Precious Anderson
Attorney & CEO 1Deep Productions
Precious Anderson is the award-winning entrepreneur, influencer and attorney who heads one of the most prestigious boutique business and entertainment law firms in Atlanta, Georgia. By capitalizing on her love of people, business and the arts, Precious has built a referral-based business courted by notable members of Atlanta’s business, political and entertainment community. Whether representing an entrepreneur, an entertainer or an everyday person, Precious prides herself on being a dealmaker, a common sense negotiator and a business developer who strategically helps clients build and protect their businesses, brand and
relationships. Now, her wits, experience and personality have propelled Precious onto TV as a legal analyst, onto stages as a keynote speaker and into other states and countries where her firm serves as outside general counsel to airport concessionaires, entertainment clients, NFL coaches,
physician practices, multi-state consulting firms, tech startups and several seven-figure beauty companies. Her other entrepreneurial pursuits include 1Deep Productions, a multi-faceted record label and TV/film production company that she oversees as CEO.
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Attorney & CEO 1Deep Productions
Shelley "Butch" Anthony III
Founder/ President, This Is It! BBQ & Seafood
Shelley “Butch” Anthony III is the founder and CEO of This Is It! BBQ & Seafood, one of Atlanta’s most highly-acclaimed family owned and operated restaurant chains. This Is It! BBQ & Seafood is headquartered in Fayetteville, Georgia, and currently employs over 300 people. Shelley continues a family legacy that began in Camila, Georgia when his grandfather opened up a little shack in the 1930s. His parents founded one of the city’s first black-owned restaurants. This Is It! BBQ & Seafood has been serving customers for over 35 years along with successfully branding “It’s the Rib Tips”.
This Is It! BBQ & Seafood has 11 restaurants with one location in Fayetteville and two franchise locations throughout the metro-Atlanta area. Mr. Anthony also inked a national franchise deal for 300 This Is It! BBQ & Seafood locations across United States and Canada.
Shelley is the author of the inspirational autobiography, God Has a Plan for the Underdog (2017). He is a Speaker, Consultant, and Coach who teaches entrepreneurial success through a Christ-centered philosophy. Shelley has received many honors, including the Steve Harvey Hoodie Award, recognition by the Georgia State House of Representatives (2018) for his achievements, 2018 Recipient of the Aerotropolis Atlanta Small Business of the Year, 2019 recipient of the Nathaniel Mosby Humanitarian Award and 2019 Small Business Acknowledgement by the Georgia House of Representatives during Georgia Small Business Week.
About Shelley "Butch" Anthony III
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Founder/ President, This Is It! BBQ & Seafood
Tim Arrington
Custom Fashion Designer
Tim Arrington, based in Atlanta, GA, has become widely known and respected as a custom fashion designer. Fashion is in his DNA, but he has honed his skills with training in fashion design at Bauder Fashion College and the Fashion Design Training Studio. With training in pattern making, sewing, fashion styling, and, design and illustration, Tim is one of the most sought after designers by athletes, entertainers, and high-profile clients. Over the past 20 years, his unique, bold, yet classic sense of style and one-of-a-kind designs have landed his creations on runways and red carpets throughout the United States. His work has been shown during the coveted New York Fashion Week and graced red carpets during the Oscars, The Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, Trumpet Awards, Stellar Awards, and BET Awards. His work has been seen on national television networks, and also, appeared in national media publications. With his unique fabric choices, sewing techniques, and attention to detail, Tim raises the bar with each new creation and shows no signs of slowing down.
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Custom Fashion Designer
DeLois Babiker
CEO, Intellectual Concepts
For more than 35 years, DeLois B. Babiker has successfully provided senior leadership to technology and management initiatives in government and private industry, solving complex business and IT problems head-on. Thirteen years ago, she founded Intellectual Concepts (IC), a global management consulting firm providing specialized program and management consulting services to supporting HIV, Polio Eradication, Zika, and Cancer supporting Public Health, mobility Intelligent Technical sensor solution, device installation and project management supporting the Transit industry, and logistics, information technology, cybersecurity and administrative services for the DoD.
About DeLois Babiker
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CEO, Intellectual Concepts
Jay Bailey
President & CEO
Committed to living by his personal motto, “Build As We Climb”, change agent, thought leader,
entrepreneur and emerging philanthropist, James M. Bailey has dedicated his life to serving others.
James was recently named President and CEO of the Russell Center for Innovation and
Entrepreneurship (RCIE). Honoring the great legacy and visionary business leadership of Herman
J. Russell, he will lead the development of the largest center in America, driven by community
impact, devoted to empowering African American entrepreneurs and small business owners; over
50,000 square feet designed to inspire ideas, create jobs, grow companies, and increase wealth in
the community.
Before RCIE, James served as CEO for the Southeastern Region of Operation HOPE, a global
nonprofit organization focused on economic empowerment. Under his leadership, HOPE’s
southeastern region grew from a single person operation in 2007, to nineteen offices by 2015,
helping more than 160,000 youth, adults, and families start businesses, buy homes, raise credit
scores and increase their financial literacy.
About Jay Bailey
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President & CEO
Arnold Baker
Commissioner, Port New Orleans
Owner of Baker Ready Mix & Building Material in New Orleans.
About Arnold Baker
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Commissioner, Port New Orleans
Antonio Baxton
CEO, Business Incentive Group LLC
MANAGER with more than 13 years of experience in economic development, statistics, grant management, and corporate finance. Determined, results-oriented professional leveraging extensive knowledge in government incentives, business retention and expansion, project financing, and client relationship management (CRM) to drive economic growth and business results in the community. Energetic, detail-oriented team leader leveraging exemplary interpersonal skills to manage and train remote employees and associates throughout the US. Driven, creative problem solver with a track record of successfully liaising between the business community and local and state representatives to develop business funding strategies.
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CEO, Business Incentive Group LLC
Michael Beasley
Actor: Murder, Lil Jake, Jimmy Clay
Michael is known for his role as 'Murder' in the Showtime's Golden Globe nominated mini-series "Escape at Dannemora", Lil Jake in Netflix's Bloodline (2015), Jimmy Clay in HBO's Eastbound & Down (2009) and the Bouncer in Last Vegas (2013).
Denzel Washington once called Michael, the "King of (Hollywood) South." He has now done over 65 film and television projects in just 10 short years of being in the business. He has already worked with many legendary actors, such as, Denzel Washington in several movies, Don Cheadle, John Goodman, Morgan Freeman, Samuel Jackson, Michael Douglas, Ben Stiller, Patricia Arquette, Paul Dano, Benicio Del Toro, Kevin Kline and Robert De Niro to name a few."
