This edition of instock is dedicated to our “Future of Black America Top 50” honorees. For Black History Month, aka “OurStory Month”, we’re recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of fifty Black Americans making a difference in their industries, careers, and communities. This year’s honorees are leaders, creators, innovators, advocates, warriors, activists, storytellers, and some are the “firsts” in their fields. The common thread is their steadfast dedication to ensuring Black people are seen in a positive light, our voices are heard, and we’re properly represented across the full spectrum of our humanity.
This year’s list introduces a new crop of Black changemakers, whose values align with pocstock’s mission to amplify people of color, while providing perspectives that we all need to be aware of.
Help us celebrate and acknowledge these wonderful people further pushing the bounds of Black excellence and the emergence of voices that are now shouting prouder than ever, “I’m Black and I’m proud!”.
Please meet and support this year’s 50 honorees, and join us in supporting their work, investing in their ideas, and amplifying their voices.
Abenaa (Abby) Hayes (she/her/hers) — Founder and CEO, Elysee Consulting, LLC. Abby is a seasoned communications and brand marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), and health equity. She has played a crucial role in helping U.S. and global biotech and pharma companies connect with stakeholders, influencers, and communities through transformative narratives and meaningful engagement. Additionally, Abby is a champion of racial and social equity in the communications industry, having founded the Inclusion and Health Equity practice at Real Chemistry and contributed to DE&I initiatives at various organizations, making her a notable “Woman to Watch” in the field.
Alvin Pettit — Director, The Mary McLeod Bethune Center. Alvin Pettit, a celebrated artist with over 30 years in the field, has left an indelible mark on the art world. Graduating from the Baltimore School for the Arts and earning a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in NYC, he started as an assistant sculptor to Jeff Koons. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Alvin gained recognition for his sculptures, illustrations, and product designs for high-profile clients like NBC and the NY Guggenheim Museum. His versatility is evident in his teachings at the Joe Kubert School of Design and his creations of impactful public art, such as the Jersey City Black Lives Matter mural and a bronze sculpture of Mary McLeod Bethune. As the director of the Mary McLeod Bethune Life Center, Alvin has transformed it into a cultural and community hub, solidifying his legacy as a respected and community-engaged artist.
Adrianne C. Smith — SVP, Chief DEI Officer, FleishmanHillard. Prior to joining FleishmanHillard, Adrianne was named the first Global Director of Inclusion and Diversity at WPP. Adrianne is also the Founder and Visionary of the Can: Diversity Collective, a non-profit organization created to provide access and exposure to young adults of color and under-represented communities to global thought leadership conferences on advertising, marketing, creativity, economics, innovation and technology. In 2018, she launched the first iteration of the Diversity Collective, the Cannes Can: Diversity Collective (CC:DC) which provides rising stars in the advertising and creative industry the opportunity to attend and participate in the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. In 2019, she made history by creating the first stand-alone Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Beach in the festival’s 66 years of existence and named it Inkwell Beach – Cannes after the historic beach on Martha’s Vineyard. In January 2024, she launched the Davos Can: Diversity Collective’s – Inkwell Beach – Davos during the World Economic Forum, making history again by building the first activation committed to conversations on the global impact of diversity, equity and inclusion. Adrianne is on the Board of the Harlem Business Alliance and advisory board of the Reykjavik Global Forum and has been recognized as an Outstanding Mentor by the Diversity Action Alliance, a Game Changer in the Quantum Leap category during the She Runs It Game Changers Awards and the 2023 AdColor DEI Executive of the Year.
Andre Dickens — Mayor of Atlanta. Andre is the 61st Mayor of Atlanta and is a proud native and product of Atlanta Public Schools with a vision for a united city. Since taking office in January 2022, he has made significant strides in public safety, youth opportunities, neighborhood empowerment, and addressing housing and homelessness. Notable achievements include the city’s first investment in early childhood education, the establishment of a Nightlife Division to address high-crime establishments, and successful opposition to a de-annexation effort. With a background in entrepreneurship, technology leadership, and public service, Mayor Dickens is dedicated to fostering equity and upward mobility for all Atlanta residents.
Alfa Demmellash — Co-founder & CEO, Rising Tide Capital. Alfa Demmellash, born and raised in Ethiopia, arrived in the United States at twelve with a strong interest in poverty alleviation and conflict resolution. A cum laude graduate of Harvard University, she co-founded Rising Tide Capital in 2004, aiming to empower underserved urban entrepreneurs. Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, Alfa’s organization has served 9,839 entrepreneurs who on average, experienced significant increases in revenue and household income. She continues to drive the Forum’s expansion and impact, earning her accolades, including recognition as a CNN Hero, being featured in Forbes, and having been honored by the World Economic Forum and Heinz Awards.
