Speakers

Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 30 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.

Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always shares a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later received her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.

As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health and faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100 named Dr. Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35th Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as one of the 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

In October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.

Dr. Seele published her first book, Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame, in 2017, and is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Barbara Louise Shaw is the Immediate Past International President of The Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. A product of four generations in the A.M.E. Zion Church, born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Barbara L. Shaw was spiritually developed and reared in the Pennsylvania Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church (Baltimore, Maryland) where she served in many positions. She was consecrated a Deaconess in 1993. She is a dedicated mother and grandmother who understands and values the importance of family. Dr. Shaw was educated in the public schools in Baltimore; Morgan State University; and graduate studies at The Johns Hopkins University, School of Writing. Professionally, she has served as a teacher in the Baltimore City Public School System; Associate Producer at Maryland Public Television; and a Chief Administrator with the State of Maryland Department of Public Safety. In October, 1997, she retired after 30 years of service in the state of Maryland. In August 2003, Dr. Shaw was elected the 16th General President of the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. In this position, she presided over 800,000+ women on five continents. In August of 2007, she was re-elected as General President and retired in July 2011. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Hood-Speaks Theological Seminary of the University of Calabar, Nigeria, West Africa, June 2005. In February 2006, she received an Honorary Doctorate from Livingstone College, Salisbury, North Carolina.

Pamela D. Price currently serves as the Deputy Director for The Balm In Gilead, managing the various health initiatives of the organization. Under her leadership, the organization provides support to faith institutions in areas of program design, implementation, and evaluation, which strengthen their capacity to deliver programs and services that contribute to the elimination of health disparities. In addition to her role as Deputy Director, she also serves as the Director for The National Brain Health Center for African-Americans.

As the Center’s director, she co-developed a six-part educational curriculum for nurses and allied healthcare professionals aimed at addressing knowledge gaps related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affecting African Americans. She also co-authored and facilitates an accredited training for healthcare providers and clinicians, aimed at increasing cultural competencies related to the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia in African Americans among providers.

Mrs. Price holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health and has more than 20 years of experience in public health, epidemiology, and healthcare. She has served as a member of the U.S. Army Nurse Corp and excelled in both government and non-governmental agencies, providing leadership and guidance on program management, quality improvement, and project development. Mrs. Price has conducted hundreds of training sessions across the country with various nursing associations, healthcare organizations, and conferences.

Cary L. Goodman, a native of Richmond, VA, has a sincere passion to empower faith communities to operate at their fullest capacity in areas of health promotion, advocacy programs, outreach, and development. For over 16 years, he has been dedicated to establishing and expanding health programs across the United States by building the capacity to address health disparities that greatly impact congregations and the communities they serve by strategically leveraging faith-based and community partnerships to impact sustainability.  

Currently, Cary is a Program & Strategic Development Consultant for The Balm In Gilead, Inc., where he works diligently at the intersection of faith and public health nationally to address the burden of various diseases that impact African American communities. A highly skilled strategist and national speaker adept at leading relationship building and engagement opportunities, he has forged various faith-based and public health community partnerships and coalitions. With a sincere passion to empower black men, Cary founded Black Men’s Wholeness, an initiative designed to engage black men in conversations focused on areas that reassure wholeness, such as trauma, emotional and mental health, and fatherlessness.  

An ordained minister, Cary deems himself a “connector” where he focuses on the significance of outreach and engagement, establishing coalitions, collaborating, and relationship building in order to increase accessibility and sustainability to strengthen congregations and communities.

Called to empower people through transformative preaching, teaching, and community organizing, Willie Dwayne Francois III is the Senior Pastor of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, NJ and President of the Black Church Center for Justice and Equality. He is a 2009 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Religion, named the ranking scholar in both departments. While at Morehouse, he was named the 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar. Francois received the Master of Divinity from Harvard University’s Divinity School, where he received the Hopkins Shareholders Award—the school’s highest academic recognition—and served as the class of 2012 commencement speaker. In 2020, Francois earned the Doctor of Ministry degree from Emory University, where his research met at the intersection of antiracism, theology and anti-incarceration policy advocacy.

From 2015-2023, Francois served as the Senior Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Pleasantville, NJ—one of the fastest growing churches in the county. He is the founding President of Be Whole Community Development Corporation, which offers completely free community programming in the areas of mental health, the arts, financial literacy, and youth civic engagement.  From 2013 to 2015, Francois served as the Associate Pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in Harlem, New York, where Pastor Michael A. Walrond, Jr. is the pastor. Prior to joining the FCBC team, he served as the Minister of Christian Education and Discipleship at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, under his pastor, Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby. Francois was licensed and ordained at the First Union Baptist Church of Galveston, Texas.

Francois lives at the intersection of the life of the spirit and the life of the mind. His most recent book published by Brazos Press in August 2022, Silencing White Noise: Six Practices to Overcome our Inaction on Race, draws on said work as a community organizer and antiracism educator. His upcoming book tentatively entitled Outing Blue Privilege: A Call for Public Love when Public Safety is Not Enough is under contract with Oris Books. He is the co-author of Christian Minister’s Manual: For the Pulpit and the Public Square for All Denomination—the most progressive and comprehensive clergy resource and the first interdenominational manual written for Black clergy in 56 years. He has written for The Huffington Post, Religion Dispatches, Civil Eats, The Hill and The Christian Century concerning a range of matters pivoting around race, class, and religion in America. In 2017, Francois was inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.

Francois gives oversight to the Master of Professional Studies Program, which operates at Sing Sing and Bedford Hills Correctional Facilities, and is Associate Professor of Liberation Theology at New York Theological Seminary. He also serves as a visiting professor at Memphis Theological Seminary. Likewise, he held adjunct positions in the African American Studies program at the University of Houston and at Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University respectively. In addition to publishing various articles and sermons, Francois previously served as a member of the Young Preachers’ Leadership Team of the Academy of Preachers, the director of the Young Ministers’ Corner of the African American Lectionary, and a Civil Rights Scholar for the imaging of the King Paper collection through the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (in Atlanta).

Bishop Horace E. Smith is a man gifted with a passion for God's Word coupled with a love for God's people. He has a contagious spirit of generosity that overflows in every facet of his life. As pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church and an attending physician specializing in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago (formerly Children’s Memorial Hospital), Dr. Horace E. Smith has treated bodies and souls for three decades. Bishop Horace E. Smith was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. Bishop Smith graduated as an honor student from Lindblom High School and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree (with honors) from Chicago State University, and M.D. from the University of Illinois Medical Center.

For Dr. Tania Small, medicine is more than just science – it is a calling to transform the experience and outcomes of patients and families facing severe illnesses.

An accomplished physician and international healthcare leader, at Bristol Myers Squibb, Dr. Small advances next-generation therapies in hematology/oncology, cardiovascular disease, immunology and neuroscience. Her work has contributed to groundbreaking innovations, redefined standards of care and brought hope to millions of patients worldwide.

Dr. Small began her career as a pediatric hematologist-oncologist, providing care to children and families navigating cancer and other serious illnesses. Witnessing both the resilience of patients and the urgent need for better therapies, she was motivated to scale her impact by transitioning into drug development – where she champions patient-driven science. This means ensuring that the voices and needs of patients guide every step in the creation of new treatment options.

Dr. Small champions innovation at the intersection of science, digital health and patient advocacy, working with health authorities, academic institutions and public-private partnerships to deliver life-changing new medicines to more patients faster.

Her dedication to service extends to philanthropy, where she has raised millions of dollars for nonprofits that are focused on addressing cancer and other serious diseases.

She also serves on the Board of Advisors for the American Cancer Society’s New York City Chapter, the Board of Governors for the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs and the Membership Committee for the American Society of Clinical Oncology – all three of which are dedicated to advancing research, equity and excellence in healthcare.

Above all, Dr. Small believes in a world where science, compassion and advocacy converge to create lasting impact for patients.

Judy Fentress-Williams is in bi-vocational ministry in Alexandria, VA as the Dodge Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Virginia Theological Seminary, and the Scholar in Residence at the Alfred Street Baptist Church.

Dr. Fentress-Williams received her Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from Yale University in 1999. She earned her M.Div. from Yale Divinity School in 1990, and her A.B. in English from Princeton University in 1984 with certificates in African-American Studies and American Studies.

Prior to her appointment at Virginia Theological Seminary in 2002, she was a member of the faculty at Hartford Seminary as a Professor of Hebrew Bible. There, she was also the director of the Black Ministries Program, a certificate program designed to meet the needs of African-American clergy and laity in the greater Hartford area. Today, the Rev. Dr. Fentress-Williams lives at the intersection of the church and the academy. In addition to her tenured teaching position at Virginia Theological Seminary, she works with the Christian Life Institute, Ministers in Training programs and teaches Bible Study at the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church. There, she plays a vital role in the development of the church’s own Sunday School curriculum.

A recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for Excellence in Theological Education from Yale Divinity School, she is a member of the Society for Biblical Literature, and serves on the Advisory Board for Religious Life at Princeton University.

Judy is married to Kevin Williams, M.D., and they are the proud parents of Samantha and Jacob.

Dr. Irene O. Aninye is the Chief Science Officer for the Society for Women’s Health Research, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing women’s health through science, policy, and education. Aninye steers SWHR’s portfolio of scientific programs to increase awareness and investment in research on biological sex differences and health conditions that disproportionately or uniquely affect women. She convenes expert working groups and meetings to identify strategies that address persistent gaps in women’s health care and research, translating recommendations into science-based and patient-centered policy solutions. Dr. Aninye has led the development of white papers, health care roadmaps, patient toolkits, clinical education materials, and calls to action for women’s cardiovascular health, autoimmune diseases, menopause, Alzheimer’s disease, HPV, and endometriosis, among other areas. Prior to SWHR, Aninye worked at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, specializing in research capacity building and evaluating STEM research and training programs for universities and funding agencies. With a PhD in Molecular and Integrative Physiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dr. Aninye’s research background is in endocrinology and metabolism – investigating sex steroid hormones and their receptor-mediated actions in development, reproduction, and disease. She has a passion to diversify the face of STEM and involvement of underrepresented groups in the sciences, providing scientific and leadership training across all career stages and serving on advisory boards for the National Institutes of Health, American Cancer Society, National Health Council, and World Economic Forum’s Global Alliance for Women’s Health.

Dr. Oscar Williams Jr., an accomplished musician, composer, educator, author, and artist, has enjoyed an extensive career with both domestic and international impact.

Born in St. Louis, MO to the late Oscar Williams, Sr. and Jacquelyn (Blair) Williams, Oscar began serving in his local church, Bethel Temple Church of Christ Holiness, as the youth pianist, and there his love for music and ministry began. Oscar preached his trial sermon and was licensed at the Rhema Baptist Church in St. Louis, MO, in 2004. After attending the Potter’s House School of Ministry, Dr. Williams was ordained an Elder in 2016 at the Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies, Inc., and in 2022 was ordained as an Associate Pastor at the Potter’s House church. Dr. Williams has had the privilege to serve in musical leadership with several denominations and organizations including: The National Baptist Convention, The National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, The Gospel Music Workshop of America, Church of God in Christ National Body, The National Association of Negro Musicians, The Hampton Choir and Organist Guild, The Betsy Stockton Department at Princeton University and many more.

As a composer, Dr. Williams has been privileged to release music and travel internationally as an award-winning Gospel Artist. To date, he has had three chart-topping releases and has composed and produced for Gospel greats such as Bishop TD Jakes, Tamela Mann, Karen Clark-Sheard, Smokie Norful, The Mississippi Mass Choir, and many others. His high-profile international performances include: The Vatican Christmas Celebration for Pope John Paul II; Vocal conductor for international pop-star Elisa; and European tours in the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and France. In 2010, Oscar was selected to serve as a U.S. Cultural Ambassador by the U.S. State Department. His work includes traveling extensively to foreign countries and collaborating with U.S. Embassies for concerts, master classes, and lectures on the importance of American Music art forms, specifically music from the African American perspective.

Oscar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Piano Performance from the University of Missouri – St. Louis; a Master of Music in Music Composition from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX; and a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Management with an emphasis in Charter School Administration from Dallas Baptist University. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of Music and Fine Arts for the Potter’s House Church and T.D. Jakes Ministries and currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Music and Performing Arts at the Potter's House Church; Dean of Worship at Jakes Divinity School in Dallas, Texas; an adjunct professor at The Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN and is the founder and CEO of Speak Life, LLC – a music and art content provider and Speak Life Academy of Arts and Music, Inc. – a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that specializes in STEAM curriculum and performing art guides.

David P. Pryor, M.D., M.P.H. is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician with nearly 30 years of experience as a practicing physician and as an executive in the health insurance industry. He is currently the Chief Medical Officer for Anthem in California and has previously served as the Corporate Medical Director for Comcast/NBCUniversal. He is also the founder of BlackWomensHealth.com

A native of California, Dr. Pryor received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Stanford University and completed his medical degree at the University of California, San Diego. He also has a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Born in Los Angeles, California, but raised in El Paso, Texas, Emcee N.I.C.E. has been a visionary in the music realm with a diverse portfolio of achievements that spans over three decades. He has etched his name in history time and time again with more than 20 (#1) chart-topping hits across multiple platforms, including both the Billboard and iTunes Charts, as well as the radio BDS charts, and over 15 million in sales in music and film. He has had distinguished awards recognition and is an accomplished Author, Actor, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Humanitarian, and Gospel Hip-Hop/Christian Hip-Hop Hall of Famer. He is one of only seven gospel rap artists to have a #1 album on the Billboard Top Gospel albums (3 weeks) and Billboard Gospel Digital Song Sales. He has been very instrumental in elevating Gospel Hip-Hop and Christian Hip-Hop to mainstream recognition. His impact spans across music, radio, and media, reshaping the way faith-based hip-hop is consumed and respected worldwide. Emcee N.I.C.E. built an infrastructure for CHH and Gospel Hip-Hop artists, creating a global platform for faith-based music in radio and revolutionizing the Genre with a legacy that transcends music. His journey as a professional recording artist commenced in 1994, signed to Mercury Records as “Novelist” with Lighter Shade of Brown, where he, alongside LSOB, became the first Latin Rap Group in history to launch onto the Billboard Top 200, Hot 100, R&B Top 50, and Rap Top 50 charts, putting out a Greatest Hits Album in 1998. In 2001, following the tragic loss of 2Pac, Emcee N.I.C.E., then known as Novelist from the group KansasCali, was tapped to produce tracks for 2Pac's posthumous album "Better Dayz" (2002). N.I.C.E. co-produced the iconic acoustic version of "Thugz Mansion" featuring Nas and J. Phoenix. This collaboration soared to #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts, and reached #5 on the Billboard Top 200, selling over 3 million copies. Their synergy extended further with "Thugz Mansion (NY)" finding its place on NAS's #1 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Platinum-selling album "God's Son" (2002). 

In 2019, Emcee N.I.C.E. achieved another historic milestone as the first Hip Hop Gospel/Christian station to win a Stellar Award. Beyond music, Emcee N.I.C.E. has garnered numerous accolades and distinctions, including the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Gospel Hip Hop/Christian Hip Hop Hall of Fame, a Resolution from Senator Cesar J Blanco of Texas 29th District, Citation from Mayor Eric Adams of New York, Resolution from Mayor Emma Sharif of the city of Compton, Resolution from El Paso County Commissioners, El Paso, Texas and appointments as Vice Chancellor of Harvest Christian University's Compton’s Extension Campus along with a Ph.D. (Honoris Causa) in Music Business & Entrepreneurship and Doctorate in Humanitarianism (Honoris Causa). His multifaceted career extends beyond music, with significant contributions to acting, having been on 15 different TV shows and movies from Netflix to FX to Fox & ABC, and his literary achievement garnered a #1 Best Seller in “Music Release University - The Indies Guide to Releasing Music!” ### EMCEE N.I.C.E.

Jai, professionally known as Jai Vaughn Williams, is a multifaceted visionary CEO, Creative Director, Brand Strategist, and award-nominated artist with over 25 years of experience in music, ministry, branding, and entrepreneurship. As the President & CEO of multiple companies, Jai specializes in helping individuals and organizations create powerful, purpose-driven brands through strategic marketing, music, and media.

Neiko Flowers, a proud coastal soul from Wilmington, NC, discovered his passion for entertainment early, finding his purpose in radio. In 2009, his love for music and storytelling ignited a dynamic broadcasting career. His bold voice and engaging personality quickly propelled him across the Southeast as a Producer, On-Air Talent, and Assistant Program Director.

Now thriving at WPZE Praise 102.5 in Atlanta, Neiko serves as Assistant Program Director, On-Air Talent for The Neiko Flow Show, and Producer of The Jekalyn Carr Show. He is also the visionary behind Bridging the Gap, a groundbreaking series where secular artists like Jeezy, LL Cool J, Jermaine Dupri, Tyrese, and Chloe Bailey share their personal faith journeys, building bridges beyond traditional church settings.