About Michael Beasley
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Actor: Murder, Lil Jake, Jimmy Clay
Ashley Bell
Region IV Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
Ashley was appointed on February 21, 2018 by the White House to serve as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration for Region IV; serving nine districts located in the 8 Southeastern States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Ashley Bell is a small business owner and entrepreneur himself from the young age of 22. Prior to this appointment, Ashley served as Associate Director for External Affairs for the U.S. Peace Corps and Special Assistant in the Public Affairs Bureau of the United States Department of State.
Ashley was a former Hall County Commissioner elected at the young age of 27. A lawyer by trade, Ashley is co-founder of the law firm Bell & Washington LLP, based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Growing up in a neighborhood where many of his peers saw incarceration more than college, Ashley has used his wide bipartisan network to be a tireless volunteer for justice for all Americans founding the 2020 Bi-partisan Justice Center. He is also the Founder of Generation Inspiration, whose mission is to teach life skills not taught in the classroom to at-risk students in his hometown of Gainesville, Georgia.
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Region IV Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
Teddy Bishop
Grammy Nominated, Multi-platinum Producer
Teddy Bishop, is a highly respected Grammy nominated, multi-platinum producer, songwriter, and composer. Early in his career as a producer, "LA Reid" recognized his talents and quickly took Teddy under
his wing and became his mentor. During that time, Teddy was afforded the opportunity to work with Toni Braxton on her debut LP and his contributions aided in the success of over 18 million copies sold. From there, Teddy became one of Atlanta's heavily sought-after producers and was often called upon to work with various artists. And his productions caused many of those artists to achieve #1 Billboard and/or multiplatinum status such as, Montell Jordan's single "Let's Ride," Toni Braxton's hit "Just Be A Man About It,"
the late Aaliyah's "I Miss You" (which held the #1 video spot on BET's 106 & Park for over 65 weeks), and LaToya Luckett's #1 hit "Torn" (also a #1 video on BET's 106 & Park). Teddy has contributed to the sales of more than 40 million albums worldwide and his productions span different genres from Whitney Houston to Brittany Spears, Usher to Master P, to name a few.
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Grammy Nominated, Multi-platinum Producer
Paul Blair
Director of Strategic Initiatives, Americans for Tax Reform
About Paul Blair
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Director of Strategic Initiatives, Americans for Tax Reform
Dr. Maria Boynton
News Director
Dr. Maria Boynton is the News & Public Affairs Director for Entercom Media Atlanta. IIn that role, Maria supervises the news and traffic reporters for V103, WAOK, and 929TheGame. She also oversees all Public Affairs programming aanand reporting. Maria is also the News Anchor for V103. She joined Entercom, formerly CBS Radio Atlanta, following 20 years of covering presidential campaigns, and the Georgia General Assembly for several years. Her experience has matured in some of the country’s major media and broadcast markets. Maria professionally delivers well-produced broadcasts and utilizes social media by contributing stories and videos of interviews with newsmakers. Her video interview with Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall about the “Decriminalization of Marijuana” was recently featured on Essence.com. She also produces, edits, and anchors long-form segments for Public Affairs programming on V103, WAOK, Star 94.1, and 92.9 The Game.
About Dr. Maria Boynton
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News Director
Zina Brown, MBA
President and CEO | Life Dreams Entertainment LLC
Zina Brown, MBA is the President and CEO of Life Dreams Entertainment, LLC (LDE) and producer of 60 seconds to stardom (60StS). Her company, LDE highlights her talents as a filmmaker and television producer, event organizer, promoter, fundraiser and talent connector. Ms. Brown's versatile film, video and television production talents along with her extensive Rolodex have enabled her to build an impressive body of work. In addition, Zina Brown, VP of East Operations leads the NABFEME charge in the Southeast elevating women in entertainment and media. Finally, Zina is a Sr. Project Manager at a large Pharmacy Benefits Management company (PBM).
http://www.lifedreamsentertainment.com/
About Zina Brown, MBA
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President and CEO | Life Dreams Entertainment LLC
Paul Bryant
H.J. Russell Company
Paul Bryant left a 25 year corporate career to lead a struggling non-profit agency. Today he is a Pulitzer Prize nominated author and is considered one of America’s most versatile educators. His leadership influence extends internationally to roughly ½ million students. Purpose Living Leadership courses are taught in 1,000 schools in three different countries!
Paul is a respected voice of leadership inspiring Educators, Corporate Executives and leaders of Religious, Public and Private institutions to live their purpose. His message of living a life of Purpose resonates with people of all ages, races and economic backgrounds.
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H.J. Russell Company
Leilani M. Brown
Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at K12 Inc.
Leilani leads K12’s expanding development of public and private-sector partnerships. In addition, she manages several cross-functional strategic initiatives on behalf of the chairman such as the company’s strategic investment in Tallo—a career platform that connects high school students, college students and young adults to career and higher education opportunities. Prior to joining K12, Leilani served as Chief Marketing Officer of Starr Companies, a global insurance and investment organization.
https://www.k12.com/
About Leilani M. Brown
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Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at K12 Inc.
Juan Camilo Cabezas
Colombian Business Manager
Juan Camilo Cabezas is a Colombian business manager, expert in international cooperation and project management with more than 24 years of work experience. In the private sector more than 16 years and 7 in the public sector. Member of the NBCC Board of Directors.
He am currently finishing my cycle as Business Manager of Eightfold Colombia Cannabis Company, conservation and superfoods.
Initiates with the national government the implementation of productive projects within the framework of the peace agreements.
Among the occupied positions are:
- Programmatic Deputy Coordinator - IPA Program (IOM -USAID): $ 50 Million Program whose objective is to improve the quality of life of black and indigenous communities in Colombia from economic development, access to rights, technology, among others.
- Fedepalma Southwest Region Manager – FEDEPALMA (Colombian Palm Oil Federation). Development and strengthening of the Palm Oil agroindustry in the southwestern zone of Colombia. Industry in Colombia of 500,000 hectares, 150,000 jobs and 1.7 million tons.
- Project Manager FONADE: Project Manager of the National Development Colombia Fund.
- Specialist Strengthening of Capacities, Emergency Employment Generation Program for the winter wave in Colombia from 2009 to 2011. Strategy construction that generated 39,688 jobs.
- Director of Black Communities, Afro-Colombians, Raizales and Palenqueras Ministry of the Interior and Justice: Guarantee rights to Afro communities in Colombia and access to public resources for the development of communities.
- Presidential Agency for Social Action and International Cooperation
Position: Adviser Ethnic Affairs for the High Presidential Adviser for Social Action and International Cooperation.
- ARD - MIDAS / USAID Program, Position: Vulnerable Groups Coordinator. Generate alternative development in the context of substitution of illicit crops.
