MSNBC.

He holds a Ph.D. in educational administration and policy analysis and a master’s in sociology from Stanford University. He also holds a master’s in higher education and a bachelor’s in history and psychology from the University of Michigan.

Rev. Dr. Regena Thomas

Advocacy Director, Women, Human & Civil Rights, AFT

Reverend Dr. Regena Thomas is the Co-Director of the Human Rights and Community Relations Department of the American Federation of Teachers.  She came to the position as of June 16, 2015 from the Democratic National Committee where she was the director of community engagement and constituency group services. Thomas served as Secretary of State for the state of New Jersey from 2002 through 2006, appointed by Gov. James McGreevey. Prior to her appointment as Secretary of State, Rev. Thomas was considered a leading political consultant for the Democratic National Committee, Democratic Governors’ Association and the Democratic Senatorial Committee specializing in African American turnout. She has worked for District of Columbia Mayors Marion Barry and Sharon Pratt Kelly both in government and their political campaigns.

After graduating from Morehead State University, Rev. Thomas began her political career in Kentucky working for the Legislative Research Commission (LRC) where she met the Hon. Georgia Davis Powers, the first and only African American and the only female serving in the Kentucky State Senate.  In 1984 Sen. Powers would be called upon by her friend Rev. Jesse Jackson to spearhead his presidential bid in Kentucky. Sen. Powers facing a legislative session entrusted the grassroots organizing to Rev. Thomas. This assignment led Rev. Thomas to Chicago & Washington, D.C. She worked on the 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns for the Rev. Jackson. Having been bitten by the political bug, Rev. Thomas would move to Washington, D.C. to become a staff member for the National Rainbow Coalition. 

However, while the Secretary of State; Ms. Thomas was called to a different field of organizing: Organizing souls for Christ. She accepted her call to ministry and was ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  She earned her Master of Divinity from New Brunswick Theological Seminary and received her Doctorate of Ministry with a specialty in Urban Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary. 

Torian J Easterling

SVP, Population and Community Health | One Brooklyn Health

Dr. Torian Easterling is a physician and public health leader, renowned for his equity and public health work. As an expert on racial inequalities rampant in the medical field, Dr.Easterling was appointed the first Chief Equity Officer for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Dr. Easterling currently serves as the Senior Vice President for Population and Community Health and Chief Strategic and Innovation Officer for OneBrooklyn Health, a three-member hospital system with a mission to preserve and enhance care delivery in Central Brooklyn. Dr. Easterling leads the Office of Community Health, which aims to provide equitable care and eliminate racial and gender health inequities and disparities rooted in systemic racism. As the First Deputy Commissioner and inaugural Chief Equity Officer, Dr. Easterling worked to align external and internal equity initiatives. He led the New York City equity response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensured equitable distribution of vaccines to vulnerable populations and communities. Dr.Easterling holds a Bachelor of Science from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, and a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from Icahn School of Medicine at Sinai in New York. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, NY, and a General Preventive Medicine residency at Icahn School of Medicine at Sinai in New York.

Staci Danielle Childs

Member, Texas State Board of Education

Staci Childs is a Christ-centered leader, attorney, educator, and hip-hop artist who puts her  calling first in everything she does. She was elected to the Texas State Board of Education in  2022 and has used her seat to ask hard, thoughtful questions on behalf of students and families  often left out of the conversation. From the dais, her voice is rooted in faith, shaped by classroom  experience, and sharpened by legal training. 

Staci built a powerful, widely-watched platform on social media by simply saying what needed  to be said. Her videos, known for being honest, reasonable, and thought-provoking, struck a  chord with people across generations who were hungry for clarity and compassion in leadership. 

Before becoming an attorney, she taught in Houston public schools and was named Teacher of  the Year. Now, as the founder of Sunnyside Legal, she helps people through the hardest  moments of their lives while also making sure they understand the law and their rights. She  created the ETC Lab, a civic education and leadership space for young people, and hosts the Here Am I podcast, where she shares what it means to follow God boldly in a world that often  demands silence. 

Whether in court, in classrooms, or on stages across the country, Staci moves with conviction,  humility, and a deep belief that when God calls you, no platform is too big—or too small—for  purpose.

Fredrick Redmond

Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO

Fredrick D. Redmond is the secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO. On June 13, 2022, he was unanimously elected to the position as the highest ranking African American officer in the history of America’s labor movement. 

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond was first elected to this position by the AFL-CIO Executive Council on Aug. 20, 2021. He filled the vacancy of the executive vice president position from March to June 2022. He had previously served on the federation’s Executive Council since 2008. 

Redmond’s path to the federation’s second-highest office began in 1973, when he went to work at Reynolds Metals Co. in Chicago and became a member of the United Steelworkers (USW). He was active in his local union almost immediately, serving as shop steward and eventually vice president. He served three terms as local president. 

In 1996, Redmond joined the USW staff, working with local unions in the Chicago area before accepting a position at the international union’s headquarters in Pittsburgh in 1998. For decades, Redmond served the USW in various staff and leadership roles, assisting local unions, developing and conducting training programs, and bargaining contracts. 

As international vice president for human affairs, a position to which he was first elected to in 2006, Redmond oversaw the union’s Civil and Human Rights Department and worked with USW allies across the country in responding to attacks on voting rights and in combating economic inequality. 

Redmond has spent his entire life fighting for racial justice in the workplace and throughout our communities. In 2016, he was appointed to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, and in 2020, Redmond was tapped to chair the AFL-CIO Task Force on Racial Justice, a body focused on taking concrete action to address America’s long history of racism and police violence against Black people. 

Redmond has served on the board of directors of Working America, the TransAfrica Forum, the Workers Defense League, the National Endowment for Democracy, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Interfaith Worker Justice and, since 2007, has served as chair of the board of directors of the A. Philip Randolph Institute. In 2021, Redmond was elected president of the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas, a prestigious international post.

Yvonne Yvett Kinston

CWA Local 3680 President, Vice President AFLCIO

Yvonne Kinston is the executive vice president of CWA Local 3680 and for the past 18 years has been a sales and service agent at AT&T Mobility. Since November 2019, she also has been serving as the District 9 representative to the Fayetteville City Council. She serves as an executive board member of the North Carolina State AFL–CIO and plays a critical role in the Racial Justice and Political Planning committees. In recognition for her activism and passion for community service, Gov. Roy Cooper appointed her as a commissioner to the state’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service in 2017. She was awarded the CWA District 3 Karen J. Murphy Woman of the Year Award.

Kristal Knight

Chief Program Officer, Everybody Votes Campaign

Kristal Knight is an experienced political strategist who has worked on campaigns at the local, state and national level. She is the Chief Program Officer (CPO) for Everybody Votes Campaign (EVC) where she leads the program, training, data and research teams as they seek to transform the American electorate through large scale voter registration. She is a 2012 Obama for America alum and a 2016 Hillary for America alum. Recently she served as the political director for Priorities USA PAC during the 2020 cycle and ran the Building Community Voice Fund (BCVF) national program for NAACP during the 2022 midterm elections. She is a graduate of Howard University and University College London. In her free time she is a frequent political contributor on various news outlets.

Khalilah Spencer

President, Promote the Vote | Secretary, NAACP - Detroit Branch

Khalilah V. Spencer serves as Honigman LLP’s Inclusion, Equity and Social Responsibility Partner. Accordingly, Khalilah chairs the firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and leads the firm’s DEI efforts. Khalilah is also responsible for the development and implementation of Honigman’s pro bono and social responsibility programs.

In addition to her firm leadership roles, Khalilah is a trial lawyer and partner in Honigman’s Litigation Department. Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, and as a Super Lawyer-Rising Star, Khalilah has significant and successful first chair experience in jury trials and arbitrations involving a wide variety of complex commercial, environmental tort and employment matters. She primarily represents public and private companies in various industries including automotive, financial services, telecommunications, and real estate. She also has extensive experience in civil rights advocacy related to public education, voting rights, and election protection. 

Khalilah is active in public service and several civic and charitable organizations. She is President of Promote the Vote and currently serves as Secretary of the Detroit Branch NAACP and as the Legal Redress Chair for the Michigan State Conference NAACP. She is also Secretary for Lakeshore Legal Aid. 

Dr. Toni Eyssallene

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, NYC Department of Health

Dr. Toni Eyssallene, MD, PhD graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). She served as faculty for both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics departments at University of Miami and also started and directed their Global Health Tracks. She created a pediatric residency program in Haiti, focused on evidence-based and critical care medicine and continues to produce qualified pediatricians to add to the workforce. She served as the Program Director of the Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida and Capstone advisor for MD/MPH and MPH students at the University of Miami School of Public Health Sciences. Prior to serving at DOHMH, Dr. Eyssallenne was NY Market Medical Director for the health technology company, CityBlock Health where she focused on delivering complex, integrated care to historically marginalized communities. After serving as Senior Medical Advisor in the Office of the Chief Medical Officer at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Dr. Eyssallenne now serves as the agency’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer where she focuses on bridging public health and health care.

Dominique Morgan

Founder, CEO & Principal Consultant, Starks & Whitiker Consulting

Dominique Morgan (She/Her) is an award-winning artist, activist, and philanthropic strategist transforming how resources are moved to communities. As the first Black Trans Woman to lead a national fund at a major philanthropic intermediary, she distributed nearly $10 million in two years. Since 2020, she’s raised and moved nearly $30 million across roles supporting grassroots movements, cultural strategy, and healing-centered work. 

She is the Founder, CEO & Principal Consultant of Starks & Whitiker Consulting, and a Black Fox Global Philanthropic Fellow. Her writing as a Contributing Writer for Urban One appears across NewsOne, Cassius, and HelloBeautiful—amplifying Black queer voices and reframing narratives around liberation. 

Dominique is the author of Discovering Your Power, a transformative workbook born from her reentry after incarceration. Though her barrier was prison number 56892, she affirms everyone has a “56892”—and offers a roadmap to healing and change. 

She made history as the first Black Trans Woman to have a street named after her in Omaha, Nebraska, and has been honored by the NAACP, JM Kaplan Foundation, and Apple. Her work is featured by MTV, LOGO, Forbes, Essence, and Urban One Media. 

Connect: @thedominiquemorgan on TikTok, Instagram, Threads & Facebook | www.dominiquemorgan.com

Nervahna Crew

Deputy State Director, America Votes - North Carolina

My name is Nervahna Crew and I was raised in Wilmington, Delaware. I earned a BA in Sociology: Criminal Justice in 2002 from Delaware State University. A couple years after graduating, in 2004, I relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina to join my family. 

Having previously served on the Wake County Democratic party as Secretary from 2014-2017. In November 2018, I was elected to office to serve as Wake County’s first African American female Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor. In 2020, I served as a North Carolina Regional Political Director for the Biden/Harris campaign. 

I have a lengthy history of being civically engaged having volunteered on my first campaign at the age of 12 years old in 1992 (Wilmington, Delaware). I have attended 7 Democratic National Conventions (including the 2020 virtual DNC) and have spent countless hours helping to get many local, state, and national candidates elected to political office. 

I am currently the Deputy State Director for America Votes North Carolina. I have a 19 year old son who is entering his sophomore year at Lenoir Rhyne University playing college football and the President of LR Men of Color.

S. Craig Watkins

Ernest A, Sharpe Centennial Professor, University of Texas at Austin

Dr. S. Craig Watkins is the Ernest A. Sharpe Centennial Professor and the Executive Director of the IC2 Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.  His research probes the social, ethical, and technical features of artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on Health AI. Dr. Watkins is part of a multidisciplinary team of social scientists, psychologists, and computer scientists who prototyped a chatbot to support parents dealing with postpartum depression.   His work with researchers from UT Austin’s School of Information and Weill Cornell Medicine explores how artificial intelligence and machine learning can be designed to identify the social risk factors associated with Black youth suicides.  His current research is developing clinical, ethical, and technical insights related to the design and deployment of digital health solutions and AI to better understand the interactions between digital biomarkers and health outcomes. During his time at MIT as a Visiting Professor, Dr. Watkins worked with teams to better understand how to build safe and responsible AI, with a particular emphasis on mitigating biases in AI systems.  

As the Director of the IC2 Institute, Dr. Watkins leads a dynamic Health AI initiative that has: developed models to explore the impact of social determinants of health on mental health outcomes; surveyed safety-net healthcare providers to assess their views regarding the promises and perils of deploying AI in rural and other underserved populations; convened clinicians, researchers, government officials, and community leaders to address Health AI; and collaborated with the Dell Medical School to design more ethical and responsible AI systems in pediatric medicine, oncology, and rural healthcare. The goal of the initiative is to generate knowledge and insights regarding the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into health and clinical environments while also engaging and empowering key stakeholders to develop a greater understanding of this transformational technology.

Dr. Watkins serves on several advisories for organizations like Google, Google/DeepMind, Fathom, and Scratch.  His Advisory role with the Pew Research Center focuses on youth, social media, and mental health while his Advisory role with the American Psychological Association contributed to the development of the APA’s first ever Health Advisory on Artificial Intelligence and Adolescent Well-Being.

Hassan Tetteh

CEO, Human Care Technologies

Dr. Hassan A. Tetteh is a retired US Navy Captain, Associate Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and adjunct faculty at Howard University College of Medicine. He was selected an Emerging Leader in Health and Medicine Scholar by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) and served on the Strategic Planning Committee for the NAM Strategic Plan 2024-2028.

About Hassan A. Tetteh

Tetteh is a Thoracic Surgeon for Howard University Hospital. He founded and previously led a Specialized Thoracic Adapted Recovery (STAR) Team in Washington, DC, and his research in organ transplantation aims to save lives. 

With over 25 years of dedicated military service and global deployments, Tetteh's experience as a combat trauma surgeon is unparalleled. He led enterprise initiatives in his roles as Health Policy Advisor, Director of Futures and Innovation at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), Command Surgeon for the National Defense University, Chief Medical Informatics Officer (CMIO) for the Navy, and Warfighter Health Mission Chief at the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) and Chief Data and AI Office (CDAO) for the Department of Defense. His leadership and expertise have significantly contributed to the advancement of military healthcare. 

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Tetteh received his BS from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh, his MD from SUNY Downstate Medical Center, his MPA from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, an MBA from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, and an MS in National Security Strategy with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence from the National War College.

Tetteh received the Doctor of Science (honoris causa) degree from the SUNY Board of Trustees in 2019. He completed his thoracic surgery fellowship at the University of Minnesota and advanced cardiac surgery fellowship at Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Tetteh created The Art of Human Care® book series and is a best-selling author of several books, including Gifts of the Heart, Smarter Healthcare with AI, and The Art of Human Care. Tetteh is board-certified in thoracic surgery, general surgery, and clinical informatics, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Fellow of the American Medical Informatics Association, a member of the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators and a Patron Member of the Academy of American Poets.

Tetteh received the Alley Sheridan Award from the Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education, was named a TEDMED Front Line Scholar, and is a TEDx speaker. He’s an alumnus of the Harvard Medical School Writers’ Workshop and Yale Writers’ Conference.

Kim Smith

Staff Representative, USW | Vice President, AFL-CIO

Kim is a native of Denver, Colorado and relocated to Summerville, South Carolina with her  husband Terrence. Kim and Terrence have been married for more than thirty-seven years. They  have been blessed with three daughters Andrea, Tinisha and Tierra. They also have seven  grandchildren whom they enjoy making memories. 

She has received several degrees; one in Business MGMT and a Masters in both Theology and  Christian & Biblical Counseling just to name a few. Kim was selected in 2011 to attend Harvard  University in Boston, Massachusetts, in which she received a certificate in Labor Studies. She has  also received a certificate in Leadership from United Steel Workers Union and a certificate in  Labor Studies from Wayne State University. Kim was inducted as an honorary member of Phi  Theta Kappa when she made the international dean’s list and was Mana Cum Laude and Summa  Cum Laude throughout her education. 

Kim received a Certificate and Certification with both Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid.  During the COVID Pandemic, Kim took complete advantage of the free leadership education that  was offered in both the secular and in for the Body of Christ. 

Kim worked for more than twenty-four years at Westvaco Papermill in North Charleston, SC. She  became interested in the Union and began to take on several leadership roles within her Local  Union. Kim was voted the first black female president of her local serving for more than eleven  years. It was then Kim realized that with God ALL things are possible, and He has a plan for her  life. Because of her leadership skills, Kim was appointed the first female to serve within the District  as an International Staff Representative since the merger of the USW. 

Kim currently serves communities within the entire district as the coordinator of the Women of  Steel. She is the Vice President of the SC AFL-CIO, serves on the Santee Lynches Workforce  Development Board, Charleton Alliance for Fair Employment Board, and leads the Statewide  Organizing Table and is the Community Faith and Labor Leader. She also serves as a Chaplain  with Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy. 

Kim has been involved with organizing campaigns all over the South and enjoys seeing the lives  of workers change as they begin to use their voices. She is passionate about serving others to ensure  they receive every opportunity to live a life with dignity and respect not only within their  community but also within their workplaces. 

She is truly a servant at heart and believes in loving people where they are. It was during the  Pandemic, God spoke to Kim about starting a ministry for women all over the world to be healed,  set free, and delivered. Women will believe they are who God says they are; without any  judgement. Through her obedience, the ZOOM International Women’s Ministry was born.  

Kim Smith is truly a gem from Gods’ special treasure. One of her favorite scriptures is Psalm 27:1  because she recognizes the Lord is her light and salvation!

Quentin Tyris James

Founder & President, The Collective PAC

A native of Greenville, South Carolina, Quentin James is the Founder & President of The Collective PAC, the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to recruiting, training, funding and supporting Black candidates to run for office on the local, state and federal level. Since 2016, The Collective PAC and its affiliate entities have helped elect over 500 Black candidates to public office by raising, bundling and spending over $50 million dollars, training over 2,000 candidates and campaign operatives and registering over 250,000 voters through its 5 affiliate organizations. 

Prior to launching The Collective PAC, Quentin served as the African American Outreach Director for the Ready for Hillary Super PAC and National Director for the Sierra Club’s Sierra Student Coalition, the nation’s largest youth environmental organization. From 2009 - 2013, Quentin served as a National Board Member for the NAACP. More recently, Quentin founded Inclusv, a national diversity hiring initiative, and Vestige Strategies, one of the nation’s top civic and community engagement consulting firms. 

A graduate of Howard University and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Quentin is a regular on cable news and has been named as one of The Root 100 and one of the Top 50 Political Influencers by Campaigns and Elections Magazine. Quentin currently resides in the Northeast Ohio with his wife Stefanie and sons Carter and Elijah.

Bakari Sellers

CNN Commentator

• Bakari Sellers recently released a New York Times Best Seller My Vanishing Country: A Memoir. The book has been described as part memoir, part historical and cultural analysis illustrating the lives of America’s forgotten black working-class men and women. 
• Bakari recently expanded his audience with the Bakari Sellers Podcast, a twice-a-week show that is part of The Ringer Podcast Network. His podcasts discuss a variety of topics from politics, race, sports, media, the presidential campaign, and much more.

Bakari was born into an activist family. His father, civil rights leader Cleveland Sellers, instilled core values in him to continue in the tireless commitment to service. 

In 2005 Bakari earned a bachelor's degree in African-American Studies from Morehouse College. He continued his education at the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2008 earning a juris doctor. Bakari currently practices law with the Strom Law Firm, LLC in Columbia, SC where he heads the firm’s Strategic Communication and Public Affairs team and has recently added Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consulting to the list of services offered. 

Bakari made history in the 2006 South Carolina state legislature as the youngest African American elected official in the nation, at the age of 22. His political career did not stop there, in 2014 he was the Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor in the state of South Carolina. Bakari has also worked for United States Congressman James Clyburn and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. 

His accomplishments do not go unnoticed within the Democratic Party. In 2008 he served on President Obama’s South Carolina steering committee. His ability to “reach across the aisle to get things done” has led to numerous achievements including being named TIME Magazine’s 40 Under 40 and “The Root 100” list of the nation’s most influential African-Americans in 2015, and HBCU Top 30 Under 30 in July 2014. 

Bakari has served as a featured speaker at various Political Events, Universities, and National Trade Organizations across the country, such as the 2008 and 2016 Democratic National Convention. 

Sellers is married to his wife Dr. Ellen Rucker-Sellers and father to twins Sadie and Stokely.

Milton Jones

International President, UFCW

UFCW International President Milton Jones has been a UFCW member for more than 45 years and has served in various capacities in the International Union for over 33 years.  He began his career as a courtesy clerk with Kroger in Florence, Ala., and became a member of Local 1557 (now Local 1995) in Nashville, Tenn., in 1978.  After graduation and serving four years in the U.S. Navy, he returned to Kroger where he served as shop steward and was a volunteer organizer (SPUR). 

He joined the staff of the UFCW International in Atlanta, Ga., in 1990 as an organizer.  After moving through the ranks as a General Organizer and International Representative, he was promoted to Assistant to the Director and later to Collective Bargaining Representative.

In 2003, he was promoted to Executive Assistant to the Director in Region 2 in Philadelphia, Pa.  From there, he went on to serve as Assistant and Executive Assistant to the International Organizing Director and Executive Assistant to the International Bargaining Director in Washington, D.C.

He was promoted to Director of Region 5 Southern and elected International Vice President in February 2015.  In 2018, he was promoted to National Bargaining Director and was elected Executive Vice President in April 2019.

In September 2023, he was elected International Secretary-Treasurer, before being elected as International President in May 2025.

Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins

Founder and CEO, Promise

Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins is an American social justice advocate and businesswoman. Phaedra is the founder and CEO of Promise, a payment technology platform that simplifies government debt. Prior to Promise, Phaedra ran revenue and operations at Honor, a home care technology company. Before Honor, Phaedra worked with the musician Prince and led the effort to secure ownership of his masters. She is a labor and community organizer by trade who is committed to making measurable change.

Earlier in her career, Phaedra was the Executive Officer of the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council, an organized labor federation representing more than 100 unions and more than 110,000 members in California. She was also Executive Director of Working Partnerships USA, a coalition of community groups, and labor and faith organizations working to address economic disparities in California's Silicon Valley. She also served as the CEO of the anti-poverty organization Green For All. 

Over the course of her career, Phaedra has been recognized for her leadership. She was honored by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader, Essence for their 25 Most Influential African Americans, Ebony for their Power 150, The Grio for their 100 History Makers in the Making, Black Enterprise for their 40 Next: Emerging Leaders for Our Future and San Jose Magazine named her one of the 100 most powerful people in Silicon Valley. Phaedra serves on the boards of Honor and Tipping Point.

Stephanie Owens

Sr Advisor Election Protection, NAACP

Stephanie Owens is the Principal of Dolphin Strategies LLC, a public affairs firm specializing in voter participation, civic engagement, and issue advocacy. With more than 25 years of experience in political campaigns, public policy, and voting rights, Stephanie is widely respected for designing innovative, community-centered strategies that expand access to the ballot and strengthen democracy.

A nationally recognized leader in voter and election protection, Stephanie has served as the NAACP’s Grassroots Election Protection Advisor for multiple election cycles, where she has led strategic planning, campaign development, and coalition coordination. Her work has been central to building the NAACP’s proactive election protection infrastructure—equipping local organizers, training volunteers, and defending the freedom to vote in the face of mounting suppression threats.

Stephanie has also developed civic engagement initiatives for a range of mission-driven organizations, including the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, the American Cancer Society, National Football League, NASCAR, and the African National Congress. Her reputation as a trusted strategist stems from her ability to build bridges across sectors and transform civic participation into lasting policy impact.

Her public service career includes senior leadership appointments by Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. She has held key roles in the White House and across federal agencies, including Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the White House Interagency Task Force. She played a pivotal role in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, post-disaster community engagement after the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and economic equity reforms in federal procurement.

In 2022, she served as Deputy Mayor of the City of St. Petersburg, following her strategic leadership in a historic campaign that elected the city’s first African-American Mayor.

Stephanie’s board service includes the ACLU of Florida, the League of Women Voters of Florida, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority, the Pinellas County Homeless Leadership Board, and Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. Her deep commitment to equity and her decades of volunteer-led grassroots training have helped empower thousands of everyday.

Phillip Agnew

Co-Director, Black Men Build

Dr. Raquel Martin

Psychologist, Martin Psychological Services

Dr. Raquel Martin is a licensed clinical psychologist, assistant professor, scientist, and podcast host specializing in Black health, wellbeing, and identity development. As a professor, she teaches courses such as Psychology of the Black Experience, Mental Health Activism & Hip-Hop, and Anti-Oppressive Mental Health Care.

Dr. Martin is also the founder and organizer of the national Burn The Cape Initiative, which provides free, therapist-led support group sessions for Black women focused on dismantling the Superwoman belief system, addressing burnout, identity, and collective healing through a culturally grounded, liberation-based curriculum.  She hosts the Mind Ya Mental podcast, which centers the Black experience and fosters dialogue on wellbeing while humanizing the Black community.

Dr. Martin's influential work has been featured in Forbes, Essence, Buzzfeed, and USA Today. As a content creator with over 1.5 million followers across social platforms, she continues to inspire and educate worldwide.

As a wife, mother, licensed clinical psychologist, and liberation-oriented advocate, Dr. Raquel Martin empowers communities by transforming how we understand and protect mental health—especially in Black communities. Drawing from both lived experience and clinical expertise, she offers tangible, trauma-informed tools rooted in cultural relevance, identity affirmation, and psychological liberation. Whether she's on stage, in the classroom, or on your timeline, Dr. Martin is committed to reshaping the narrative around mental health so people feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive. Her work sits at the intersection of science, storytelling, and social justice, making her a trusted voice in the national conversation on Black health and liberation.

Nicholas Gothard

Senior National Coordinator of Election Protection, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Nick Gothard is a national voting rights advocate and organizer. Currently serving as Senior National Coordinator of Election Protection at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Nick works at the intersection of organizing and litigation to advance voting rights for Black communities and communities of color across the country. He also manages the Lawyers’ Committee’s LGBTQ+ voting rights campaign, Vote Out Loud, which empowers and educates LGBTQ+ voters of color to make their voices heard in their communities and at the ballot box. 

Nick is based in Washington, DC, where he lives with his partner Zachary. He holds a Certificate of Public Policy from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lewis & Clark College.

Will Polk

Deputy General Counsel, North Carolina Department of Public Safety

Will Polk serves as the lead counsel for the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management. He is currently chair of the Legal Counsel Committee for the National Emergency Management Association and was a member of the Legal Services Corporation’s Disaster Task Force.

Mr. Polk served as Deputy General Counsel in the Office of the Governor before working for the Department of Public Safety. He has also served as General Counsel in the Office of the Lt. Governor and as Director of the Victims and Citizens Services Section of the Attorney General’s office. 

He started his career in state government as a public safety policy analyst for the Office of the Governor. He was also chair of the Workplace Violence Committee of the North Carolina Council for Women/Domestic Violence Commission. Polk served as the North Carolina Attorney General’s designee to the North Carolina Council for Women/Domestic Violence Commission. He was recognized for his legislative efforts by receiving the Legislative Advocacy Award from the North Carolina Coalition against Domestic Violence. 

Polk, a native of Harrisburg, North Carolina, received a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration in criminal justice from North Carolina State University in 1996 and his Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 1999. He is admitted to the North Carolina State Bar and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Dr. Tony Lozama

Medical Director/Cardiovascular, Novartis

Dr. Tony Lozama is currently a US Medical Director for Cardiovascular Disease at Novartis where he focuses on the development of new medicines. In addition to his efforts to bring new medicines to the market, he is actively involved with strategic partnerships and community outreach in support of the underserved community and driving efforts in education and empowerment of patients.  These include leading national scale health improvement and implementation efforts across various health systems.  Dr. Lozama is a trained medicinal organic chemist and immunologist with over 15 years’ experience in drug development and medical affairs.  He has been a part of the medical team at Novartis for the past 7 years across numerous therapeutic areas with increasing levels of responsibility and recently served for several years as chair of the National Institutes of Health Drug Design and Molecular Pharmacology study section.  Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Lozama received his undergraduate degree from SUNY-Stony Brook before continuing his doctoral studies from the Universities of Iowa and Kansas and postdoctoral fellowship from the Scripps Research Institute in California.

L. Joy Williams

President, NAACP NYS Conference

L. Joy Williams is a seasoned political strategist, civic leader, and dynamic speaker with a passion for empowering individuals and communities to engage in the democratic process.

As President of the Brooklyn NAACP and President of the New York State NAACP Conference of Branches, L. Joy is dedicated to advancing civil rights, advocating for social justice, and creating lasting change in her community. Her leadership also extends to her role as Chair of Higher Heights PAC, where she works to amplify the political voice of Black women across the nation.

Through her work, L. Joy has built a reputation for delivering impactful speeches, training sessions, and workshops that inspire action. Whether leading discussions on policy reform, advocating for racial equity, or facilitating conversations on civic engagement, her voice resonates with audiences across the country.

L. Joy is also the host of the nationally recognized and four-time NAACP Image Award-nominated podcast, #SundayCivics. The show, which teaches adults how to understand and navigate the political system, has become a vital tool for those seeking to become more involved in civic life. Through candid interviews with policymakers, thought leaders, and community activists, #SundayCivics encourages listeners to take meaningful action in their communities.

Throughout her career, L. Joy has championed numerous advocacy efforts—from local campaigns to national initiatives—helping to shape public policy and galvanize communities to demand accountability from elected officials. Her leadership is not just about policy change but also about providing people with the tools to become advocates themselves, strengthening the civic fabric of our democracy.

Beyond her professional roles, L. Joy is deeply committed to personal empowerment and education. She believes that everyone has the ability to make a difference, and through both her public work and her podcast, she provides a platform for individuals to learn, grow, and take action in ways that align with their values.

Her work has earned recognition from organizations across the country, and she continues to be a trusted voice for progress and change. L. Joy’s tireless commitment to the cause of justice, equity, and civic engagement inspires those around her to believe in their own power to create a better future.

Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant

Civil Rights Activist

Visionary. Civil Rights Activist. Community Organizer. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient. 2X Grammy Award Winning Artist; Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant combines sound biblical teaching, business acumen, and political insight to propel the Body of Christ to action and greater levels of faith. 

Since his youth, Dr. Bryant has prevailed against the odds – rising from a G.E.D. to a Ph.D. Before pastoring, he served as the National Youth and College Director of the NAACP for six years, where he helped to mobilize over 70,000 youth worldwide in non-violent campaigns.

Dr. Bryant, a third-generation minister, was the founding pastor of Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore, Maryland, acclaimed as the fastest-growing African Methodist Episcopal church in the denomination’s 200-year history.

With an undeniable gift to bridge generations from the Civil Rights movement to the Black Lives Matter era, Dr. Bryant incites change in the faith community. His ability to reach across social, economic, and political barriers has helped people experience the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ and activate success in their everyday lives. His ministry has become an incubator for entrepreneurs, homeowners, and the like. Additionally, programs under his guidance have aimed to spread the gospel, develop strong leaders, empower the economically disadvantaged, and challenge social injustices.

In December 2018, Dr. Bryant was appointed as the Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia. His leadership efforts have strengthened the multi- generational bond among members, cultivated families, and expanded community outreach as well as the church’s cultural significance.

Abre' Conner

Director of Environmental and Climate Justice, NAACP

Abre' Conner, Esq. is the Director of the Center for Environmental and Climate Justice and oversees the strategy and collaboration across the NAACP to dismantle environmental racism. She has taught Education Law and is currently faculty in the Environmental Policy and Management Program at the University of California-Davis.

A native of Lakeland, FL, Abre' served as the Directing Attorney of Health at the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley where she led the litigation, direct legal services work, and advocacy regarding health equity and the social determinants of health that impact historically excluded communities across the Silicon Valley. Before joining the Law Foundation, Abre' was a staff attorney with the ACLU Foundation of Northern California, where she advocated for the civil rights and liberties of Central Valley and Northern California residents, including an emphasis on issues that impact people of color in rural communities such as environmental justice. As a staff attorney at the Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment in Delano, CA, Abre' primarily worked with migrant farmworkers and in unincorporated communities. She has worked at numerous civil rights entities including the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, and Capitol Hill. She was also an associate in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel in the Obama Administration. Abre' served as the elected Assembly Speaker for the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, the chief policy officer for the Division, and is an appointed member of the ABA's Commission on Youth at Risk Advisory Board and Children's Rights Litigation Working Group. Under her leadership, the Division adopted a resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis which is now ABA policy. She currently sits on the ABA's Board of Governors, Earthjustice's Board of Trustees, and was appointed to the EPA's first HBCU-MSI Advisory Council.

A graduate of American University, Washington College of Law, and the University of Florida, Abre' has been named a top 40 under 40 Nation's Best Advocate by the National Bar Association, top 100 leader by Fresno Black Chamber of Commerce, top 40 On the Rise Attorneys by the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Community Champion by Fresno Building Healthy Communities, 40 under 40 alumni by the University of Florida, 40 under 40 Young, Gifted, and Green recipient, and has been featured in the New York Times' The Daily, Essence, Forbes Magazine, American Bar Association Journal, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated's National Magazine, The Archon, and Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Carroll Rhodes

General Counsel, Mississippi NAACP/The Law Offices of Carroll Rhodes

Carroll is a civil rights and voting rights attorney in Mississippi who received his B. A. Degree from Millsaps College in 1973 and his J. D. Degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1978. Carroll is a legal consultant to the Office of General Counsel for the NAACP and the general counsel for the Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP. Carroll has served as a member of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors for the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Carroll is the recipient of the American Bar Association’s John Minor Wisdom Professionalism and Public Service Award (1990); the National Black Caucus of State Legislators Nation Builder Award (1991); the National Conference of Black Lawyers Lawyer of the Year Award (1992); the Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP Judicial Trailblazer Award and the Lawyer of the Year Award (twice); the National Bar Association’s Presidential Unsung Hero Award (2021); and the Magnolia Bar Association R. Jesse Brown Award (twice).

Carroll has been involved in hundreds of voting rights cases in Mississippi over the past 44 years involving challenges to discriminatory voting practices at the municipal, county, district, and statewide levels. Carroll was lead counsel in Kirksey v. Allain and Martin v. Allain - the first successful voting rights case challenging districts for the election of judges. He was also lead counsel in Watkins v. Mabus - the legislative redistricting case which resulted in a negotiated settlement doubling the number of majority African-American legislative districts and African American legislators in Mississippi to more than 50.

Carroll served as co-counsel for amicus curiae, the Jackson State University Alumni Association, in the Ayers case (U. S. v. Fordice) which resulted in increased funding for Mississippi’s historically black colleges and universities.

Carroll has served as a legal consultant to the Office of General Counsel for the NAACP since the 2020 Federal Decennial Census assisting the Office of General Counsel in conducting forums on redistricting and coordinating litigation strategy with redistricting partners across the United States. Carroll is also the author of three law journal articles - Enforcing the Voting Rights Act in Mississippi Through Litigation; Changing the Constitutional Guarantee of Voting Rights from Color Conscious to Color Blind: Judicial Activism by the Rehnquist Court; and Federal Appellate Courts Push Back Against States’ Voter Suppression Laws and a short book - IT IS TIME (It Is Time to Increase the Number of Justices on the United States Supreme Court from Nine to Fifteen).

Dr. Tony Price

Senior Fellow, Center for Health Equity | NAACP

Tony serves as the Senior Fellow within the Center for Health Equity at NAACP, where he leads national initiatives aimed at eliminating health disparities and advancing health equity. In this role, Tony provides strategic leadership on key projects and leverages his expertise in chronic disease prevention, exercise, and physical activity to support healthier outcomes in historically underserved communities.

Prior to joining the NAACP, Tony was a Senior Research Associate at the Georgia Health Policy Center, where he served as the Technical Assistance Lead for projects supported by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. There, he provided guidance to rural communities across the U.S. to enhance capacity and improve health outcomes through innovative, community-centered approaches. Tony is passionate about collaboration and connection, often acting as a bridge between partners and resources to maximize impact. He currently serves as a member of the Georgia State University Alumni Association Board of Directors and as the Strategic Advisor - Mission Delivery and member on the national Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee for the Arthritis Foundation. He is also a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), committed to advancing accessible and inclusive health education.

In 2025, Tony was honored as the inaugural recipient of the CATALYSTS Foundation Impact Award by the Catalysts Foundation in recognition of his commitment to transformative public health leadership.

Tony is a “Triple Panther,” holding a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science all from Georgia State University. As part of a military family growing up, Tony was raised on bases from Okinawa to Warner Robins, but has found roots as an Atlanta resident since moving here for college.

Gary Bledsoe

President, Texas NAACP/Texas NAACP Legal Redress Chair

Gary Bledsoe is President of the Texas NAACP and has held that position since being elected in 1991. He is an Austin lawyer, who specializes in employment, civil rights, and public interest law. Bledsoe served as Austin Branch President from 1987 to 1991 and has served on the National Board of Directors since 2003. He currently is the Chair of the Housing Committee and Vice-Chair of the Environmental and Climate Justice Subcommittee and the Legal Committee.

Bledsoe’s ties with the NAACP enabled him to make substantial civil rights changes, which include his handling of racial discrimination complaints against the Texas DPS that dismantled racial barriers that prevented minorities and women from becoming Texas Rangers. His involvement in the Cedar Avenue case resulted in heightened public awareness of the Austin Police Department’s mishandling of minority youth and led to widespread changes in how police abuse cases are handled and the creation of a scholarship program for minority youth to attend college or trade school. Bledsoe joined with Attorney Robert Notzon and others in redistricting to successfully seek the creation of the 9th Congressional District in Texas now held by former NAACP PresidentAlexander Green. In the 2010 round of redistricting he joined with Attorney Notzon, theSouthern Coalition for Social Justice and attorney Victor Goode from the National LegalDepartment to defeat the State’s new proposed Congressional, Senate and House redistricting plans in Section 5 litigation and the same group successfully showed vote dilution in the State ofTexas House of Representatives map and also the configuration of Congressional District 30 held by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson in separate Section 2 litigation. Bledsoe joined with Notzon and the Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, attorney Daniel Covich and the Dechert Firm, along with other parties to successfully challenge Texas discriminatory voter identification laws. The landmark settlement resulted in the creation of a scholarship program for college-bound minority youth. Bledsoe’s legal acumen has earned him lawyer of the year awards from the Travis County Bar Association Young Lawyer’s Division and the Attorney General’sOffice and an inclusion in the 100 Best Black Lawyer’s in America and a lifetime achievement award from the National Bar Association. Bledsoe received the Virgil Lott Medal from theUniversity of Texas School of Law as an outstanding alum. He is also the author of the PredatoryLending Principles used by the National NAACP to engage banks and seek to change their practices so that the African-American Community has greater access to capital. These principles resulted from a landmark lawsuit brought by Bledsoe, Vic Feazell, Daniel Covich, Austin Tighe and the National Office of General Counsel among others. 
Bledsoe has received awards from the Austin and National NAACP’s, the Austin Urban League and the National NAACP. The Texas NAACP during Bledsoe’ tenure has President has received the Juanita Jackson Mitchell Award for Legal Advocacy on two separate occasions. Bledsoe has served for many years as the Vice-Chair of the Legal Committee under the legendary Fred Banks who Chairs the Committee. Bledsoe served on the Board of Regents for Texas SouthernUniversity from 2007 to 2017. Bledsoe was the Acting Dean of Thurgood Marshall School ofLaw at Texas Southern University from November 2017 to July 2019. He is currently with theBledsoe Law Firm PLLC.

Professor Irving Joyner

Professor of Law, North Carolina Central University School of Law

Irving L. Joyner has worked as a professor at the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law since 1982. From 1984 to 1992, Joyner served as the associate dean of the NCCU School of Law. He regularly teaches courses in Criminal Law; Criminal Procedure; and Civil Rights and Race and the Law. As a member of the faculty, Professor Joyner serves on a number of Law School and University committees. 

Professor Joyner has written three editions of his book Criminal Procedure in North Carolina, which is published by LexisNexis Publishing Company. He regularly prepares annual supplements to that publication. The first edition was published in 1989, the second in 1999, and the third in 2006. Additionally, Professor Joyner has written a number of articles and manuscripts for continuing legal education programs. He speaks and lectures regularly at legal education, civil rights, political empowerment and educational advancement programs. 

Professor Joyner provides legal counsel to several political, religious and community organizations and to needy individuals in civil rights and criminal appeals cases. He has served on several State study commissions and agencies and in leadership roles with a variety of community groups and organizations. This service includes a five-year term as the vice-chairperson of the 1898 Wilmington Race Riot Commission. He is also a regular legal commentator for local, state and national media primarily in the areas of law, politics, civil rights and racial justice. Along with Professor April Dawson, he co-hosts the highly acclaimed “Legal Eagle Review,” which is dedicated to a discussion of current local and national legal issues and is heard each Sunday evening on WNCU 90.7 FM. 

In 2004, Professor Joyner was honored as the Lawyer of the Year by the George H. White Bar Association, an organization of African-American lawyers in Durham County, and is a past recipient of the Lawyer of the Year Award by the North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers. In 2006, he was honored by NCCU Law School students as Professor of the Year. Over the years, he has received a number of honors and awards for his work as a professor, a civil rights and criminal law litigator and a community and political activist. 

Professor Joyner and his family are members of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in LaGrange, N.C., the church in which he was raised and now serves as legal counsel and advisor. 

Katrina Feldkamp

Assistant Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund

Katrina Feldkamp serves as Assistant Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF). She joins LDF from Bronx Legal Services, where she represented Bronx students and families in special education and school discipline proceedings; led policy and litigation efforts to challenge racial, gender, and economic inequity in New York City schools; and coordinated the Healing-Centered Schools Working Group, a community advocacy effort to bring trauma-responsive practices to the City’s public schools. She began her tenure at Bronx Legal Services as an Equal Justice Works Fellow. 

During her time at Bronx Legal Services, Katrina negotiated a landmark settlement on behalf of four students with disabilities who experienced gender-based violence while attending New York City public schools. The settlement resulted in significant changes to the Department of Education’s policies on gender-based violence and established a new policy for supporting students with trauma-related disabilities. As coordinator of the Healing-Centered Schools Working Group, Katrina authored the Community Roadmap to Bring Healing-Centered Schools to the Bronx, a document describing how schools can replace punitive and racist structures  with practices that center healing and provide a culturally-responsive learning environment. 

Katrina received her J.D. from the New York University School of Law, where she was an Arthur Garfield Hays Civil Liberties Fellow, served on the Review of Law and Social Change, and co-led the South Asian Law Students Association. She received her B.A. in Political Science and Economics from Fordham College at Rose Hill. Before law school, Katrina worked in New York City government. She is barred in New York State and the Eastern District of New York. 