Deeply committed to his community, Neiko celebrates unsung heroes through his monthly Neiko’s Flowers initiative, honoring individuals who make a quiet yet powerful impact.

Now stepping into a new chapter as an author, Neiko has released My Hurt, Your Heal, a courageous memoir sharing his journey of trauma and triumph. Through this work, he has embraced a renewed purpose: to travel, speak, and encourage others to walk out of their hurt and into healing and freedom.

Neiko’s excellence has earned him a 2024 Stellar Award Gospel Announcer of the Year nomination, two Stellar Awards for programming, three Spin Awards, an Avidity Radio Vanguard Award, his second Marconi Award nomination for programming, and induction into the 2025 Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Devoted to God, family, and the gospel community, Neiko Flowers continues to inspire, uplift, and leave a lasting legacy both on and off the airwaves.

LaToya Stroman is an accomplished Executive Producer whose career spans more than a decade across documentary series, unscripted television, scripted projects, game shows, comedy, competition formats, and films. A Philadelphia native now based in Los Angeles, LaToya has built an impressive portfolio of credits on networks and platforms including OWN, HBO Max, ABC, NBC, Bravo, Twentieth Century Fox, WeTV, HGTV, E!, FOX, Snapchat, Instagram Live, Game Show Network, Logo, PBS, Hulu, and more.

Her experience includes producing high-profile projects such as FOX TV & Hulu’s Celebrity Weakest Link, NBC’s The Weakest Link, Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing, Married to Medicine, OWN’s Flex & Shanice, Hulu’s Secrets & Sisterhood, and many more. She has successfully managed productions with multi-million-dollar budgets, led teams of 50+ staff and contractors, and collaborated with senior executives, talent, and stakeholders to deliver engaging content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Beyond her television career, LaToya is the founder of Girl Talk Global, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering inner-city girls by exposing them to new environments, resources, and opportunities. Through Girl Talk Global, she combines her passion for storytelling with her commitment to mentorship and social impact, inspiring the next generation of leaders. With a reputation for strategic vision, creative innovation, and operational excellence, LaToya Stroman continues to expand her impact at the intersection of media, communications, and community leadership. She encourages people to “Finish What You Start.”

Yolanda is the Owner, President, and CEO of Eudora Enterprises, LLC, where she operates and functions in the knowledge, understanding, and workings of the Proverbs 31 woman…. “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand, she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”

Yolanda is the Owner, President, and CEO of Credential America, Inc. Credential America is a nationally recognized Credentials Verification Organization that assists healthcare facilities with their credentialing and enrollment needs.

She is currently a member of the Medical Staff State Associations of Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and her home state of Virginia, and the National Association.

Yolanda is a co-founder and member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Richmond Metropolitan Chapter. She serves on the Diaconate Ministry of First Baptist Church of South Richmond.

Yolanda enjoys spending time with her daughter and business partner (Leah), family, and friends. She also enjoys international travel and listening to jazz. She loves to share her entrepreneurial faith journey.

Stephone Coward II is a nationally recognized financial activist and Director of Economic Justice at Hip Hop Caucus, where he transforms decades of banking industry experience into powerful campaigns for systemic change. With over 20 years in the Dallas-Fort Worth banking sector, Stephone witnessed firsthand the economic inequality and predatory practices that shaped his commitment to creating a more just financial system.

As the architect of the groundbreaking Bank Black & Green campaign, Stephone has secured $40 million in investor commitments to redirect capital from fossil fuel and mass incarceration industries into Black Minority Depository Institutions to build the good. This innovative approach exemplifies his philosophy of using financial levers of power to create just economic systems that prioritize people over profit.

Stephone's journey from banker to activist began during the Great Recession and crystallized with the 2016 co-founding of BankBlackUSA and the COWRIE Initiative following tragic events in Black communities. These organizations have grown into comprehensive resource hubs featuring databases of 20+ Black-owned financial institutions and culturally-tailored financial literacy tools reaching millions nationally.

His data-driven storytelling approach, enhanced by his Bachelor’s in History and Master's in Sustainability from UT Arlington and Wharton Public Policy Certification, transforms complex financial concepts into accessible insights that inspire action. Recent completion of his Trauma of Money Professional Certification in 2024 reflects his evolution toward trauma-informed financial literacy, recognizing the deep interconnection between financial, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Recognized as a Forbes Next 1000 Social Entrepreneur and Just Economy Institute Fellow, Stephone has built strategic partnerships with five major universities and conducts research on banking deserts, cooperative economics, and the lasting economic impact of historical events like Black Wall Street. His work has been featured in Forbes, Time Magazine, Complex, and Marketplace.

A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. with Louisiana roots, Stephone champions community-led solutions and believes the South represents fertile ground for transformative economic organizing. Through Hip Hop Caucus's Justice Paid in Full campaigns, he continues building coalitions between impact investors, financial institutions, and frontline communities to create an economy that truly works for everyone.

Angela has a background in nursing and has worked in the healthcare industry for 27 years, with the last 12 years spent as a patient educator and pharmaceutical liaison. Her experiences have provided her with a broader perspective on the great need for disease education. She was inspired to become an Alnylam Patient Education Liaison (PEL) when she learned that she could help educate patients and their families and raise awareness of ATTR amyloidosis.

Dr. James Ampadu is an advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist at Prisma Health Advanced Heart Health Center. He specializes in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease. He also specializes in heart failure and cognition, hATTR amyloidosis, and reducing heart failure readmissions.

JT Logan is a father, serial entrepreneur, business coach, author, musician, and ordained minister.

JT, the founder and CEO of FOURDEEP—an integrated marketing communications agency focused on impact and driven by creativity, founded in 2011. JT, along with his team, supports Fortune 500 companies, global nonprofit organizations, universities, faith-based organizations, and emerging businesses alike. Some of his notable clients include the NBA, Roc Nation, The Balm In Gilead, Inc., Truist Bank, the A Different World HBCU Tour, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, Cisco, Meek Mill, Megan Thee Stallion, The Tom Joyner Foundation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Union University, Howard University, and Bowie State University.

FOURDEEP creates content and experiences that impact culture, specializing in video production, branding, event production, social media, and website development.

JT is also the founder of The Rare Foundation, Breast Cancer Under 30®, and Brand The Church®.

JT is focused more than ever on helping businesses, organizations, and ministries transform their products and services through transformative media and marketing. JT’s personal life experiences allowed him to redefine his purpose and help others in the process.

JT is a graduate of the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree.

Also, he is a graduate of The Richard T. Robertson School of Media & Culture at Virginia Commonwealth University, with a specialization in Creative and Strategic Advertising and a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

JT's mission is to help everyone discover that focusing on purpose always grows revenue.

Ariel Smith is a financial coach, author, and entrepreneur with experience spanning corporate America, government, and higher education. She began her career at renowned financial institutions before transitioning into coaching students and state employees, as well as teaching at Delaware Technical Community College. As founder of Flourishing Financials, Ariel has created innovative financial literacy programs and authored a youth-focused workbook that combines money management with visionary thinking and life skills. Her passion lies in equipping students, families, and communities with the tools to build confidence, achieve financial peace, and flourish in every stage of life.

Danielle Mitchell is an experienced Clinical Research Professional committed to advancing diversity and transformation in clinical research. Through Black Women In Clinical Research (BWICR), Black Men In Clinical Research (BMICR), and Minorities In Clinical Research (MICR), Danielle has empowered countless professionals to expand their opportunities and reach. With over 15,000 active members, these organizations work to educate, support, and empower Black women, men, and minorities in the clinical research field.

Jonathan Jackson, PhD, is a Founder and the Research Principal of CRESCENT Advising, LLC. CRESCENT focuses exclusively on improving marginalized empowerment, representation, and recruitment to clinical research and partners with a number of disease advocacy organizations, industry partners, and academic medical centers to achieve its aims. From 2017-2024, Dr. Jackson founded and directed the CARE Research Center at Massachusetts General and Harvard Medical School to better address barriers to accessing clinical trials for historically marginalized and minoritized populations. Dr. Jackson also works as a cognitive neuroscientist, investigating the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in the absence of overt memory problems. He has become a well-known representative to underserved communities and dozens of affiliated organizations, particularly regarding participation in clinical research. Dr. Jackson serves on the leadership team of several organizations focused on community health, and has written guidance for local, statewide, and national groups on research access, engagement, and recruitment.