About Juan Camilo Cabezas
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Colombian Business Manager
James E. Campos
Director, Department of Energy
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Economic Impact and Diversity (ED) was established by a congressional statute in 1979 to increase minority participation in energy sector programs. ED’s mission is broad and diverse, with a number of programs and initiatives that focus on meeting its statutory obligations and enhancing the value of DOE’s mission. ED’s programs and initiatives are focused on business and education to establish critical linkages among minority-serving institutions, minority businesses, and Federal agencies to address economic development in underserved communities and support energy workforce development. ED supports the greater inclusion of underserved minority populations—African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American & Pacific Islander, Puerto Rican, and Alaska Native—including women, veterans, and formerly incarcerated persons, into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and energy-related industries.
About James E. Campos
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Director, Department of Energy
Tiffany Carter
Director of Procurement, Port of New Orleans
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Director of Procurement, Port of New Orleans
Marques Colston
Former NFL Wide Receiver/Entrepreneur
Marques Colston is a former 10-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion with the New Orleans Saints, where he remains the all-time franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards, total touchdowns.
Since retiring from football, Colston has emerged as a leading growth consultant at the intersection of sports, health and wellness, and technology, having a number of his pursuits featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, CNBC, and Fox Business.
Colston is the Founder and Managing Partner of Dynasty Innovation, a growth consulting firm based in New Jersey. There he leverages 15+ years professional sports as a player, team owner, and front office executive, combined with over a decade of experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and advisor to deliver unparalleled strategy and execution services to his clients.
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Former NFL Wide Receiver/Entrepreneur
Melvin Crawford
Liberia: CEO of Development Management Associates LLC (DMA)
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Liberia: CEO of Development Management Associates LLC (DMA)
Jordan Crenshaw
Policy Counsel, US Chamber of Commerce
Jordan Crenshaw serves as Policy Counsel at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Technology Engagement Center. He analyzes federal privacy, cloud computing, broadband, internet, e-commerce, and broadcast policies that impact U.S. businesses. Crenshaw oversees the Chamber’s privacy working group which is comprised of over 200 companies and trade associations which developed model privacy legislation and principles.
Before joining the Chamber, Crenshaw served as an attorney with the National Rifle Association focusing on environmental issues impacting gun ranges such as the Clean Water Act and RCRA. His work at the NRA also required analysis of consumer privacy laws. Previously, Crenshaw managed discovery issues in the defense of a financial institution against TCPA claims at McGuireWoods, LLP. During law school, Crenshaw interned for Virginia Senate Majority Leader Thomas Norment, the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Administrative Law Judges, and the National Right to Work Defense Foundation
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Policy Counsel, US Chamber of Commerce
Mariah Dodson
Co-Founder, Dust To Diamonds Incorporated
https://dusttodiamondsinc.com/
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Co-Founder, Dust To Diamonds Incorporated
George Farrell
Cerebrum AI
American Security Trust, SA is headquartered in San Jose, Costa Rica. American Security Trust, SA is a privately held trust and CLO that manages assets in 3 Countries. AST,SA holds capital growth assets and invests in LIFI, Cerebrum AI, Direct Digital information technology, equity securities, such as stocks and collateralized loan obligations of international companies, sustainable energy projects. including Real Estate Developments outside of the USA. Mr. Farrell is a Real Estate Developer that preserves the existing character of communities without the displacement or gentrification of current residents or business, he uses sustainable techniques acquired from his experience in Central and South America. He held a Mortgage Brokerage Licenses in Washington, DC, Maryland and Florida. In 2007 he published his first book Angry Black Man Guide to Success. He wrote this book after interviewing hundreds of black men.[1] This book is based on the experience of African American men living in United States.[2] He also writes occasional travel articles for www.Examiner.com. In 2016, he published "Success is Colorblind".
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Cerebrum AI
Albert E. Fontenot Jr.
Associate Director, US Census Bureau
Albert Fontenot is the U. S. Census Bureau’s Associate Director for Decennial Census Programs.
He provides executive leadership for three major programs within the Census Bureau – the 2020 Census, the American Community Survey, and the Geographic Programs.
He has previously served as the Assistant Director for Field Operations - Where he oversaw the Field Division, the Six Regional Census Offices, the National Processing Center and the Office of Survey and Census Analytics. Fontenot has served as the Chicago Regional Director overseeing all Census activities for the eight mid-western states.
About Albert E. Fontenot Jr.
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Associate Director, US Census Bureau
Oscar Gamboa
Candidate for Governor, Valle de Cuca, Colombia, Cali
About Oscar Gamboa
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Candidate for Governor, Valle de Cuca, Colombia, Cali
Tasia Grant
Actress: Saints & Sinners
Tasia is a professional actress and has been cast in over 20 films, 30 TV episodes and numerous national commercials. With over 20 years acting, she has extensive experience working in many genres of casting: print, television, commercials and feature film. She is also an Acting Coach, Motivational Speaker and Career Consultant. Tasia is currently on the hit television series Saints and Sinners.
About Tasia Grant
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Actress: Saints & Sinners
Ronald A. Gregg
Esquire, Gregg and Associates
Ronald A. Gregg, Esq., the President of the Richmond County Black & Minority Chamber of Commerce, is senior partner of the Staten Island law office of Gregg and Associates. Gregg served as a Senior Administrative Law Judge for the New York State Division on Human Rights for over a decade before retiring and entering into full-time private practice in April 2007.
Gregg is also president of The Global Lawyers, an international network of attorneys working in immigration and business law counseling immigrants and corporations alike. Gregg is licensed to practice in New York State, the District of Columbia as well as being admitted to the United States Supreme Court Bar, a high honor bestowed upon a comparatively small percentage of lawyers. It is one of the top ratings available for few attorneys in the United States.
About Ronald A. Gregg
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Esquire, Gregg and Associates
Paul Griffin
Executive Director, Energy Fairness
Paul Griffin is the Executive Director of Energy Fairness. Energy Fairness is a national non-profit seeking to have a fact-based conversation with policy makers and consumers about what it takes to maintain an affordable an reliable supply of energy. Paul has over 13 years of experience in the electric utility industry and was also a Senior Policy Aide for U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) handling energy and natural resources issues for the congressman.
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Executive Director, Energy Fairness
Natalie Hall
Fulton County Board Commissioners, District 4
Natalie Hall is Fulton County Commissioner of District 4, which encompasses the heart of Atlanta, downtown, Midtown, Old 4th Ward, and neighborhoods west of downtown Atlanta to Fulton Industrial Boulevard. The unique attribute about this district is that it’s completely inside of the City of Atlanta. Commissioner Hall is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of the citizens of Fulton County. She previously served Fulton County faithfully for 6 years as the Chief of Staff to the late Fulton County District 4 Commissioner Joan P. Garner, and has over 25 years of management experience in the public and private sectors.