Kevin Hannon

Partner, Singleton Schreiber

Kevin Hannon is a partner in Singleton Schreiber and a member of our environmental litigation, mass tort, and personal injury and wrongful death practice groups. Mr. Hannon has extensive experience in successfully litigating environmental cases in multiple state and federal courts. 

Two of Mr. Hannon’s environmental trials, Orjias v. Louisiana-Pacific and Escamilla v. Asarco, achieved the largest jury awards in environmental cases in Colorado at the time of verdict. The Escamilla case resulted in a $28 million verdict and the cleanup of a neighborhood of 570 homes. His work in NWIS v. Public Service resulted in the application for closure of a leaking underground natural gas storage facility. In Wilks v. Phelps Dodge, Mr. Hannon acted as lead counsel on behalf of a community with contaminated groundwater and achieved a settlement that included a medical monitoring program, replacement drinking water wells, and monetary compensation for his clients. In many of Mr. Hannon’s environmental cases, he has negotiated not only a monetary payment for his clients, but also remediation of the contamination. 

Mr. Hannon is currently serving as the Chair of the Class Action Committee for Depo-Provera Injection Litigation. He has served and now serves as lead counsel in several environmental class actions in several states including Arizona and Missouri. Mr. Hannon has successfully completed cases involving air, groundwater, soil and noise pollution and continues to represent businesses and individuals for personal injury and property damage from solvents, heavy metals, lead waste, lead paint, radiation, pesticides, petroleum products, and other substances. 

Mr. Hannon has given dozens of seminar presentations for professional attorneys’ associations during the past three decades. His recent seminars for the American Association for Justice included “Rapid Response Seminar: Recent Train Derailments: Environmental and Toxic Torts, Damages,” March 2023; “Avoiding Federal Court By Avoiding Snap Removal,” July 2022; and “Update on Medical Monitoring Case Law,” July 2021. 

Prior to joining Singleton Schreiber, Mr. Hannon established The Hannon Law Firm in 1988. Before beginning his law career, Mr. Hannon worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the air quality and toxic substances programs. 

Mr. Hannon graduated from Georgetown University Law Center. He earned a master’s degree cum laude in environmental management from Duke University. During law school, Mr. Hannon served as science advisor for Trial Lawyers for Public Justice (TLPJ), a national public interest law firm. 

Mr. Hannon is a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA), American Association of Justice, and bar and trial associations for the District of Columbia, Missouri, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. He chaired the American Association of Justice’s Environmental and Toxics Committee from 2022-2023. In 2024, Mr. Hannon was elected as one of six Governing Board Members with Public Justice. 

Mr. Hannon’s work has been recognized with numerous professional awards, including the “Trial Lawyer of the Year” award from the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice Foundation in Washington, D.C., and CTLA’s “Case of the Year” and “Outstanding Young Trial Lawyer” awards. 

Mr. Hannon is admitted to practice in the state courts of Colorado, the District of Columbia, Missouri, New Hampshire, Wyoming and Wisconsin; the U.S. District Court for the districts of Arizona, Colorado, and the Eastern and Western districts of Missouri; the First, Third, Eighth, and Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals; the U.S. Court of Federal Claims; and the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Since moving to Denver, Mr. Hannon has served on the Management Committee for the NCAA Men’s Final Four Basketball Tournament. He worked for the Colorado Baseball Partnership and on the Management Committee for the Colorado Baseball Commission in the efforts to build a new baseball-only stadium and to locate a Major League Baseball franchise in Colorado. 

LaCrisha McAllister

Associate Attorney, Singleton Schreiber

LaCrisha McAllister is an associate in our Products Liability and Mass Tort practice group. 

A recent law school graduate, Ms. McAllister is passionate about achieving justice for unsuspecting consumers, employees, and families exposed to harmful products and chemicals. 

Before joining Singleton Schreiber, Ms. McAllister received her bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in social work at Illinois State University. Soon thereafter, Ms. McAllister attended Southern University Law Center where she served as the Trial Advocacy Board Vice President and competed nationally in trial competitions, as well as serving as a junior editor for both the Journal of Race, Gender, and Poverty and Southern University Law Review. As a law student, Ms. McAllister served as a research assistant in the Louis Berry Institute for Civil Rights and Injustice under Angela Allen-Bell, solidifying her commitment to the advancement of civil and human rights and social and restorative justice. In 2021, Ms. McAllister graduated cum laude among the top 10% in her class with a Juris Doctor degree in Law and received the CALI Award of Excellence for the highest grade in Legal Writing and Trial Advocacy. 

From there, Ms. McAllister served as a judicial law clerk for Honorable Judge Jennifer M. Medley of Orleans Civil District Court, an associate attorney at a New Orleans firm specializing in Chemical Exposures, Toxic Torts, and Personal Injury, and Bullock Ward Mason specializing in Mass Torts. 

She is admitted to practice in Louisiana.  

Mayor Vi Alexander Lyles

Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina

On November 7, 2023, Vi Lyles was sworn in for her fourth term as Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. As a Democratic leader, her vision for growth extends to robust transportation infrastructure and community safety initiatives. 

Mayor Lyles received a bachelor's degree in political science from Queens University and a master's degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Under her leadership, the City of Charlotte continues to grow as a center for commerce, culture and diversity.

Cliff Worley

Head of Portfolio Marketing, Kapor Capital

Cliff Worley is an accomplished marketing leader and growth advisor to startups. As Head of Portfolio Marketing at Kapor Capital, he provides strategic coaching to help VC-backed companies effectively go to market and scale customer acquisition. 

Cliff is also the creator and author of Cliff Notes AI, a highly regarded AI newsletter that delivers the most essential and cutting-edge AI news without the fluff, keeping readers informed and up-to-date on the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. 

Cliff serves on the boards of two esteemed organizations: The NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center, a non-profit that educates, innovates, and connects aspiring and current entrepreneurs, and VC Platform, the largest group of platform professionals in the venture capital industry, representing over 2,000 global firms managing $3 trillion in assets. 

Congresswoman Alma Adams

Congresswoman, 12th Congressional District of North Carolina

Dr. Alma S. Adams was elected to her sixth full term representing the 12th Congressional District of North Carolina on November 5, 2024. After winning a special election in November 2014, Congresswoman Adams was sworn in immediately as the 100th woman elected to the 113th Congress.

Representative Adams serves on the Committee on Education & Workforce and the House Committee on Agriculture. She serves on the subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education and is Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development. Additionally, she serves on the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture and the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.

One of her outstanding legislative accomplishments is the enactment of H.R. 5363, the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act that permanently provides funding totaling $255 million a year for all Minority-Serving Institutions, including $85 million for HBCUs. Another is the establishment of a new $50 million R&D grant program for HBCUs and MSI’s in 2023 federal budget.

Representative Adams has previously served on the Financial Services Committee, Joint Economic Committee and in several leadership positions, including Assistant Whip for the Democratic Caucus, Vice Chair of Agriculture, Ranking Member of the Small Business Committee, ranking member of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, and ranking member of the Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulation.

The Congresswoman is the co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Rep. Lauren Underwood of Illinois, as well as the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus. Adams is also a member of the Women’s Caucus, Diabetes Caucus, Autism Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, Progressive Education Caucus, Historic Preservation Caucus, AIDS/HIV Caucus, Hunger Caucus, Medicaid Expansion Caucus, and the Art Caucus.

The Black Maternal Health Caucus works to reduce the unacceptable rates of mortality and morbidity for Black parents. Adams introduced the landmark Momnibus package in 2020, 2021, and 2023 with other members of the caucus.  

The HBCU Caucus promotes bipartisan legislation that supports HBCUs and their graduates. Since its inception, the caucus has coordinated the Diversity in Tech program and the HBCU Braintrust, both of which foster engagement, collaboration, and partnership between Fortune 500 companies, government and industry leaders, and HBCUs. The caucus also won $40 million for HBCUs for scholarships, funding for newly established centers of excellence in agriculture, and additional funding for agricultural research and cooperative extension for 1890 land grant universities in the 2018 Farm Bill.

Throughout her career, Representative Adams has fought for a quality education for all students, including legislation to provide nutritious breakfasts in schools and increased pay for teachers. For 40 years, Dr. Adams taught Art at Bennett College. While at Bennett, she led the effort to increase student civic participation coining the phrase “Bennett Belles are Voting Belles” and organizing annual marches to the polls. As a former educator, Rep. Adams has dedicated her career to improving the lives of young people and her community. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the North Carolina A&T State University Human Rights Medal, the highest award presented by her alma mater to an individual who fights against social injustice and helps improve the world, and was inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame.

In 1994 Dr. Adams was appointed by her peers to serve in the North Carolina House District 26 seat. She went on to serve ten terms in the State House. During her tenure, she rose to become the chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and was instrumental in passing legislation that improved the climate for quality affordable health care in the state. Representative Adams also pioneered the Displaced Homemakers Bill and successfully spearheaded the state’s first minimum wage increase in nine years.

Before serving as a member of the North Carolina General Assembly, Congresswoman Adams served nine years on the Greensboro City Council. Throughout her service to the second district in Greensboro, Dr. Adams worked to create safe and affordable housing and for the revitalization of neighborhoods. She began her political career in the 1980’s by becoming the first African American woman ever elected to the Greensboro City School Board. It was then that she made a lifetime commitment to effecting social change in her community and beyond.

Congresswoman Adams has one daughter, Linda Jeanelle Lindsay, one son Billy E. Adams II, four grandchildren: Joslyn Lindsay, Aaron Lindsay, Billy E. Adams III, and Miracle Sumner, and one great granddaughter Blair Rose Adams. Congresswoman Adams graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in 1968 and received her Master of Arts in Art Education in 1972. She earned her Ph.D. in Art Education and Multicultural Education from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio in 1981.

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis

President and CEO, Benedict College

Dr. Artis was unanimously appointed by the Board of Trustees as the 14th and first woman President of Benedict College on June 30, 2017. Previously, Dr. Artis served as the 13th and first woman President of Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, Florida. 

Intentional, professional, and thoroughly committed to the proliferation and transformation of colleges and universities that serve underrepresented men and women of color, Dr. Artis’ leadership has been recognized locally and nationally.  In 2018, she was named “Female HBCU President of the Year” by HBCU Digest.  In 2019, Dr. Artis was named to Diverse Issues in Higher Education’s “Top 35 Leading Women in Higher Education.” That same year, Benedict College was awarded the American Council on Education (ACE) Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation and recognized as the HBCU of the Year by HBCU Digest. In 2020, Dr. Artis was named “President of the Year” by Higher Ed Dive for her leadership in navigating the unprecedented challenges of 2020. In 2021, President Artis was appointed to the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI). NACIQI advises the U.S. Secretary of Education on matters concerning accreditation, the Secretary’s recognition process for accrediting agencies, and institutional eligibility for federal student aid, through the Committee’s public meetings. Most recently, in 2022, President Artis was named one of Columbia Business Monthly’s 50 Most Influential people in South Carolina. 

Dr. Artis is the Chair of the Presidents’ Advisory Board for Title III Administrators, is a member of the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Presidents’ Advisory Council and is a Member of the Board of Directors for the American Council on Education (ACE). She also serves as a Board Member of CIEE - Council on International Educational Exchange and previously served on the Board for the Forum on Education Abroad.  She is the Vice-Chair for the “Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) HBCU/MSI Collaboration” and has been named an “Equity in Energy Ambassador” for the United States Department of Energy. She previously served on the Education Advisory Committee to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, during the Obama Administration. 

Artis has been a trailblazer for much of her life. A prolific speaker, critical thinker, and fierce advocate for educational access. Dr. Artis is frequently engaged as a mentor, lecturer, and catalyst for strategic transformation. She is a widely respected innovator and thought leader on issues of higher education, specifically as it relates to underserved and vulnerable populations, having published countless articles and editorials on topics related to higher education equity and inclusion as well as the complexities associated with leading minority serving institutions.  Artis is the founding Co-Chair for the Historically Black College and University Annual Sustainability Summit, which is in its 6th year.  She has received more than 300 awards and recognitions locally and nationally for her work.  

Dr. Artis is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she earned a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Policy. She also holds a Juris Doctorate from West Virginia University College of Law, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political science from sister HBCU, West Virginia State University. The consummate professional, Dr. Artis also holds a Certificate of fundraising Management from Indiana University and a Certificate of Mastery in Prior Learning Assessment from DePaul University. 

Dr. Allison Scott

President, Kapor Foundation

Dr. Allison Scott is the CEO of the Kapor Foundation, which focuses at the intersection of racial justice and technology and works to remove barriers in access and opportunity, such that the promise and potential of technology can be harnessed to create a more equitable future.  

Under her leadership, the Kapor Foundation publishes research on disparities in the technology pipeline, deploys strategic grants to nonprofit organizations and initiatives, supports policy advocacy, and invests in tech entrepreneurs and venture funds aiming to utilize technology to close equity gaps across sectors.  

Dr. Scott has been a Principal Investigator on multiple national grants to expand access to computer science education, implement frameworks for culturally responsive-sustaining computing, and build a field of scholarship on women of color in computing. In her previous role as the Chief Research Officer, Dr. Scott has authored foundational research on inequity in CS education, disparities in the tech sector, the landscape of women of color in computing, and effective interventions for increasing participation of marginalized groups in computing disciplines.  Dr. Scott has also been a member of advisory boards and committees, including the FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Mathematics Committee for Transforming Trajectories for Women of Color in Tech, the SNAP Catalyze Tech Working Group and on the Boards of the Federation of American Scientists, CSforAll, and MissionBit. 

Previous positions included: Chief Research Officer at the Kapor Center; Program Leader for the National Institutes of Health’s Enhancing the Diversity of the Biomedical Workforce Initiative; Director of Research and Evaluation for the Level Playing Field Institute, and Data Analyst for the Education Trust-West. Dr. Scott holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hampton University. 

Queen Melissa

Activist | LGBTQI Advocate

Activist | LGBTQI Advocate | Motivational Speaker | DEI Trainer | Community Organizer | Project Manager | NAACP Carolyn Q. Coleman Trailblazer Award Recipient | Women’s Empowerment Leader | National & International Outstanding Leadership Award Recipient

Melissa Funderburk, affectionately known as "Queen" Melissa, has always been open about her life experiences. Growing up in North Carolina’s foster care system, she faced homelessness and left school in the 7th grade to become a single teenage mother raising a chronically ill child. Her journey has taken her from protesting in the streets for racial justice to pursuing higher education and becoming a leader in advocacy and empowerment.

As an activist and community organizer, Melissa is deeply engaged in social justice efforts, working with organizations such as the Charlotte JustUS League, Leaded the DO NO HARM Campaign and the NC Community Action Network. She has served as a panelist for the Dr. Maya Angelou Institute for Health & Equity and is a proud member of the Speaker’s Bureau for Warren & You for the Continent of South Africa just to name a few.

In her current work, Queen Melissa is currently a leader of leaders, leading and training over 25 awesome leaders, organizations, and communities to collaborate in building stronger, sustainable futures for Historically Marginalized People (HMP). Her motivational speaking engagements inspire youth, women, Queer, and individuals seeking empowerment, while her educational sessions focus on equipping HMP communities with the tools needed to thrive.

Melissa holds:

- MBA (specializing in Project Management) & master’s in organizational management (specializing in Marketing)

- Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration (specializing in Project Management)

- Certifications in Comparative Equality & Anti-Discrimination Law, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Workplace Interventions, Mental Health Instruction, GEMBA (Business Management Lean methodology), Grant writer, Harvard University(The Art of Persuasive writing and Public Speaking) and more

- Membership in Project Management Institute (PMI), NBMBAA (National Black MBA Association)

Melissa’s passion is to uplift, encourage, and give hope through speaking engagements, training, and advocacy.

Her motto: "LET’S MAKE IT DO WHAT IT DO!"

Yolo Akili Robinson

Executive Director, BEAM

Yolo Akili Robinson (he/they) is a non-binary, award-winning writer, healing justice practitioner, yogi, and the founder and Executive Director of the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM). A visionary in the field of mental health, Yolo leads BEAM—an innovative 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that funds, resources, holds healing spaces, and trains a network of Black therapists, wellness practitioners, and mental health organizations to provide culturally rooted wellness care to our most exploited and under-resourced communities. Through this work, BEAM builds a robust and sustainable ecosystem of care that challenges the structural barriers to emotional and mental well-being for communities across the U.S.

Under Yolo’s leadership, BEAM has distributed over $500,000 to other Black-led grassroots mental health organizations and $200,000 in direct cash assistance to more than 700 families navigating mental health challenges. The organization has also trained over 10,000 community members in healing justice and crisis response practices—building capacity for care across the nation.

BEAM’s work has received support from esteemed institutions such as the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, and The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, as well as prominent cultural figures including Jordan Peele, Kelly Rowland, Chloe x Halle, and Debbie Allen. In 2024, Yolo was named a Ford Global Fellow, and in 2023, he was recognized by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy during Minority Mental Health Month. His thought leadership has been featured at the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, The Milken Institute, and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Conference, among others.

Yolo is the recipient of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Health Equity Award and was spotlighted at the BET Awards as an "Empowerful" leader. His work and commentary have appeared in outlets such as GQ, USA Today, Women's Health, Vice, BET, Ebony, and Everyday Feminism.

He is the author of Dear Universe: Letters of Affirmation & Empowerment for All of Us (Michael Todd Books, 2016), and a contributing writer to the New York Times bestseller You Are Your Best Thing (edited by Tarana Burke and Dr. Brené Brown, 2021). Yolo resides in Los Angeles, California, continuing to reimagine wellness through a Black liberation lens.

Keisha Bross

Director of Opportunity, Race, and Justice | NAACP

Keisha Deonarine is a prominent figure in the field of social justice work and community advocacy. She is currently leading as Director of Opportunity, Race, and Justice at the NAACP, where she oversees the organization's national inclusive economy strategy. Keisha's work centers around driving transformative change with a racial equity lens, specifically aimed at advancing the progress of Black and Brown economy.

Prior to joining the NAACP, Keisha served as an executive at Park Community Credit Union. Her leadership resulted in over $5 million in federal grants and $122.5 million in secondary capital for the Louisville, KY community. Keisha's philanthropic efforts gifted over $1.2 million in grant funds to non-profits and minority small businesses in marginalized communities across Kentucky. Obtaining a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certification, she championed for capital in Black and marginalized communities at a national level.

Keisha's passion for community and advocacy extends beyond her work at the NAACP. She has a successful consulting practice focused on strategic planning, from the perspective of anti-racism and anti-white supremacy. Over the past five years, Keisha has served over fifteen successful clients locally and nationally.

Before her tenure at the credit union, Keisha held leadership positions in philanthropy and city government. She has a remarkable track record in philanthropy, having gifted over $500 thousand in grants and served as the inaugural executive director for Passport Health Plan's Foundation. Keisha also played a pivotal role in funding more than $200 million in project investments, which resulted in over 6,000 jobs for the city of Louisville.

Keisha's exemplary work has not gone unnoticed. She was named the ABFE Connecting Leaders Fellowship Program Class of 2020, Forty Under 40 by Business First in 2021, Leadership Louisville Bingham Fellows Class of 2021, Today's Women DE&I Leader in 2022, and Most Admired Women Equity Champion Nominee in 2022. Keisha's unwavering commitment to social justice and equity is truly inspiring, and her achievements are a testament to her dedication and hard work in making a difference in the world.

Karen Boykin-Towns

Vice Chair, NAACP National Board of Directors

Karen Boykin-Towns is a distinguished strategist, accomplished executive, and committed advocate for equity and social justice. With over two decades of leadership across the corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors, she brings to her work a breadth of expertise in public affairs, policy, communications, and organizational transformation.

Ms. Boykin-Towns retired from Pfizer Inc. in 2019 after a 22-year tenure with the Fortune 50 global biopharmaceutical company, where she held senior leadership roles in government relations, policy, and human resources. In her final position as Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Pfizer's $34 billion Innovative Medicines business, she supported then-Global President Albert Bourla — now Chairman and CEO — in advancing the company's mission to deliver breakthrough therapies to patients worldwide.

She currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Encore Strategies LLC, a strategic public affairs consulting firm advising corporations, nonprofit organizations, and individual leaders. In addition, she is a Senior Advisor at FGS Global a preeminent global communications and public affairs consultancy.

Ms. Boykin-Towns is an Independent Director on the board of iFIT Health & Fitness Inc., a global leader in connected fitness, where she has played a pivotal role in guiding the company through executive transitions, corporate restructuring, and strategic realignment. She  served on the American Airlines Community Council, advising the executive leadership team on diversity, customer experience, and inclusive marketing strategies.

In the nonprofit sphere, Ms. Boykin-Towns serves as Vice Chair of the National Board of Directors of the NAACP, the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. She has been instrumental in driving strategic modernization, diversifying revenue streams, enhancing digital engagement, and advancing mission-driven impact. She also serves on the board of the VNS Health one of the nation's largest not-for-profit home and community-based health care organizations. 

Ms. Boykin-Towns' leadership and influence have been widely recognized. She has been featured in Bloomberg Businessweek, CBS, PBS, Variety, Black Enterprise, PR Week, Essence Magazine, WWD, Crain's, Black Entertainment Television, Network Journal, The On Boards Podcast, and The Cut. Savoy Magazine named her a "Top Influential Woman in Corporate America" in 2016. In 2020, she was honored as "Woman of the Year" by Seeds of Fortune and recognized by City & State as one of New York's Power Players in Politics and Government. In 2021, she was selected for Lafayette 148's Unordinary Women Campaign. In 2023, she received City & State's Above and Beyond Women award and was featured in Ebony Magazine as one of five Black female activists and trailblazers making significant strides toward equality for Black Americans and other marginalized communities.