Andre Wagner — Photographer. Andre Wagner is a photographer and artist living and working in Brooklyn, New York. He explores and chronicles the poetic and lyrical nuances of daily life, using the city—particularly his own neighborhood and community—as his subjects. His work and practice fit into the lineage of street photography that investigates the American social landscape, often focusing his lens on themes of race, class, and cultural identity. Andre has remained committed to photographic processes, developing his own black and white negatives and making silver gelatin prints in his personal darkroom. Andre’s photographs have been commissioned by The New Yorker, The New York Times, Esquire, W Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time, and Vogue, among other publications. For the movie Queen & Slim, Andre photographed the iconic key art and the campaign’s leading images. His photographs have appeared in a number of solo exhibitions and group shows in Los Angeles, New York, and North Carolina. His first monograph, Here for the Ride, was published by Creative Future in 2017, and he is currently editing a 10-year body of work titled “New City, Old Blues”.
Arian Simone — Co-founder & General Partner, Fearless Fund. Arian is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, investor, best-selling author, and international speaker. She is the Co-Founder and General Partner of the Fearless Fund, a $25MM venture capital fund investing in women of color-led businesses seeking pre-seed, seed level, or Series A financing. She has over 17 years of entrepreneurial experience from pioneering and growing a successful PR and marketing firm that included billion-dollar corporate clients, such as Sony Pictures, Walt Disney, Universal, and more. She is also on the board of directors for the fashion brand, Steve Madden. Arian founded the Fearless Platform, a venture capital fund focused on women of color-led businesses, with a mission of inspiring entrepreneurial women. Finally, Arian was crowned Queen Wa (“the blessing”) of the village of Dawa in the Ivory Coast of West Africa community investment after opening the Arian Simone Fearless Leadership Academy with The ProSeed Foundation, whose mission is to build elementary schools in remote villages of West Africa.
Berlin Edmond — YouTuber, Content Creator. Berlin Edmond is a YouTuber and streamer who is famous for his comedic works like the Exposed series, where he humorously critiqued intros to children’s animated television shows. While studying at California State University, Fullerton, Berlin served as the president of the Black Student Union, and his YouTube channel, named “Berlin”, would reach a million subscribers in 2017. He would eventually expand his content creation into the gaming space via another channel named “berleezy” with 2.46 million subscribers currently, be featured on live-action television show Hip Hop Harry, and engage in notable partnerships, including a Twitch stream with tennis player Naomi Osaka and participation in State Farm’s gaming livestream series, the Gamerhood.
Arlan Hamilton — Founder & Managing Partner, Backstage Capital. Arlan is a trailblazing entrepreneur who established a venture capital fund, Backstage Capital, from the ground up while experiencing homelessness. As the Founder and Managing Partner, she directs Backstage’s mission to address funding disparities in the tech industry by investing in high-potential founders from underrepresented groups. Since its inception in 2015, Backstage has invested nearly $5 million in 100 startups led by founders who are people of color, women, and/or part of the LGBTQ community, earning recognition in major publications and making Arlan the first Black woman outside of entertainment or sports to grace the cover of Fast Company.
Derrick Coleman — Founder and Director, DC Elite Basketball. Derrick Coleman has dedicated over 11 years to empowering and inspiring youth in Southeast Michigan and Canada through his nonprofit organization, DC Elite Basketball. His extensive experience includes collaborations with the Bing Youth Institute, AT&T, Google, and local stakeholders, offering mentoring, education, and leadership opportunities to numerous young student athletes. Derrick’s passion for basketball and youth development is rooted in his remarkable journey as a professional player, entrepreneur, and community ambassador. A Syracuse University graduate and the first overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, Derrick played 15 seasons in the NBA before transitioning to impactful business ventures and philanthropic projects, demonstrating his commitment to creating positive change through sports.
Ayisha Elliott — Anti-Racism Coach & Equity Strategist, Black Girl From Eugene. Ayisha Elliott is a Race, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Executive Strategist and Advisor, content producer of the Podcast Black Girl From Eugene, and award-winning columnist and public speaker. In the past 25 years, Ayisha’s distinctively unique approach strives and continues to challenge systemic status quos, while collaboratively pursuing a holistic approach in developing inclusive work environments and culture. She has an activist heart with a multiculturalist lens. Her work has a national reach while working with institutions of higher education, state level government sectors, national healthcare systems, and nonprofits.