Mrs. Sandra B. Crowder is the eighteenth International President of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Prior to her election as International President, Mrs. Crowder served as the National Health Director for the A.M.E. Zion Church to the Balm in Gilead, Inc. In May 2019, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Balm in Gilead, Inc. As an advocate to combat health disparities that affect African Americans, she continues to advocate that every local church and district in the A.M.E. Zion Church has an active health ministry.

Ecumenically, she is active with the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women, the National Council of Negro Women, the Black Women’s Agenda, Incorporated, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Mrs. Crowder is a career educator and retired after thirty years with the Virginia Beach City Public School System as a Secondary English teacher.

Mrs. Sandra B. Crowder is the wife of Kenneth W. Crowder, Presiding Elder of the Norfolk District, Virginia Conference, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. They are the parents of three sons and the grandparents of four.

Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III is a prophetic pastor, passionate leader, social activist, eloquent orator, and educator engaged in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and fighting against racial injustice. Dr. Haynes is also committed to and has devoted his life to economic justice and empowerment in under-served communities and touching and transforming the lives of the disenfranchised. For the past 42 years, Dr. Haynes has served as the visionary and innovative senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. Under his servant leadership, the ministry and membership of the church has grown from less than 100 members in 1983 to over 13,000.

Dr. Haynes continued his education at Bishop College in Dallas, TX and graduated, with honors in 1982 with a B.A. degree in Religion and English. While a student at Bishop College, he also became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In 1996, he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2005, Dr. Haynes received his Doctorate in Ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation where he was afforded the opportunity to study at Christ Church, Oxford University in Oxford, England. His dissertation, "To Turn the World Upside Down: Church Growth in a Church Committed to Social Justice” reflects his commitment to faith based social activism. In May 2025, Dr. Haynes earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Christian Theological Seminary.

Under the Barack Obama presidential administration, Dr. Haynes was frequently invited to the White House in order to address issues ranging from the state of the economy to voting and civil rights. He was publicly applauded by President Barack Obama for developing the THR!VE Intern and Leadership Program which employed nearly 100 young black males between the ages of 16-19. Since its inception, the program has expanded and now employs both young men and women with local businesses and at the church at a pay rate above minimum wage.

As a reflection of his commitment to community transformation and social consciousness, Dr. Haynes serves in various leadership capacities in organizations that champion social change and education. Among them are the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, the Conference of National Black Churches, the National Action Network, and IC3 Church Conference and Development Conference. He also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Paul Quinn College, an HBCU in Dallas. Dr. Haynes is married to entrepreneur Debra Peek-Haynes. They have one adult daughter, Abeni Jewel Haynes.

Dr. LaKeisha Cook is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor concentration in Religious Studies and a Master’s of Divinity. She also earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. In the fall of 2012, she completed her studies at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where she earned her Doctorate of Ministry as a Gardner C. Taylor fellow.  

Born in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, LaKeisha was licensed into the gospel ministry at the Antioch Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Pastor William Thomas, Jr. From 1998 to 2001, she served as the Youth Minister at Mount Hope Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where the Pastor is Dr. Raymond Bell. In the summer of 2001, Pastor Cook joined the pastoral ministry team of First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona, as the Minister of Children, Youth, and Young Adults. Additionally, she is the founding pastor of the Imani Community Church of Tempe, Arizona. She has served in various capacities for the multi-site campuses of Saint Paul’s Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Lance Watson. 

Dr. Cook has over 20 years of experience working in non-profits, education, and the African American church. As a pastor and preacher, she uses her platform to educate and empower people on social justice and racial inequities, and she is passionate about justice reform. She served as a program administrator for the Kyrene School District in Tempe, AZ, where she coordinated, implemented, and ensured the quality of intervention and prevention programs and activities outlined in the eight-million-dollar Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant. She also served as the Director of Corporate, Nonprofit and Government Partnerships for Courageous Conversation®.

She worked as the Criminal Justice Reform Organizer for Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) in Richmond, Virginia, where they successfully led a campaign that abolished the death penalty in Virginia. She is currently working as the Executive Director of VICPP.

Freddy Mejia is the Policy Director at The Commonwealth Institute, playing a key role in the development and execution of TCI's policy, advocacy, and legislative engagement work. Freddy leads TCI’s health policy and immigrant justice work. Freddy is the proud son of Salvadoran immigrants and earned his Bachelor of Social Work degree from VCU and a Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University.

Barbara Golby is a senior clinical social worker and supervisor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She works with individuals and families to help them manage the stressors of living with cancer. Her clinical work has focused on the psychosocial care and support of long-term childhood cancer survivors. Barbara runs Resources for Life After Cancer, an MSK program that provides education and practical and emotional support to cancer survivors who have completed treatment. She earned her MSW from the Smith College School for Social Work, and a Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Kiana J. Price holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with minors in Spanish and Brain and Adaptive Behaviors. She has served as the Lead Research Assistant for the Study of Emotions and Eating Disorders (SEED) Lab at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.  She is also certified in Social & Behavioral Research. Ms. Price is currently working as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor for the New Season Treatment Center in Richmond, Virginia. She is passionate about helping others achieve healthy, equitable, and purpose-driven lives.  

Currently serving as Associate Consultant Researcher at Costar working in their Richmond headquarters, Mr. Freeman graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s in Commercial Investment and Development, minoring in Property Management. He is passionate about growing in Real Estate and making amazing connections.

Neesha Stringfellow is the Executive Director of HeartLife Ministries and Recovery 180, a dynamic recovery initiative launched in 2020 to bring hope, healing, and practical resources to individuals and families affected by life’s most challenging circumstances. Under Neesha’s leadership, Heartlife Recovery 180 has become a cornerstone of community support—providing essential services and connections for those navigating mental health challenges, substance use disorders, unemployment, and displaced housing.

With a deep passion for restoration and empowerment, Neesha leads a trauma-informed and faith-based recovery network designed to meet people where they are and help them rebuild their lives with dignity. Her work emphasizes a holistic approach—addressing not only clinical recovery needs but also the emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of healing.

Neesha currently serves as the Executive Director for the Tri-County Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (R.O.S.C.), covering Will, Grundy, and Kankakee Counties in the State of Illinois. In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Division of Behavioral Health, she provides leadership, coordination, and oversight to ensure that recovery resources are accessible, culturally responsive, and sustainable across communities. Through these efforts, she has helped strengthen partnerships between treatment providers, faith-based organizations, and community stakeholders.

A visionary leader and compassionate advocate, Neesha is dedicated to dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction in the church while creating pathways for long-term recovery and stability. Her commitment to community transformation extends beyond programming—she is a connector, strategist, and servant leader who believes that recovery is not just possible, but achievable for everyone.

Neesha continues to expand the reach of Recovery 180 through outreach initiatives, educational workshops, and collaborative partnerships that foster unity and resilience within the tri-county region. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help individuals “recover with purpose, rebuild with hope, and rise with strength.”

Tamara Abdul was born in New York City but was raised in the wonderful suburbs of Englewood and Teaneck, New Jersey. She married her husband, Shan Abdul, in 1995. The couple relocated from New Jersey to Atlanta 30 years ago and have resided there ever since. Tamara gave birth to her twins, Amara and Marcus, in 1998.

Her son Marcus was diagnosed with a speech impediment and a receptive language problem when he was three years old. Tamara utilized tutors from elementary through high school to assist him. Marcus was very active on the track team in high school and continued his track career when attending college at Tennessee State University, running from his freshman to junior year.  

Marcus later shared that he began struggling mentally during his junior year at Tennessee State in 2020. Tamara did not notice these challenges until his senior year in 2021 and urged him to utilize her company’s Employee Assistance Program to seek psychiatric help, but he did not follow through. Despite encountering mental challenges in college, Marcus graduated with a BA in Business Administration in 2021 and worked as a Paraprofessional for children with disabilities.

Two years ago, Tamara found a psychiatric practitioner to help Marcus, who administered medication to him; however, he did not take it as prescribed, which caused him to spiral out of control. Instead of taking his medication, Marcus smoked weed and vaped to deal with his mental health issues.

In July of this year, Marcus had a manic episode, and Tamara knew he needed to be admitted to a mental health facility. With the help of her neighbor, she found Grady Mental Health Crisis Center in Atlanta—a Tier One community hospital that provides free mental health care and affordable medical services. Marcus was diagnosed with bipolar schizophrenia. The staff at Grady were fantastic, and with the help of medication and counseling, Marcus is doing much better. Tamara feels that they were in the valley for a long period of time but are now steadily moving toward the mountaintop.