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Fulton County Board Commissioners, District 4
Dirck A. Hargraves, Esquire
Founder, Ascendant Strategies
Dirck A. Hargraves, Esq. has over 25 years of public affairs expertise to support Fortune 100 and pro bono clients alike. He is particularly skilled at providing them with traditional and new media tools to bring their voices to major decision makers and media markets at the right time and place. Hargraves is the founder and principal of Ascendant Strategies, LLC (ASL), a public affairs and strategic alliances firm. ASL applies a fast-moving campaign approach to achieve its clients’ policy and business goals. Prior to ASL, Dirck served as a Senior Vice President at VOX Global, LLC where he co-founded and led the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Practice and provided culturally competent brand enhancement, executive positioning, reputation protection and crisis communication counsel. In addition, he recruited allies and mitigated critics of his clients’ through third party engagement.
Before VOX, Dirck spent 8 years at a mid-sized firm where he led the Public Affairs & Strategic Alliances practice as its Assistant Vice President & Counsel. He oversaw a talented and diverse team of consultants and ran grassroots campaigns which involved stakeholders including consumer, disability, education, minority, rural, senior and small business organizations.
Dirck also worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative counsel to Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston, TX) where he supported the Congresswoman on matters before the Judiciary Committee and the Full House, including the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1999 and the African Growth Opportunity Act of 1999.
Prior to serving as legislative counsel, Dirck practiced commercial litigation for the nation’s third largest multicultural law firm, Alexander, Bearden, Hairston & Marks, LLP. He was also a staff attorney with the FDIC’s Regulations and Legislation Section and an International Trade law clerk for the DC office of Gardner, Carlton & Douglas, LLP
About Dirck A. Hargraves, Esquire
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Founder, Ascendant Strategies
Cornell Harvey
Mayor, Brunswick, GA
Mayor Harvey is a native of Brunswick, Georgia. He received his undergraduate degree in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland in 1983 and his Master’s degree from Troy University in 1993.
Mayor Harvey was elected to the City Council in 2003 and served as a Commissioner for the North Ward for 10 years. He was elected to become Mayor of Brunswick in December 2013.
Mayor Harvey serves on the board of the Boy Scouts, Coastal Area Action Authority, 2016 Nominee of GMA Federal Policy Council, Chamber of Commerce, CVB, and on numerous other boards. In addition, he is a member of the Fourteen Black Men of Glynn, Inc, which mentors ninth grade students.
Mayor Harvey served in the United States Air Force and retired after 29 years of faithful service. He rose to the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant—which is the top 1% of the total Air Force Enlisted Force. During his tours, he was assigned to Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Germany, England, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and visited numerous others.
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Mayor, Brunswick, GA
John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM
IOM, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
https://www.aaccnj.com/
About John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM
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IOM, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
Bruce Hauk
President, Illinois American Water
Hauk continues in his role as president of Illinois American Water, the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. In this role, Hauk reinforces and strengthens customer, regulatory and local government relationships, drives operational and financial results and is the principal external contact for American Water in Illinois.
Hauk, who lives in Edwardsville, is a champion of employee recognition and inclusion. He often says the best asset of Illinois American Water is its employees. This is supported by his strong focus on employee safety and diversity. His leadership and communication skills, coupled with his broad operations and business experience, have contributed to Illinois American Water’s success.
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President, Illinois American Water
Kimberly K. Haynes
Founder & CEO, OMBI Group LLC
Attorney Kimberly K. Haynes is among Atlanta and Baton Rouge's elite civically engaged leaders within the professional community. A graduate of Spelman College and Tulane University School of Law, Haynes is Founder and CEO of OMBI Group LLC, a premier sports and entertainment firm that specializes in the representation of sports and entertainment professionals and executives. She is also Principal of Haynes Johnson LLC, a boutique entertainment law firm handling music, film, television, and literary matters, civil litigation, estate planning, and small business needs. With over 15 years of experience, Haynes has nurtured OMBI Group and Haynes Johnson into successful organizations that specialize in managing professional athletes and entertainers’ professional and personal endeavors, in addition to cultivating a full-service nonprofit consulting group.
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Founder & CEO, OMBI Group LLC
Keka Heron
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist
As both a hairstylist and makeup artist, Keka Heron has mastered the art of creating exquisite looks for clients in editorial, television, runway, advertising, bridal and salons. For more than15 years, Keka has spent time working to bringing the artistic visions of advertising agencies, directors and photographers to life. Working with celebrities and brands including Neiman Marcus, Sean Puffy Combs, Jasmine Sullivan, She has been noted for having an eye for detail and executing the most complicated look with precision and finesse. Her expert opinion has been featured on Today show, yahoobeauty.com, BravoTV.com, Martha Stewart Weddings and Allure.com to name a few. Her keen sense of glam creative direction is a reflection of the time she spends studying the beauty industry to ensure that she is bringing the latest style and trends to her clients.
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Hairstylist & Makeup Artist
Michael Hightower
Founder and Managing Partner of The Collaborative Firm
Michael Hightower is the Founder and Managing Partner of The Collaborative Firm, which was founded in 2001. The Collaborative Firm provides a wealth of experience in urban planning, economic development, community engagement and project management throughout metropolitan Atlanta and the southeast.
Prior to establishing The Collaborative Firm, Michael was elected as the first African American City Council Member for the City of College Park, Georgia in 1979. Michael also served for more than fourteen years as a member of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners (Georgia). During much of his tenure on the Board of Commissioners, Michael served as Vice-Chairman, and was a member of several boards and committees. He also served as President of the National Association of Counties (NACo), which includes over 3,000 counties nationwide, and focused on welfare reform, affordable housing and sustainable communities.
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Founder and Managing Partner of The Collaborative Firm
Steve Higley
Manager, Federal Government Affairs, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
About Steve Higley
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Manager, Federal Government Affairs, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Sheena L. Holland
President/CEO, Paramount Research Solutions
Prior to launching Paramount Research Solutions (PRS), Sheena was employed as a Sr. Clinical
Research Associate for 15 years, Substance abuse counselor for 3 years and a Social Worker/
Counselor for 10 years. Sheena received her undergraduate degree in Social Work from
Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN and her Masters degree in Human Services
Administration from Spertus College in Chicago, IL.
During her career as a Clinical Research Associate, Sheena realized a gap in services in the
African American community. The African American community is grossly understudied in
clinical research trials. Similarly, she discovered there is a lack of African American physicians
running clinical trials (also known as Principal Investigators).
About Sheena L. Holland
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President/CEO, Paramount Research Solutions
Leon Johnson
Excel Screen Printing
ABOUT US
Excel is one of the leading decorator of promotional items in
the midwest. Our state of the art facilities allow us to produce
every imaginable decoration order. Have an item that needs
embellishment? You don’t need to look any further....
