Aya Philémon is a Product Manager, Travel Content Creator, Cosplayer, and Comic Book Artist. With a BFA in Industrial Design from RISD and an MBA from NYU Stern, she focuses on innovation projects in both her professional and personal life, and aims to empower others to make the most of their creative potential.

Christopher Boles is a Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati, specializing in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and medical imaging to advance neonatal respiratory care. With a background in computer engineering, Chris leverages data-driven simulations to improve healthcare outcomes for premature infants, particularly in addressing respiratory diseases. Beyond research, Chris is deeply involved in mentorship and advocacy, where he served as the Region IV Secretary for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). He works to amplify opportunities for graduate students in STEM. An advocate for diversity in academia, he is passionate about increasing representation in engineering and using technology to bridge healthcare disparities. Through his platform, LabCoatsAndLocs, he shares insights into his Ph.D. journey and research.

Maya Smith is the Co-Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of The Doux, a multimillion-dollar textured haircare brand rooted in innovation and culture. A licensed cosmetologist and entrepreneur, Maya blends beauty with technology, advocating for the power of AI to reshape creative industries. As a leading voice for Black creators in beauty-tech, she champions equity, representation, and digital ownership in an AI-driven future. From salon chair to retail shelves, Maya’s mission is clear: to revolutionize beauty through culturally authentic, performance-based products while ensuring Black creators have a seat—and a say—at the table of technological innovation.

Kelvin Johnson Jr. is the Co-Founder and CEO of Brevity, a Twin Cities-based company transforming professional communication through AI-powered role-play and training. Brevity helps teams refine messaging, enhance sales and leadership skills, and improve business communication through immersive, on-demand experiences. He is also the author of two books: Don’t Fear The Sharks: Six Principles to Pitch Investors and The Sales Trap Prevention Playbook, which offer practical frameworks for founders and sales professionals navigating high-stakes conversations. Kelvin’s background in finance and strategy is grounded in his education from Villanova University, where he earned a Master’s in Accountancy & Professional Consultancy and a Bachelor’s in Finance & Accounting. His work has been featured in the Minneapolis Business Journal and Star Tribune, and he has spoken at Twin Cities Startup Week, sharing insights with the entrepreneurial community. Originally from West Philadelphia, Kelvin has lived in New York City, Dallas, Denver, and now resides in Minneapolis. His journey reflects a commitment to innovation, growth, and helping professionals communicate and lead with confidence.

Sofia Stanley, Esq. is a storyteller disguised as a lawyer — a cultural strategist and legal architect who believes the future belongs to those who know how to protect and narrate their own genius. With two decades of experience navigating entertainment, media, and tech — from studios like Sony Pictures to advising creatives, entrepreneurs, and gamers — Sofia helps culture-shapers decode legal, business, and innovation systems. She defines a “Creative” not by profession, but by courage: the bold choice to be authentic in a world of conformity. Her mission? To ensure creatives don’t just create — they own. She teaches non-lawyers how to think like the head of legal affairs for their own brand, long before the paperwork is signed or the IP is compromised. As founder of Redefining Esquire, Sofia transforms law into a liberating tool — one that turns transparency into currency and knowledge into power. Guided by a mission to “create space for Creatives to be more creative,” her approach is radical yet grounded, blending AI insights with ancestral wisdom, legal precision with cultural fluency. For Sofia, tech isn’t just software; it’s soul. Black communities, she argues, aren’t entering tech — we are tech: the remix, the resonance, the open-source brilliance the industry was built on. Follow her journey or invite her to amplify yours at www.RedefiningEsquire.com.

