Urban Hikers: Explore the cityscape with a fresh perspective. Discover hidden gems, vibrant neighborhoods, and bustling streets on foot. Join us as we redefine urban exploration, one step at a time.

The woman who gets things done.

The Honorable Alicia Reece, your new Hamilton County Commissioner, made history as the first woman and African American to win city, state, and county races in Hamilton County.

 She is an experienced 20 year public servant who has held many roles on behalf of the citizens in the State of Ohio. She has won seven elections at the local and state levels and was the youngest woman to ever win a seat in Cincinnati City Council’s history.

 Ms. Reece is an entrepreneur and serves as an Advertising, Marketing, and Political Consultant as well as speaks nationally. Ms. Reece is the Host of the popular Alicia Reece Soulfood, which is a national radio show and podcast that airs weekly.

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.

From the classroom to the boardroom, Candy Glenn has built a career rooted in curiosity, connection, and a deep passion for redefining what’s possible. Her journey started in journalism and English literature, then took her to high school classrooms, where she mastered the art of asking the right questions, fostered critical thinking, and instilled in young minds a love for learning and a joy for articulating their ideas.

Today, she brings that same intellectual firepower to the tech world, helping organizations and academic institutions bring their full potential to life. As a leader in sales enablement and operational excellence, Candy thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution—turning complex challenges into streamlined solutions. Her ability to see the big picture while fine-tuning the details allows her to bridge gaps between teams, align goals with action, and create environments where people and ideas flourish—making her a trusted voice in the workplace transformation space. Oh, she dares to bring fun along for the ride as well.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Candy is a believer in intentionality—whether it’s in career decisions, personal style, or the way we show up in the world. She approaches life with the same clarity and care she brings to her work: purposefully and unapologetically. 

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.

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.

Carlos is a native of Memphis, TN, and graduated from Columbia University's School of Engineering with a major in Operations Research: Engineering Management Systems and a minor in Entrepreneurship. Carlos currently serves as a mentor on Columbia Engineering's Entrepreneurial Sounding Board, an Associate for the Black Angel Group, and is a certified yoga instructor who has collaborated with organizations like Fenty, WME Talent Agency, and Walkgood LA.

Rachel DesRochers is a serial entrepreneur, international speaker, thought leader on the power of gratitude, community builder, mother, dreamer, author, and podcast host. Gratitude and community are the foundation of everything she creates.

Her diverse projects, businesses and nonprofit are housed under her umbrella, The Gratitude Collective. They include: The Incubator Kitchen Collective, a shared-use commercial kitchen space; Good n' Local, a regional wholesale food show celebrating and accelerating growth in the local food ecosystem; and her largest project to date, Power to Pursue, a women’s empowerment movement offering programming in multiple cities. 

Additionally, Rachel is a board member, advisor, and consultant. With more than two decades of experience, she shares her insights on healthy entrepreneurship, heart-centered community building, the power of gratitude, and women's empowerment. As a speaker, she has  inspired audiences worldwide with her authentic and engaging style.

Her innovative spirit and community impact have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. 

When not managing her multiple businesses, Rachel revels in being a mom to three wildly wonderful children.

Greg L. Forté

Greg Forté is currently Director of the Hamilton County Office of Small Business powered by Alloy Development Company.

Greg’s past experiences include 30+ years at Procter & Gamble. He led the Company’s Northeastern U.S. regional sales organization. He later led P&G’s Central Operations group with responsibility for North America, Canada and Puerto Rico. After his corporate career Greg became a management consultant where he collaborated with clients to drive business growth through improved work systems, training and organization development. After this, Greg became Director of Development for the Freedom Center. Greg was a successful small business owner having owned two franchise operations in Michigan. He also created an ecommerce start-up business.

Greg recently served on the Foundation Board of Directors at Bowling Green State University. He is also Chairman of the Twin Scholarship Group that has a mission to provide education and support to disadvantaged youth at BGSU. He also serves on the City of Cincinnati’s Economic Inclusion, Advocacy and Accountability Board.