Think of Excel as your one stop decoration center. Our services
include a full variety of decoration options to cover any promotional
needs. From Screen Printing to Embroidery, Pad Printing and
Glass/Ceramic imprint , along with providing awards and fulfillment.
We are the only direct supplier that has all these services under
the same roof. You no longer have to fulfill your needs by sending your orders to different vendors.
About Leon Johnson
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Excel Screen Printing
Fred Jordan
Owner, F.E. Jordan Assoc, Inc
About Fred Jordan
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Owner, F.E. Jordan Assoc, Inc
Craig King
Co-Founder, Rapplug LLC
King is the musical director behind the viral ‘Born to Roll’ series of commercial for Ford. His musical vision can many singing and chanting #RollOnSista. Now King the Co Founder of Rapplug LLC a music networking platform for artists, producers, creatives and rue like was selected in a prestigious accelerator program The Farm powered by Comcast NBC Universal.
In addition, as CEO of Gentleking Technologies, King has partnered with Comcast NBC Universal, Microsoft, The Mandela Family Foundation, The Boys And Girls Club of South Eastern Michigan, The Andrew and Walter Young YMCA, Ushers New Look and many more.
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Co-Founder, Rapplug LLC
William L. Kovacs
Author, Reform the Kakistocracy
About William L. Kovacs
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Author, Reform the Kakistocracy
Dorothy Leavell
Publisher, Chicago & Gary Crusader Newspaper
About Dorothy Leavell
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Publisher, Chicago & Gary Crusader Newspaper
Bernie Lawrence-Watkins
Esquire, B. Lawrence Watkins & Associates
Bernie Lawrence-Watkins is a seasoned principal attorney at the law firm of B. Lawrence Watkins & Associates, PC, concentrating in the areas of Entertainment, Media Technology, Licensing, Copyright, Trademark, Business Transactions, Litigation and Corporate Formations. Her clients include Grammy® Award winning music producers, artists and songwriters, some of who have sold over 10 million units in sales. She also represents major label record executives, Deejays, independent record labels, managers, music and
film/television production companies, screenplay writers, and clothing designers. Ms. Lawrence-Watkins has over nineteen years of experience in drafting and negotiating complex agreements ranging from licensing, employment, corporate transactions, to product endorsement and influencer deals on behalf of entertainment and corporate brands.
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Esquire, B. Lawrence Watkins & Associates
Harry Lennix
Actor, writer, author & producer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Lennix
About Harry Lennix
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Actor, writer, author & producer
Patrick Lozes
Founder, Council of Black Associations of France
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Founder, Council of Black Associations of France
Kimberly Marcus
Director, Supplier Diversity, AARP
Mrs. Kimberly Marcus is the Director of Supplier Diversity for AARP. Mrs. Marcus is responsible for redefining supplier diversity at AARP. The AARP supplier diversity program resides at the intersection of who we are, what we do, and how we do it. AARP’s supplier diversity program is directly linked to our mission and why we exist. AARP not only seeks to work with diverse suppliers, we also serve them by helping them grow their businesses and promoting them in the marketplace.
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Director, Supplier Diversity, AARP
J. Alexander Martin
Founder@FUBU
Founder@FUBU
Pres.@FORUSBYUSNetwork #NewBook MoneyMakesMeCRAZY
TalkShowHost@ “Behind The Money”
Television Executive @ImpactTelevisionNetwork
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Founder@FUBU
Manuel Madriñá
Director of Social Services, Comfandi
Manuel Humberto Madriñán Dorronsoro, Director of social services of COMFANDI, Family Compensation Fund of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. A graduated of Javeriana University Bogotá of Industrial Engineering and Specialist in Agro-industrial Administration from ICESI University.
Manuel Madriñan has been a university professor for more than 15 years. He has experience in the agro-industrial and social sector; since 1979 he held different management positions at Ingenio Providencia S.A and in the last 5 years he has been served as Director of Social Services of COMFANDI.
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Director of Social Services, Comfandi
Angelica Mayolo
City Economic Secretary, Cali, Colombia
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City Economic Secretary, Cali, Colombia
Ronni McBride
Founder, HautelantaPR
Ronni McBride created HautelantaPR to provide Superior Service from the Conception of Clients Ideas and Marketing Needs to the Completion of the Task or Goal! HautelantaPR was birthed by the need for businesses to sustain, non- profits to impact, and entrepreneurs to flourish. HautelantaPR services offer- The Power to Be Connected! Profitable! Recongized!
R. McBride is also the Owner of Ooh La La Fashion with 20+ years in the Fashion, Retail Industry. Ronni strives to " Make People Fabulous One Person at A Time"
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Founder, HautelantaPR
Rushion McDonald
Two-time Emmy Award Winning TV Producer
Rushion McDonald grew up in the Fifth Ward district of Houston, Texas, as the middle child of nine with six sisters and two brothers. Despite his humble beginnings, he learned to never let other people’s expectations limit his dreams or opportunities. From an early age, McDonald understood
how to make money, whether it was selling photos of couples at parties in high school or making pizzas in his dorm room in college. Rushion attended the University of Houston and studied Mathematics and Sociology, degrees which would later fuel his success in marketing and branding.
While still in college, he served as an Administrative Accountant at IBM, a position only intended to be semester-long, but which grew into a five year career.
During McDonald’s final years at IBM, he tried his hand at standup comedy. Winning the title of Showtime’s “Funniest Person in Texas” for three consecutive years, Rushion went on to compete
for “Funniest Person in America,” only losing in the finals to Ellen DeGeneres. In 1986, McDonald met Steve Harvey, who was his opening act. Over the next few years, McDonald fully realized Harvey’s true talent and passion, so McDonald put his standup comedy career aside and jumped at the opportunity to become a writer on Harvey’s new ABC show called Me and the Boys. Within the next 30 years, McDonald and Harvey would build a media empire that included the #1 syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show, #1 new syndicated Steve Harvey Talk Show series, and #1 syndicated Family Feud game show series; three consecutive #1 New York Times Best Selling books Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man, Straight Talk, No Chaser and Act Like A Success, and Think Like A Success; and finally #1 blockbuster movies Think Like a Man and Think Like a Man Too. Today Rushion McDonald is a motivating entrepreneur and brand architect holding the titles of a
two-time Emmy Award Winning TV Producer and three-time NAACP Image Award Winner.
Rushion launched his 3815 Media company now representing top talent like Stephen A. Smith from ESPN and CNN Legal Analyst Areva Martin. Rushion hosts a popular iHeart Media podcast called Money Making Conversations, with guests like ABC’s The Good Doctor actor, Hill Harper; NFL Hall of Fame Pro Deion Sanders; Bishop TD Jakes; actor Morris Chestnut; TV host and
entrepreneur Nick Cannon, CNN’s Van Jones; comedian and actor Cedric The Entertainer, five-time Grammy Award-winning Gospel singer Yolanda Adams and many more.