Dr.Boyce D Watkins — Finance Professor & Entrepreneur. Boyce, “The People’s Scholar,” is one of the leading social commentators, Black speakers, and freedom fighters in America. As an advocate for education, economic empowerment, and social justice, he has changed the definition of what it means to be a Black scholar and leader in America. In addition to publishing many scholarly articles on finance and investing, Boyce shares his message with others, appearing in national media outlets, including CNN, Good Morning America, MSNBC, FOX News, BET, NPR, Essence, USA Today, The Today Show, ESPN, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, and CBS Sports. Boyce appears in a weekly segment on Keeping it Real with Al Sharpton as a political expert and was also the favored financial expert and social commentator for The Wendy Williams Experiencewith 11 million listeners nationwide. Boyce has spoken to over 50,000 Black youth about the benefits of obtaining a college education as part of his “Step Up and Go to College Tour.” In response to an announcement by President Obama, Boyce, along with Al Sharpton, Marc Lamont Hill, Jesse Jackson, and other prominent Black keynote speakers, worked on initiatives to combat the high dropout rates of African American students. He went on to earn an MA in mathematical statistics from The University of Kentucky and a PhD in finance from Ohio State University where he was the only Black American in the world to earn a PhD in finance during 2002. Currently, he serves as a finance professor at Syracuse University.
Djenaba Johnson-Jones — Founder & CEO, Hudson Kitchen. Djenaba Johnson-Jones is the Founder and CEO of Hudson Kitchen and host of The Food Means Business Podcast. A UNT graduate with a degree in fashion merchandising, she initially worked as a buyer before earning an M.B.A. to pursue magazine publishing. After being laid off in 2014, she considered it a blessing and decided to fulfill her dream of starting a fitness business. Facing a hurdle with New Jersey’s restrictions on selling certain foods from personal kitchens, she identified a need for shared commercial kitchens and founded Hudson Kitchen in 2019. As a result of working with Hudson Kitchen, Djenaba’s clients generated a combined $9 million in revenue, creating 58 jobs in their first two years of business. Djenaba recently won the Essence contest, securing funds to expand Hudson Kitchen into a bakery with additional facilities.
Dr. Marvin Carr — Director, Center for Racial Equity, Walmart. Dr. Marvin D. Carr is a seasoned leader in philanthropy and systemic change within the criminal justice system. With a background in educational research, community development, workforce development, and diversity and inclusion, Marvin played a pivotal role as a Policy Advisor for STEM Education, Innovation, and Diversity in the White House during the Obama administration. A distinguished scholar with a Doctorate in electrical engineering, he has also spearheaded federal initiatives through public libraries and museums to promote education, community development research, and grantmaking.
Dr. Kim McLear — Ethical Policy Expert / Justice Advocate. Dr. Kim is a global-minded changemaker on a mission to harness and amplify our common humanity to improve the health of our organizations, institutions, and communities. She is a trusted advisor, activist, educator, and cyberneticist with more than 20 years of deep expertise, spanning tech and critical infrastructure. Dr. McLear’s whistleblowing and advocacy work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Reuters, Associated Press, Forbes, Shondaland, CNN, cover issue of Glamour (CROWN Act), The Today Show, and in two 2023 best-selling books. She is a former State of Union Guest of Honor, Congressional expert witness, and has advised more than a dozen Congressional offices on a wide range of complex topics. Dr. McLear has delivered more than 50 talks around the U.S. and the world about designing futures where all can flourish.
Frank E. Gilmore — CEO, Educational Gilmore Community Learning Center. Frank, a lifelong resident of Jersey City, has achieved notable success through his dedicated community service. After graduating from Rutgers University, he became a highly regarded recreation coach and youth mentor before being elected to the Jersey City Municipal Council. His significant contributions include the establishment of the Educational Gilmore Community Learning Center, recognized locally and nationally for promoting academic excellence, career planning, and social responsibility in the community. After being featured on Ellen, he was awarded $50K and paid it forward to his community after a mass shooting.
Esi Eggleston Bracey — Chief Growth & Marketing Officer, Unilever. Esi, at the helm of Unilever‘s marketing evolution as Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, utilizes her dynamic leadership and extensive experience to drive growth opportunities for the company. Since joining in 2018, she has held pivotal roles, including President of Unilever USA and CEO of Personal Care in North America. Esi is a seasoned executive in consumer goods and beauty who is committed to using business as a force for good, exemplified through her leadership in Dove’s CROWN Coalition and SheaMoisture’s collaboration with the New Voices Fund, contributing to her recognition as an industry trailblazer.
Gene Waddy — Chief Executive Director, Alpha Business Solutions. Gene C. Waddy is a visionary entrepreneur and owner of Alpha Business Solutions, a minority business enterprise that specializes in providing fully-managed payroll services, IC compliance, and risk mitigation. Gene is also the co-founder of DIVERSANT LLC, the nation’s largest African American-owned IT staffing firm in the U.S. In many ways, both companies are a reflection of Gene’s professional expertise, personal drive, and his commitment to helping others. Gene shares his knowledge and expertise with other MBEs by serving as an active Board Member with the NYNJ Minority Supplier Development Council. Gene is very active in many community service programs. Gene was named the 2013 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year New Jersey winner, as well as a past NJBIZ Executive of the Year Finalist.