Sydnee Jackson, a Cincinnati native-blends creativity, style and culture to craft experiences that help entrepreneurs and small businesses win. As a passionate events professional, she creates thoughtful, high-impact moments that foster connection, celebrate community and build real momentum. With a sharp eye for detail and deep belief in the power of intentional gathering, Sydnee curates experiences where people feel seen, supported and inspired.

Eric H. Kearney has had a career in law, business, and politics.  As a state senator, Eric served as Ohio Senate Minority Leader and has championed a number of causes including adoption, children’s health, small business development, and pension reform.  On a national level, Eric was a member of President Barack Obama’s national finance committee when he ran for U.S. Senate and President.  He has been a leader in Ohio’s legal community and is a managing partner of Kearney & Kearney, LPA.  In addition to politics and law, Eric has been a leader in the business community.  He founded and built one of the largest African American-owned publishing companies, Sesh Communications, which publishes The Cincinnati Herald, The Northern Kentucky Herald, The Dayton Defender, and other publications.  Eric graduated from St. Xavier High School, and earned a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College.  He is married to Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney Esq. who is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School. They have two children, Celeste (a student at Dartmouth College) and Asher.

Yvan-Claude Pierre (YCP) is a partner in the business department and a member of the capital markets, private and public companies practice groups. He has spent his entire career practicing in New York City.  In 2020, he moved part-time to Chicago and led the founding of Cooley’s Chicago office. He is now based in the Chicago and New York offices. YCP is a leading capital markets lawyer and one of the only Black partners in the US and globally for IPO representations. YCP was most recently named as a Midwest Trailblazer by The American Lawyer. He was also ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers for Equity Offerings and is recognized as a Super Lawyer in New York City for Securites & Corporate Finance Law, as well as being named one of the Top 50 Global M&A Lawyers by Global M&A Network. YCP is a life cycle lawyer so he concentrates on private venture financings, capital markets offerings and M&A, focusing on representing privately held and publicly traded innovative companies and the leading investors and investment banks, and venture capital firms. His practice focuses on representing disruptive clients in the life sciences, healthcare, medical technology, consumer healthcare, fintech, AI, data center, software and other technology sectors.

Award-winning, Fortune 100-bred entrepreneur, innovation pioneer, advisor, humanitarian, and speaker, Shelton Mercer III has founded, led, and exited venture-backed companies in tech, media, sports, entertainment, and impact. In addition to Virtuous Innovation™ — Shelton is Co-Founder and former President of AI and Blockchain-integrated media and entertainment technology company Audigent, which was acquired by Experian in 2024 and is a multi-year Inc. 5000, Deloitte Fast 500 winner. He was also Co-Founder & CEO of Mashable Award winner, celebrity social impact engine, TwitCHANGE.

Shelton is Founder and Chairman of The Mercer Innovation Group, the holding company for Virtuous Innovation™, Mercer Innovation, No. 8 Mercer™  , BlancSheet, and other companies. Mercer is the creator of MiOS™ — Mercer Innovation Outcomes System. MiOS has propelled entrepreneurial x enterprise ecosystems to new heights by co-creating/powering multiple innovation districts, hubs, and ecosystems worldwide. These include multi-award-winning Pennovation Works & Center — the 23-acre innovation hub of the University of Pennsylvania and 16 Tech Innovation District — a 50-acre live/work/play campus in Indianapolis, IN.

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.

Charisma is an accomplished communications executive and media expert known for her ability to speak truth to power across various industries. She brings a unique, spunky perspective to Fortune 100 clients seeking to rebrand and refocus to drive revenue growth. Her passion is creating dynamic content to entertain and engage varying audiences, attracting Tier 1 level partnerships, and establishing strong consumer connections.

As a proud left-brainer, Charisma curates content for notable media brands DONDA, Time, NBC News, Essence Communications, Blavity, Ebony, VladTV, and more. She is a hip-hop historian with extensive urban entertainment and pop culture knowledge. Charisma developed a passion for writing as a young child addicted to urban fiction. She has a professional background in creative writing for television, digital, and print media. Charisma attended the University of Southern California and Hampton University; she holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Public Relations.