Ms. Boykin-Towns holds a Master of Business Administration from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College, City University of New York, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from the University of Mount Saint Vincent.

She is married to Darryl C. Towns, former member of the New York State Assembly and currently Chairman of the New York State Parole Board. They reside in Brooklyn, NY and together are the proud parents of two daughters, Jasmine and Trinity, both engineers and graduates of North Carolina A&T State University.

Debo Adegbile

Partner, WilmerHale

John P. Kee

Musician

Pastor John Prince Kee, known as “The Prince of Gospel Music,” is a powerful gospel singer, songwriter, and pastor whose ministry spans over 35 years. Born in 1962 in Durham, North Carolina, he began playing piano at age eight and co-founded a jazz trio and choir by age 13. He founded Charlotte’s New Life Community Choir in the mid1980s and later the VIP Mass Choir. Kee has earned multiple Stellar Awards, Billboard and Soul Train awards, and seven Grammy nominations. He was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the 2025 BMI Trailblazer Award. He serves as Senior Pastor of New Life Fellowship Center in Charlotte and continues to impact lives through dynamic music, ministry, and outreach. 

Dee Dee Legette

CEO, Core Queen Fitness

Dee Dee Legette is a multifaceted entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and community leader based in Charlotte, North Carolina. As the CEO of Core Queen Fitness, she empowers individuals to achieve sustainable, healthy, and holistic well-being through customized online coaching programs. With a background as a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, Dee Dee brings discipline, resilience, and a passion for service to all her endeavors. Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Dee Dee is deeply committed to community service. She is the founder of Evelyn’s Joy Community Center, a nonprofit organization focused on providing educational empowerment and fostering responsible citizenship among youth. Through initiatives like the annual Back-to-School Bash, she actively supports local families and children in need. Dee Dee is also an author, motivational speaker, and advocate for healing and personal growth. Her personal journey of overcoming adversity inspires others to find hope and healing. Through her writing and speaking engagements, she empowers individuals to take control of their narratives, embrace their healing process, and live their fullest lives. In addition to her fitness and literary endeavors, Dee Dee hosts The Core Queen Podcast, where she engages in meaningful conversations on personal development, wellness, and community engagement. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and share transformative stories makes her an influential voice in the wellness and empowerment space. Dee Dee's multifaceted career and commitment to uplifting others continue to inspire and make a lasting impact both locally and beyond.

Devon Franklin

Actor

Krystle Virginia Nelson

Worship Leader

Krystle Virginia Nelson exemplifies the power of embracing change and becoming a catalyst for transformation. As the eldest daughter of Pastor Anthony and First Lady Peggy Maclin, she has dedicated her life to ministry and community leadership. At The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square in Upper Marlboro, MD, Krystle served as Director of the Women's Ministry and Coordinator of Public & Media Relations, teaching the impactful Bible study, “Having a Mary’s Heart in a Martha’s World.” Licensed to preach in 2016, she completed an intensive 20-month Minister-in-Training Program and continues to break barriers in her spiritual journey. Krystle’s academic accomplishments include a B.A. in Public Relations from Hampton University and a master's degree in divinity from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, and currently enrolled as a Doctoral student. 

Professionally, Krystle is a property manager with Greystar, where she oversees over 432 residential and commercial units in Washington, D.C., managing high-profile clients such as Starbucks and Petco. A certified property manager, she is pursuing further qualifications while balancing her role as Executive Administrator at The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square. 

Recently married to Bishop James D. Nelson Jr., Krystle is thriving in her second chance at love, serving in ministry at Destiny Christian Church in Baltimore, MD, alongside her husband. Together, they nurture a blended family with three children, two grandchildren, and a beloved pet, Koby. 

As a budding entrepreneur with a heart for inspiring others, Krystle’s commitment to excellence and faith-driven leadership continue to leave an indelible mark on her community.

Kelle Rozell

Storyteller

Isaiah Jones

Comedy Touring Agent, United Talent Agency (UTA)

Isaiah Jones is a Comedy Touring Agent at United Talent Agency (UTA) in New York City. He is originally from Dinwiddie, VA, where his journey in entertainment began while learning to play drums and percussion. Upon graduating from Georgetown University with a B.A. in Sociology and African American Studies and a minor in music, he started his career in entertainment with The Neo Elite, a DMV-based content and media production company. While there, he worked in Marketing and later led the Music Marketing division. Eventually, he became Senior Vice President, Head of Experiences & Products. Additionally, Isaiah served as the Brand Manager and Speaking Agent for Marcus Johnson, an esteemed international jazz pianist, producer, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist.

He later moved to New York and began his next chapter as a Music Touring Trainee in UTA's mailroom, eventually assisting in the booking of Rock, Indie and Pop acts while helping explore and book non-traditional talent for live tours, such as podcasts, digital talent, niche conventions & expos, and reality TV stars.

Since transitioning into comedy, Isaiah has built an eclectic roster, representing and booking various talent for live events, including stand-up comedians, digital creators, podcasters, kids' character-based live stage shows, and more.

Outside of work, Isaiah remains actively engaged in volunteering in the community through various local organizations and by serving in his fraternity on the executive committee of Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He also enjoys traveling the world, playing his drums, and is an avid marathon runner.

Yvette Lee Bowser

Writer-Producer, President and Founder, SisterLee Productions, Inc.

Veteran Showrunner Yvette Lee Bowser is the first and youngest Black woman to create and run her own primetime  series, having redefined the television landscape by creating the classic sitcom, Living Single, at just 27 years old. She’s been “all gas, no brakes” ever since. Throughout Bowser’s singular career, she’s made an indelible mark on the  culture by executive producing and shepherding more than ten series onto the air. 

Bowser’s humble beginnings instilled a sense of purpose and achievement at an early age. A graduate of Stanford  University, Bowser earned degrees in political science and psychology with distinction. She began her television  career as an unpaid trainee on the history-making A Different World. Armed with a vital collegiate perspective,  Bowser’s contributions transformed the DNA of the #2 show on television. In just five years, Bowser grew from an  apprentice to a Producer credited with penning 25 episodes. 

Bowser followed that success with the creation of the seminal series Living Single, which is widely regarded as the  blueprint for twentysomething ensemble comedies. A commercial and critical hit, Living Single was the #1 comedy in  Black and Latino households for its entire five-year run and was listed as one of Variety’s “100 Greatest TV Shows  of All Time” for “resetting the paradigm.” The award-winning series has enjoyed a robust presence in syndication 

for over three decades. With new life on streaming, the series continues to influence and empower multiple  generations of women and Black professionals to pursue their best lives boldly and unapologetically.  

Continuing to share her distinct voice with viewers worldwide, Bowser created the romantic comedy, For Your Love,  starring her childhood friend, Holly Robinson Peete. She went on to develop and serve as Showrunner of the popular  series, Half & Half. She also lent her expertise to launch the hit series black-ish and served as Showrunner and  Executive Producer on the powerful Netflix satire, Dear White People, and the critically praised Run The World. Most  recently, Bowser helmed the acclaimed dramedy, UnPrisoned, as Showrunner and Executive Producer.  

A Peabody Award winner and sought-after Showrunner and Creator, Bowser currently has a full slate of series in development under an overall pact with 20th Century Studios. Her dedication to producing high-quality content and  culturally inclusive stories earned her the Writers Guild of America’s prestigious Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award as  well as a place in Stanford University’s Multicultural Hall of Fame. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Austin Film  Festival Outstanding Television Writer Award. 

After nearly four decades of storytelling, Bowser remains determined to not only make content, but to make a  contribution. Bowser has paved the way for authentic representations of Black life on television, influencing generations of audiences and creators. Passionate about fostering the next wave of trailblazers, Bowser has guided countless writers, directors, actors, producers, and crew members toward success in the competitive television industry.  Bowser helped launch the WGA Showrunner Training Program, which, for over 20 years, has prepared some of  today’s most prolific and successful writer-producers for the rigors of creating and managing successful shows. 

Deeply committed to charitable causes, Bowser has supported and served on the boards of culture-shaping  organizations including The HollyRod Foundation, Girls Inc., Hollywood, Health & Society and Less Cancer. In 2003,  she founded The Butterfly Foundation to help children gain access to better education. She also joined forces with  First Tuesday Media to combat voter apathy and encourage civic participation. A proud member of Alpha Kappa  Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Bowser was named a “Very Important [Gen] Xer” by Time Magazine and was recently  recognized by Black Enterprise as “One of the 50 Most Impactful Women in Business Over the Past 50 Years.” Fun  fact: Bowser was once a clue on The New York Times Crossword. 

Born Yvette Denise Lee in Philadelphia, Bowser was raised and currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, Kyle, and their sons, Evan and Drew. She continues to share her unique point of view and capture the realities of our  world with clarity, compassion, authenticity, and a healthy dose of humor.

Christine Swanson

Filmmaker | Screenwriter

A visionary storyteller from Detroit, multiple award-winning director Christine Swanson earned her MFA in Film from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, one of the nation’s top-ranked graduate film programs.

Recognized early as a talented filmmaker, Christine was selected by NYU faculty as the Willard T.C. Johnson Fellow, the most prestigious fellowship given to the student who has achieved high standards in his or her work. CNN identified Christine as one of the most promising filmmakers to emerge from NYU’s graduate film program since Martin Scorsese, Ang Lee, Oliver Stone and Spike Lee (Christine’s NYU directing teacher).

Christine earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame, double majoring in Film Theory and Japanese. She was chosen by the Notre Dame Alumni Association as The Rev. Arthur S. Harvey Award recipient, acknowledging her achievements in the arts.

Christine has developed, written and/or directed entertainment projects for HBO Films, Lionsgate, Universal Television, Warner Bros. Television, CBS Television Studios, TV One, A&E Networks, BET Films, Starz and Faith Filmworks.

Christine’s movie directing credits include the network and cable television records breaking The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel, starring Academy Award nominee Aunjanue Ellis. The film won “Best TV Movie” from the African American Film Critics Association and the Satellite TV Award for “Best Television Movie.” The film was nominated for five NAACP Image Awards including “Outstanding Directing in a Television Motion Picture” for Christine and a Critics’ Choice Awards Nomination for “Best Television Movie.”

Christine also directed Aunjanue Ellis in the powerful short film, Fannie, about the ground-breaking testimony of human, voting and civil rights icon, Fannie Lou Hamer, in front of the Democratic National Convention’s Credentials Committee in 1964. Fannie earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Short Form Film.” 

Christine has also directed Albany Road, All About You, All About Us, To Hell and Back, Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story (which broke network ratings as the most watched original movie in the network’s history) and For the Love of Ruth, for which Christine earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Directing in a Television Motion Picture.” In addition to writing the above movies, Christine was a screenwriter for Woman Thou Art Loosed.

Among its numerous accolades, Albany Road was selected by the African American Film Critics Association as one of their "Top 10 Films of the Year” for 2024. Albany Road also garnered two NAACP Image Awards nominations for “Outstanding Independent Motion Picture” and “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture” for Lynn Whitfield.  

Some of Christine’s television directing credits include episodes of Chicago P.D., P-Valley, FBI, Found, Sweet Magnolias, All American, All American: Homecoming, MacGyver, Roswell, New Mexico and Bel Air. Her memorable episode of Chicago P.D., entitled “Black and Blue,” was rated “Best Episode” of Season 6 by Fansided.

Christine serves on the board of trustees for Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana; is an advisor to the Film and Television department at the University of Notre Dame and has served as a professor in the University of Georgia’s MFA Screenwriting Program. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband, studio executive and producer Michael Swanson, and their four children.

Michael Swanson

President | CEO | Producer

Emmy Award winner Michael Swanson is a Hollywood TV studio executive and film producer. He is also a visionary entrepreneur and president and CEO of the Los Angeles based production and distribution company, Faith Filmworks.

As senior vice president of production at Universal Studio Group, Michael is the studio executive responsible for the production of Universal Television’s Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Comedy Series Hacks, Parks and Recreation, The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, A Man on the Inside, Never Have I Ever, Community, Good Girls and Emmy Award winner Master of None.

Throughout his distinguished career in entertainment, Michael has produced movies to critical and audience acclaim including Albany Road, All About You, All About Us, For the Love of Ruth, To Hell and Back, Andraé Crouch: Making The Journey, Two Seasons, Notre Dame First Time Fans: Legacy, The Wayman Tisdale Story and Fannie.

Among its numerous accolades, Albany Road was selected by the African American Film Critics Association as one of their "Top 10 Films of the Year” for 2024. Albany Road also garnered two NAACP Image Awards nominations for “Outstanding Independent Motion Picture” and “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture” for Lynn Whitfield.  

On Broadway, Michael has been involved with the Tony Award winning hit musical, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, as well as the first Broadway revival of Ntozake Shange’s groundbreaking choreopoem, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf. This celebrated work garnered 7 Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Play. Michael is also helping to bring Hippest Trip — The Soul Train Musical to Broadway.

Early in his career, Michael was invited to join NBC's "Must See TV" national primetime sales team in New York that sold commercial space for top-rated NBC shows including Seinfeld, ER, Friends, Frasier and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This sales team became the first in broadcast television to book over $2.2 billion in upfront advertising revenue.

Earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Film, Television and Theatre from the University of Notre Dame; Michael was chosen by the Notre Dame Alumni Association as The Rev. Arthur S. Harvey Award recipient, acknowledging his achievements in the arts.

Michael serves on the board of directors for Wedgwood Circle and FEAST and is a member of Notre Dame’s Performing Arts Advisory Council, the Coalition for Faith and Media, the Hollywood Black Film Festival Advisory Board and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. A South Side of Chicago native, Michael resides in Los Angeles with his wife, filmmaker Christine Swanson, and their four children.

Chuck Hayward

Writer

CHUCK HAYWARD is a distinguished (and damned funny) writer with a variety of acclaimed credits in TV and film. He’s currently adapting the novel BOYS COME FIRST into a pilot, which he’ll also executive produce. He just finished up as a Co-Executive Producer on LIFE & BETH for Hulu and was also a Co-Executive Producer on Apple/WBTV's TED LASSO, for which he earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series.  Prior to that, he worked as a Supervising Producer on the Emmy-nominated Marvel/Disney+ massive hit series WANDAVISION, where he received an additional Emmy nomination for penning “All-New Halloween Spooktacular!" His other television credits include projects like ABC's MIXED-ISH, Showtime’s FLATBUSH MISDEMEANORS, and Netflix's DEAR WHITE PEOPLE.  On the feature side, he wrote the remake of the classic film DON'T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTERS DEAD.  Prior to that he wrote Netflix’s original film, STEP SISTERS. Chuck’s strives to mine the depths of his dysfunction to tell a variety of nuanced, character-driven stories that highlight the spectrum of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ experiences with as much laughter as humanly possible.

Janeika James

JaNeika James has had an ongoing love affair with film and television since childhood.  It wasn’t until college that she decided to pursue a career in film and television,  graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Telecommunication from the University of  Florida.  

Following JaNeika’s master’s studies at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of  Public Communication, she had the opportunity to interview Yvette Lee Bowser,  Creator and Executive Producer of the hit FOX television series LIVING SINGLE. She  began her career working for Mrs. Bowser on UPN’s HALF & HALF. JaNeika went on to  work under the producing team of Jennifer Crittenden and Gabrielle Allan (SEINFELD,  SCRUBS, WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER?) at ABC Studios, and later in Scripted  Development at VH1.  

JaNeika, along with her writing partner and twin sister, JaSheika James, rose up the  ranks from Staff Writer to Supervising Producer on Fox’s groundbreaking hit series,  EMPIRE. She also served as Co-Executive Producer on Netflix’s limited series, TRUE  STORY, HBO Max’s GOSSIP GIRL reboot, and as Executive Producer on Peacock’s BEL AIR. Her debut book, LIVING DOUBLE, is a behind-the-scenes look at the competitive  world of writing for television, as well an inspiring account of two sisters determined to  make their dream careers a reality – and to share life lessons with those who have big  dreams, but are uncertain how to achieve them. 

JaNeika is committed to creating, developing, and writing projects that enlighten,  inspire, and entertain audiences around the world.

Dexter Cole

SVP of Scheduling and Acquisitions, TV One

In his current role as SVP of Scheduling and Acquisitions, Dexter oversees the scheduling and acquisitions strategy for both TV One and CLEO TV’s linear, digital platforms and FAST Channels.

Dexter returned to TV One in 2016 after a five-year term as Vice President of Programming for the Science Channel at Discovery Communications.  Previously, Dexter worked for TV One as VP of Research, where he was responsible for leading the network in programming research and audience insights.    

Prior to working for TV One, Dexter was employed at Discovery Communications and during his tenure managed research across Discovery’s portfolio of networks including Discovery Channel and TLC.  He has over 25 years of experience in media research, program strategy and programming.

He received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Howard University in Washington, DC, with a Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude, in Journalism and an MBA.

Steven Temple

C.E.O. of Business Affairs Management, Inc. (B.A.M.)

Mr. Temple is the founder and C.E.O. of Business Affairs Management, Inc. (B.A.M.). Established in 1989, B.A.M. is a full-service business management company that provides financial management services to individuals, businesses, and other enterprises. His team is well-experienced in addressing the unique needs of high-earning clientele, including entertainers, athletes, high-net-worth individuals, and small businesses. B.A.M. assist its clients in maximizing their financial potential and economic security. 

Mr. Temple has over 30 years of business management, accounting, and tax experience. His firm manages its clients' overall accounting, financial reporting, financial services, and tax planning while simultaneously minimizing financial pitfalls. 

Mr. Temple earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and a Master's Degree in Taxation, emphasizing Entertainment and International taxes. He also holds licenses in real estate, insurance and an I.R.S. designation of Enrolled Agent, which allows Mr. Temple to represent taxpayers regarding tax issues before the I.R.S. (Internal Revenue Service). He has served numerous nonprofits, including Magic Johnson Foundation and actor Danny Glover's nonprofit Robey Theatre. 

In 2012, he was appointed to the Los Angeles County Small Business Commission. In 2017, he became the Co-Chair of the Economic Development Committee and was elected Vice-Chair of the Commission from 2019 through 2023. 

 In 2015, he was appointed by Governor Brown of California and served two years on the banking board of the State Assistance Fund for Enterprise, Business, and Industrial Development Corporation (SAFE-BIDCO).

Sainted Trap Choir

Choir

Sainted is a genre-defying, soul-stirring musical experience led by DJ Fannie Mae and Grammy-winning artist Dennis Reed Jr. Blending gospel roots with hip-hop energy, Sainted reimagines the Southern church kid’s world through music, culture, fashion, and art.

With major appearances alongside Andra Day at the Super Bowl, Fantasia at the Time 100 Gala, and a standout Golden Buzzer performance on AGT: Fantasy League, Sainted has captivated audiences nationwide. They’ve performed with Alicia Keys, Sara Bareilles, Rick Ross, and opened for Janelle Monáe—bringing their signature sound everywhere from the Grammys to Lincoln Center.

Featuring a powerhouse 25+ member choir and band, Sainted is more than a performance—it’s a celebration of Black joy, spirit, and sound

Kathryn Adair

Television and Film Executive and Producer

Television and Film Executive and Producer, Kathryn Tyus-Adair championed, developed and  oversaw production of STARZ series: BMF, THE SERPENT QUEEN, BLINDSPOTTING, RUN  THE WORLD, STEP UP, VIDA and UNT. AVA DUVERNAY (starring Lauren Ridloff and Joshua  Jackson). She was also an executive for STARZ’ series POWER, OUTLANDER and THE  SPANISH PRINCESS. 

Prior to STARZ, Kathryn segued from a long career with producers to the buyers side of the  business, working with NBCUniversal’s UTV studios’ Drama Development team in developing  and selling series across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. 

In her work with film and television producers, Kathryn has worked with A-list talent, including  Don Cheadle, Halle Berry, Robert Redford, Curtis Hanson and George Tillman, Jr. In her work  with Cheadle, Kathryn championed and served as a producer on the Bill Murray film ST.  VINCENT. She also served as the point executive on Cheadle’s acclaimed Showtime series  HOUSE OF LIES, as well as serving as the executive on his Sony Pictures Classics Irish film  with Brendan Gleeson THE GUARD. 

Kathryn’s earlier film and television work included development and overseeing production of  the Showtime series SOUL FOOD, as well as developing and selling hit films BARBERSHOP  and MEN OF HONOR. She got her earliest start in television working with the Children’s  Television Workshop developing new series and staffing the SESAME STREET writers room. 

Kathryn’s love of story, character and the people who create them is her inspiration for  mentoring programs like the Sundance Episodic Lab and CineStory’s television and film  retreats, as well as the Unlock Her Potential program created by Sophia Chang to nurture and  promote the creative efforts of women of color. She is also a voting member of the Television  Academy. 