Calvin L. Butts Jr. a is dynamic leader making waves in the entrepreneurship and investing space. He is a catalyst for changing the way people invest, build companies, and create wealth. As the Co-founder & General Partner of East Chop Capital, he leads a private equity firm that has grown a network of over 250 investors and oversees assets exceeding $50 million. While the assets under management are largely focused on real estate, the portfolio also includes deals spanning technology, media, hospitality and sports. Calvin is also the President of CB3 Holdings, a private equity firm, focused on investing in startup and early stage companies. The firm’s portfolio is comprised of more than 30 companies, including Uncle Nearest, the fastest-growing black-owned spirits company. Calvin and his companies have been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Cheddar TV, New York Times, Travel + Leisure, Black Enterprise, Essence Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Rolling Out, SHOPPE BLACK, The Savannah Tribune, and Savoy Magazine. Calvin is a proud alum of Hampton University where he received a BS in Computer Information Systems. He also earned an Executive MBA from Temple University and has completed a number of professional certifications along the way. Calvin thrives on making an impact. He serves on the University of Pennsylvania at Princeton Hospital Board as a Trustee and is also the youngest Trustee in Hampton University's history. Calvin L. Butts Jr. is dedicated to honoring the memory of his late wife, April Haston Butts of Clifton, VA, and ensuring a lasting legacy for their family, which includes their two daughters, Carmen and Cailyn, and their son, Calvin (Trey). Between his commitments, he enjoys golfing, vacationing at his own properties, and actively engaging in networking. Through visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, Calvin inspires others to soar to new heights of success.

Latraviette Smith-Wilson is one of Corporate America’s most sought-after executives. With 25+ years of global experience helping some of the most well-known multinational businesses succeed, she builds brands and reputations rooted in purpose, social impact, and inclusion. With a trademark drive and transformative mindset, her career has spanned journalism, marketing, communications, diversity & inclusion, and business strategy. Whether successfully navigating newsrooms, agencies, Fortune 100 companies, or entrepreneurial enterprises, she is a trusted leader, partner, and problem solver with an impressive track record of growing businesses and communities through innovative strategies and initiatives. She has received numerous recognitions for her accomplishments including Advertising Week (Future is Female), PRWeek (Women of Distinction), Campaign US (Top 40 Over 40), Cynopsis (Top Women In Media), Black Enterprise (Next Generation Women of Power), Ebony (Women Up), Forbes (Black WomenLeaders to Follow), ColorComm (Black Women in Communications Making History Now),Café Mocha (Powerhouse Award), and more. Smith-Wilson is currently Chief Marketing and Equity Officer for Horizon Media, the largest media agency in the U.S. and the world’s largest independent. In 2022, she made history in this industry-first role, leading a unified Marketing and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team charged with establishing a model that drives growth and innovation by operationalizing DEI as an enterprise-wide business function. She also serves on Horizon’s executive board and global task force and leads its marketing committee. Formerly, Smith-Wilson was Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer for ESSENCE Communications, including ESSENCE magazine and the ESSENCE Festival. She played a key role in its growth transformation following its acquisition from Time, Inc. — leading sales, marketing, content, creative, experiential, video, communications, and partnerships. She also served as Chief Communications & Strategy Officer for ESSENCE’s parent company, Essence Ventures. She played a pivotal role in launching the $100 million New Voices Fund and Foundation and global franchises including the ESSENCE Full Circle Festival and Global Black Economic Forum: Africa. Prior, Smith-Wilson served in the Office of the CEO as Senior Vice President of Communications & Strategy for Sundial Brands, maker of SheaMoisture. She led corporate identity, communications, brand launches, national media creative, and issues management, among other areas, and guided the company through some of its most critical times — including private equity investments, international crises, global expansion, and its 2017 acquisition by Unilever. Previously, she was Senior Advisor to Marc Morial, the President & CEO of the National Urban League – the nation’s largest urban advocacy, civil rights, and economic justice NGO. There, she served on the Executive Cabinet, led strategy and CEO communications, and consulted on crisis/issues, government affairs, and key initiatives. Smith-Wilson launched the $100 million Jobs Rebuild America effort, co-wrote the first joint federal policy agenda endorsed by all major civil rights groups, and was executive editor of the State of Black America (2014-2016). Prior, she was Vice President, Global Diversity & Inclusion at American Express, where she led an international HR/diversity team across Asia, Australia, and Europe, including women’s initiatives globally, Black employee initiatives (U.S.), employee networks, talent segmentation, unconscious bias, and cultural intelligence efforts. Smith-Wilson joined American Express from Edelman, the world’s largest PR firm, where she served as Senior Vice President, Global Communications – leading internal and external communications, brand identity, and marketing across the firm’s 52 offices, including its annual Trust Barometer, goodpurpose study and New Media Academic Summit. Prior to this role, she led the Multicultural Practice and began her Edelman career in Corporate Affairs. Smith-Wilson also worked at Deloitte in National Marketing and began her career in journalism. She serves on the boards of The Brotherhood Sister Sol (BroSis), a nonprofit educating young people and organizing for justice, equity, and training; Harlem United, a $42 million community-based organization providing medical, social, and supportive services; and Reisenbach Philanthropies, a nonprofit incubator and venture philanthropy focused on New York City. She formerly served on the boards of retailer Ashley Stewart, Inc. and the PRSA Foundation. She received her bachelor's degree as a double-major in English and Communications from Wake Forest University and her master’s degree in Journalism from New York University.