Tanya Simmons Reid is a passionate mental health advocate and the visionary behind the SoundMinds Mental Health Awareness & Solutions Conference - an advocacy initiative of her company Skyrocket Communications, Inc. - created to shine a light on the mental health challenges facing Black and Hispanic communities. The conference serves as a platform for open conversations, the sharing of resources and actionable solutions to help individuals and communities overcome mental health barriers.

Tanya launched SoundMinds virtually in July 2021 during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, driven by a deeply personal journey with her family, particularly her experience as a parental caregiver to a child with a diagnosed mental illness. In the early stages of her journey, Tanya felt helpless, lacking knowledge and understanding of how to navigate mental health challenges. As a woman of faith, she sought guidance from God, who instructed her to create a platform for people in the community affected by mental illness and challenges where mental health advocates come together for meaningful dialogue and support.

Tanya, a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, is a certified Mental Health First Aider through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, with certifications for both adults and youth. Her mission is to address the stigma surrounding mental health, promote accessible resources and empower people to advocate for themselves, their loved ones and their communities.

Rev. LaKesha Womack is a strategic advisor, minister, and entrepreneur dedicated to building thriving communities through faith, leadership, and equity. With over two decades of experience in business development, organizational strategy, and spiritual formation, she brings a holistic perspective to the intersections of health, healing, and hope within faith-based and community institutions.

As the owner of Womack Consulting Group, Rev. Womack has advised hundreds of churches, nonprofits, and businesses across the nation, specializing in strategic planning, emotional intelligence, and visionary leadership. She also serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for the ASPIRE Community, an emerging Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to advancing financial wellness and economic justice. Within the faith community, she is the Alabama-Florida Episcopal Director of Church Growth and Community Engagement for the AME Zion Church, helping congregations strengthen their ministries and community impact.

A co-host of The Politics of Jesus podcast with Dr. Obery Hendricks, Rev. Womack engages national audiences in courageous conversations about faith, power, and social transformation. Her thought leadership has been featured on Forbes.com and Newsweek.com, as well as at national conferences focused on financial literacy, equity, and organizational health.

An alumna of Vanderbilt University, she has completed advanced leadership training through The Wharton School, Yale University, and the Goldman Sachs Black in Business program. Rev. Womack is passionate about reimagining what it means for faith leaders and institutions to be game changers and truth tellers—bridging spiritual and systemic wellness for a healthier, more equitable future.

Dr. Gyan serves as the Director of Social Determinants of Mental Health (SDOMH), under the leadership of the Vice President and Deputy Medical Director at the American Psychiatric Association, and has the primary responsibilities to coordinate education, awareness, research, policy, and information dissemination activities related to SDOMH. His expertise lies in understanding SDOMH and providing management for the planning and implementation of APA's SDOMH initiatives. Furthermore, Dr. Gyan is a dedicated community health researcher, spearheading extensive research on social determinants, public health, and health disparities that adversely affect general health, mental health, relationships, marriages, and family contexts, particularly within faith-based organizations. 

Nicci Gilbert-Daniels, founding member of the Grammy nominated group Brownstone, is one of television’s most sought after executive producers. As the CEO of WIRF MEDIA, an entertainment media company, WIRF aims to change the negative and toxic narratives about minority women through the creation of a national infrastructure that provides female content creators with platforms and resources to create, own and distribute content that not only entertains, but also uplifts, educates, informs and inspires. Nicci created TV One’s most popular docu-franchise, “R&B Divas”, and the popular BET networks series, “From the Bottom Up” and her upcoming Documentary Film “Broken Things.”

Nicci’s intense passion for all that she does effortlessly manifests itself in her many accomplishments, including deals and partnerships with the legendary Michael Jackson MJJ Records, super producer Tyler Perry, and television mogul Queen Latifah. Nicci is also an entrepreneur who launched Curvato, a lifestyle brand for the niche plus size market. Nicci’s business and philanthropic achievements have garnered recognition from a variety of prestigious awards, including two Grammy nominations, BET Her Woman of Impact, Lincoln Shining Star, InfluenceHER Awards and the Billboard Music Awards. In addition to all of her accolades, Nicci is the founder of the From The Bottom Up Foundation and she currently serves as a board member for the following organizations: Hip Hop Sisters, Beyond the Game Foundation and The Center for Black Women’s Wellness.

Nicci is the true definition of a multi-hyphenate career woman. She is a singer-writer-producer-actress-speaker-designer-philanthropist, in addition to a positive image advocate. With Nicci’s commitment to her career overshadowed only by her devotion to her husband, daughter and new grandson, she has proven that with perseverance, hard work and dedication, the world is possible.

Bishop Stacey S. Latimer is the founder of Love Alive International Sanctuary of Praise (LAISP) in NYC, a faith-based community celebrating its 17th year of service this November. He also serves as the National Evangelist for the Church of the Everlasting Kingdom, headquartered in Baltimore, MD, where he is dedicated to gathering God's people and fostering spiritual growth.

A 38-plus-year survivor of an HIV diagnosis and a six-year survivor of stage four prostate cancer, Bishop Latimer has passionately advocated for HIV/AIDS awareness and education for over three decades, significantly impacting national and international policies. He now also champions understanding of prostate cancer. He is a retired United States Army veteran and a member of the New York State Veterans' Hall of Fame.

A few of Bishop Latimer's media appearances over the years include the November 2007 cover of POZ Magazine, the September 2024 cover of POZ Magazine, where he was featured with his Italian Mastiff, Kane, and the cover of this month's Health Monitor magazine.

Shanelle Gabriel is a spoken word poet, keynote speaker, communications consultant, and lupus advocate hailing from Brooklyn, NY. Internationally touring, she has graced stages alongside cultural icons such as Jill Scott, Nas, Nikki Giovanni, Diane von Fürstenberg, and more. From Carnegie Hall to the Vatican, and HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, her powerful voice has resonated with audiences around the globe speaking on themes such as resilience, leadership, and living your best life with lupus, the illness she was diagnosed with over 20 years ago. She's collaborated with the NIH, spoken at Congressional Hearings, and serves on the Lupus Accelerating Breakthroughs Consortium. Shanelle is also the producer and host of the Better Together: Sharing Our Lupus Stories webinar series helping patients navigate life with the disease.

Camille Campbell, PharmD, RPh has 18+ years of experience at the intersections of biopharma, health-tech start-up, community engagement, and clinical care. She is currently the Lead for Health Equity at Biogen, where she helps spearhead implementation of health equity strategies across the drug development continuum while cultivating internal and external partnerships. Dr. Campbell earned her PharmD from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, completed a Post-Doctoral Medical Strategy Fellowship with Bristol-Myers Squibb/Rutgers Institute for Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowships, and earned her graduate certificate in Health Disparities Research from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Dr. Pulliam currently serves in Accenture’s Strategy and Consulting Division specializing in Public Service Management Consulting as a Management Consulting Manager (Behavioral and Global Public Health SME) where he provides state and local government, nonprofit, private sector businesses, and academic institutions transformative change through leveraging innovative technologies such as generative AI and workforce optimization strategies to achieve sustainable growth and foster impactful change for his clientele portfolio. 

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He values the role of the community, ensuring their voices are heard and seen within policies and programs, and continues to volunteer within the public health corps within his local community – the epitome of a community-oriented public health practitioner. He recently served as the Director of Global Public Policy at Prevention Access Campaign.

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Throughout his federal career, Cedric has served at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Congressional Research Service, and the U.S. Department of the Air Force.

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Cedric founded CDP Consulting, LLC in 2014 to assist recent veterans in career and professional development and transitioned into a public health and health equity consultancy company in 2018.

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Dr. Pulliam attended Elon University, obtained International Studies and Political Science bachelor’s degrees, and was recognized with the 2022 Top 10 Under 10 Alumni and 2017 LGBTQIA Community Enrichment awards. Cedric received a 2012 full-tuition fellowship from Central European University in Budapest, Hungary, where he obtained his first master’s degree in International Relations and European Studies.

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He went on to complete graduate studies at Georgetown University and George Mason University, focusing on International Development and Conflict Resolution, and completed his doctoral studies in Health and Medical Psychology at Northcentral University.

Vanessa LaTanya Hill, Founder of Project Nana, Inc., is a multi-talented creative and health advocate, with extensive experience in gynecologic cancer education and policy advocacy, systems change, healthcare access, grassroots organizing, media, and academia. Vanessa is deeply involved in post-menopausal women's health and gynecologic cancer education and advocacy, serving on multiple committees and boards including the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO), The National Cancer Institute Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee’s (GCSC) Clinical Trials Planning Meeting (CTPM) on Approaches to Endometrial Cancer (EC) Treatment in the Immunotherapy Era, the SGO Pathways to Progress: A State-of-the-Science Research Summit in Gynecologic Oncology endometrial small group, the Regional Cancer Disparities Collaborative of Eastern Virginia, and the Health Equity Collaborative of Virginia, to name a few. 