Charles R Wright

Producing Director and Executive Producer

CHARLES RANDOLPH-WRIGHT has built a diversified career in directing, writing, and producing for television, film, and theatre. Television credits include Producing Director and Executive Producer (with Oprah Winfrey) of the series Delilah, director on Brilliant Minds, The Santa Clauses (starring Tim Allen), Will Trent, Greenleaf, The Big Leap, Katy Keene, Step Up: Highwater, Lincoln Heights, and South Of Nowhere. Charles also produced and wrote the series Linc’s. He directed the award-winning film Preaching To The Choir, and is an Executive Producer of the NY Doc Film Festival winner Maurice Hines:Bring Them Back. In theatre, he directed the Tony nominated Broadway premiere of Alice Childress’ Trouble In Mind, the acclaimed premiere of the new musical American Prophet: Frederick Douglass In his Own Words (which he co-wrote with Grammy winner Marcus Hummon), the smash hit Motown The Musical (Broadway, London and the National Tours), and Born For This (which he co-wrote with gospel icon Bebe Winans). www.randolph-wright.com

Tommy Nichols

Filmmaker

Tommy Nichols is an award-winning filmmaker, digital equity leader, and media strategist with over two decades of experience amplifying Black voices in film, television, and technology. He is the founder of the Charlotte Black Film Festival, now in its 15th year, and the CEO of Power Up USA, a nonprofit dedicated to closing the digital divide through workforce development, youth training, and creative technology.

Nichols also founded the CLT Creative Workspace, a 5,200-square-foot technology and creative co-working space in Charlotte, NC, designed to support artists, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits with access to film studios, podcast labs, and digital training facilities.

Under his leadership, Nichols has launched nationally recognized initiatives including the Micro Film Grant Program, PA Bootcamp, and Reel Inclusion, a film industry employment platform for underrepresented talent. He has partnered with studios like Marvel, Sony, and Lionsgate as a screening partner and has been a grant reviewer for the National Endowment for the Arts.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Nichols is also a founding member of Indie Media Arts South, and has produced media content for elected officials, nonprofits, and major community events. His platforms, including IOCTV.net, offer 24/7 digital streaming opportunities for diverse filmmakers and creators.

With a passion for empowering underserved communities through storytelling and innovation, Tommy brings a unique blend of industry insight, grassroots leadership, and cultural advocacy to every conversation.

Khaleel Loyd

CEO, Loyd Visuals

Khaleel Loyd is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, creative strategist, and CEO of Loyd Visuals—a family-owned creative studio based in Charlotte, NC, specializing in impactful storytelling through documentaries, commercials, and branded content. In July 2024, his brother expanded their vision by opening Loyd Studios, a brick-and-mortar production and event space designed to serve content creators, brands, and the local creative community. Under Khaleel’s leadership, both Loyd Visuals and Loyd Studios have earned a reputation for producing work that resonates deeply and delivers measurable results.

Over the past decade, Khaleel has grown the agency into a nationally recognized brand trusted by Fortune 100–500 companies, including Under Armour, Honeywell, Airbnb, ESPN, and the NFL. While his team’s high-profile video work speaks volumes, Khaleel takes equal pride in the culture and values behind the scenes - building a company rooted in community, led with integrity, and committed to lasting impact.

Khaleel’s entrepreneurial journey has earned him recognition as a Top 30 Under 30 by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce, the Excellence in Leadership Award from UNC Charlotte, and participation in business programs such as Amped Up and EO Accelerator. He also serves on the Interise Alumni Advisory Council, helping shape a more inclusive economy for small business owners nationwide. He’s not just building a business - he’s building a legacy. One that inspires others to lead with intention, create with purpose, and use their gifts to make a meaningful difference.

Tyla Barns

Storyteller

Tyla Barnes is a multi-hyphenate creative and storyteller hailing from the heart of the South. Rooted in a deep belief in the transformative power of storytelling, Tyla uses filmmaking, writing, and creative direction to spotlight the lived experiences of underserved communities. Her work bridges culture and consciousness, weaving intimate narratives that challenge, uplift, and ignite dialogue. She has directed projects with industry leaders like the NAACP, Beats by Dre, and Apple, bringing her cinematic vision and cultural insight to projects that push boundaries and prioritize authenticity.Whether behind the camera or on the page, Tyla is committed to building worlds where marginalized voices are not just heard—but centered. Her mission remains clear: to explore truth, expand empathy, and celebrate the beauty of diversity through visual storytelling.

Wisdom Cole

Senior National Director, Advocacy | NAACP

In his previous role as National Director for the NAACP Youth and College Division, he served more than 700 youth councils, high school chapters, and college chapters actively involved in the fight for civil rights. 

Wisdom brings extensive experience in civil rights advocacy training institute, electoral action training, grassroots organizing, issues toolkits, and webinars at the local, state, and national level. He has managed national campaign efforts focused on building Black political power through youth leadership development, advocacy, and direct action organizing for the past 5 years with the NAACP, formerly as the National Campaigns & Training Manager.

In his time at the NAACP, he has worked on campaigns around the cancelation of student debt, removing police from schools, as well as increasing voter access for young Black people. He has been featured on Politico, NPR, VICE, NBC Washington News, Brooking Institute, and The Economist as an advocate for Black youth voter turnout through issue-based campaign organizing. In 2023, he was recognized in Politico's Recast Power List 2023, honoring those who are changing the world through race and politics.

Wisdom was previously a field and state conference organizer for the Afrikan Black Coalition (ABC), the largest Black collegiate organization in California. In 2014, he collaboratively organized the Afrikan Black Coalition conference that featured keynote speakers such as Marc Lamont Hill, Angela Davis, Bobby Seale, and Attallah Shabazz. For this effort, he received the Chancellor's Achievement Award for Diversity in recognition for outstanding contributions to furthering diversity, inclusion, and excellence at UC Santa Cruz.

Wisdom grew up in California where he earned a B. A. in Chemistry, with a minor in STEM Education, from UC Santa Cruz as well as a M. A. in Teaching from the University of San Francisco.

Gerard Littlejohn

Founder, Creators Collab

Gerard Littlejohn is an accomplished marketing veteran and visionary entrepreneur with nearly 20 years of professional experience, best known as the founder of Creators Collab. Launched in 2021, Creators Collab is a Charlotte, NC-based video production company dedicated to impactful brand storytelling while driving significant social change. With a focused mission, Gerard has successfully positioned Creators Collab to provide direct economic opportunities to Black and other underrepresented creatives. Their clients include Ally, NASCAR, MLB, Atrium, Lowe’s, and more. 

Prior to founding Creators Collab, Gerard’s professional journey also includes impactful stints in public relations with the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, and in sports marketing and corporate social responsibility for leading companies such as Lowe’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Atrium Health, United Way, and supporting numerous athletes in the NFL space. 

A recognized leader in Charlotte, Gerard was named to both the Charlotte Business Journal’s 40 under 40 and QCityMetro’s Power 40 list in 2023, and most recently to the Great 28 honoring Charlotte’s Black History. He has been featured in prominent outlets like The Athletic, Front Office Sports, and Black Enterprise, and has shared his insights through speaking opportunities on The Breakfast Club, Black Sports Business Symposium, and 4se.

Gerard is married to his wife Eboni, and together they have two children - Mia and Tyson.

Angela Rye

Principal and CEO, IMPACT Strategies

Angela Rye is an award-winning host, social justice advocate, lawyer, commentator, and self-described empowermenteur. She’s been recognized for her thoughtful commentary and real talk about social justice, politics, and culture by our nation’s most prominent civil rights organizations including National Urban League, NAACP, and National Action Network. 

She has been nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards for her work on other networks and programs such as The Breakfast Club, The Daily Show, BET, HBO, TV One, CNN, ABC, NBC, NPR, and ESPN. 

She is also a partner on iHeartMedia’s new political podcast network Reasoned Choice Media. Rye co-hosts its flagship podcast, Native Land Pod, with Andrew Gillum and Tiffany D. Cross, where they discuss the global impact of politics, the behind the scenes of the cable news industry, and much more. 

Angela has worked with every branch of government at the intersection of purpose, justice, and integrity. She is the Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, a political advocacy, social impact, and racial equity firm where she creates strategic partnerships and coalitions with Capitol Hill, third party organizations, and influencers to ensure societal change. She also served as the Executive Director and General Counsel to the Congressional Black Caucus for the 112th Congress and as the Senior Policy Advisor and Counsel for the House Committee on Homeland Security for four years.

Hon. Michael Smith

Former CEO, AmeriCorps; Senior Advisor, Kapor Center

Jaia Thomas

Kati Fernandez

Jotaka Eaddy

Symone Sanders Townsend

Author & Media Personality

Symone Sanders Townsend is a powerhouse political strategist, author, and media personality who has spent her career breaking barriers and shaping national conversations. At just 25, she became the youngest presidential press secretary in history while working on Senator Bernie Sanders's 2016 campaign. By 29, she had published her first book, No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America, and played a pivotal role as a senior advisor in President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. She later made history again as Deputy Assistant to President Biden and Senior Advisor/Chief Spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris, becoming the first Black woman to hold the position.

Beyond politics, Symone has been a fierce advocate for juvenile justice reform and founded her own consulting firm to help organizations navigate political and social challenges. A former CNN commentator, she brought her expertise to MSNBC, where she now co-hosts The Weeknight.

She has served as a resident fellow at Georgetown University, Harvard’s Kennedy School, and USC’s Center for the Political Future. A Nebraska native, Symone holds an honorary doctorate from American University and is a proud member of the Cherry Blossom (DC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She currently resides in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Shawn Townsend.

Brittany Hillman, MBA

Vice President, Business Development Manager Corporate Social Responsibility, Bank of America

Brittany is the Business Development Manager for the Corporate Social Responsibility team. She is responsible for the management of Community Affairs' national nonprofit relationships. Brittany supports, plans, and executes external stakeholder engagements to: build brand recognition, develop business opportunities, create opportunities for executive leadership, create connections for teammates in the Local Market Office (LMO), and develop opportunities for volunteerism.

Brittany is the Segment Chair of the Black Professional Group (BPG) one of Bank of America's 11 Employee Network groups. She serves as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Brittany is a 2023 Charlotte Business Journal 40 under 40 honoree and a 2024 Who's Who in Black Charlotte Honoree. She has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Texas Woman’s University and currently lives in Charlotte, NC.

Hasan Oberoi

Senior Vice President, Business Strategy & Intelligence Executive, Bank of America

Hasan’s team focuses on ensuring there is broad-based access to lending and capital for individuals, families, and small businesses. He and his team engage with nonprofits, community advocacy groups, real estate professional organizations, and industry leaders, advocating for housing stability, affordability, and generational wealth creation.

Hasan is a long-time champion of affordable and sustainable homeownership and helps drive the bank’s Community Homeownership Commitment, a $15 billion program to increase homeownership, particularly among first-time homeowners and underserved communities.

Hasan started his career in banking in 2005 and has held many different roles focused on driving responsible growth, talent development, community engagement, and volunteerism. He is also focused on the bank’s work around promoting financial education and literacy.

Hasan obtained his MBA from Penn State University in 2016. He has studied Aerospace Engineering and Business in his undergraduate studies. 

Hasan, his wife, and two sons live in Northern Virginia. Hasan has been actively involved in the Greater Washington DC area to advocate active involvement in the community and has proudly volunteered and partnered with many local non-profit organizations. He is also a Better Money Habits champion for the bank with a strong passion for financial literacy.

Tara Butler

Senior Vice President, Wealth Strategies Advisor, Bank of America

Tara L. Butler is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Strategies Advisor at Bank of America Private Bank in Charlotte, North Carolina. She designs and delivers innovative strategies to help clients pursue a wide range of wealth management goals that may include cash flow, lifestyle, and estate planning, as well as risk management and philanthropy. Tara works with a diverse group of wealthy families and individuals, including business owners and executives. She has specific experience with strategies for executive compensation, retirement planning, and business succession.

Tara takes a team approach, coordinating with each client’s other professionals as needed to help implement strategies and review progress toward goals. She updates her knowledge and analyzes new ideas and legislation that can help clients address challenges in an ever-changing financial environment.

Tara began her career at the Private Bank (formerly U.S. Trust) in 1999. Following positions of increasing responsibility in the trust, investment and planning groups, she became a Wealth Strategies Advisor. She draws on the sophisticated resources available through the Private Bank to help clients address virtually every aspect of their financial needs.

While working fulltime, Tara earned her B.S. degree in finance from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional and a board member of the Financial Planning Association of Charlotte. Tara is also a Certified ExitPlanning Advisor (CEPA®).

Kenya Merritt

Deputy Mayor of Business and Neighborhood Development

Kenya K. Merritt is a seasoned public service executive with over 20 years of experience driving large-scale neighborhood and economic development initiatives that center equity and measurable impact.

She currently serves as Deputy Mayor for Business, Economic and Neighborhood Development for the City of Chicago, where she leads efforts to foster inclusive economic growth, innovation, and investment across the city. In her first year, she championed the development and successful passage of a $1.25 billion Housing and Economic Development Bond—creating a long-term, sustainable funding source to fuel transformative investments in neighborhoods. She also oversees the City’s Cut the Tape Initiative, streamlining development processes to accelerate equitable growth.

Prior to her current role, Kenya served as a Program Officer at the Pritzker Traubert Foundation, managing the community investment portfolio and the Foundation’s signature initiative, the Chicago Prize, which supports transformative, community-led economic development projects.

She previously held dual roles as First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Small Business Officer for the City of Chicago, where she led the citywide small business agenda, launching and strengthening programs that supported entrepreneurs and reinvigorated communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she oversaw $100 million in emergency business support, partnering with nearly 100 organizations to deliver equitable assistance to small businesses and essential workers.

Under her leadership, the City invested over $50 million through the Chicago Recovery Plan to boost small business growth, expand nonprofit capacity, and improve access to capital—most recently through the launch of the Good Food Fund.

Earlier in her career, Kenya served as Chief Financial Officer at both the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Department of Family and Support Services, and as an analyst with the Office of Budget and Management.

Her career has been defined by a commitment to community-focused policy and investment, with expertise spanning financial management, arts administration, and economic development—all anchored in a vision of a stronger, more equitable Chicago.

Kenya holds a Master’s in Public Service Management from DePaul University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a 2022 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and a 2024 Daniel Burnham Fellow.

Demond Martin

Co-Founder + CEO, Well With All

An investor and philanthropist, Demond was a senior partner at Adage Capital Management where he invested in the consumer sector for 22 years. A graduate of Harvard Business School and former assistant to President Clinton’s White House Chief of Staff, Demond has served as a trustee on a number of non-profit boards including the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the Grammy Global Venture Board, and the Obama Foundation.

Deborah Wafer

Executive Director, Community Engagement and Patient Advocacy, Gilead

Currently works at Gilead Science Inc. in Public Affairs as an Executive Director in US Virology, in this role she leads the Public Affairs Community Engagement and Advocacy team for Virology and Oncologly. She has also worked on the Gilead HIV prevention team as Medical Liaison and Hep C and HIV Community Marketing teams; she is an accomplished marketing professional with demonstrated experience in developing innovative programming and tools designed to engage healthcare provider’s, staff, and communities.

Gilead Science discovered, developed, and delivered innovative medicines in areas of great unmet medical need, Gilead focuses on HIV, Liver Disease, Virology and Oncology.

Before Gilead Deborah worked at Pfizer in NYC in HIV Marketing and as a Community Liaison. While at Pfizer she was a Pfizer Fellow and worked in Uganda for 4 months with HIV Community Health workers and nurses.

Prior to working in pharma, Deborah was a clinician at UCLA Medical Center in the Clinical AIDS Education and Research Center (CARE Center) where she provided primary care and coordinated clinical trials for people living with HIV. While at UCLA she was instrumental in translating clinical research to the community and patients. One of her career highlights was being a part of the research protocols that decrease HIV transmission from mother to infants, this research implemented HIV screening for all pregnant women and resulted in decrease to almost zero newborns born HIV positive.

She implemented a California State funded mobile community cervical cancer screening and breast screening for women in Southcentral Los Angeles with several prominent churches.

Deborah also worked at the King/Drew Medical Center in the Department of Family Medicine, Community Medicine, and Ob/GYN. She is passionate about women’s health and has worked as a lay midwife and home births.

Deborah completed a Bachelor of Sciences in Health Education at Cal State University at Northridge, the PA program at Charles Drew Medical School, West LA Nursing Program and is also a Nurse Practitioner.

Dr. Michelle Gourdine

Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark

As the Chief Medical Officer for CVS Caremark, Dr. Michelle Gourdine is responsible for upholding the quality, safety, and clinical integrity of our services while managing drug spend for our clients and ensuring medication access for our members. She brings nearly 30 years of experience in academic medicine, primary care, and public health leadership to this critical role, having most recently served as Senior Vice President, Population Health and Primary Care and Interim Chief Medical Officer for the University of Maryland Medical System. In that position, Dr. Gourdine collaborated with colleagues across the system’s 12 hospitals to improve quality, efficiency, and equity, and to transform health care within and outside its walls.

Deputy Mayor Keesha Eure

Deputy Mayor, City of Newark, Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery

Lakeesha Eure, a native of Newark, NJ, and a seasoned Masters Level Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two decades of dedicated experience in the field. Lakeesha, driven by a deep commitment to give back to her community, returned to her hometown after completing her education. Her impressive career has been marked by remarkable leadership and professional accomplishments.

As a trauma-informed care specialist with a unique skill set in activating trauma-focused wraparound services and community-based interventions, Lakeesha has made a significant impact on healing communities. Currently serving as the Director of the City of Newark, New Jersey's Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery Services, Lakeesha's leadership has transformed this office into a national model for violence prevention. Under her guidance, the office has made significant strides in creating safer communities. In recognition of her efforts, she received the National Association of Social Workers- Social Worker of the year award in 2022.

Lakeesha has directed her focus towards at-risk youth and adults within the Justice System and Social Welfare System throughout her career. Her specialization in trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, and community violence has made her a highly sought-after community-based therapist.

But her contributions go beyond clinical work. Lakeesha is the trailblazing founder of Beta Kappa Sigma Black and Latina Sorority Incorporated, an organization dedicated to empowering young women through culture, achievement, and excellence. Her dedication to empowering women was recognized when she received the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc- Women of Achievement Award and Civic Awareness of Public Safety Award in 2022.

Lakeesha's commitment to community safety is further evident through her role as the Former Chairwoman of the Newark Antiviolence Coalition, an organization she co-founded in 2009. She and her team tirelessly raised awareness and protested senseless violence in Newark, providing support to affected families, educating the community on violence prevention, and mediating conflicts.

Recognizing her exceptional leadership, Lakeesha was appointed as the first Director of the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery for the City of Newark. She is a staunch advocate for community policing and police reform, striving to create alternatives to traditional policing methods.

As a doctoral candidate at the University of Southern California, Lakeesha is poised to leverage her research and evaluation skills to support community-based organizations and city government in data collection and shifting the narrative surrounding crime and violence.

Lakeesha's activism extends far beyond her professional endeavors. Over the past two decades, she has organized numerous rallies, protests, town hall meetings, panel discussions, study groups, coalitions, commissions, support groups, and prayer vigils throughout New Jersey. Her commitment to community service was recognized when she received the Inspired By You- Community Service Award in 2022.

Lakeesha's ultimate goal is to ensure that every resident can enjoy a happy, healthy, and fulfilling quality of life. Her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to public service truly make her a champion for the people. She was also honored with the Amina Baraka Community Service Award for her outstanding contributions to the community."

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood

Representative, Illinois’ 14th Congressional District

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood serves Illinois’ 14th Congressional District and was first sworn into Congress on January 3, 2019. She is the first woman, the first person of color, and the first millennial to represent her community in Congress.  

Rep. Underwood is a registered nurse and co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, which addresses America’s Black Maternal Health crisis in Congress and advances policy solutions to improve maternal health outcomes and end disparities. Rep. Underwood is Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee and serves on the House Committee on Appropriations. 

Prior to her election to Congress, she served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), helping communities across the country prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters, bioterror threats, and public health emergencies. As a career public servant at HHS, she also helped implement the Affordable Care Act, broadening access for those on Medicare, improving health care quality, and reforming private insurance. Rep. Underwood has taught future nurse practitioners through Georgetown University’s online master’s program and worked with a Medicaid plan in Chicago to ensure it provided high-quality, cost-efficient care.  

She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University, and a lifelong Girl Scout. Rep. Underwood resides in Naperville, Illinois. 

Rep. Yvette D. Clarke

Representative, Ninth Congressional District of New York

Hailing from central Brooklyn, Congresswoman Yvette Diane Clarke feels honored to represent the community that raised her. She is the proud daughter of Jamaican immigrants. She takes her passion for her Caribbean heritage to Congress, where she co-chairs the Congressional Caribbean Caucus and works to foster relationships between the United States and the Caribbean Community. Clarke is a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Clarke has been a member of the Congressional Black Caucus since coming to Congress in 2007 and today serves as its Chair. 

As the Representative of the Ninth Congressional District of New York, Congresswoman Clarke has dedicated herself to continuing the legacy of excellence established by the late Honorable Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman and Caribbean American elected to Congress. In the 118th Congress, Congresswoman Clarke introduced landmark legislation to advance the priorities closest to her heart and at the top of her constituent’s minds. She has led critical legislation to support the health of women, including the Menopause Research Equity Act, the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid and Education Act, and the Uterine Cancer Study Act. As a trailblazing leader guiding Congressional efforts to enact meaningful policy in the Age of AI, she also introduced first-of-its-kind legislation to stop the spread of malicious deepfakes with her DEEPFAKES Accountability Act and increase transparency surrounding political AI-generated advertisements with her REAL Political Ads Act. She has consistently stood against the rising tide of mis- and disinformation in traditional and new media spaces, and she is committed to ensuring Americans across the nation not only have access to the information they need but that they can trust it is accurate. 