Charisma is an Anthem Award winner, two-time Webby nominee, and NBCUniversal “Know Your Value” honoree, and was selected for the Harvard University Women of Color Leadership program. She has received accolades for her community service endeavors from the American Cancer Society, Make A Wish Foundation, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., 100 Black Men of America, and the Urban League.

Eric Austin is a brand building marketing executive at Procter & Gamble with 25 years of experience. He has led some of the world’s most successful, global billion-dollar brands in the US and abroad in Europe including Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Wella Koleston, Braun, Olay and others. 

Lela Coffey is a seasoned marketing executive and current Vice President, of Multicultural Business Acceleration – North America at Procter & Gamble Beauty, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With over 20 years at P&G—and earlier experience as a financial analyst at Amoco—Lela has developed a unique combination of strategic, financial, and consumer-insights expertise.

Cedric Harville is a Brand Building Investment Director at Procter & Gamble with responsibilities for Multi-Cultural Media Acceleration and Canada Media Investments. Having amassed 10+ years of experience in sourcing, he excels as a professional negotiator and strategist, collaborating closely with senior leaders to envision the future and shape organizational strategies. He’s a recognized expert in the media / Adtech industry and an advocate for driving equality and inclusion in the media ecosystem.

Marcus Glover is a veteran Fund Manager who has a track record of investing and advising minority- and women-led companies. He previously founded and served as a Partner of M.Glover Capital and SouthBox Ventures, and has invested and launched 16 portfolio companies with 3 successful exits.

Marcus is a champion of Criminal Justice Reform and has led efforts to reduce barriers to employment for formerly incarcerated people through Fair Chance hiring. He serves on the National Board of Directors of Defy Ventures, an organization which advocates for criminal justice reform and lowering recidivism through entrepreneurship and business ownership. Marcus also serves on the Advisory Board of TIME Inc.

‍His experience also encompasses Impact and Social Justice, and he serves as an Advisor of Certified B Corporation, BMW Responsible Leaders Network, Greyston Bakery and the Center for Open Hiring. He has served in a variety of advisory roles, including with WeWork Labs and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).

Derrick L. Maultsby Jr. is a Managing Associate Attorney at Frost Brown Todd LLP where he is a member of the Private Equity & Venture, Data Digital Assets & Technology, and Corporate practice groups. Derrick serves as a key advisor and outside general counsel to venture backed companies and venture capital funds. Derrick has been invited to speak on various topics at the intersection of the law, venture capital, and technology at Legalweek New York, Brown School of Entrepreneurship, University of Dayton School of Law, Minority Innovation Weekend, HBCU Tech Law Summit, FounderX Global Summit, University of New Hampshire School of Law, and Black Tech Week. Aside from his practice, Derrick is also committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive environment within his law firm through serving on the firm's Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee. Derrick has garnered national attention and recognition for his work both in the legal industry, venture industry, and his community, such as being named a 2021 Trailblazer in the Law by the American Lawyer Magazine, Pittsburgh 30under30 by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2021, a Lawyer on the Fast Track by the Legal Intelligencer in 2022, received a 2023 Young Alumni Award from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2023, named a Duke of the Last Decade by Duquesne University in 2023, chosen for the Sheila S. Boston Excellence Award by the National Bar Association in 2023, and was named 40 under 40 by the New Pittsburgh Courier in 2025. 

After years of pursuing a diverse set of entrepreneurial ventures, Wolf is now focused on connecting resources to meet needs within the entrepreneurial community. Wolf's goal is to create opportunities and relationships for organizations our community feel passionate about. Wolf's immediate areas of concentration are venture equity, and helping to develop angel capital collectives.

Sasha helps manage Wellington’s private company investment activity in diverse early-stage companies and venture capital funds, working closely with portfolio managers, global industry analysts, and other global research resources within the firm to identify and pursue investments.

Prior to joining Wellington Management, Sasha was a principal at H Venture Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Prior to H Ventures, she was an investment banking associate at Bank of America Merrill Lynch (2016 – 2019) in the Global Consumer & Retail Group. She started her career as a consultant for RR Donnelley (2009 – 2014) focused on supply chain and logistics for Fortune 500 media companies.