Vanessa is a graduate of Howard University and The George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health and Co-Investigator of a research study Project Nana - An Intervention to Increase the Use of Gynecological Services in Senior Women of Color. Her research has been published in Older Women & Wellbeing: A Global Perspective and Springer Nature (2021). Vanessa's impactful work has garnered national recognition from academic, cancer and other advocacy organizations including the Center for Medicare Advocacy’s The Alfred A. Chiplin Award for Social Justice and Advocacy, the Everyday Hero Award by CBS affiliate WTKR News Channel 3, and the Institute for Surgical Excellence/Foundation for Women’s Cancer Patients Advocate Champion. She's a passionate TedX speaker on reframing aging women's health. She is the daughter of Rev. Dr. Gail LaNetta Henderson, the granddaughter of Merlice Yvonne McIntosh Henderson, the great-granddaughter of Beatrice Rolle McIntosh, and the great-great granddaughter of Melvina Sweeting Rolle. She knows her roots. She knows her mission. And she walks in humility as the potent promise of her powerful ancestors.

Wanda Edwards Walker serves Guilford County Schools as the Senior Executive Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships. In this pivotal and dynamic role, she provides visionary leadership for a dedicated 14-member community engagement team tasked with creating, cultivating, and stewarding meaningful partnerships among families, stakeholders, and community organizations that strengthen and elevate the work of the district and its schools. Working collaboratively with diverse families, committed community partners, and enthusiastic volunteers, the office aligns its efforts with the district’s Strategic Direction focus areas—accelerating student learning, recruiting, retaining, and rewarding exceptional talent, enhancing health, wellness, and safety, and preparing students for success in an ever-changing world. The team also provides impactful professional learning and development centered on educational equity and inclusion and collaborates closely with the Superintendent’s Office to inform, inspire, and engage multiple advisory councils that help transform learning and life outcomes for all students.

Before her current leadership role, Walker served the district as the Director of Communications for eight years. Under her strategic and innovative leadership, the communications team employed creative and data-driven tools to increase enrollment, attract and retain outstanding educators, engage key stakeholders, and positively influence public perception of Guilford County Schools. These tools included comprehensive internal and external communications, dynamic social media outreach, engaging GCSTV programming, robust volunteer and community initiatives, signature district events, and proactive media relations.

Dr. Ulysses W. Burley III is the founder of UBtheCURE, LLC, a Chicago-based consulting company on the intersection of faith, health, and human rights with expertise in HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. Although his formal training is in immunology and cancer epidemiology, Ulysses’ primary work has been in HIV and AIDS education, awareness, advocacy, and capacity building in the context of faith.

Ulysses previously served on the U.S. Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) and the Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches, and he is the co-founder of federally recognized National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Ulysses’ professional mantra and approach to healthcare is to treat people, and not just disease.

The Reverend Dr. Gina Marcia Stewart is an accomplished pastor, preacher, visionary leader, teacher, and community advocate with a heart deeply devoted to God and His people. She has served as the Senior Pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church (CMBC) in Memphis, Tennessee since March of 1995, becoming the first African American woman to lead an established African American Baptist congregation in Memphis and Shelby County. 

Dr. Stewart is a graduate of the University of Memphis (BBA), Trevecca Nazarene College (M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision), Memphis Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and the Interdenominational Theological Center (D.Min.). She also attended the Harvard Divinity School Summer Leadership Institute for Church-Based Community and Economic Development. Currently, Dr. Stewart is pursuing a PhD in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has also received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology. 

She serves as Chairwoman of the Religious Affairs Committee for the National Board of the NAACP, a trustee for the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, and a Co-Convener for the Women in Ministry Conference. In addition, Dr. Stewart serves on the advisory board for the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology. She was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers in 2018. 

Dr. Stewart is a former board member of the Advisory Board for The African American Pulpit, The National Civil Rights Museum, and Bread for the World. Additionally, she is the founder of Greater Works, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to philanthropy and ministry development. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the River City (TN) Links, Dr. Stewart has received numerous awards for her contributions to the church, community, and society. Among her accolades are the Women of Excellence Award for Global Impact from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Trailblazers Award from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Visible Portraits of Light Award (2024). 

She was honored to receive the President's Volunteer Service Award, presented by President Joseph R. Biden in June 2021, and inducted into the Shaw University Divinity School Circle of Preachers and Advocates of Justice (2023). She received the Global Missions Outreach VIZION Award from the VIZION Foundation (2024). She also received the Beautiful are Their Feet Award from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (February 2025) and was inducted into the Bishop Alfred G. Dunston, Jr. College of Preachers, Lecturers and Scholars - Livingstone College (April 2025). 

Under Dr. Stewart’s leadership, CMBC has become a vibrant and compassionate community, committed to proclamation, protest and practice. Through her vision and dedication, the church has remained a beacon of hope, ensuring that the hungry are fed, the naked are clothed, and the broken are healed by the grace and love of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Zsanai Epps is the Interim Executive Vice President of Programs & Advocacy at the Black Women’s Health Imperative, where she provides strategic leadership over a national portfolio of programs that advance health equity for Black women and girls. Her areas of expertise include sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice; chronic disease prevention and management; and mental and emotional wellness.

A proud three-time graduate of Morgan State University, Dr. Epps holds a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), Master of Public Health (MPH), and a Bachelor of Science in Health Education. She also serves as adjunct faculty in the Department of Public and Allied Health at Morgan State, where she prepares and mentors the next generation of public health professionals. She holds a Nonprofit Executive Management Certificate from Georgetown University and was recognized as a 2025 40 Under 40 Health Leader by the National Minority Quality Forum for her leadership and impact in public health. Dr. Epps is deeply committed to advancing culturally responsive, data-informed solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black communities and drive sustainable, systemic change.

Shadawn McCants is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Director of Know and Live Counseling and Consulting in Houston, TX, where she specializes in holistic wellness for women, adolescents, and couples. She holds degrees in Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Counseling from Prairie View A&M University. Shadawn is also the founder of 2 Know is 2 Live, a nonprofit focused on addressing HIV/AIDS disparities through awareness, education, and healing.

A passionate advocate, she serves as Co-Chair of the Texas Black Women's Health Initiative (Houston), a CDC and Thera Technologies Ambassador, and a POZ 100 Black Advocate honoree. She’s also an international activist, speaker, best-selling contributing author, model, and actress—committed to empowering others to Know and Live and bravely lead in the fight to end the HIV epidemic.

Dr. Goldie Byrd's extraordinary career includes being a university professor, the founder of the N.C. A&T State University's Center for Outreach in Alzheimer's Aging and Community Health (COAACH), and the principal investigator for major NIH grants studying genetic factors amongst people of color for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The COAACH program was nationally recognized as a best practice for community outreach and support for Alzheimer's caregivers.

Now, Dr. Byrd is the Executive Director of the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity where she continues to address the impact systemic, cultural and genetic factors have on health disparities.

Shon Lowe is a dedicated dementia advocate and caregiver champion, serving as CEO of the Paint Clover Purple Association. Her leadership is rooted in compassion and purpose, earning her nominations for both the Humanitarian of the Year and Employee Choice Award for Dementia Advocacy.

Through impactful initiatives like Walking the Talk for Dementia (WTD) and partnerships with the Alzheimer’s Association, Shon promotes education, empathy, and empowerment for individuals and families affected by dementia. She is an active AIM member and a respected voice on the Alliance for Aging Research’s Research Advisory Council (RAC), contributing to advancements in aging and brain health policy.

As a proud member of the Global Alzheimer’s Platform (GAP) and a 2025 Globe St. Humanitarian Award nominee, Shon brings both professional insight and personal experience to her advocacy. She is a devoted caregiver to her mother, who lives with early-onset Alzheimer’s—a journey that fuels her commitment and inspires the TLWTD podcast, where she shares resources, stories, and support for fellow caregivers.

Beyond her organizational work, Shon is a frequent speaker and contributor to national conversations on caregiving, mental health, and dementia awareness. She is passionate about breaking stigma, fostering resilience, and building community through storytelling and love.

Sue Peschin, MHS, is President and CEO of the Alliance for Aging Research, the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the narrative to achieve healthy aging and equitable access to care. The Alliance strives for a culture that embraces healthy aging as a greater good and values science and investments to advance dignity, independence, and equity.