Clarke is a leader in the tech and media policy space as co-chair of the Smart Cities Caucus and co-chair of the Multicultural Media Caucus. She believes smart technology will make communities more sustainable, resilient, and livable and works hard to ensure communities of color are not left behind while these technological advancements are made. Clarke formed the Multicultural Media Caucus to address diversity and inclusion issues in the media, telecom, and tech industries. As a driving force in Congress to preserve and expand the Affordable Connectivity Program, a vital initiative that provides reliable and affordable broadband to Americans across the country, Congresswoman Clarke understands that internet access is essential in a modern nation and will bridge the digital divide. 

She is also one of the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, which develops programs to support the aspirations of Black women of all ages. Congresswoman Clarke is also the co-chair of the Medicare for All Caucus, where she fights for the right to universal health care. Before being elected to the United States House of Representatives, Congresswoman Clarke served on New York’s City Council, representing the 40th District. She succeeded her pioneering mother, former City Council Member Dr. Una S. T. Clarke, making them the first mother-daughter succession in the City Council’s history. She cosponsored City Council resolutions that opposed the war in Iraq, criticized the federal USA PATRIOT Act, and called for a national moratorium on the death penalty. 

Congresswoman Clarke is a graduate of Oberlin College and was a recipient of the prestigious APPAM/Sloan Fellowship in Public Policy and Policy Analysis. She received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and the Honorary Doctorate of Public Policy from the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean. Congresswoman Clarke currently resides in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, where she grew up. She is a proud active member of the BrooklynAlumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

Congressman Bennie G. Thompson

Representative, 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi

Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is an elected member of the United States House of Representatives from Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District. He claimed his seat in the House on April 20, 1993. A proud native of Bolton, Mississippi, Congressman Thompson considers it an honor to serve his constituents and advocate for civil rights, education, health, infrastructure, and property rights. 

Now serving his 16th term in the United States House of Representatives, Congressman Thompson has spent his entire career fighting to improve the lives of all people. He is the longest-serving African American elected official in the State of Mississippi and the lone Democrat in the Mississippi Congressional Delegation. 

Congressman Thompson’s commitment to public service was inspired by his early involvement in the civil rights movement. He began his grassroots political activism by joining civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer in her 1965 bid for Congress. This experience ignited his passion for deeper involvement as he witnessed systemic oppression in Mississippi. During his early years, he worked with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) as an undergraduate at Tougaloo College and served as a field organizer for Fannie Lou Hamer’s Congressional campaign, hosting voter registration drives for African Americans in Mississippi. 

Building on this early activism, his dedication to civil service led him to run his own campaigns. He served as Alderman (1969-1972) and Mayor (1973-1980) of Bolton, MS, and as a county supervisor (1980-1993) in Hinds County, Mississippi. Ultimately, this journey led to his bid for Congress—the very seat for which Fannie Lou Hamer once campaigned. 

Congressman Bennie G. Thompson has been married to his college sweetheart, London Johnson of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, for 54 years. Together, they have one daughter, one granddaughter, and one grandson. Thompson is a lifetime member of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Bolton, Mississippi. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tougaloo College in Political Science where he was inducted as member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Gamma Rho 1967– Tougaloo College). Thompson also holds a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from Jackson State University.  

Carrying forward his deep connection to education, Congressman Thompson has been a lifelong advocate for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through his support of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), Mississippi received nearly $575 million for higher education, including over $237 million for seven HBCUs. This funding provided critical support for student financial relief, retaining faculty and staff, and maintaining campus operations during the pandemic, reflecting Congressman Thompson’s commitment to ensuring every student has access to opportunity and success. 

Expanding his leadership to the field of healthcare, in 2000, Congressman Thompson played a key role as a lead author and sponsor of legislation that established the National Center for Minority Health and Health Care Disparities. He recognized the significant healthcare gaps faced by underserved communities, particularly in the Mississippi Delta, and worked to ensure that resources were allocated to address these disparities. His ongoing commitment to healthcare equity has driven him to advocate for policies that improve access to quality care, especially for minority populations. 

While his early work as Mayor of Bolton focused on local infrastructure, Congressman Thompson has maintained that focus throughout his career. As Mayor, he spearheaded the paving of roads, the repair of water and sewer systems, and the renovation of deteriorating homes, laying a foundation for community growth. As a member of Congress, he prioritized infrastructure by supporting federal investments to improve roads, bridges, and utilities in Mississippi’s 2nd District, which has historically faced significant infrastructure challenges. 

In addition to infrastructure, Congressman Thompson has taken on complex issues like property ownership in underserved communities. He played a crucial role in the "Heirs Property" case, advocating for policies to address the inequities caused by the practice of heirs' property, where property ownership is passed down through generations without clear titles. This issue disproportionately affected Black families in Mississippi and other Southern states, leading to the loss of land and resources. Thompson's efforts aimed to secure legislative measures to resolve this issue, protecting the rights of families to retain and benefit from their ancestral land. 

Congressman Thompson’s leadership has also extended to national security. Before becoming the top Democratic member of the Homeland Security Committee in 2005, Congressman Thompson served on the Agriculture, Budget, and Small Business Committees. His colleagues promoted him to be the first-ever Democratic Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee. 

More recently, on July 1, 2021, Speaker Nancy Pelosi named Rep. Thompson Chairman of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. Under Chairman Thompson’s leadership, the bipartisan committee conducted a thorough investigation of the facts, circumstances, and causes of the January 6th attack and worked to ensure nothing like that attack ever occurs again. The Select Committee presented its findings about a multi-part effort to overturn the 2020 election, reflecting the body of evidence the committee amassed from more than 1,000 interviews and hundreds of thousands of records. 

Congressman Thompson’s impactful work has earned him national recognition. He received the Chairman’s Award during the 2023 NAACP Image Award, which recognizes Thompson's advocacy for civil rights. Most recently, he received the 2025 Presidential Citizens Medal presented by President Joseph R. Biden, which is awarded to citizens of the United States who have performed admirable deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. 

Through his decades of service, Congressman Thompson’s work in Congress has consistently sought to address his district's systemic challenges, championing education, healthcare, infrastructure, and civil rights. His leadership has left an indelible mark on Mississippi and the broader fight for justice and equity. 

Reverend Roslyn M. Brock

CEO of Equity Partnership Strategies, LLC

The Reverend Roslyn M. Brock is a nationally recognized health equity advocate, social justice leader, and Chairman Emeritus of the NAACP National Board—the youngest and fourth woman ever to hold the position. She currently serves as Chief Global Equity Officer at Abt Associates and is CEO of Equity Partnership Strategies, LLC. With over 30 years of experience in health policy, philanthropy, and advocacy, she has held leadership roles at Bon Secours Mercy Health, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and USAID. A magna cum laude graduate of Virginia Union University, she holds multiple advanced degrees, including from George Washington and Northwestern. Brock is a lifelong advocate for marginalized communities and a minister at Alfred Street Baptist Church. Her guiding mantra: “Courage will not skip this generation!®” 

Reverend Theresa Dear

Founder, HR4NON-PROFITS

The Reverend Theresa Dear is a nationally recognized human resources executive, ordained AME elder, and radio host of Let’s Get to Work on WVON 1690 AM. She holds degrees in Industrial Relations and Organizational Development from Loyola University and has taught at Northwestern, DeVry, and continues studies at Harvard. A trailblazer in employee-based innovations, she has led HR at Verizon, SPSS Inc., and Metropolitan Family Services. Dear is the founder of HR4NON-PROFITS and Chair of Global Projects Help. She serves on the NAACP National Board and Paul Quinn College’s Board of Trustees. A passionate advocate for equity and empowerment, Dear has received numerous awards, including the NAACP’s Benjamin L. Hooks Keeper of the Flame. She serves at DuPage AME Church and is a committed servant-leader, educator, and change agent.

Reverend Dr. Gina Marcia Stewart

Senior Pastor, Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis

The Reverend Dr. Gina Marcia Stewart is the Senior Pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, TN—the first African American woman elected to lead a historic Black Baptist congregation in Memphis and Shelby County. A pastor, professor, and national leader, Dr. Stewart holds degrees from the University of Memphis, Trevecca Nazarene College, Memphis Theological Seminary, and the Interdenominational Theological Center. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in African American Preaching. Widely recognized for her leadership and service, she serves on the National NAACP Board and teaches at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology. She is the founder of Greater Works Inc. and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Stewart is a passionate preacher and visionary servant of God. 

Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown

Senior Pastor, Third Baptist Church of San Francisco

The Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown is a legendary preacher, civil rights leader, and global advocate for justice. A student of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Morehouse College, he has served as Senior Pastor of Third Baptist Church of San Francisco since 1976. Known for uniting faith and activism, Dr. Brown has led efforts in education, refugee resettlement, global humanitarian aid, and civic engagement. He has served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the National Baptist Commission on Civil Rights, and as President of the San Francisco NAACP. A delegate to the UN World Conference Against Racism, he continues to shape national discourse. A theologian, visionary, and recipient of the MLK Ministerial Award, Dr. Brown is a prophetic voice in the church and a tireless champion for equity worldwide.

Bishop Claude R. Alexander Jr.

Senior Pastor, The Park Church in Charlotte

Bishop Claude R. Alexander Jr. has served as Senior Pastor of The Park Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, since 1990. Under his leadership, the church has grown into a global ministry reaching thousands weekly. A powerful voice on faith and justice, Bishop Alexander has addressed leaders across the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and India. He is the former President of the Hampton University Ministers Conference and currently serves on the boards of Christianity Today (Chair), InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, BioLogos, the International African American Museum, and the Trinity Forum. He is Vice Presiding Bishop of the Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors. An accomplished author, his works include Required, Necessary Christianity, and Becoming the Church. He is married to Dr. Kimberly Nash Alexander, and they are the proud parents of two daughters, Camryn Rene and Carsyn Richelle.

Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr.

Pastor, Metropolitan CME Church in Cincinnati, Ohio

Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr. was elected the 62nd bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 2014. He currently serves as Presiding Bishop of the Second Episcopal District and Pastor of Metropolitan CME Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, he holds degrees from Stillman College, The Phillips School of Theology at ITC, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. Bishop Thomas is a former president/dean of Phillips School of Theology and past chair of the CME College of Bishops. He is a national NAACP board member, community leader, and proud father of two and grandfather of one.

Minister Corey Muhammad

Minister of Muhammad Mosque No. 36 in Charlotte

Minister Corey Muhammad is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and has been a committed member of the Nation of Islam and follower of The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan for over 35 years. He currently serves as the Minister of Muhammad Mosque No. 36 in Charlotte.  In addition to his spiritual leadership, Minister Muhammad is a founding board member of the Mecklenburg Council of Elders, a nonprofit organization focused on criminal expungement and juvenile intervention programs, working to uplift and empower the local community through justice and restoration.

Bishop Antonio Blow

Bishop Antonio Blow serves as the Presiding Annual Bishop of the Northwest B Annual Conference of the United American Free Will Baptist Denomination, Inc., and was appointed First Vice Bishop in 2023. A native of Greene County, North Carolina, he has pastored St. Mary and Smith Chapel Free Will Baptist Churches for over 32 years. Bishop Blow holds degrees in Science and School Social Work from North Carolina A&T State University and East Carolina University. He is the Executive Director of Student Services for the Greene County School System, where he also serves as Homeless Liaison, Hearing Officer, and Safe and Drug-Free Schools Coordinator. Deeply engaged in civic life, he serves on the Greene County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and multiple community boards. A respected voice in ministry and education, Bishop Blow is known for his practical preaching and passion for youth. He resides in Snow Hill, NC, with his wife, Donna Lynne, and their children.

Makis Antonio Blue

Makis Antonio Blue is the son of Reverend Dr. Derrill Antonio Blue and Reverend Dr. Paula Bryant Blue, and proud big brother to Norie Danielle Blue. A rising eighth grader at Kennedy Middle School in Charlotte, NC, Makis is an honor student, award-winning leader, and creative thinker. He has been recognized for his leadership, academic excellence, and innovative use of technology. A marathon runner, artist, avid gamer, and musician, Makis plays piano, guitar, saxophone, and bassoon. He is known for his kindness, curiosity, and passion for making a positive impact on the world and in the lives of others.

Reverend Dr. Derrill Antonio Blue

Senior Pastor, Little Rock AME Zion Church in Charlotte, NC

The Reverend Dr. Derrill Antonio Blue is the Senior Pastor of Little Rock AME Zion Church in Charlotte, NC, and Board Chairman of the Little Rock Community Development Corporation. A native of Broadway, NC, he holds degrees from North Carolina A&T State University, University of Memphis, Saint Paul School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership from Boston University. With over 20 years of pastoral leadership, he has served congregations across the U.S. and is a former Presiding Elder of the Rochester-Syracuse District. He is married to Rev. Dr. Paula Bryant Blue and is the proud father of Makis and Norie.

Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley

President and CEO, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)

Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley serves as the President and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), bringing over two decades of expertise in public health, executive leadership, and DEI strategy. A former senior advisor in the Obama Administration for the U.S. Surgeon General, she has held executive roles at the NAACP and is founder of R.E.A.C.H. Beyond Solutions, a consulting firm advancing equity and leadership excellence. A powerful orator and advocate, she became the youngest keynote speaker of the 2024 MLK Beloved Community Service.

Rev. Arline-Bradley holds degrees from Tulane University, Virginia Union University, Howard University, and Cornell University. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc., and Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Deeply rooted in faith and family, she is an ordained minister, wife to Andrew Bradley, and mother of two. Her life’s work continues to inspire equity, empowerment, and transformative leadership.

Reverend Dr. Robert Charles Scott

Senior Pastor, St. Paul Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC

The Reverend Dr. Robert Charles Scott is the Senior Pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC—a historic congregation of over 5,000 disciples. A native of Monticello, MS, he began preaching at age 11 and has since become a nationally respected pastor, teacher, and speaker. Dr. Scott holds degrees from Jackson State University, Duke Divinity School, and United Theological Seminary. Under his leadership, St. Paul completed a $18 million affordable housing project. He serves as Vice President of the Hampton University Ministers Conference and Second Vice President of the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention. Dr. Scott is married to Pier Charisse Scott, and they are the proud parents of Charis Jordyn Scott.

DJ Trellz

DJ

Montrell “DJ Trellz” Davis hails from Whitsett, North Carolina, and first discovered his passion for music during his freshman year at Winston‑Salem State University (WSSU). He quickly became a campus favorite, spinning at college events, leading the NC State Athletics, Atlantic Coast Conference, and earning the title “CIAA DJ of the Year” in 2017. His mixes have even been featured on ESPN’s First Take.

A marketing graduate from WSSU (class of ’15), Montrell leveraged his education and his 2011‑born son Aidan as motivation to complete his degree and build a thriving DJ career. Originally in nightlife, he expanded throughout North Carolina, becoming the go-to DJ for university events, clubs, birthdays & and even weddings, via his role with Cool Receptions.

Known for his smooth mixing and genre-spanning style—from R&B and old-school ‘80s/’90s to Top 40 hits—Trellz channels crowd energy into memorable sets. With a nod to mentor‑friend Luke Nasty (then a campus DJ, now a Billboard artist), Trellz went from rocking dorm events to headlining major venues statewide, to becoming an HBCU Top 30 under 30 featuring a list with Megan Thee Stallion via HBCUBuzz.com

Today he’s firmly rooted in North Carolina while traveling doing what he loves, to create memories through music. 

Sunshine Anderson

Abraham’s Descendants

Georgette “Gigi” Dixon

Executive Vice President and Head of External Engagement, Public Affairs | Wells Fargo & Company

Georgette “Gigi” Dixon is the executive vice president and head of External Engagement at Wells Fargo for Diverse Segments, Representation, and Inclusion. In this role, Gigi is responsible for stakeholder relationships, sponsorship activation, and advocacy and influencer strategies. Her team aims to foster and strengthen strategic relationships with national partner organizations and key stakeholders to reach a wide range of customers and communities – individuals, families, large and small businesses, policy influencers and non-profits – across the country to provide access to great financial products, services and resources.

Gigi is also a member of Wells Fargo’s Management Committee, and she joined the bank in 1994. Prior to her current role, Gigi was head of External Relations for Wells Fargo Government Relations and Public Policy (GRPP). Her team led national outreach and stakeholder engagement to address social and economic challenges facing our communities and the nation. She provided thought leadership, counsel, and resources by connecting and convening nongovernment institutions, think tanks, trade associations, advocacy groups, and academic institutions to promote Wells Fargo’s policy priorities.

Gigi has served as marketing manager for Wholesale Banking, Small Business Banking, and Commercial Banking; director of Emerging (multicultural) Markets; and director of Strategic Partnerships for the Wells Fargo Foundation. She also served on the company’s Corporate Diversity Council for six years.

In 2005, Gigi was recognized as one of the Most Powerful Women to Watch by American Banker magazine. In 2023, Diversity Woman magazine named her as one their Elite 100: A Tribute to Black Women Executives.

She currently serves as a member of the NAACP national board of directors; vice chairman of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. corporate advisory board; UnidosUS corporate advisory board member; chair of the Opera Carolina board of advisors; and trustee of the Trust for the National Mall. She is a member of the James Madison Council for the Library of Congress, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition board of directors, the National Urban League corporate advisory board, the Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s 21st Century Council, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Gigi is also member of the Executive Leadership Council, which opens channels of opportunity for the development of Black executives to positively impact businesses and communities.

Gigi has a Bachelor of Science, with distinction, from Tennessee State University in speech communications and theater as well as certificates in Corporate Community Involvement and Nonprofit Leadership from the Boston College Carroll School of Management. She also has an honorary doctorate degree from Livingstone College. Gigi resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her family.

Lola Brooks

Artist

Few have stayed true to the roots of Brooklyn, New York while possessing the necessary charisma and talent to transcend its world-renowned identity. However, Lola Brooke has shown herself to be just that, while also making a stand-out case as one of the new heavyweights in a city that might boast the best legacy of Hip-Hop. Though petite in stature, her lyrical presence and personality cast a skyscraper-sized shadow over the game. With quotable lyrics and unforgettable bars, she delivers street-influenced songs with unwavering confidence and an unpredictable cadence that evokes an essence reminiscent of the golden age of Hip Hop as she leans into the future of music with genre-busting fire.  

Lola's love for rap started early; she dropped her first music video to a freestyle titled "2017 Flow" and instantly began to build a buzz in the city. She continued to release numerous songs, each displaying her incredible rapping skills and starlike persona, but her song "Don't Play With It" started to grab people's attention. Soon after, she began to perform at events such as Rolling Loud NYC, Break The Internet Fest, and HOT97's "Who's Up Next" showcase, as well as a halftime performance for her beloved hometown team, the Brooklyn Nets. During the first half of 2023, Lola embarked on her first nationwide tour with A Boogie wit da Hoodie, signaling her rising super-stardom status felt outside the East Coast. Later that year, she embarked on her first international touring stint, taking center stage on festival stages at WOO HAH! X ROLLING LOUD Festival in Rotterdam, Rolling Loud Portugal, Rolling Loud Germany, Splash Festival in Germany, Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park, London, Openair Festival in Frauenfeld Switzerland, and brought the efforts back to the states with acclaimed performance at Hot 97 Summer Jam, Rolling Loud Miami and Broccoli Festival. 

Lola Brooke's talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Her hit single 'Don't Play With It' featuring Billy B earned her a Platinum certification from RIAA and debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, a testament to her growing popularity. She made her television debut at the prestigious 2023 BET Awards, where she was nominated for 'Best New Artist '. Lola's breakthrough was further recognized with a nomination for 'Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist' at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards and a feature as a 2023 XXL Freshman member. In November of 2023, Lola released her debut project, 'Dennis Daughter, a deeply personal reflection of her life experiences and a showcase of her versatility and range as a powerhouse artist. 

Lola's music is a reflection of the unbridled energy and resilience of Brooklyn. Her dominant flow and powerful rhymes captivate and mesmerize new fans daily, drawing them into the world of Brooklyn's music scene. As she continues to assert herself as New York's next hometown hero, her growing body of work, which has already tallied streams and views in the millions, is a testament to her undeniable talent. Standing at just 4'9", Lola Brooke is not just a rising star, but potentially music's NEXT BIG THING, a symbol of Brooklyn's enduring spirit and musical prowess.

Synclaire Alexandria Warren

Gender Equity Strategist

Synclaire Alexandria Warren is a dynamic Gender Equity Leader, Communications Strategist,Certified Full Spectrum Doula, and United Nations Foundation Keynote Speaker dedicated to advancing intersectional feminist principles.

With a Master's in Humanitarian Studies specializing in Gender Equity, she combines academic rigor with professional experience and lived insights to develop impactful initiatives and shape public discourse. Synclaire’s approach is rooted in storytelling, using her platform to challenge outdated narratives, spark advocacy, and create lasting change. She is passionate about normalizing

conversations around girlhood, positive masculinity, reproductive rights, and gender-based violence, fostering understanding and empathy through nonviolent communication. Synclaire’s

unique "feminist fairy brand" aesthetic and genuine connection with her audience have made her a trusted voice in the space.

Synclaire has been featured in prestigious publications such as Vogue and Refinery29, and has spoken at significant events including the Democratic National Convention and The UN Commission on the Status of Women. She aspires to further her impact globally by continuing her mission to empower women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals. 