Sasha holds a B.S. in business from Ohio State University (2009) and a master’s in business administration from Colombia Business School (2016).

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.

Brandon Johnson is a GenAI Product Tech Lead at NVIDIA, a world leader in AI and accelerated computing technology. A technical culture leader and emerging investor, Brandon drives GenAI integrations with NVIDIA's largest strategic enterprises. Prior to NVIDIA, he was an Advisor at BAG Ventures and Tensor Ventures. His passion and ability to leverage multidisciplinary expertise in Enterprise AI and GTM, has led to over $3 billion in revenue for customers and startups. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Science Learning Institute focused on advancing equity and diversity in STEM at Foothill College

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

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.

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.

Sosha is the owner and lead teacher of House of Wellness (HOW). With nearly 8 years of experience in Pilates and extensive training in both mat and reformer techniques, she has dedicated her life to the transformative power of wellness.

Sosha’s journey has been deeply personal and, at times, isolating. As a Black woman, she often found herself as the only one in many studios, feeling overlooked and unsupported. Despite her passion for Pilates, she struggled to find a space that aligned with her values and vision for wellness.

Recognizing the need for a supportive and inclusive environment, God has Sosha was inspired to create House of Wellness. This sanctuary was designed to ensure Black women and women of color feel seen, supported, and empowered. HOW is a place where everyone, regardless of where they are in their wellness journey, is welcomed with care and encouragement.

At HOW, clients are never just a number. Sosha and her team make it a priority to know each individual by name, celebrate their progress, and offer unwavering support. The mission of HOW extends beyond Pilates—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and building a nurturing community.

Sosha credits her journey to Christ’s divine guidance, her supportive husband, and her dedicated team. She is deeply thankful for the community of clients and supporters who believe in her mission. House of Wellness is more than just a studio—it’s a home for everyone.

Urban Hikers: Explore the cityscape with a fresh perspective. Discover hidden gems, vibrant neighborhoods, and bustling streets on foot. Join us as we redefine urban exploration, one step at a time.

"Kelley Cornish, President and CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation

Kelley is the President and CEO of the TD Jakes Foundation (TDJF), a workforce development and community building foundation committed to improving the lifelong outcomes for communities and individuals who have limited access to resources and opportunities - www.tdjfoundation.org.

Prior to this role, she served as an Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer at Wells Fargo & Company where she was the primary liaison between diverse segments and various business lines and support partners. Her work included leading planning, implementing strategy and driving accountabilities for all internal functions supporting efforts across the enterprise. Kelley also served as the Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion for the TD Bank Group and led Diversity and Inclusion for AmeriHealth Caritas and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Accomplished in her career, in March 2025, Kelley was officially sworn in as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Wiley University, marking a historic milestone as the first woman in the 152-year history of the university to serve in this role. Other recent awards include in 2023, Kelley was recognized as a Women of Influence by SUCCESS Magazine for her remarkable achievements, innovation, and impact in the communities and industries in which she serves as well as in the personal and professional lives of others. In 2022, she received the Woman of the Year Award from iHeartMedia radio recognizing her work in the community and in corporate America.

With nearly 4 decades in the workplace, Kelley shares the importance of resetting, self-care and unplugging as a leader in her podcast, Life + Leadership UNPLUGGED with Kelley Cornish heard on all podcast platforms. In addition, true to sharing her life's experiences, Kelley speaks around the country about her career climb, her leadership journey, and creating legacy. Kelley also serves on the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as a People and Leadership committee member for the BAYADA Healthcare Board of Directors in the Philadelphia, PA area.

Kelley obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina - Aiken in Business Administration and her Masters from Webster University in Human Resource Management. She is currently enrolled in the University of California Berkley’s CEO Program, is a Certified Diversity Professional by Cornell University (CCDP) and has completed course work at the Harvard Kennedy School in strategies for leading and building diverse organizations.