Since 2012, Ms. Peschin has led the Alliance team on efforts to increase federal investment in aging research; raise awareness of geriatric cardiovascular diseases; develop an older patient and family caregiver research engagement network called Talk NERDY (Nurturing Engagement in Research and Development with You); advocate for patient affordability and equity-based value frameworks; and improve Medicare treatment access. She is a national speaker and thought leader on healthy aging, whose writing has been published in several peer-reviewed journals and top-tier newspapers.

Ms. Peschin serves on the Boards of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC); the National Health Council; U.S. Pharmacopeia; and Voices of Alzheimer’s; as well as on the Science Advisory Board for the UCSF-Stanford Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSI); the Committee for Advancement of Respite Research; and on the UMD Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center Community Advisory Board.

Previously, Sue served in senior roles at the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Consumer Federation of America, Hadassah, and the Violence Policy Center. Ms. Peschin earned a B.A. in Sociology from Brandeis University, and an M.H.S. degree in Health Policy from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Vicky Lee, L.Ac. is a nationally-licensed Acupuncturist and Herbologist certified by the Virginia Board of Medicine. She earned her Masters in Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania. While Ms. Lee treats a gamut of clients, from athletes who want to optimize their performance to fertility, Ms. Lee arrived at her specialty of complex and chronic pain when, after years of practice, she recognized there was a population that was not being supported by western medicine – especially seniors and people of all ages in chronic pain — who were told they "have to live with it” or felt completely unheard. Whether it was neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, or stroke recovery, she has helped many of her clients improve their qualities of life. She serves all who hold out hope for better health. To bolster her mission of helping those looking for lifelines, she continues to study tirelessly with renowned acupuncturists and herbalists around the world. Among them is Dr. Jing Liu, acupuncturist to Muhammed Ali and Michael Phelps, and in the direct lineage of Dr. Shi XueMin, subject of the film 9,000 Needles. Ms. Lee combines protocols from varying schools of eastern medicine with modern clinical breakthroughs to best serve her clientele. She takes great joy in her work and celebrates the progress of her patients from fear, fatigue and resignation to hope, relief and restoration. 

Outside of work, Ms. Lee enjoys riding motor scooters, all kinds of fiction and good films, great food, and fine art. She has traveled a great deal and loves meeting people in their true habitats. On those adventures, she has visited ashrams, churches, monasteries and shamans, and identifies herself as a compassionist.

Bishop Winton Anderson is a graduate of Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge), Dallas Baptist University (Dallas, TX.), and holds a PhD in Public Policy at Southern University A&M College (Baton Rouge, LA.). He spent his formative years between Natchez, MS and East Palo Alto, CA., where he was baptized and licensed to preach. A dynamic speaker, preacher, author, and life coach, colleagues and peers often refer to him as their “Transition Trainer.” In 2015, he released his first book, “Dear Person in Transition” and has been helping people from all walks of life navigate changes they will surely encounter. In 2018, he released his sophomore book, “Heart People: Explained and Accepted”. He considers it an honor to Pastor the Greater Philadelphia Baptist Church of Slaughter, Louisiana.

He is married to Lady Andriette Anderson and is the father of two children, Olivia Brielle and Jameson Ray. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, 100 Black Men, and several community organizations, Winton is often reminded that his ministry service journey began and continues “on the stairs,” which has allowed him to lead Young Pastors and people across the country. Pastor Anderson has a unique passion for serving God’s people. As the Director of Student Leadership and Engagement at Southern University, all who encounter him feel his impact on the next and now generations. His favorite scripture is Psalm 27:14, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

Craig Emmitt Cole, M.D. is a board-certified Hematologist who received his Bachelor of Science degree in physiology at Michigan State University and the College of Lyman Briggs. He received his doctoral degree at the Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Michigan. Additionally, Dr. Cole conducted post-fellowship laboratory research at the Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center of Medicine at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School. He then served as an attending hematologist at Gunderson Health System University at the Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He then returned to the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology before coming back to Michigan State University in 2019. 

With a focus on hematology and multiple myeloma, Dr. Cole has worked extensively with patient advocacy groups to empower, educate, and bring equitable care to everyone. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology, International Myeloma Society, and International Myeloma Working Group. 

Dr. Cole currently serves as Director of Clinical Cancer Research at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine-Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing. 

Bishop Charley Hames, Jr., on June 29, 2022, was elected as the 66th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in the line of succession on the first ballot. Upon his election and consecration, the General Conference assigned him to the 9th Episcopal District, which comprises the states of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and California. 

Bishop Hames has served as senior pastor of Beebe Memorial Cathedral CME for 20 years, and has led one of the fastest-growing congregations in the CME church. Under his leadership, BMC has grown from eighty-one to over thirty-four hundred members, making it one of the premier houses of worship in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

Over the years, this dedicated servant of God has been honored with opportunities and awards some might have thought unlikely for someone of such humble beginnings. He’s prayed over our country’s congressional leaders on Capitol Hill and been named “Pastor of the Year” twice by his two former Bishops. A true champion for community, Bishop Hames also served as chaplain of 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Inc., former President of the National Action Network’s Oakland chapter, immediate past Chairman of the board of the Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce, proud Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc., Life Member of NAACP, and an active member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. He made his mark over broadcast airwaves and was heard across the San Francisco Bay Area as KBLX’s (102.9 FM) “Voice of Inspiration” for fifteen years. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois, and Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia. 

Bishop Hames graduated from Chicago State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American studies. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and a Doctor of Ministry degree in evangelism from the Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. 

He is the author of three books: Pressing Reset: When Life Forces You to Start Over Again, Exchange: Trading Your Brokenness for Exceptional Purpose, and Notes From The Doctor: The 60-Day Devotional Treatment Plan For The Spirit. Bishop Hames's latest book, *The Leverage Leader: Thriving in the World of AI* was released in January 2025. 

Felicia Bowman Chandler, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Somatic Practitioner, and Founder of Soul Guided Healing & Wellness, a virtual mental health and wellness practice. Licensed in Virginia, Georgia, and Texas, Felicia provides therapy, clinical supervision, and wellness services that help women, especially Black women and women of color, move from survival to wholeness through self-love, emotional healing, and intentional care. 

Drawing from Somatic Experiencing principles, Felicia helps clients reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and heal from trauma in ways that foster deeper self-awareness and restoration. 

In addition to her clinical work, Felicia partners with companies, organizations, and educational institutions to provide wellness programming that promotes emotional well-being, prevents burnout, and cultivates healthier, more balanced workplaces. Through keynotes, workshops, and consulting, she integrates evidence-based mental health practices with mindfulness and self-regulation techniques to support both individual and organizational healing. 

Felicia is passionate about creating restorative spaces for therapy, group healing, and mentorship that encourage rest, emotional regulation, and authentic self-connection. As a leader and advocate, she blends clinical expertise with compassion, guiding clients and professionals alike to embrace the truth that healing is possible, rest is necessary, and self-love is a radical return to self. 

Reverend Donté McCutchen is a native of Richmond, VA. He is the founder of Donté McCutchen and The Levitical Priests, Chairperson of The H.E.L.P. Community Advisory Board (Healing, Educating, and Loving People), an Executive Board Member of the Richmond Boys Choir, and Trustee for Sophia Seminary college. He boasts about having been under great leadership and holds dear the teachings received from his pastor, the Late Rev. Dr. Kenneth Dennis. Reverend Donté is the Founder of Love Cathedral Community Church, where he pastors and leads Heart For The City nonprofit, which started in 2015. Rev. Donté truly believes he followed the direction of God and started a church with the mission of healing the community. Love Cathedral Community Church is a place “Where Jesus Is Lifted And People Are Empowered!”  

Reverend Donté McCutchen is a 2018 Graduate of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. He is currently working towards a Doctorate of Ministry in Public Health and social change at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California.

Tiauna Webb is the Co-Director of Public Interest Technology at the #BlackTechFutures Research Institute, where she works at the intersection of faith, culture, and technology. Her work supports education and centers culture as she partners with Black faith institutions to advocate for liberated digital futures rooted in Black joy, memory, and innovation. She is dedicated to strengthening Diaspora connections and advancing African-centered approaches that recognize Black faith communities (locally and globally), as architects of our shared digital future. 

Saved and filled with the Holy Ghost at an early age, The Reverend Dr. Danielle L. Brown finds great joy and satisfaction in learning, living, and preaching the Gospel. Rev. Dr. Brown was Licensed to preach on July 17, 2003, by Cathedral International (The Historic Second Baptist Church) in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and ordained by the American Baptist Churches on June 3, 2012.