Elissa Johnson

Vice President, Criminal Justice Campaigns, FWD.us

Elissa Johnson is the Vice President of Criminal Justice Campaigns at FWD.us, where she leads the team developing advocacy and campaign tactics to reduce incarceration in some of the country’s highest incarcerating jurisdictions.

Prior to joining FWD.us, Elissa was an attorney at the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), for eight years. While based in the Jackson, Mississippi SPLC offices, Elissa brought class action litigation related to prison conditions, juvenile justice, education, and other civil rights issues. She also helped drive successful legislative campaigns to reduce youth and adult incarceration in Mississippi. Later in her career at SPLC in Atlanta, GA, Elissa brought litigation related to access to counsel and worked with a small team of attorneys to develop a nationwide lawsuit on conditions in immigration detention facilities across the country. She clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Carlton W. Reeves in the Southern District of Mississippi. Elissa received her undergraduate degree in English and Sociology from Fisk University and a Master’s in Social Work and law degree from Loyola University Chicago. Elissa lives in Washington D.C.

Aarian J. Forman

Co-Founder, Xceleader

Aarian J. Forman is a marketing innovator and social entrepreneur recognized for his strategic leadership in corporate marketing and impactful philanthropic initiatives, driving meaningful connections between culture, communities, and business outcomes. As Head of Partnerships at The General Insurance, he developed groundbreaking frameworks and integrated marketing strategies, significantly contributing to the brand's exponential revenue growth.

Additionally, as co-founder of the nonprofit Xceleader, Aarian has driven philanthropic initiatives that have raised nearly $1 million and empowered thousands of HBCU students. Recognized on the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list and featured in ESSENCE and ADWEEK, his career exemplifies strategic brand leadership, community engagement, and a commitment to driving meaningful change.

David Banner

Artist

David Banner is a GRAMMY®-nominated, multi-platinum artist, producer, actor and entrepreneur whose career spans music, film, business and social impact. Widely regarded as a visionary and cultural thought leader, Banner has seamlessly evolved from a rapper into a dynamic force behind the scenes, using his voice and influence to push boundaries and spark meaningful change.

He is the founder and CEO of A Banner Vision, a multimedia production company that has delivered campaigns for global brands like Gatorade, Disney, Marvel, Gillette and Pepsi. With a focus on culturally resonant storytelling, A Banner Vision is preparing to launch its first feature film, expanding David’s mission to shape narratives that inspire, educate and empower

Banner’s music career is rooted in authenticity and Southern pride, with landmark albums like Mississippi: The Album and The God Box, and production credits for artists like Lil Wayne, T.I., and Maroon 5. As an actor, he’s appeared in Black Snake Moan, The Butler, BET’s The Family Business: New Orleans, and Kevin Hart’s Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.

Raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Banner holds a degree in business from Southern University, where he first stepped into leadership as Student Government President. His lifelong commitment to community uplift and ownership continues to guide his work, from his “Heal The Hood” Hurricane Katrina benefit to his nationally recognized public speaking engagements on race, equity and economic empowerment.

Whether in a studio, on a stage  or in the boardroom, David Banner is focused on legacy, ownership and building infrastructure that creates lasting impact for generations to come.

James E. Clyburn

Congressman, 6th Congressional District of South Carolina

James E. Clyburn is the U.S. Congressman representing South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and Chairman of the Democratic Faith Working Group. He previously served as Assistant Democratic Leader from 2011 to 2018 and 2023 to March 2024, and House Majority Whip from 2019 to 2022 and 2007 to 2010, making him the first African American to serve multiple terms as Majority Whip. A native son of South Carolina, Clyburn has represented the state’s Sixth Congressional District since 1993.

Congressman Clyburn’s humble beginnings in Sumter, South Carolina, as the eldest son of an activist, fundamentalist minister and an independent, civic-minded beautician, grounded him securely in family, faith, and public service. A 1961 graduate of South Carolina State he began his professional career as a public-school teacher in Charleston, SC.

He later served as an employment counselor, and director of two youth and community development programs. In 1971, he joined the staff of Governor John C. West, becoming the first African American advisor to a South Carolina governor. In 1974, Governor West appointed him South Carolina Human Affairs Commissioner where he served until 1992 when he retired from state government to run for Congress.

When he came to Congress in 1993, Congressman Clyburn was elected co-president of his freshman class. He was subsequently elected Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Vice Chair, and Chair, of the House Democratic Caucus. From 2011 to 2018 and 2023 to March 2024, he served as Assistant Democratic Leader. From 2019 to 2022 he served as House Majority Whip and Chair of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. Currently, he serves as the Ranking Member on the Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.

Congressman Clyburn has led efforts to preserve and restore historic buildings on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He sponsored legislation creating the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, the Congaree National Park, the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park and expanding the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site to South Carolina, Virginia, Delaware and Washington, DC.

Dedicated to making America’s greatness accessible and affordable for all citizens, his 10-20-30 federal funding formula – initially applied to three programs in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – has been expanded to 15 accounts of the appropriations bills. Additionally, his Rural Energy Savings Program provides loans to families and businesses to implement durable, cost-effective energy efficiency measures. His “Accessible, Affordable Broadband for All” bill was included in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill and is funded at a level of $65 billion.

The recipient of 39 honorary degrees, Congressman Clyburn numerous awards including: the Lyndon Baines Johnson Liberty and Justice for All Award in 2015; the Harry S Truman Foundation’s Good Neighbor Award in 2021; the NAACP’s highest honor — the Spingarn Medal — in 2022, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor — in 2024. His endorsement of Joe Biden for president in 2020 is credited with boosting him to an overwhelming victory in the South Carolina and subsequent primaries and setting Biden on path to the presidency.

Congressman Clyburn and his late wife, Emily England Clyburn, met as college student protestors in an Orangeburg, South Carolina jail in 1960. The encounter led to a 58-year marriage, and they became parents of three daughters, grandparents to four grandchildren, and great grandparents to one great grandchild.

Donovan Everett

President & CEO, D.A. Everett Construction Group

Donovan A. Everett is the President & CEO of D.A. Everett Construction Group, where he brings over 25 years of commercial construction leadership and has overseen more than $2 billion in projects. Since founding the firm in 2013, he has guided it to the top tier of Black-owned businesses in Charlotte, earning recognition on the Charlotte Business Journal’s Fast 50 list and being named a 2024 Most Admired CEO. Notably, he led his firm—alongside Turner Construction—as the general contractor on the $215 million “Re!magine Spectrum Center” renovation at the Charlotte Hornets’ Spectrum Center, enhancing seating, concourses, suites, and fan amenities.

A graduate of North Carolina State University, Everett began working in

construction at age 15 in his father's company and later honed his skills at

Balfour Beatty before launching his own firm. He holds general contractor

licenses in NC, SC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and is active in his

community—serving on the boards of First Bank of North Carolina, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas, and as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In June 2025, he was appointed to the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board at Johnson C. Smith University, where he applies his industry expertise to enrich business education and mentor future leaders

Kibri H. Everett (she/her)

Founder & Principal, Key Environmental Consulting

Ms. Everett is an environmental scientist and founder of Key Environmental Consulting–a boutique firm dedicated to delivering racial, economic, and environmental equity and justice. She leverages her background to provide technical and administrative support to her clients, many of which are historically underserved communities. Her firm specializes in services such as grant writing, environmental problem-solving, and technical analyses. Ms. Everett holds a Master’s Degree in Earth Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science.

Shay Laurent Johnson

Influencer

Shay Laurent Johnson is a powerhouse entrepreneur, celebrity hairstylist, and viral content creator who built a multimillion-view brand rooted in beauty, business, and bold storytelling. Known for her magnetic presence and comedic “HOA Lady” character, Shay has grown a digital audience of over 1.5 million while working with major brands like Target, Tubi, Peacock, and DSW. Beyond the laughs and the glam, Shay is a passionate educator and speaker, dedicated to uplifting women, young creatives, and fellow entrepreneurs. She shares real strategies for building sustainable brands, mastering reinvention, and turning authenticity into income. Whether behind the chair, on a stage, or online, Shay’s mission is to inspire, empower, and teach others how to win with purpose and personality.

Cathay Dawkins

Entrepreneur

Cathay Dawkins—twice named to the Charlotte Business Journal Power 100 and featured in QC Metro’s “Great 28 of CLT” alongside Michael Jordan—is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, community strategist, and activist. He has worked with the Biden and Bloomberg presidential campaigns, the DNC, and Black Enterprise, and began his journey in entrepreneurship at just 9 years old. In 2014, he founded Black Business Owners Corp (BBOC), a 501(c)(3) organization that has generated over $11 million for Black-owned businesses through initiatives like Black Food Truck Fridays and Charlotte Black Restaurant Week. With a digital network of over 26,500 members, BBOC was named Diversity Agency of the Year by Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in 2023.

On Juneteenth 2024, Cathay became Chairman of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce. He dedicated his first seven months to assessing community needs—meeting with fellow chamber leaders, surveying business owners, and laying the foundation for his boldest project to date: The Innovation Center–CLT. Spanning 25,000 square feet, the Center is a transformative hub offering programs in entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy, AI, Agri-tech, workforce development, coworking, and retail. It is designed to close opportunity gaps and build sustainable economic ecosystems in Charlotte and beyond.

Guided by his mantra—“Not just teaching our people to fish, but how to buy the lake”—Cathay has forged partnerships with institutions like Google and Nasdaq to accelerate generational wealth-building. With over 3,000 media features, he continues to lead the Buy-Black movement and champion economic policies that empower Black communities. His vision is clear: build systems, not just businesses, that fuel lasting progress.

Nikki Pounds

Author

Nikki Pounds is an accomplished business executive, speaker, and award-winning author of The Leader Who CARES: Guiding Human Resources Practitioners to Guide Workplace Environments. She is the founder and CEO of HR Unequivocally®, a firm that partners with organizations to drive growth through talent strategy, leadership development, and inclusive workplace culture.

As a certified John Maxwell Team coach and speaker, Nikki brings deep expertise in Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0 & EQ360), Everything DiSC®, CliftonStrengths, MBTI, and DEI training. Her facilitation certifications also include Crucial Conversations and Civil Treatment for both domestic and international teams. With a passion for empowering individuals and organizations, she delivers transformational training, coaching, and strategic support.

Nikki’s extensive background in Human Resources, leadership, and DEI makes her a sought-after consultant and speaker. Through HR Unequivocally®, she equips businesses with the tools to build strong, people-centered cultures that align with long-term success.

Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose

President of NAREB

Courtney Johnson Rose is a businesswoman, real estate investor, educator, and community leader. She is the Chief Executive Officer of George E. Johnson Development, Inc., a full-service real estate firm specializing in development services, owner representation, master planning, residential and commercial brokerage services, and President of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the oldest minority trade association in the country with over 120 chapters. 

Courtney began her career as a project management consultant at Accenture, the world’s leading consulting company. She later joined her family’s firm, GEJ Development as a real estate developer and broker. Since 2019, Courtney has served as CEO of GEJ, and under her leadership, the company has procured contracts with major institutions such as Houston Community College System, the Harris Center of Mental Health, Houston Independent School District, the City of Houston, FDIC, and others. 

Courtney is also part of the Community Collective for Houston, which recently acquired The Power Center, a 110,000-square-foot multipurpose facility that includes a small business incubator, event center, urban farm, and private school.

Courtney holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, a master’s degree in community development, and a doctorate in organizational leadership. She is a certified project management professional (PMP) and a certified commercial investment member (CCIM).

Several organizations and media outlets have recognized Courtney for her professional success and contributions to the community, including Black Enterprise, Houston Business Journal, Women’s Magazine, Real Estate Executive, and National Realtor publications. Courtney is married to Teeba Rose, and they have been blessed with two children. 

A. Denise Franklin

Regional Vice President, NAREB

Sheryl Merritt

Women Investing in Real Estate Chair, NAREB 

Arzelia Williams

Financial Health and Wellness Specialist at Ally Bank

Arzelia Williams serves as a financial health and wellness specialist at Ally, with more than five years of experience in the financial services industry. In her current role, she supports Ally’s financial education programming through workshop facilitation with community partners and content creation. Her passion is addressing the growing financial needs of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.  

Arzelia holds dual bachelor’s degrees in social relations and policy, and arts and humanities from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. She recently completed a Financial Health and Wellness Graduate Certificate from the School of Financial Planning at Texas Tech University.

Outside of Ally, Arzelia is an active volunteer with the Downtown Boxing Gym (DBG) and InsideOut Literary Arts.

Courtenay Barton

Philanthropy Leader

Courtenay A. Barton is a high-impact philanthropy leader who specializes in racially equitable practice. She has distributed $49 million in philanthropic grants to nonprofit organizations since 2018. She most recently served as Director of Grantmaking & Evaluation at the Climate Justice Alliance, leading a team of 8 to stand up an environmental justice and nonprofit capacity-building fund serving 14 states, nearly 300 Native nations, and the US territories of the Pacific Region with a grant of $60 million from the Environmental Protection Agency.  Previously, she served as Program Director for Arts & Culture and Racial Equity Initiatives at the Cleveland Foundation, the world’s first community foundation. In 2020, she created the Cleveland Black Futures Fund, a funding initiative specifically for Black-led nonprofits.  The Cleveland Black Futures Fund attracted additional investment from Facebook and continues to operate in Northeast Ohio. Her other roles include Program Officer for Racial Equity at the Allstate Foundation, and positions at Thirteen/WNET and the Brooklyn College Foundation. 

Courtenay earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Creative Writing, and African American Studies from Columbia University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Baruch College. Her master’s thesis, “A Foundation for Equity: Philanthropic Strategies to End Racial Inequity in Cleveland”, won the Philip J. Rutledge Award for Outstanding Academic Capstone Achievement. In 2023, she began work toward a Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She is a proud Board member and alumna of National Urban Fellows, a public service career acceleration program for women and people of color. 

Joyce Cadesca, MBA, PHR

Director of Community Engagement for the Charlotte Region

Joyce Cadesca is a multi-passionate executive with experience directing cross-sector programs and teams. Her functional expertise spans strategy, finance, program management, and human resources. 

As a member of the Corporate Affairs team at Novant Health, Joyce serves as Director of Community Engagement for the Charlotte Region. In this role, she leads her team in planning and executing partnerships, charitable contributions, in-kind services and donations, event sponsorships, and team member volunteering and giving. Joyce is also responsible for designing a comprehensive strategy that enhances the organization’s reputation for remarkable patient experience, strengthens its leadership in community outreach, and creates opportunities for colleagues in the region to serve and grow together.

Outside of work, she actively volunteers with nonprofit organizations, amplifying education and youth-related initiatives. Joyce earned a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. 

Crystal German

Executive Vice President, Self-Help

Dr. Lynn Richardson

Brandon  Lamar

President of the Pasadena NAACP, Vice-Chair of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board

Brandon D. Lamar is a force for change, a bold visionary whose life’s work is dedicated to justice, equity, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. As the President of the Pasadena NAACP and Vice-Chair of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board, Brandon is on the front lines of advocacy, championing policies that dismantle systemic barriers and create opportunities for all.

A lifelong Pasadenan with deep generational roots, Brandon has spent years shaping the landscape of civic leadership. He was instrumental in the establishment of Pasadena’s Police Oversight Board and Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department, groundbreaking initiatives. His unwavering commitment to civil rights has made him a respected voice in both local and statewide conversations on justice, policy reform, and community empowerment.

Brandon is not just a leader—he is a builder of leaders. As the founder of Merge Black Pasadena, the Young Kings Mentoring Retreat, and the Dena Relief Drive, he has cultivated spaces where young people, community members, and changemakers can unite, grow, and take action. His ability to forge strategic coalitions has led to meaningful, lasting change. 

Beyond Pasadena, Brandon is a sought-after speaker, advocate, and thought leader, bringing his passion for social justice to the national stage. Whether fighting for housing rights, amplifying marginalized voices, or mobilizing communities for collective action, he stands as a beacon of hope and progress as the youngest President of any NAACP in the nation.

At the heart of it all, Brandon is grounded by faith, family, and an unshakable belief in the power of unity. He and his wife, Keayera Lamar, MFT, continue to pour into their community, working tirelessly to build a future where every voice is heard, every life is valued, and lasting transformation is not just a possibility—but a promise.

Mark Smith

Executive Director, American Red Cross

Mark J. Smith, is the Executive Director for Community Engagement and Partnerships at the American Red Cross. In this role, Mark leads a team of partnership professionals dedicated to engaging national, regional and community partners committed to supporting individuals and communities as they prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Mr. Smith has been employed with the American Red Cross in a variety of capacities serving multiple lines of business including Disaster Services, Health and Safety Services, Chapter Operations and International Services. Highlights during this 18-year period include Regional Executive for both the Oklahoma and Mississippi Regions; Senior Director, Field Operations for the Hurricane Katrina Recovery Program; and, Regional Director for Africa Programs.

Prior to joining the American Red Cross, Mark worked for the largest minority led development organization focused on rural development in Africa – Africare. During his ten-year career with Africare, Mark mlived and/or worked in 36 sub-Saharan countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, Senegal, Mozambique and Angola to name a few. During this employment, he led multi-disciplinary teams focused on Maternal and Child Health, Food Security, HIV/AIDS Programming and numerous post conflict interventions.

Mark has an undergraduate degree in International Development from the historically black college Lincoln University and an MBA from the George Washington University in Washington DC.

Professor Latisha Nixon- Jones

Professor/ Disaster Law Scholar/ Facilitator

Vanessa Miller

Author

Kennedy Ryan

Author

Tamika D. Mallory

Author

Terrance Woodbury

Terrance’s background as a campaign operative informs his approach to polling, ensuring data translates into actionable strategy to win campaigns. He has worked with national political committees such as the DNC and DSCC, international philanthropies such as Rockefeller and Gates Foundations, and other major organizations to shape their research and outreach. His work has earned numerous accolades, including POLITICO’s Recast 2023 Power List and American Association of Political Consultants 40 Under 40 Class of 2023.

Under Terrance’s leadership, HIT Strategies has grown from a small startup to a 30+ person firm since 2019, becoming a go-to resource for understanding and mobilizing key voting blocs. His expertise has made him a sought-after media analyst, with insights featured in The Washington Post, POLITICO, The Wall Street Journal, The Hill, USA Today, NPR, and on CNN, MSNBC and Showtime’s The Circus. Previously, he was Research Director at a boutique polling firm and worked at the Brookings Institution, analyzing economic and demographic trends. Before focusing on data, he worked across campaign management, fundraising, organizing, and communications at all levels. A Morehouse College graduate, Terrance remains committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, a mission shaped by his late mother, Shanna Monique Woodbury.

Steve Jones

Author

Charles V. Taylor Jr

Executive Director of the MS State Conference NAACP

Charles V. Taylor Jr is executive director of the Mississippi State Conference NAACP and principal at Peyton Strategies, a political data firm in Mississippi that specializes in data collection and management. Taylor provides consulting services for nonprofits and progressive candidates from federal to local districts. With a background in community organizing, political direction and canvassing, he possesses a unique perspective, intuitive insight and sound judgment of political analytics. 

Taylor served as a state organizer in 2012 for the Mississippi State Conference NAACP “This Is My Vote” campaign, which registered more than 29,000 Black voters in the state. He was a field director and campaign coordinator for the Better Schools, Better Jobs ballot initiative to fully fund education, also known as Initiative 42. Taylor is also a member of Freedom Side, a national collective of social justice community organizers. He consults as a data manager for One Voice Inc., a nonprofit that seeks to build a progressive civic infrastructure in the American South. He also serves as the Southern organizing adviser to Groundwork Project, founded by former Congressman Joe Kennedy.

Johnell Young

Actor Hulu's Wu Tang American Saga

Johnell Young is an actor, producer, and multi-hyphenate creative best known for his breakout role as GZA in Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga. He has also appeared in BET’s Tales, Kold x Windy, and the Tribeca-selected film One Spoon of Chocolate.

Johnell continues to make bold moves with a slate of upcoming leading roles, including the suspense thriller End Zone alongside Brian White and Drew Sidora, the chilling thriller Prey By Night with Cinthya Carmona and Patrick Walker, and the period drama Legends of the Highway—set to release on Hulu and Peacock this November—where he stars opposite Julian Horton. He also headlines the dramedy episode Bon Appétit in I Got a Story to Tell 1.5.

Outside of acting, Johnell is the founder of the lifestyle brand Lovoyalty, and is passionate about producing purpose-driven content that reflects culture, resilience, and real stories. A proud father of twins and a lifelong athlete, he continues to balance the grind of Hollywood with fatherhood, fitness, and faith.

Cedric Haynes

Vice President, Policy and Legislative Affairs

In his role as Vice President, Policy and Legislative Affairs, Cedric is responsible for leading the process to develop, grow, and maintain an influential position for the NAACP, impacting federal and state public policy initiatives.

Cedric started his journey in public policy via the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Emerging Leaders program in 2009. Since then, he has worked with Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, including the House Homeland Security Committee offices. Cedric has varied policy experience in the private sector, having consulted with numerous startups and long-established businesses on issues including entertainment, micro mobility, housing, transportation infrastructure, and energy.

He is a graduate of Tougaloo College and Mississippi College School of Law. Prior to joining the NAACP, Cedric served as the Associate Vice President of Public Affairs for WM Technology.

Lisa Bland Malone

Director, Policy and Legislative Affairs - NAACP

Lisa Bland Malone has spent the majority of her career working in the civil rights arena. She has over twenty-five years of experience in policy analysis, federal and grassroots advocacy, programs, research and publications.