Felecia Hatcher — CEO, Black Ambition. Felicia, a serial entrepreneur, thought leader, and author, has made significant contributions to the entrepreneurial space and beyond through her dedication to making a positive impact on the world. As the CEO of Pharrell William’s Black Ambition Opportunity Fund, she has played a crucial role in supporting diverse entrepreneurs by providing capital, mentorship, and access to resources and opportunities. Over the past 8 years, her work has helped entrepreneurs connect to over $100 million in funding, contracts, and access to capital pathways, earning her recognition and honors, including being a 2014 Obama White House Champion of Change for STEM Access and Diversity.
Glen Henry — CEO, Musician, Writer, Beleaf in Fatherhood. Glen, also known as Beleaf, is a father, husband, creative, and the CEO of Beleaf in Fatherhood (BIF), a company dedicated to guiding men into fatherhood and nurturing creatives. Starting as a YouTube channel, BIF has evolved into a multi-faceted production company, and with over 50K Spotify listeners, he produces in-house music for all of its productions. In addition, in 2020, he became a voting ambassador, joining Michelle Obama in the live segment of When We All Vote and appearing on shows such as Steve Harvey and Oprah. Glen’s hope is that real stories of fatherhood will bring connection and healing to people everywhere, and his endeavors have been invaluable to this mission
Gena Pemberton — Chief DEI Officer, Omnicom Health Group. Gena Pemberton is a seasoned practitioner, bringing over 13 years of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion experience to Omnicom Health Group (OHG), helping increase diversity across all employee levels. Gena is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive work environment where all OHG employees are valued, accepted, and have equal access to rewarding career opportunities and growth. Prior to joining OHG, Gena was with Johnson & Johnson, where she helped develop initiatives to support the recruitment and development of diverse talent. She has served as a Senior DEI Consultant at the Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing (AIMM), a program led by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), and has been a dedicated volunteer currently serving as the immediate past President for the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. Gena earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Hampton University, an MBA from University of Phoenix, and a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University.
Jabari Young — Senior Writer & Editor, Forbes. Jabari Young is a senior writer and editor at Forbes, covering business as well as editorial lead at ForbesBLK. A North Philadelphia native, Jabari graduated from Temple University and majored in journalism and communications. He previously covered sports business at CNBC, including professional media deals, sponsorships, labor agreements, and athlete portfolios. In addition, he worked at the Athletic and the San Antonio Express-News, where he covered the NBA and San Antonio Spurs.
Dr. Gillian Marcelle, PhD — CEO & Founder, Resilience Capital Ventures LLC. Dr. Gillian Marcelle, PhD, is a leading figure in the financial landscape as the head of Resilience Capital Ventures LLC, a specialized boutique capital advisory practice focusing on blended finance. Her influential contributions as an innovation scholar and published author center around key themes such as diversity, inclusion, accountability, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a rich professional background that includes roles at JP Morgan Chase, British Telecom, and the IFC, as well as a tenured position at Wits Business School in Johannesburg, Dr. Marcelle maintains extensive networks across the U.S., Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. Notably, she has developed the Triple B Framework, a conceptual model aimed at mobilizing additional capital and reducing misallocation, showcasing her commitment to bridging innovation, finance, economic development, advocacy, and public service. Her active involvement in the WEF Global Future Council on SynBio and regular engagement with the UN system underscore her significant impact in shaping global conversations and initiatives.
Jason Rosario — Chief DEI Officer, BBDO Worldwide. Jason was born and raised between Washington Heights and The Bronx and is the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and member of the Board of Directors at advertising giant BBDO Worldwide. In this role, he impacts agency diversity policy, influences the agency’s creative to ensure it reflects inclusive principles, and counsels clients on inclusive marketing strategies to help unlock business growth opportunities. As an Afro-Latino native New Yorker, Jason harnesses the power of culture to help brands connect with audiences authentically. He was the executive producer and host of the Yahoo! News original series Dear Men, which explored themes around masculinity, mental health, and culture. Jason is a graduate of NYU’s Stern School of Business and in 2022 was recognized by ADCOLOR as the first ever DE&I Executive of the Year.
God-is Rivera — Chief Content Officer, Essence Ventures. God-is Rivera is a strategic executive with a passion for authentic community care, championing inclusive marketing and representation. During her tenure as a marketing executive at Twitter, where she worked for over four years until 2022, she drove strategies to ensure campaigns reflected and connected with diverse communities. Recognized for her impactful work, God-is has been named an Ad Age “Woman to Watch” and ADWEEK “Disruptor,” and in 2020, she was acknowledged by Fortune Magazine on their 40 Under 40 list for her influence in the technology category. In 2022, she became the first VP of Inclusive Marketing at The Walt Disney Company, overseeing strategies for diverse audiences across Disney streaming platforms. Subsequently, in June 2023, God-is joined Essence Ventures as their inaugural Chief Content Officer, leading content strategy and connection with global audiences across Essence Ventures brands.