Darrick ""DJ"" Johnson is a former professional athlete turned AI-focused tech executive and entrepreneur. Raised in Compton, California, DJ defied the odds to earn a degree from Georgetown University and rise through leadership roles at global companies like Apple, Dell, and Microsoft. With deep expertise in AI enterprise strategy, DJ helps organizations adopt and scale cutting-edge technologies—from generative AI to intelligent cloud platforms. As the founder of Sherpa Software, DJ is building the first CRM platform purpose-built for sports agents and sports organization, using AI to transform how contracts, NIL deals, and player performance are managed. Sitting at the intersection of sports and technology, he’s on a mission to empower the next generation of leaders with tools that drive smarter, more equitable outcomes. DJ’s journey—from the streets of Compton to the forefront of AI innovation—is a raw and powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and impact.

JAMES D. WHITE is a transformational leader with more than thirty years of experience as a CEO and operating executive. He has overseen the evolution and growth of some of the world’s most iconic brands in the consumer products, retail, and restaurant industries. As the former Chair, President, and CEO of Jamba Juice, White led the successful turnaround and transformation of the company from a smoothie shop to a leading global healthy- and active-lifestyle brand, and he has held senior executive roles at Safeway Stores, Gillette, Nestlé Purina PetCare, and Coca-Cola. James has become a coveted board member over the last twenty years on over 20 public and private company boards. James currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors The Honest Company (Nasdaq: HNST), a member of the Board of Directors of CAVA Group, Inc (Nasdaq:CAVA), Schnuck’s Supermarkets (private), Simply Good (Nasdaq:SMPL) and Greenlight (private). James co-founded Culture Design Lab in 2019, which works with CEOs and leaders to design high-performing, resilient company cultures and organizations on purpose. Throughout his entire career, James has demonstrated his commitment to designing culture and inclusive workplaces and is the Co-Founder and Chair of the Director’s Academy, a national not-for-profit with a mission to identify, develop and advance the next generation of corporate board leaders. White has been recognized with numerous awards, including the American Heart Association’s Corporate Citizen Award and Junior Achievement of Northern California’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The San Francisco Business Times also named him the San Francisco Bay Area’s Most Admired CEO. White was inducted into the 2021 Alumni Hall of Fame at the University of Missouri. He received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Fontbonne University and was invited to be the commencement speaker for the class of 2017.

Ramon Ray is unapologetically positive and passionate about making the world a better place. Ramon's an in-demand motivational keynote speaker and event host at the best and most impactful events around the world and within the USA. He's the publisher of ZoneofGenius.com, author of ""The Celebrity CEO - How entrepreneurs can thrive by building a strong personal brand"". Ramon works with SMB focused brands to help them better reach small business owners and entrepreneurs. He produced and hosted over 200 episodes of the USA Today Network Show, ""The Rundown with Ramon"" Ramon's started 5 companies and sold three of them and is an in-demand expert on small business success. Ramon's interviewed all 5 Shark Tank sharks and President Obama. He's shared the stage with Deepak Chopra, Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk and other notable business leaders. Get to know Ramon better at www.RamonRay.com

Denise is the Founder & CEO of Partake, a natural food company that was inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Launched in 2017, Partake’s first product — delicious, allergy-friendly cookies — can now be found in more than 17,000 retailers including Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market. Partake's offerings have since expanded to include graham crackers and vanilla wafers. Denise is the first Black woman to raise more than $1 Million publicly for a CPG food startup.