On August 7, 2021, Dr. Brown was elected the tenth Senior Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, New Jersey. She is the first woman to hold this position since the church’s founding in 1908.

A natural leader, Rev. Dr. Brown has served in various capacities where she has worked to develop and implement ministry programs and strategies. She has a passion for mentoring and assisting in the development of faith and community leaders. As such, she is a site supervisor in the Princeton Theological Seminary, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and Pillar College Field Education Programs, has taught on the adjunct faculty of New York Theological Seminary, and served two terms on the Board of Trustees of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. She has also been active in the Raritan Association of the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey as past Moderator and on the Ordination Committee. Dr. Brown is currently a co-mentor to the Pointer/Brown/Goodman Doctoral Fellows at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. She also has the honor of serving on the Advisory Board of the Women in Ministry Conference, Inc. convened by The Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale in Atlanta, GA, and as the Secretary of the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference.

Both servant and scholar, Rev. Dr. Brown holds Master of Education and Bachelor of Science Degrees from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia, and both a Master of Divinity Degree and Master of Arts Degree from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She also holds an earned Doctor of Ministry Degree from Palmer Theological Seminary in St. David’s Pennsylvania, where she studied Leadership and Church Renewal.

Rev. Dr. Brown loves God, God’s Church, and God’s people. She counts it as an honor and a privilege to serve.

Shayna Mancuso, D.O., FACOG, is a Medical Affairs leader at Astellas Pharma and brings over two decades of dedicated expertise in women’s health, combining clinical experience with strategic leadership across the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries.   

Dr. Mancuso is a board-certified OB/GYN and attended Medical School at Western University of Health Sciences and completed her residency at University of Nevada School of Medicine.

Following her post-doctoral training, she spent over 20 years at the forefront of patient care, practicing at leading institutions including Northwestern Medicine. She has also served as teaching faculty at University of Chicago School of Medicine and Northwestern Feinberg University School of Medicine where she participated in the training of OB/GYN, Internal Medicine, and Family Medicine Residents.

Dr. Mancuso is honored to serve on the Steering Committee for The Innovation Equity Forum (IEF) sponsored by The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). The IEF serves as an essential forum focused on developing innovative solutions critical to advancing Women’s Health Research and Development across the globe.

She lives on the NorthShore of Chicago with her husband and 3 daughters, and she enjoys cycling, yoga, and planning adventurous vacations around the world with her family. 

Dr. Mancuso and her husband share a deep passion for advancing the sport of boxing. She is an active member of The Association of Ringside Physicians, while her husband serves as President of the USA Boxing Foundation and is a two-time Chicago Golden Gloves Champion. 

Innovator and proven leader, Percy Marchand, is a problem solver and team developer with 20+ years of experience. He currently serves as a management consultant for local & national entities - overseeing & executing technological transitions, marketing & communications, fundraising, staff development & training, operations, national convention/event planning, and program development & instruction.

He is the Founder of IMPACT504, whose purpose of creating, collaborating, and executing effective programs and activities provides direct positive impacts on youth, adults, and seniors. Percy is also the Founder of Resolved Fitness in New Orleans, LA. Resolved Fitness’s dynamic workouts will keep you active, motivated, and on the path to a better and healthier life.

Percy has been recognized as one of New Orleans Magazine's "People to Watch," a "Top 25 Recovery Business" by the City of New Orleans, Loyola University's CBA Young Alumnus of the Year, and the Neighborhood Development Foundation’s Small Business of the Year. He was selected as the winner of Capital One Bank's "Grow Gentilly" Business Plan Contest, the Miller Brewing's Urban Entrepreneur's Business Plan Competition, IdeaCafe's Pilot Business Grant Competition, and the NACE ArkLaTex Business Plan Competition.

Percy has been featured in The London Times Magazine, PBS’s Nightly Business Report, Black Enterprise Magazine, The Times Picayune, City Business, as well as in stories on WWL, WDSU, WVUE, and WGNO television stations.

He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Cameron has more than 17 years of experience leading communications & digital engagement strategies for Fortune 500 companies, the White House, US Congress, political campaigns along with the entertainment and healthcare industries. Currently, he serves as a partner at Spero Studio, a minority-owned integrated communications firm based in Washington, DC. Cameron is the founder of Hip Politics Inc., an organization dedicated to educating, engaging and mobilizing the political power of the Hip-Hop generation and culture.

Currently, Cameron is the host of The Hip-Politics Podcast, which provides listeners a front row seat to conversations with elected officials, political heavyweights and hip-hop titans about the opportunities that lie at the intersection of politics and music.

Cameron recently served as the Executive Vice President at Precision Strategies, an award winning communications firm in Washington, D.C., focusing on multicultural and digital engagement strategies in service of culture and elevating voices for communities of color. Precision Strategies, 2021 North American SABRE Awards Digital Agency of the Year, is a premiere integrated strategy and marketing agency that led Barack Obama’s election and re-election. 

From 2016 to 2017, Cameron served as Senior Public Affairs Director for the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, generating national and international media opportunities. Cameron also has extensive experience in leading political communications teams on both the federal and state level. Cameron began his career in political communications as a field organizer for the 2008 presidential campaign for Barack Obama. From there, Cameron spent several cycles in Congress as a senior aide, and communications director for members of the Congressional Black Caucus and House of Representatives committees.

Dr. Naomi Jordan Cook is an e-commerce and lead-generation marketing strategist, digital technologist, and author. She co-founded The Virtual Global Consultant (VGC) Group) in 2016, a company that designs and develops eCommerce systems to help businesses generate online revenue. The VGC Group customizes digital platforms and software that simplify shipping and payment collection for emerging-market companies. Under her leadership, clients have generated millions of dollars annually in at-will donations and business sales, with a particular focus on faith-based organizations and African-based companies.

With over 15 years of professional experience in technology, Dr. Cook is passionate about building online ecosystems that expand visibility, automate engagement, and drive digital revenue growth. She is the co-author of Cyber Church Today: Online Marketing Tools for the 21st Century and the author of Mantle to Market: Activating Prophetic Revenue Streams with AI & Digital Automation.

Through The VGC Group, she launched the Digital Futures Fellowship Program, connecting market research students with African businesses to help them compete globally—positively impacting dozens of Ghanaian enterprises and more than 30 students through hands-on eCommerce and digital strategy training.

A minister under Archbishop E. Bernard Jordan of Zoe Ministries Church in New York, Dr. Cook earned her Doctor of Ministry degree from Virginia Union University, where her project, "A Digital Discipleship Model: Empowering Members for Digital Literacy to Increase Online Church Engagement," bridges ministry and technology.

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Cook has presented at the DHL eCommerce Conference and the U.S.–Africa Business Summit. Her work sits at the intersection of faith, technology, and economic empowerment, helping entrepreneurs transform their digital vision into global impact.

Imama A. Naqvi is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Columbia University in the Division of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, where she serves as the Director of Outpatient Stroke Services. Her clinical research focuses on mitigating inequities in post-stroke outcomes at transitions of care with behavioral interventions using biomedical informatics and innovative team-based approaches. She is supported by the NINDS K23 mentored award, American Heart Association/Doris Duke Foundation (Vagelos Physicians & Surgeons Clinician Scientist Award), and has received funding from Columbia Roybal Center and Irving Institute. She also serves as site-principal investigator for NIH sponsored multi-center clinical trials and prospective studies.

Dr. ShantaQuilette Develle Carter Williams is a multi-hyphenate powerhouse: comedian, women’s health advocate, author, and transformation architect who turns pain into punchlines and purpose. Known online as HeyShantaQ, she’s built a thriving digital ecosystem where humor meets healing and heart meets hustle. A two-time stroke and heart attack survivor, Dr. Williams uses her platform to help women laugh their way back to wholeness, reminding them that midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a comeback.

As a Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Professional Life Coach, and business strategist with an MBA, she brings intellectual firepower to her comedic brilliance. Before her viral rise, Dr. Williams served as a Revenue Officer for the IRS, where she mastered the art of reading people and paperwork—and now, she reads rooms with equal precision. Her mission: to educate, entertain, and empower women to reclaim their health, harmony, and humor.

She’s the founder of Girl B Natural, a wellness brand promoting holistic health for women, and The Pink Peppermint Project, a nonprofit providing care and community to breast cancer warriors. Her work has been featured on Oprah Daily, Essence, and The American Heart Association, and she’s been named one of TikTok’s “Funniest Moms.”

Whether she’s on stage, online, or on set, Dr. ShantaQuilette reminds us that laughter really is the best medicine—and healing starts with a good giggle and a bit of grace.