Jason Wilson — Author & Founder, The Yunion. Jason Wilson is a non-profit CEO and author with a commitment to inspiring transparency, healing, and openness among people everywhere. Founder and CEO of The Yunion (pronounced “union”), Jason has more than 14 years of experience in training and developing young Black men. Under his leadership, The Yunion has effectively reached more than 10,000 youth and young adults in Metro Detroit. An expert in Emotional Stability Training®, Jason created the Cave of Adullam Transformational Training Academy (CATTA), which has garnered numerous acknowledgments and awards for its work, teaching boys how to introspectively confront and conquer their negative emotions with composure. After seeing the positive impact of The CATTA, he was led to share his own journey in overcoming trauma with a broader audience. He is the Amazon bestselling author of Cry Like a Man: Fighting for Freedom from Emotional Incarceration, a memoir that follows the generational abuse, abandonment, and emotional suppression of Jason’s family and the redemptive power of God through tears, vulnerability, and ultimately healing. He has been frequently celebrated for catalyzing local and national systemic change. His innovative approach to emotional and mental health for males has been featured and recognized by President Barack Obama, Dr. Oz, CNN, Huffington Post, and more.
Jaye Wilson — CEO, Melinated Moms. Through compassionate advocacy, nurturing mentorship, and resilient mothering, Jatesha “Jaye” Wilson is reshaping the world of maternal health for women of color. She is a nurse, CEO, founder, social impact speaker, maternal health advocate, self-sufficiency coach, and mother to two brilliant young girls. Drawing from her own experiences with adversity, motherhood, and overcoming, Jaye’s work and resiliency has inspired the lives of women across the globe and is changing how we think of parenting. In her professional career, Jaye has worked in community health and outreach as a nursing operational manager while simultaneously lobbying in Washington, D.C., New York, and New Jersey as a community advocate for the LGBT+ community. Through these positions, she has gained a more nuanced understanding of the importance of advocacy and how public engagement can create better physical, emotional, and mental health outcomes for communities. Inspired by her own transitions from marriage to divorce, Jaye created a community of support that changed the narrative of motherhood, sisterhood, and womanhood. Melinated Moms was born out of Jaye’s desire for a space to be seen, heard, and valued after her divorce. That desire continues to serve as the organization’s foundation.
Jason Wright — President, Washington Commanders of the NFL. As President of the Washington Commanders, Jason Wright is responsible for leading the organization’s business divisions, including operations, finance, sales, and marketing. In addition to leading a historic transformation of a sports franchise, he is the first Black team president in the history of the NFL and is currently the youngest team president in the League. He is the fourth former NFL player to become president of a team. Prior to joining the Washington Commanders, Jason was a partner in McKinsey & Company’s Washington, D.C. office. His work focused on expanding the value of large, complex organizations through operations and culture transformations. Jason specialized in steering companies through their toughest moments – in crisis and turnaround scenarios. From systemic personnel misconduct to financial distress to COVID-19 response, Jason’s tenure at McKinsey supported a range of multi-national, corporation-specific challenges while also leading the company’s global inclusion and anti-racism strategies. His deep passion for intentional change that profoundly expands opportunities for historically marginalized populations resulted in his work co-founding McKinsey’s Black Economic Institute, a research entity that analyzes the racial wealth gap. His leadership, passion for community change, and business acumen have been noted nationally and regionally, with Jason being awarded as a “Top 40 under 40” by Black Enterprise magazine, Sports Business Journal’s “Best Hire of 2020,” and standing as a member of The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., where he serves alongside D.C.-based executives supporting a range of initiatives in the DMV.
Kimberly Sumpter — Founder & Podcaster, Podcast to Inspire. Kimberly, a renowned podcaster, instructor, and podcast editor, has made significant contributions to the podcasting industry. Since 2019, she has successfully taught over 500 international students and women in business the art of podcasting. As the host of the podcast Sistahs Connect, she highlights women who have inspired her throughout her life, and as the creator of Podcast to Inspire, she offers an online course tailored for women and small business owners looking to build brand awareness through podcasting. Kimberly’s achievements have been recognized with accolades such as being named a Women’s Month podcast industry leader by Libsyn in 2022 and receiving a nomination for The Podcast Pioneer Award for her positive impact on the podcasting industry.
Joél Leon — Creative Director, New York Times. Joél Leon, also known as Joel L. Daniels, is a Bronx-born and raised performer, proud #GirlDad, author, and storyteller who writes and tells stories for Black people—specializing in moderating and leading conversations surrounding race, masculinity, mental health, creativity, and the performing arts, Joél puts love at the center of his work and purpose. He has worked with TED, ABC NEWS, The Gates Foundation, HBO, Nike, Twitter, and the TODAY Show. His essays and words have been featured in the New York Times, POP SUGAR, Okayplayer, EBONY, The Black News Channel, Forbes, and others. He is a Creative Collective NYC Creative Class alumni, winner of the BCA Bronx Recognizes Its Own Award in Poetry, and author of “Book About Things I Will Tell My Daughter” and “God Wears Durags, Too”. Joél is repped by Folio Literary, and is currently working on his first essay collection, “What Kind of Black Are You?” to be published by Holt/MacMillian, June 4, 2024.