Dana Blair is a journalist, television host, and producer known for her dynamic presence and warm, authentic storytelling style. A former dancer from Louisiana with an MBA and a background in marketing for Fortune 50 brands, Dana pivoted into media unexpectedly- and found her true calling. Whether interviewing cultural icons or covering lifestyle, tech, or entertainment, she blends empathy with business savvy to spark conversations that resonate. Her work has been featured across major networks and platforms, earning her a respected place in the media landscape.

Ramon Ray is unapologetically positive and passionate about making the world a better place. Ramon's an in-demand motivational keynote speaker and event host at the best and most impactful events around the world and within the USA. He's the publisher of ZoneofGenius.com, author of ""The Celebrity CEO - How entrepreneurs can thrive by building a strong personal brand"". Ramon works with SMB focused brands to help them better reach small business owners and entrepreneurs. He produced and hosted over 200 episodes of the USA Today Network Show, ""The Rundown with Ramon"" Ramon's started 5 companies and sold three of them and is an in-demand expert on small business success. Ramon's interviewed all 5 Shark Tank sharks and President Obama. He's shared the stage with Deepak Chopra, Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk and other notable business leaders. Get to know Ramon better at www.RamonRay.com

Stephen L. Hightower President and CEO of Hightowers Petroleum Co. (HPC) has performed more than 1.7 billion over the past 5 years providing energy solutions. A self-made entrepreneur since 1979, Mr. Hightower grew his Ohio Nationwide-based wholesale fuel distribution company into an international energy solutions enterprise covering the entire energy value chain, from petroleum supply to energy solutions. Mr. Hightower’s blue-chip customer base includes, Duke Energy, General Motors Corporation, The Kroger Company, Fed Ex, SCANNA, Ford Motor Company UPS, Honda, Con-Edison, Nissan, ATT, United Rentals, JLL Dominion Transportation, PEPCO Utility, and State of Ohio amongst others. Mr. Hightower just released his first Book entitled, “Fueling, From Zero to 1 Billion”; a guide for entrepreneurs. Mr. Hightower has extensive skills in developing and operating business enterprises, managing Global Supply Chains and rapid growth strategies while navigating governmental and regulatory approvals. With offices in S Africa and Rome Italy, Hightower works in global markets to include Europe and Asia and Central America. Today Steve has penetrated the Upstream Markets and is delivering crude oil and marketing LNG globally. HPC provides bulk deliveries, emergency response fueling and features the “HPC MasterCard Fleet Card” for wholesale prices. HPC also provides LPG, LNG, Electrical Charging stations through Hightower EV Solutions. Hightower has been active in the development of clean power generation in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a recent focus on South Africa waste-to-energy projects Hightower served at the pleasure of former Presidents Barack Obama and was re-confirmed by President Trump with appointments; the Department of Interior’s, “National Park Foundation” and Department of Energy’s “National Petroleum Council”. Those appointments are continued under President Trump. Hightower is the recipient of many awards, to include the NMSDC MBE of the Year and 2019 Black Enterprise Magazine’s Industrial/Service Company of the Year, as well as the 2018 Rainbow PUSH Living Legend Award and 2019 Duke Energy Supplier of the year award. Most recently he received a Proclamation naming February 24, 2025 as Stephen L. Hightower Day by the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners. Hightower was also involved with Power Africa, an initiative by Former President Barack Obama to increase the electrification on the continent of Africa and served in trade missions with the US Department of Commerce and US Department of Transportation Secretaries, to Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Mozambique.

Alex Malebranche is a dynamic keynote speaker, founder, and mental health advocate drawing from over a decade worth of tech and military experience. That background provides a unique outlook on how to manage mental health no matter how it presents. After years at Amazon and Amazon Web Services, globally, Alex made the move into starting his own tech company, PlaneAhead. Though not turning out to be the next Google, Alex successfully raised VC capital as a solo founder and made strides in entrepreneurship before joining GitHub to help launch their company’s first startup program. His passion as a founder is evident but within that, Alex is driven by creating greater opportunities for underrepresented founders and continuing to push the boundaries of inclusiveness in tech and venture capital.

‭ Fawn Weaver, CEO of Uncle Nearest Inc., is one of only five African American women to found and‬ ‭ lead a $1B+ company in U.S. history. A two-time New York Times best-selling author, TED speaker,‬ ‭ and Harvard-certified Corporate Director, she serves on the board of Endeavor Group Holdings‬ ‭ (NYSE: EDR).‬