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Two-time Emmy Award Winning TV Producer
Jackie Mims
Founder & CEO, Jackie Mims Enterprises
A native of Greenport, Long Island, New York, Jackie Mims is an American business women with an extensive entrepreneur portfolio in real estate development, business development, and media production.
Jackie is Founder and CEO of Jackie Mims Enterprises with business entities that include real estate sales and investments. A real estate professional with over 20 years’ experience, Jackie was awarded the prestigious Prince George’s County Rookie of the Year Award her first year in real estate. During her real estate career, Jackie received the Re/Max Hall of Fame Award and numerous other real estate awards. A passionate advocate for woman’s health and wellness, Jackie serves on the Executive Board of 6Star LLC, and Jewel Sanitary Napkins LLC, a leading producer of healthy feminine hygiene products with Nobel Prize winning Graphene technology. Through her business development entity, Jackie is the founder and leader of the national business network Team Hollywood / T3 Marketing Group, a network of sales and marketing professionals within 6Star LLC and the direct selling industry where Jackie and her organization has achieved the elite status of Diamond.
A media professional and producer, Jackie is extremely passionate about reaching women and girls and is in the process of launching nationally syndicated Internet radio and television productions to reach women and girls around the world who suffer in silence with female health concerns. An advocate for women, Jackie is a member of Sisters 4 Sisters Network, Inc. where over the past 15 years, Sisters 4 Sisters Network, Inc. has created a platform for women to come together to network, share experiences and to form alliances with like-minded women.
Jackie Mims is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a member of Zeta Phi Bata Sorority, Inc.
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Founder & CEO, Jackie Mims Enterprises
Erika Y. Mitchell
Atlanta Board of Education
Since elected to the Atlanta Board of Education, Erika Mitchell has established herself as one of Atlanta’s most influential public servant. Mitchell is an active board member when it comes to serving her community and she is a strong believer in parent and community engagement. Within Mitchell’s first year in office, she developed the first electronic newsletter for her district, and established community partnerships with Georgia’s Own Credit Union, Chick fil-A, University for Parents, youthSpark, Fulton County Juvenile Courts, U First Project, NFL Players Association,100 Black Men of America, St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church, and The Launch Pad for her educational district. She has also co-written the first school district Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking policy and protocol in the state of Georgia in collaboration with Dr. Sharnell Myles.
Mitchell currently serving on the Atlanta Board of Education’s Policy Review Committee, Equity Taskforce and the Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Taskforce Workgroup 1. Mitchell was recently appointed by the City of Atlanta’s Mayor Bottom to serve on the Atlanta 2020 Census Committee. Mitchell is also an elected member of the National School Boards Association’s Council of Urban Boards of Education’s Steering Committee.
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Atlanta Board of Education
Brittany Moore
Owner/Operator, Cannabis Retail Dispensary
Bri Moore is a business development and operations expert in the cannabis industry. She has a proven track record in implementing new systems and procedures and improving day-to-day operations of multiple cannabis dispensaries. Her strengths include: increasing profitability by ensuring efficient store operations; analyzing data for sales trends and implementing effective solutions to increase sales; discovering and developing talented individuals; creating strategies to maintain retention of high-level employees; purchasing product that meets the needs and demand of the community; and connecting with key stakeholders including local businesses to give back to the community.
Bri began her career in the cannabis industry as a General Manager (GM) of two cannabis dispensaries in the heavily regulated market in Denver, Colorado. Her team rebranded, remarketed, and remodeled the dispensary to take advantage of a major shift in industry trends. Within two months of becoming the GM, she increased daily revenue by an average of 188%. After learning about the Social Equity Program being drafted in Oakland, California, Bri worked with Oakland officials to craft the program and make it a reality. This is the first program in the world that focuses on creating opportunities for minorities to become business owners in the cannabis industry; an attempt at beginning to repair the decades of social and economic damage inflicted on the minority community as a result of the war on drugs.
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Owner/Operator, Cannabis Retail Dispensary
Phae Moore
Co-Owner & Cannabis Retail Founder
After being asked to help write policy for CBD oil for a large hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, Phae became intrigued in the cannabis industry. She immediately relocated to Denver, Colorado, the cannabis capital.
As a senior paralegal for a national cannabis business law firm in Colorado, her focus has been cannabis business law, including compliance/risk management, regulatory issues, partnership structures, marijuana enforcement, licensing, renewals, and litigation support.
Phae is now the Founder, Co-Owner and Chairwoman of the first social equity program cannabis dispensary in the world, located in Oakland, California. She is also the CEO of Alliance for Cannabis Equity, a cannabis consulting firm that focuses on supporting government agencies and individuals on social equity and cannabis-related issues.
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Co-Owner & Cannabis Retail Founder
Cheryle Renee Moses
Founder & CEO, Gwinnett Black Chamber of Commerce | Urban Mediamakers Film Festival | Camrose Creative Services
Cheryle Renee Moses is the founder and CEO of Camrose Creative Services, Inc., Urban Mediamakers Film Festival, and Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce. A native of Atlanta, Moses is a graduate of D.M. Therrell High School. She graduated from high school and started at Georgia State University pursuing a Computer Information Systems degree at the age of 15. Moses is a community activist, content creator and lover of entrepreneurs. She continues to strive for excellence and assists businesses with diversity, inclusion, wealth building and establishing legacies of service!
https://urbanmediamakers.com
About Cheryle Renee Moses
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Founder & CEO, Gwinnett Black Chamber of Commerce | Urban Mediamakers Film Festival | Camrose Creative Services
Sheriese Nicole
Radio Producer & Host
-Motivational Speaker
-Entreprenuer
-Liscensed Social Worker (LMSW)
-Advocate For Mother's and Women's Rights
MEDIA
-Radio Producer and Host on WRFG 89.3fm
-Event Producer Promoter and Host
WELLNESS
-Wholistic Health Coach
-Owner of Imperial Kombucha
-Vegan Chef
MUSIC
-Musician (Vocals, Lyricist, Bassist)
About Sheriese Nicole
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Radio Producer & Host
Reece Odum
Actress: The Vampire Diaries
Reece Odum is a native of Atlanta GA. This award-winning actress has always had a true love for the performing arts. In just a short time, Her acting career quickly flourished allowing her the opportunity of completing several film and television projects where she performed in lead or principal roles. She landed recurring roles on The CW's "The Vampire Diaries" season 8, Bounce TV's "Saints and Sinners" Season 1& 2. Some of her projects include: OWN's "AMBITIONS", Aspire TV's "The Last Time", TV One's "The Secret She Kept, BET Her's "What Love Will Make You Do", BET's "Mr. Right" , UPtv' s " Lyfe's Journey", UPLift TV's "The Wish", and new projects to come in 2019.