She currently serves as the Senior Fellow for Policy at the NAACP. Providing policy analysis, research and support for NAACP strategic initiatives. She recommends policy positions and strategies, and communicates NAACP positions and objectives on a portfolio of policy and regulatory matters. Always advocating to ensure equity and justice across all policy areas is her focus.

Lisa joined the organization in June 2017, as the Economic Programs Manager for the Economic Department. In that role, she managed their programs through development, implementation and reporting. She was also responsible for economic policy and research. In that capacity, she analyzed key economic policies and data, developed materials and provided technical assistance and training to NAACP Units across the country. She was instrumental in the development and release of the 4 signature NAACP Economic Inclusion Plan reports.

Prior to joining the NAACP, she served as the Vice President & Chief of Staff at the National Urban League's Washington Bureau. Lisa provided leadership and assistance to the staff and supervised the day-to-day management of the Bureau. She was responsible for overseeing legislative advocacy, research and policy, staffing, funding proposals and grant requirements.

She began her career on Capitol Hill working for the Congressional Research Service. In that capacity, she provided requested economic information to congressional members, committees and staff.

Ms. Bland Malone is a graduate of Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. She also attended the University of California Berkeley.

Dr. Dwayne Proctor

Chair, NAACP Foundation Board

During his nearly 20 years in philanthropy, Dr. Dwayne Proctor has always worked to ensure that American communities were healthy and thriving. Before becoming president and CEO of the Missouri Foundation for Health in 2021, he served in a variety of roles at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In 2002, he joined as a senior communications and program officer, providing strategic guidance and resources for several child health and risk-prevention initiatives such as Nurse-Family Partnership, Free to Grow, Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol-Free, Partnership for a Drug-Free America, and the National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy.

The struggle justice and equity continues with no expiration date in sight. For generations, my family have been faithful activists and up-standers in their communities and in the NAACP. Their examples motivate me to do, my part. As a NAACP Foundation trustee, I can fulfill my families' aspirations and use my unique experiences and skills to ensure that the NAACP is well-resourced and into the next century. There's a role for all of us in the NAACP, mine happens to be leading what will soon be known as the premier civil rights foundation in the nation.

In 2005, Dr. Proctor was tapped to lead RWJF's national strategies to reverse the rise in childhood obesity rates. In this role, he worked with his colleagues to promote effective changes to public policies and industry practices, test and demonstrate innovative community and school-based environmental changes, and leverage sustainable changes using both "grassroots" and "treetops" advocacy approaches to educate local and national leaders on their roles and opportunities to prevent childhood obesity.

I believe that God talks to me through other people and I spend a lot of time listening.

Prior to RWJF, Dr. Proctor was an assistant professor at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine where he taught courses on health communication and marketing practices to reach multicultural populations. During his Fulbright Fellowship in Senegal, West Africa, his research team investigated how HIV/AIDS prevention messages raised awareness of AIDS as a national health problem. Dr. Proctor received his doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degrees in marketing and communication science from the University of Connecticut. He is the former chairman of the board of directors for the Association of Black Foundation Executives and currently is the chairman of the board of trustees for the NAACP Foundation.

Dr. Proctor is excited to have recently moved to Missouri, specifically being drawn to the state's vibrant social culture and arts communities. He is devoted to his family, which includes two daughters, his father, sisters, brothers, and a large, loving extended family.

Merwyn Scott

Community Advocacy & Partnership Engagement Director, NEA

Shawn Fain

President, UAW

April Verrett

President, SEIU

Robin Williams

Chair, NAACP National Labor Committee

Robin worked as a food and office clerk at the Georgetown Safeway in Washington, D.C. for 13 years where she was a union member of UFCW Local 400. In 1986, she began her union activism as a safety coordinator and shop steward for the Local. She was a leader in signing up members for UFCW Active Ballot Club. In 1995 and 1996, she worked as a Special Project Union Representative with the Local to help sign up non-members in the "right to work" state of Virginia. Later she worked with the Local organizing team to bring a voice on the job to nursing home workers in Maryland. In 1997, Robin became a full-time organizer and union representative with UFCW Local 400.

In 2003, she was a lead coordinator in the "Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride," which brought together tens of thousands of immigrant workers and immigrant rights activists in a tour throughout the United States to demand respect for immigrant workers' rights. She was appointed Community Affairs Coordinator at the Strategic Affairs Department of Local 400 in 2004, where she was responsible for developing community and religious allies for organizing, collective bargaining, fighting Walmart, and educating the public about UFCW issues. In July 2005, Robin became the Associate Director of the Civil Rights and Community Action Department and was elected International Vice President in February 2015.

As a community leader, she helped develop the DC Jobs with Justice Interfaith Worker's Coalition and the DC Workers' Rights Board. She serves as an Executive Vice President of the UFCW Minority Coalition and is a trustee on the board of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. Robin is also a board member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI), and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (SDP).

Robin has received numerous awards and honors for her tireless efforts on behalf of workers and communities. She has been recognized by the AFL-CIO Washington Metropolitan Central Labor Council, Jobs with Justice, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, and has received the NAACP "Keeper of the Flame" award.

Chris Barrett

President, Charlotte-Metrolina Labor Council

Dr. Kendrick B. Roberson

Vice President, Women and Fair Practices, AFGE

David Marshall

Executive Vice President, CWA Local 6215

Tony McKinnon

President, APWU Local 984

Hasan Solomon

National Political and Legislative Director, IAM

Jamal Watkins

Senior Vice President, Strategy & Advancement, NAACP

Jamal R. Watkins currently serves as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advancement at the NAACP. Jamal previously led the Association's efforts to maximize the African-American community's participation and representation in our democracy as the Vice President of Civic Engagement at the NAACP.

Mr. Watkins previously served as National Outreach Director for the AFL-CIO. In this role, he was responsible for strengthening and growing national strategic partnerships with the labor movement across a range of priority campaigns and program work.

Prior to joining the AFL-CIO, Mr. Watkins held leadership positions in a number of organizations dedicated to community organizing and civil and human rights. These include Deputy National Political Director at Service Employees International Union; Chief of Staff at the Center for Social Inclusion; Managing Director for Campaigns for Amnesty International, the world's largest grassroots human rights organization; and, Deputy Director and Interim Executive Director of City Year Los Angeles, a national non-profit AmeriCorps organization.

Mr. Watkins has worked in several distinct arenas, including politics, campaigns, communications, education, human resources, and fundraising. He played key roles as a National Recruiter for the DNC, Fundraising Canvass Director for Grassroots Campaign, Florida State Director of the Young Voter Alliance during the 2004 Presidential Election, Regional Coordinator on the "Yes on Proposition 79" Campaign for Health Access of California, and most recently developing a voter mobilization and engagement field strategy for the 2014 mid-term election cycle.

A native of California and a resident of Washington, D.C., Mr. Watkins earned his B.A. in Philosophy, with a minor in Political Science, at Stanford University and completed graduate-level work at New York University for Speech and Interpersonal Communication. As a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., his motto is "onward and upward."

Claude Cummings

President, CWA

George Gresham

President Emeritus, 1199 SEIU

Jimmie Garland

Former President, NAACP Clarksville-Montgomery Branch

Sandra Lee Williams

President, Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council; 2nd Vice President, NAACP Cherokee County Branch

Allytra Perryman

Deputy Director, Mississippi State Conference NAACP

Allytra Perryman is a feisty and passionate community organizer devoted to helping communities discover and ignite their collective power. She currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Mississippi State Conference NAACP, where she develops and leads statewide programs designed to increase civic participation through voting and advocacy.

Previously, as Program Director for the East Biloxi Community Collaborative (EBCC), Allytra was responsible for implementing community-driven strategies to improve health, education, and economic outcomes in East Biloxi.

Her advocacy work also includes time with the Mississippi Center for Justice as a Community Organizer and Special Education Advocate, where she provided direct support to families navigating special education challenges in the public school system and led a successful, community-centered campaign to reopen Nichols Elementary School, a site with deep historical significance to the African-American community in Biloxi.

Allytra brings a deep-rooted commitment to social and economic justice in Mississippi. She serves in several key leadership roles, including Chair of the South Mississippi Housing Development Corporation, Chair of MS Engaged, Vice Chair of the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority VIII Board, and Board Member for the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health.

Chris Bennett

Founder & CEO, Wonderschool

Tony Waller

Vice President Constituent Relations & Racial Equity, Walmart

Tony Waller is Vice President, Constituent Relations and Racial Equity for Walmart in Bentonville, AR. In his position he sets strategy for driving reputation, augmenting outreach opportunities, and maximizing social investments in diverse and multicultural communities. His portfolio includes the African American, Hispanic, Asian American & Pacific Islander and Native American communities as well as Women, LGBTQIA+, People with Disabilities and Emerging Generations. Tony is also tasked with being a critical “integrator” engaging across Corporate Affairs teams, with real depth in helping to shape public policy, communication strategy, federal and state government relations, and community relations through a racial equity lens. Additionally, Tony and his team help lead efforts to expand the company’s racial equity work across all the diverse and multicultural communities of focus. Tony joined Walmart December 2006.

Serving is extremely important to Tony. He has always been taught that to give real service you must add to the world something that cannot be bought or measured with money. Tony currently serves on the board of the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship. He previously served as Chair of the NAACP ACT-SO Advisory Council. His passion for the empowerment and advancement of women, has led him to serve on the Board of Trustees of Center for Asian Pacific American Women. Tony also served on the Board of Directors of the National African American Women’s Leadership Institute. With both organizations he was the first male ever selected to serve. In 2017 Tony was elected Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Black Child Development Institute and currently serves as Chair Emeritus. He served on the City of Bentonville’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board. Tony also served on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board for the University of Arkansas. A graduate of the University of Virginia, he is a diehard WAHOO. He remains highly active with THE University and served on the board of the Walter N. Ridley Scholarship Fund, named after its first African American graduate.

Tony is an ardent supporter of the arts and fashion. He serves on the executive committee of the Board of Directors and co-chairs the Corporate Leadership Council of the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, AR. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for Interform, an organization focused on self-sustaining design-led fashion and art industry in Northwest Arkansas. In addition, Tony serves on the advisory board of Springclean, a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is to create jobs and reduce landfill space by repurposing donated textile materials. Tony also serves on the board of Soles4Souls, an organization that turns unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunity, by keeping them from going to waste and putting them to clever use – providing relief, creating jobs and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty.

In 2024, Tony was one of the recipients of the Governor’s Arts Awards presented by the Arkansas Arts Council. He received the Patron Award for his contributions to, and advocacy for, the arts in Arkansas. In 2023 he was honored with the Focus Award from LA Focus Magazine, for his longstanding support of diverse and multicultural communities. In 2022 Tony was honored by the Black Action Collective of NW Arkansas with the Esther Silver-Parker Corporate Trailblazer Award, in recognition for his exceptional dedication, innovation, careful work, wise diplomacy, commitment, and resilience to uplifting and building a better future for African American and underserved communities. In 2019 Tony was honored with the President’s Award at the Centennial Celebration of the Corpus Christ Branch of the NAACP. Tony has been the recipient of the Donald H. McGannon Award twice, the highest distinction given by the National Urban League to a corporate individual in recognition of one’s efforts in the community. Tony is the only individual who has received this honor multiple times. The American Indian College Fund honored Tony by ceremonially draping him with a blanket, a symbol of respect and admiration of the Native American community. Additionally, he has been awarded with the Made Man Award by 100 Black Men of Washington, DC. The award celebrates men who inspire and educate underserved men.

He is a passionate collector of Black art & sculpture, Latina art, antique watches, vintage cufflinks, eyewear, children’s story books and quotes. Shoes however are his kryptonite.

Tony strives to live each and every day by the words of his mother, Barbara Jean Motley Waller, “Keep flowing with The River for The River knows exactly where It is going.

Dr. Michelle Laws

Ordained Minister at Union Baptist Church in Durham, NC

Dr. Michelle Laws is an ordained minister at Union Baptist Church in Durham, NC, and a passionate advocate for social justice, health equity, and the underserved. She is the CEO of Symbiotic Strategies, a public relations consultancy advancing equity in healthcare. Her distinguished career includes leadership roles with the NC Medical Society, NC Department of Health and Human Services, NAMI-NC, and the NC NAACP. A Chapel Hill native, she holds a Ph.D. in Social and Behavioral Sciences from VCU, an M.A. in Sociology from NCCU, and a B.A. in Communications from UNC-Chapel Hill. Dr. Laws is a former congressional candidate and adjunct professor. She lives in Durham County with her husband, Karl, and their god-granddaughter Nova, continuing her mission of advocacy and transformational leadership. 

Reverend G. Rebecca Warren

Pastor of Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Hamlet, North Carolina

Reverend G. Rebecca Warren is the pastor of Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Hamlet, North Carolina. A native of Vidalia, Georgia, she is a proud graduate of Livingstone College with a B.A. in Religious Studies, Magna Cum Laude. She previously served at Pleasant Hill A.M.E. Zion and as Minister of Discipleship at Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church in Charlotte. Reverend Warren is Executive Director of the Little Rock CDC and a dedicated community servant through her work with the NAACP, Top Ladies of Distinction, Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, and various Masonic auxiliaries. She is a Charter Member of Gamma Phi Delta's Epsilon Nu Chapter and a strong advocate for empowerment and service. She and her husband, Charles, recently celebrated 37 years of marriage and are proud parents of two children.

Dr. Ralph M. McCormick

Senior Pastor of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC

Dr. Ralph M. McCormick is the Senior Pastor of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, where he has served since 2003. A native of Lubbock, Texas, he holds a B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin, an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a D.Min. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has held prior ministry roles at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Austin and The Park Church in Charlotte. A respected preacher and teacher, Dr. McCormick is a frequent speaker at conferences and national faith gatherings. He is the author of The Road to Recovery, a leadership guide based on Nehemiah’s principles. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and is married to Lakeisha S. McCormick.

Bishop DeWayne Walker

Presiding Prelate of the Alabama-Florida Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

Bishop DeWayne Walker is the Presiding Prelate of the Alabama-Florida Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and serves as the esteemed Pastor of the historic Old Ship AME Zion Church in Montgomery, Alabama. A dynamic preacher, strategic leader, and passionate advocate for justice and equity, Bishop Walker is known for his transformative ministry that bridges faith, community empowerment, and civic engagement.  With a commitment to servant leadership and public service, he has led initiatives that address education, healthcare access, and social justice throughout the Southeast. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to faith and community, Bishop Walker was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the highest civilian honors conferred by the Governor of North Carolina.

Pastor Leah Hill McNair

Visionary Founder of The Sister Circle International

Pastor Leah Hill McNair is the visionary founder of The Sister Circle International, a 501(c)(3) empowering women nationwide through healing, wholeness, and community. She serves as Lead Pastor of Circle City Church in High Point, NC, which she co-founded with her husband, Rev. P. Michael McNair. With nearly 30 years of service, Leah is known for her relatable, purpose-driven teaching and ability to mobilize women toward transformation. Her initiatives include G.L.O.W. for girls’ mental health and The Healing House retreat for women. She holds a B.S. in Public Health from UNC-Greensboro and is pursuing an M.Div. from Virginia Union University. Leah is a member of Jack and Jill of America and has received numerous awards for her advocacy in social and economic justice.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth J. Robinson

Senior Pastor of The Creek Church in Charlotte and First Baptist Church in Statesville, NC

Rev. Dr. Kenneth J. Robinson is the Senior Pastor of The Creek Church in Charlotte and First Baptist Church in Statesville, North Carolina. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he is a third-generation preacher who accepted Christ at age seven and answered the call to ministry at seventeen. Obeying God’s call, he relocated to Charlotte and established two thriving churches, becoming a respected leader known for his Apostolic vision and innovative approach to ministry. 

He is the founder of the Urban Church Planting Network, equipping minority and urban leaders to launch sustainable ministries, and the Concerned Clergy of Charlotte, a coalition uniting local pastors to meet community needs. Pastor Robinson is a passionate teacher, church planter, and advocate for kingdom advancement in underserved communities.

Ashleigh Gaines

Chair, Anchorage ACT-SO Program; Second Vice President, Anchorage Branch of the NAACP

Ashleigh Gaines is a proud graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage, holding a Bachelor of Arts in both Psychology and Political Science. A dedicated advocate for youth empowerment and social justice, Ashleigh has been an active member of the NAACP since the age of 13. Her journey began in the Youth Council and ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) program, and she is a distinguished alumna of the NAACP’s prestigious NextGen Leadership Training Program.

Currently, Ashleigh serves as Chair of the Anchorage ACT-SO Program and Second Vice President of the Anchorage Adult Branch of the NAACP. In these roles, she leads with vision and purpose, fostering academic, artistic, and civic excellence among local youth.

A passionate mentor, Ashleigh dedicates her time to supporting high school students in their areas of competition, as well as in life. Her commitment to youth development was recognized in 2012 when she received the President’s Award from journalist and motivational speaker Jeff Johnson at the Anchorage NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet.

During her time at UAA, Ashleigh co-founded and served as President of the Black Student Union, while also holding key roles in student government. Her leadership continues to make a lasting impact across Anchorage—whether she’s tutoring a student, mentoring youth in the arts and sports, or mobilizing for change in her community.

Ashleigh Gaines is more than a leader, she is a bridge-builder, advocate, and role model, standing firmly at the intersection of education, activism, and community uplifting.

Reverend Dr. Barrett Berry

Founder and International Leader of Empowered Living Global Ministries

The Reverend Dr. Barrett Berry is a Harvard-trained, faith-driven visionary who seamlessly bridges ministry, entrepreneurship, media, and social impact. A former White House appointee and respected community leader, he is the Founder and International Leader of Empowered Living Global Ministries, a movement based in Charlotte, North Carolina, equipping believers across the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean.  Passionate about men’s transformation, he mentors through The Men of PoWAR (Prayer, Obedience, Wisdom, Accountability, and Righteousness), guiding men through life’s toughest transitions. A church planter, speaker, and media producer, Barrett builds ecosystems that empower communities to flourish.

Dr. John H. Jackson

President and CEO of the Schott Foundation for Public Education

Dr. John H. Jackson is President and CEO of the Schott Foundation for Public Education. In this role, Dr. Jackson leads the Foundation’s efforts to ensure a fair and substantive opportunity to learn for all students regardless of race or gender. Dr. Jackson joined the Schott Foundation after serving in several senior level positions. Among them, National Director of Education and Chief Policy Officer of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 2000-2007. In 1999, President William Jefferson Clinton appointed Dr. Jackson to serve as Senior Policy Advisor in the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Education.

Dr. Jackson has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Race, Gender, and Public Policy at the Georgetown Public Policy Institute. Earlier in his career, Dr. Jackson conducted extensive research at the Harvard Civil Rights Project on civil rights and opportunity gap issues.

Dr. Jackson has been elected or appointed to serve on many boards and commissions. Among them the Xavier University of Louisiana Board of Directors, Nellie Mae Education Foundation Board of Directors, Harvard University Board of Alumni, Association of Black Foundation Executives, American Bar Association At-Risk Commission. Dr. Jackson also served on the Obama-Biden transition team as a member of the President’s 13-member Education Policy Transition Work Group.

A native of the Southside of Chicago and product of the public school system, Dr. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Xavier University of Louisiana; A Master of Education in Education Policy from the University of Illinois' College of Education; and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois' College of Law. In addition, Dr. Jackson received a Master of Education and Doctorate of Education in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble

Founder, The AAKOMA Project, Inc.

Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble (known as Dr. Alfiee) is a globally recognized authority and thought leader on mental health disparities and equity for intersectional Youth of Color, their families, and communities. She is a renowned scientist, author, speaker, and regularly appears in print and broadcast media as a mental health correspondent. A distinguished advocate for mental health, Dr. Alfiee has the distinction of being one of Melinda French Gates’s Global Leaders, championing innovative solutions to advance the health and wellbeing of women and girls worldwide through the (20-million-dollar) MATTIE Fund (part of Melinda’s groundbreaking 1 billion dollar philanthropic initiative).

Expert in research and clinical care for marginalized populations, she is highly regarded for translating complex scientific concepts into everyday language. With over 25 years of experience in academic medicine, honed at Duke and Georgetown Psychiatry and implemented at her innovative 501(c)(3) non-profit The AAKOMA Project, she is noted for her ability to draw in audiences and inspire. Dr. Alfiee’s media reach includes respected outlets like The Today Show, Hoda and Jenna,  MSNBC/Peacock, The New York Times, PBS, and more.

Dr. Alfiee started The AAKOMA Project as an academic medicine research lab in R1 teaching hospitals in 1999. With a staff of dedicated professionals, she built AAKOMA into a thriving research and outreach nonprofit founded on the science of community engagement and centering Youth, Families and Communities of Color. Her scientific mission is to combine lived experiences and data to support patients, providers and the public. In 2025, she released the second iteration of AAKOMA’s full report, The State of Mental Health for Youth of Color, a

groundbreaking examination of the current state of mental health concerns and supports for almost 9,000 Youth and Young Adults of Color ages 13-25 including LGBTQ youth and youth with disabilities. Her academic achievements, including authorship of 3 books and dozens of peer-reviewed publications on intersectional Youth and Young Adult of Color mental health, reflect her commitment to a culturally relevant, patient and community centered approach to her work.

Dr. Alfiee trained at Howard University, New York University, the University of Wisconsin, Madison and the Duke University School of Medicine. Her culturally relevant science helps ALL people actualize the love and light within.

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