Lauren Maillian — CEO, Hero Media. Lauren is a global CEO, entrepreneur, investor, and award-winning marketer with over 15 years of expertise in the realms of consumer-facing startups, iconic brand elevation, and innovative approaches to venture capital investing. Lauren currently serves as President of Digital Innovation at Hero Media Inc., a 100% Black-owned digital media and technology company; she oversees all lines of business, emphasizing partnerships and growth in the company’s first-party platforms. Lauren is also the Founder & CEO of LMB Group, a boutique marketing and strategic advisory firm, and the author of The Path Redefined: Getting To the Top On Your Own Terms. Her extensive leadership, investment portfolio exceeding $5 billion, and dedication to empowering women in business underscore her impactful contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape.
John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM — Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ. John is the President and CEO of the The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), the former Chairman and CEO of Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce (MTAACC), and the former Chairman of the Board for the National Black Chamber of Commerce. John is responsible for establishing and executing the mission of the AACCNJ – to economically empower and sustain African American communities and businesses through entrepreneurship and capitalistic initiatives throughout the state of New Jersey. He advocates on behalf of 1.1 million African American residents and over 70,000 Black-owned businesses statewide to ensure that policy provides an even playing field in the marketplace.
Lola Bakare, an Anthem Award-Winning CMO Advisor & Inclusive Marketing Strategist, has made a significant impact in the marketing industry. As the founder of be/co with Lola Bakare, a boutique consultancy, she empowers brands and marketing leaders through strategic guidance, coaching, and workshops. With extensive experience in brand management for world-class brands such as Gatorade, Ronzoni, and Smirnoff, Lola’s empathetic approach and nuanced understanding of challenges marketing leaders face across industries have earned her recognition as one of the 2022 LinkedIn Top Voices in Marketing & Advertising, an advisory board member at Sparks & Honey, and a Forbes CMO Network contributor.
John Pasmore, Founder & CEO, Latimer AI – John’s entrepreneurial instincts found an outlet in building media enterprises, launching his first business, a consumer magazine, Intrigue in Houston, Texas. John partnered with music impresario Russell Simmons of Def Jam Records to create Oneworld Media, Inc. where he served as President. The company published Oneworld magazine, a pop-culture lifestyle publication. John also served as Executive in Charge of Production for the television series, Russell Simmons Oneworld Music Beat, a spinoff of the magazine that was produced with Warner Bros. Television. More recently, he was a co-founder, Board Member, and CEO in the venture-backed, video-based travel platform, VoyageTV. VoyageTV raised an A-Round led by Syncom Venture Partners, and in 2013, was sold to Next 1 Interactive. Voyages syndicated short-form travel video and commerce opportunities to over 40 million cable homes through Cablevision, Charter Communications, Verizon FiOS, and Comcast. Today as a partner at TRS Capital, a family office, John is dedicated to advancing tech led ventures on-line and those that enhance industrial production. TRS Capital and John are partners at MovitaOrganics.com, an online organic supplement and wellness business.
Luvvie Ajayi Jones — Author, Speaker & Founder, The Book Academy. Luvvie is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, speaker, entrepreneur, and the CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Awe Luv Media. Thriving on the intersection of culture, business, and leadership, her critically acclaimed books, including Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual and I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual have established her as a powerful literary force. As a veteran blogger of 20 years, she covers all things culture on AwesomelyLuvvie.com and has also contributed to five published anthologies. In addition, Luvvie founded The Book Academy, a platform designed to help aspiring authors create and launch successful books and founded upon the belief that stories matter and deserve to be heard and preserved for generations.
Lewis Spears — Founder & Executive Director, Kismet of Kings. Lewis, a passionate advocate for community empowerment, has dedicated his life to uplifting Jersey City by addressing the challenges of education and mentorship. Born and raised in the Booker T. Washington Projects, Lewis witnessed firsthand how a lack of education, direction, and mentorship negatively impacts one’s quality of life. In his journey to break generational and institutional curses, he focuses on transforming young lives in his community, combining faith, family values, and a commitment to upward mobility and service.
Monique Nelson — Executive Chair, UniWorld Group. Monique is the chair and CEO of UWG, the country’s longest-standing multicultural marketing agency, a position she took on in May 2012. She oversees UWG’s services, including General Market, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and LGBT marketing and advertising, digital and traditional advertising, consumer insight, public relations, consumer healthcare communications, and cultural fluency consulting. Beyond her role at UWG, Monique is actively involved in various organizations and charities, contributing to the Advertising Week Global Board, AdWeek Diversity and Inclusion Council, The Eagle Academy Board, and more.