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Actress: The Vampire Diaries
Dr. Milton A. Padgett
Internal Medicine
Dr. Milton A. Padgett was raised in Jamaica where he attended high school at Munro College. He later moved to New York City where he attended Baruch College City University of New York, (CUNY) majoring in Political Science and Pre-Med. His dedication to helping others began at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine where he received his degree in Medicine. After graduation, he returned to New York City and completed a one-year rotating internship at St. Clares Hospital and Health Care. He completed his training in Internal Medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey, (UMNDNJ). Dr. Padgett attended Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City where he completed his fellowship in Nephrology and Hypertension. Dr. Padgett is also a licensed Medical Practitioner by the Medical Council of Jamaica.
About Dr. Milton A. Padgett
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Internal Medicine
Janet Palmer
Doctor/Life Coach
Dr. Janet is an author, educator and board-certified coach whose clients have chosen to live their created purpose. Because of working with her, they each learn how to serve others and become extraordinary leaders. Her clients overcome the war between their flesh and their spirit. They cherish the joy of discipline which yields a life filled with tremendous growth and success. Dr. Janet believes you’re equipped with the tools that enable you to do the right thing even when it feels impossible to do so. In total confidentiality, she will review the tough questions and the hard truths. Your partnership will challenge existing attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. Together you work to develop new ones to serve you in a more productive way. Dr. Janet provides the tools necessary to effect change and facilitate the ability to view situations from many perspectives and align them with your goals and objectives, inspiring you to do even greater things. Dr. Palmer has been a practicing therapist for over 25 years and holds a doctorate in psychology, is both Board and ICF certified to coach. She has worked extensively with Fortune 500 executives, as well as families with special needs members. She lives in Texas and is available for international and stateside individual phone and video conferencing, speaking engagements and workshops.
https://janetpalmer.com/
About Janet Palmer
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Doctor/Life Coach
Beth Reese
Executive Vice President, Southern Company
Beth Reese is executive vice president for Southern Company Services (SCS) Shared Services and reports to Stan Connally, executive vice president, operations. In this role, she is responsible for SCS and Operations Budget and Reporting, SCS Facilities and Fleet Services, and System Air. Reese also supports Southern Company modernization initiatives designed to drive business efficiency and oversees transition management related to asset divestitures. She serves on both the Operations Management Council and the Accounting, Finance and Treasury (AFT) Management Council.
Most recently, Reese served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Southern Company Gas since 2015. She previously served as senior vice president of Southern Company Gas and president of Nicor Gas in Illinois, controller and vice president over several of the company's functional areas, including operational planning and analysis, business innovation, customer service and finance. Prior to joining Southern Company Gas in 2000, Reese was a senior manager for Deloitte LLP.
In addition to her business acumen, Reese is a champion for workforce development and diversity-related programs. She is the current chair of the Center for Workforce and Economic Development, a non-profit consortium of electric, natural gas, and nuclear utilities and their associations. She speaks regularly across the country on the importance of developing an energy workforce for the future, as well as on diversity and women’s leadership issues. Reese currently serves on the CFO Roundtable Advisory Board and the Healthcare Georgia Board and is a member of the Committee of 200.
Reese received her bachelor's degree from St. Andrews Presbyterian College and her master's degree in accounting from the University of Georgia.
https://www.southerncompany.com/
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Executive Vice President, Southern Company
Courtney Reynolds
Chairwoman, National Black Chamber of Commerce
https://www.nationalbcc.org/
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Chairwoman, National Black Chamber of Commerce
Cornelius Roberts
President & CEO, Good Samaritan Medical Center
15 years of success inspiring teams and boosting performance through people-focused medical administration
Seasoned health care executive with the ability to balance strategic decisions and financial discipline with a hands-on approach to leadership—resulting in strong employee, patient, and physician satisfaction. Engaging communicator and relationship builder with expertise in organizational planning, multimillion-dollar capital projects, contract negotiations, team development, and increasing visibility for growth.
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President & CEO, Good Samaritan Medical Center
Carlos Rodriguez
Executive Director, Solar Decathlon, Cali, Colombia
About Carlos Rodriguez
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Executive Director, Solar Decathlon, Cali, Colombia
Shellise Rogers, MBA
CannaTherapist | CEO, Sistah Rogers, LLC.
Shellise ’Sistah’ Rogers known as the 'CannaTherapist' is an activist, youth pastor, mental health advocate, community organizer, and ‘Hope Dealer’. She is the CEO and Business + Community Outreach Strategist of Sistah Rogers, LLC. Sistah Rogers is a faith-based strategy agency “Maximizing The Impact of Cannabis on Social, and Spiritual Consciousness”.
Their mission is to support business professionals and entrepreneurs at the intersection of cannabis, spirituality, and mental health by assisting them to be grounded, clear, and action-oriented. Through co-creating treatment plans that set and meets goals, she helps her clients move forward with an emphasis on improving their present life and reaching goals for the future.
As a communicator, she educates and connects the interfaith, social and political communities to holistic health alternatives and responsible consumption methods. Firmly believing that better communities are born out of better people, she leverages her passion for community, her seven years of training as a financial accountant, and her deep commitment to social + civic justice and advocacy to work towards creating an inclusive, sustainable and responsible adult-use cannabis industry while advising business executives in their professional, personal and spiritual growth.
Additionally, Sistah Rogers is a founding board member of the New Jersey Cannabis Commission. NJCC is the ONLY minority-led organization helping ensure the equitable development of the New Jersey cannabis industry. She is also the co-founder of Synergy Sessions, LLC the leading Learning & Development Company servicing entrepreneurs, small business owners, and the previously incarcerated who use cannabis as a catalyst for impact and upward mobility. Featured as a thought leader at various speaking engagements, she has also been featured and quoted on Cash Color Cannabis, In The Know 420, HoneySuckle Magazine and Brooklyn Daily Eagle Newspaper.
www.sistahrogers.com
About Shellise Rogers, MBA
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CannaTherapist | CEO, Sistah Rogers, LLC.
Tammeisha D. Smith
Owner, Dunbar Center, Inc.