Noah Harris — Confidential Assistant, OMB, The White House. Noah, a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is the first African American to serve as student body president at the prestigious Harvard University, now in its 387th year. Even before being elected student body president, Noah took the role of advisor and elder seriously enough to write the children’s book Successville, aimed for children aged 3 to 7. He wrote the book to show kids they can do anything if they are willing to do the work and focus on their education. When asked what inspires him, Noah is quick to cite his parents and credit them with much of his success: “They have been so encouraging. They were the ones who told me I could do anything if I put my mind to it. They showed me that if I worked hard in school from a young age, that would pay off for me. If it were not for my mom, I would not have even applied to Harvard. They both believed in me from the beginning.”
Rachel Rodgers — Founder & CEO, Hello Seven. Rachel is the founder and CEO of Hello Seven – a bootstrapped, eight-figure company, a mother of four, and visionary whose guidance has been featured in prominent publications such as Time, Forbes, and Entrepreneur. Beginning her career on Capitol Hill with nonprofits, federal judges, and Hillary Clinton, Rachel recognized the power of financial stability in making a positive impact. Through Hello Seven, her creation of the Hello Seven Podcast, and founding We Should All Be Millionaires: The Club, she imparts no-nonsense business and life advice to tens of thousands of followers and members.
Pharrell Williams — Award-winning musician. Pharrell is a renowned record producer, singer, songwriter, and founder of Black Ambition, a non-profit initiative aimed at supporting Black and Latinx entrepreneurs launching start-ups in tech, design, healthcare, and consumer products/services. With a commitment to leveling the playing field and empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs, Black Ambition includes two prize competitions: The Black Ambition HBCU Prize, providing mentorship and prizes for current and former students at historically Black colleges and universities, and The Black Ambition Prize, supporting early-stage companies. The initiative’s long-term vision is to make inclusive entrepreneurship the norm, with support from an advisory team including Pharrell and funding from partners such as Adidas, Chanel, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
Rha Goddess — Founder & CEO, Move The Crowd. Rha is the entrepreneurial soul coach behind hundreds of breakthrough changemakers, cultural visionaries, and social entrepreneurs. As CEO of Move The Crowd, Rha is galvanizing a movement of 3 Million entrepreneurs dedicated to re-imagining “work” as a vehicle for creative expression, financial freedom, and societal transformation. From multiple NY Times Bestsellers to multi-million dollar social enterprises, Rha’s unique methodology has empowered a new generation of conscious entrepreneurs to stay true, get paid, and do good. From the onset of her more than 30-year career as a cultural innovator, social impact strategist, and creative change agent, Rha has drawn on the power of creativity, culture and community to move hearts, minds, and policy. Rha’s work has focused on issues of racial justice and equality, electoral politics, offender aid and restoration, mental health and youth and women’s empowerment and contributed to initiatives that have impacted millions of lives.
Photo source: City of Newark, NJ
Ras J. Baraka — Mayor of Newark. Ras J. Baraka, the 40th Mayor of Newark and a native with deep roots in the city, has earned acclaim for his progressive governance since taking office in 2014. Notable achievements under his leadership include reducing crime to its lowest levels in five decades, addressing affordability while fostering growth, and replacing all known lead service lines at no cost to residents. Mayor Baraka’s forward-thinking agenda extends to groundbreaking initiatives such as Hire. Buy. Live. Newark, transforming the city’s economy, and the launch of LinkNWK, providing free gigabit Wi-Fi and municipal services to residents and visitors, showcasing his commitment to innovation and urban revitalization.
Tamicka S. James, MPH — Head of D&I, US Commercial, Medical, Government Affairs at Genentech, Genentech. Tamicka is the Head of Diversity and Inclusion for U.S. Commercial, Medical, and Government Affairs (CMG) at Genentech. With over 24 years of experience in field sales, training, and leadership roles, Tamicka is recognized as a visionary and changemaker. Known for her innovative approach and commitment to challenging the status quo, she excels in leading teams to unleash creativity, build strong relationships, and promote a sense of belonging, understanding the crucial link between business growth and employee retention. As a member of the Genentech Diversity and Inclusion Board of Directors, Tamicka focuses on developing attraction and retention strategies to shape the company’s growth system-wide. Notably, in 2022, she spearheaded the gLead Executive Education Program in collaboration with Columbia University Business School, aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of senior underrepresented talent at Genentech. Tamicka strives to embed equity, belonging, and a multicultural mindset into everyday decision-making and business operations. Throughout her career, she has led strategic initiatives for prominent healthcare organizations like GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi, and Abbott Laboratories, while actively contributing to various non-profit organizations that support underrepresented communities.
Robert F. Smith — CEO, Vista Equity Partners. Robert is an investor, philanthropist, and founder, chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, a leading global investment firm that invests exclusively in enterprise software, data, and technology-enabled businesses. Robert directs the firm’s investment strategy, overall structure, and investor relations, as well as supports several organizations in a variety of roles, including Chairman of Carnegie Hall’s Board of Trustees, Chairman of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Trustee of the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco, and many more. Prior to founding Vista, Robert worked at Goldman Sachs in technology investment banking, where he facilitated mergers and acquisitions for large technology companies like Apple, Microsoft, and beyond. Robert has been named one of Forbes’ 100 Greatest Living Business Minds and a recipient of the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy for his achievements in business and philanthropic efforts.
Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche — Owner of The Budgetnista, NYT Bestselling Author. Tiffany is not only an award-winning teacher of financial education but also America’s favorite personal financial educator and the author of the New York Times Bestselling book, Get Good with Money. Through her company, The Budgetnista, Tiffany has spearheaded a global financial movement, helping over two million women worldwide collectively save more than $350 million, pay off over $200 million in debt, and transform their financial outlook. In addition to her educational efforts, Tiffany has made a legislative impact by partnering with Assemblywoman Angela V. McKnight to pass Law A1414 (The Budgetnista Law), making financial education mandatory in all middle schools in New Jersey.
Tobias Fox — Founder & Managing Director, Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc. Tobias’ Newark Science and Sustainability organization helps urban farmers and gardeners cultivate their agricultural spaces. Tobias has received several accolades for his impactful work, including being selected by peers for outstanding contributions to the Newark community as part of Newark’s 350th anniversary in the 100 People of Newark project—a series of 100 photographs and on-camera interviews produced by the 100 People Foundation in partnership with PSE&G Foundation. In 2016, he was honored with the Community Service Award by the Northeast Earth Coalition, and in 2014, was recognized as the Newark NAACP Environmental Justice Honoree. Tobias also presented in TEDxBroadStreet in 2013, an independently organized TED event centered around the theme: “Reach, Rise, and Revive.” Additionally, he received the Exemplary Service Recognition by the Greater Newark Conservancy for Community Organizing in 2012.
Timnit Gebru — Founder & Executive Director, DAIR. Timnit is a renowned computer scientist and AI ethics researcher. She is the founder and executive director of the Distributed Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (DAIR), an AI research organization founded and rooted in the belief that AI is not inevitable, its harm is preventable, and it can be beneficial when diverse perspectives and intentional processes are included. She is also the co-founder of Black in AI, a nonprofit organization that advocates for and works toward increasing the presence, inclusion, visibility, and health of Black people in the field of AI. In addition to this, Timnit is a board member of AddisCoder, a nonprofit devoted to giving Ethiopian high school students free programming and algorithm lessons.
Tony Hobley — Chief DEI Officer, OPMG. As the Chief DE&I Officer at Omnicom Precision Marketing Group (OPMG), Tony spearheads the strategy and optimization of corporate DE&I initiatives, collaborating with agency CEOs, Talent, and DE&I leaders to integrate inclusion and equity across business planning, employee experience, and client relationships. With a rich background in senior leadership roles spanning Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Paris, he brings a wealth of experience, having previously led Spark44 NA, the integrated Agency of Record for Jaguar Land Rover. Tony’s diverse expertise encompasses business leadership, client services, marketing analytics, and digital strategy, reflecting his commitment to driving impactful and inclusive practices in the marketing industry.
Valeisha Butterfield Jones — Vice President, Partnerships & Engagement, Google. Valeisha is a globally recognized business leader known for driving impact at the intersections of tech, entertainment, and politics. Her transformational leadership and professional reputation are grounded in results, a bias for action, and measurable change to accelerate business and DEI outcomes. Valeisha currently serves as the Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement at Google, Inc. Her career has spanned two decades, including roles such as Co-President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs), National Youth Vote Director of the Obama for America campaign (2012), contributing to one of the highest youth voter turnouts in American history (12.3M voters; 45% turnout; 18-29 years of age), and Global Head of Inclusion for Google, Inc. She also served as Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the International Trade Administration in the Obama Administration, Executive Vice President/Executive Director of RUSH Communications (HSAN), and National Director of Diversity & Inclusion for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Walter T Geer III — Chief Creative Officer, Innovation North America. Walter develops advertising products and executes creative strategies for some of the world’s most influential brands and beyond, including Google, Viacom, and The New York Times. He passionately advocates for the development of a diverse and inclusive advertising culture for Black and brown creatives. Being a veteran in the digital advertising space, Walter holds six U.S. patents for digital ad formats and is the recipient of several honors, including Adweek’s 50 Most Important People in Media Marketing & Tech and Change Creator of the Year, the American Advertising Federation’s Mosaic Champion, and Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America.
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