Currently serves as the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of the Dunbar Center, Inc. The Dunbar Center, Inc. is a community health & wellness facility, which was selected as an anchor project for the City of Newark’s MNI (Model Neighborhood Initiative) under the administration of Mayor Ras Baraka. The Dunbar Center medical complex is comprised of a unique health care venue focused on serving the needs of a medically underserved population. The facility offers primary and specialist healthcare services including primary/urgent care services, outpatient lab, mental and behavioral health services, multidisciplinary specialists suite, day spa and the City’s largest outpatient Renal Dialysis center, that is equipped to service patients on a 24/7/365 basis including overnight nocturnal services and provide corresponding Vascular Access services. The Dunbar Center is a minority woman-owned (MWBE) facility. The dialysis center operations at maximum capacity can serve 154 patients daily and will employ more than 150 people.
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Owner, Dunbar Center, Inc.
Jeffrey E. Sterling, MD, MPH, FACEP
President and CEO, Sterling Initiatives, LLC
About Jeffrey E. Sterling, MD, MPH, FACEP
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President and CEO, Sterling Initiatives, LLC
Jennifer Sutton
Founder, Art Meso
Her universal approach and her palette for uniqueness stems from her childhood. Growing up in Lorain Ohio also known as the International City, having over 70 different nationalities residing there, Jennifer was exposed to culture early. The efforts to share Art Meso with the World and this dedicated Passion to take on new challenges and break new boundaries are the main ingredients that have brought the Exhibition so much success and drives her into the Future.
Art Meso has grown to become Atlanta's leading fashion and art entertainment destination. Our shows reach beyond Atlanta highlighting talent from all over the world including Paris, Poland, Singapore and Spain to name a few. We bring the international community and businesses together to create a platform for diverse talent in the Arts while giving back to the community through charitable organizations.
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Founder, Art Meso
Michael Thompson
Deputy Mayor, City of Toronto, Canada
About Michael Thompson
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Deputy Mayor, City of Toronto, Canada
Michael L. Thurmond
Chief Executive Officer, DeKalb County, GA
Michael L. Thurmond Thurmond is the Chief Executive Officer of Dekalb County, Georgia. He is a former member of the Georgia General Assembly and the first African-American elected to a statewide office without prior appointment, is widely regarded as a “turnaround expert” after fundamentally transforming the culture and enhancing operations of complex organizations such as the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, the Georgia Department of Labor and the DeKalb County School District.
https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov
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Chief Executive Officer, DeKalb County, GA
Sukena Toure
Rapides International, Dulce
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Rapides International, Dulce
Shameka L. Walker
Federal Trade Commission | Division of Privacy and Identity Protection
Shameka Walker is an attorney at the Federal Trade Commission in the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Division of Privacy and Identity Protection. Since joining the FTC in 2010, Ms. Walker has been involved in investigating and litigating consumer protection cases involving data security, privacy, identity protection, work-at-home scams, and telemarketing fraud. Ms. Walker was the lead attorney on the AshleyMadison.com investigation that was resolved when the company that operated the website agreed to settle FTC and state charges resulting from a data breach that exposed over 36 million users’ account and profile information. She was also part of the team that litigated a data security case against Wyndham Hotels where the FTC’s authority to bring unfairness actions in the data security realm was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Prior to joining the FTC, Ms. Walker was a litigation associate at Fulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P., in Washington, D.C. While in private practice, she participated in an attorney loan program where she served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the D.C. Office of the Attorney General for seven months, representing the District in civil proceedings, including two jury trials. She began her career serving as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Eric T. Washington of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Ms. Walker received her J.D. from Cornell University where she was a Note Editor on the Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy. She received her B.A. from the University of Miami
https://www.ftc.gov/
About Shameka L. Walker
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Federal Trade Commission | Division of Privacy and Identity Protection
Janis L. Ware
Publisher, The Atlanta Voice Newspaper
Janis L. Ware has practical, hands-on and well-documented experience in the field of low-and moderate-income housing and community economic development. As such, she has served the citizens of the metropolitan Atlanta area for more than 40 years.
A native Atlantan, she graduated from historic Booker T. Washington High School and was one of the first African American females to graduate from the University of Georgia’s prestigious Terry College of Business. She recently earned a MBA in Project Management from American InterContinental University and completed NeighborWork’s Achieving Excellence Program facilitated by Harvard University in 2012. Her extraordinary business acumen is one of the many qualities that have positioned SUMMECH Community Development Corporation as one of the key entities in the revitalization of the historic Mechanicsville community and a leader in the development of low-to moderate income, multi and single-family housing.
Additionally, a multi talented and dynamic entrepreneur, Janis is the Publisher of The Atlanta Voice Newspaper that has served the Atlanta community since 1966 that provides news and information on matters of concern to the African American community. Janis began working for the paper after college and took over the organization after the death of her father, J. Lowell Ware in 1991. The Atlanta Voice has transitioned to online coverage, electronic distribution and digital content production. The Atlanta Voice has served Metropolitan Atlanta for over 50 years.
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Publisher, The Atlanta Voice Newspaper
John Wayne II
Expert, US Federal Contractor Registration
John Wayne II is one of the top No-Bid Simplified Acquisition Experts at US Federal Contractor Registration. As a skilled federal government marketplace analyst/trainer, he specializes in simplified acquisition contracts, mirco-purchases, sole-source contracting, subcontracts, and basic government registrations. He’s also well-versed in federal Small Business, Women, Minority, Veteran, Service Disabled Veteran, 8A and HUBZone set-aside qualifications.
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Expert, US Federal Contractor Registration
Carl Wiley
Founder, Forex Empire
About Carl Wiley
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Founder, Forex Empire
Dr. Rondrick Williamson
Dr. Williamson, The Doctors Reality TV Show
Named as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Doctors in America’ in 2013, Dr Rondrick Williamson literally built his entire career on hardwork and dedication to excellence. From humble beginnings, he has managed to create quite a presence in the world today. Born in Mullins, SC, his mother struggled to make ends meet while raising three boys and at times had to go without, but modest beginnings didn’t get in the way of his goal of having a successful career as a physician. His mother struggled alone to provide for her three boys. He lived in public housing. “We had things we needed,” Williamson said, “but a lot of the ‘wants’ we weren’t able to have.
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Dr. Williamson, The Doctors Reality TV Show
Shaunette Young
Real Estate Professional
Trust is necessary to build a rapport with prospective clients who are seeking to purchase either their first home or upgrading into a larger home. Real estate professionals must establish a level of comfort with the homebuyer to earn this trustworthiness. Shaunette Young, a savvy real estate professional, has demonstrated her ability to build her clients level of trust, establish
relationships and deliver what she has promised. She brings enthusiasm and a genuinely friendly attitude with her to every showing and closing. Whether a homebuyer is seeking to purchase a $3 million home or a $30,000 home, Shaunette treats everyone with the utmost care and utilizes her knowledge to negotiate the best offer for her client. She is highly motivated, inspiring and is an exceptional communicator, both orally and written. She values
her clients and wants them to walk away with the same gratitude she has in knowing that they are satisfied.
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Real Estate Professional