Kelley enjoys spending time with two adult sons Avery and Trey whenever possible, her extended family and friends, and exploring new ways to live her best life!"

"Nahlah Abdur-Rahman is a versatile writer and media professional with Black Enterprise. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, her coverage focuses on HBCUs, lifestyle, and technology, bringing a sharp lens to the Black digital media sphere. 

As a dynamic correspondent, Nahlah has produced op-eds and interviewed Black trailblazers while delivering breaking news from entertainment to politics. A proud Howard University and New York University alumna, she is driven by a passion for storytelling and a mission to amplify underrepresented voices. With a blended career in digital media, content strategy, and on-camera hosting, Nahlah continues to shape narratives that reflect the richness and complexity of Black culture.

"

Jordan is a Sr. UX Researcher at Adobe specializing in product-led growth research on Adobe Express. With expertise in translating complex human behaviors into actionable insights, Jordan takes a holistic approach to understanding user motivations beyond traditional conversion funnels—work that has directly contributed to double-digit increases in product conversion rates. Jordan's research philosophy centers on meeting users where they are and understanding their true needs throughout the entire user experience.

Rod brings a sharp, well-rounded perspective to the startup world—rooted in his experience on both sides of the venture capital table. With a track record of helping over 500 founders raise more than $5M in capital and generate over $7M in revenue, he’s on a mission to help 10,000 companies reach $1M in revenue. His passion lies in equipping entrepreneurs with the right tools, strategies, and support to scale with confidence and clarity.

Luzerne V McAllister II is a strategist, executive coach, and organizational change leader with nearly 20 years of experience across HR, DEI, and talent transformation. He is the Founder & Managing Director of Curated Crescendo Coaching and Consulting, where he helps organizations evolve their culture, talent strategies, and inclusion efforts - while supporting individuals through executive and career coaching, keynote speaking, and his signature Curated Career Journey course.

Luzerne has held senior leadership roles in HR and DEI at companies like PepsiCo and PointClickCare, where he led large-scale transformation initiatives spanning onboarding redesigns, enterprise culture assessments, and inclusive leadership development. He’s coached dozens of senior leaders through org-wide change, role clarity, and succession planning - always with a focus on psychological safety, accountability, and team alignment.

He began his career in Accenture’s Talent & Strategy practices, later becoming PepsiCo’s first Human Capital Strategist and a key architect of its global DEI strategy. Luzerne is an alum of The Wharton School, NYU Stern School of Business, and London Business School, and holds certifications in executive and leadership coaching. A passionate traveler and connector, he has explored over 40 countries - bringing a global, human-centered lens to every engagement.

Rod brings a sharp, well-rounded perspective to the startup world—rooted in his experience on both sides of the venture capital table. With a track record of helping over 500 founders raise more than $5M in capital and generate over $7M in revenue, he’s on a mission to help 10,000 companies reach $1M in revenue. His passion lies in equipping entrepreneurs with the right tools, strategies, and support to scale with confidence and clarity.

Derrick L. Maultsby Jr. is a Managing Associate Attorney at Frost Brown Todd LLP where he is a member of the Private Equity & Venture, Data Digital Assets & Technology, and Corporate practice groups. Derrick serves as a key advisor and outside general counsel to venture backed companies and venture capital funds. Derrick has been invited to speak on various topics at the intersection of the law, venture capital, and technology at Legalweek New York, Brown School of Entrepreneurship, University of Dayton School of Law, Minority Innovation Weekend, HBCU Tech Law Summit, FounderX Global Summit, University of New Hampshire School of Law, and Black Tech Week. Aside from his practice, Derrick is also committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive environment within his law firm through serving on the firm's Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee. Derrick has garnered national attention and recognition for his work both in the legal industry, venture industry, and his community, such as being named a 2021 Trailblazer in the Law by the American Lawyer Magazine, Pittsburgh 30under30 by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2021, a Lawyer on the Fast Track by the Legal Intelligencer in 2022, received a 2023 Young Alumni Award from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2023, named a Duke of the Last Decade by Duquesne University in 2023, chosen for the Sheila S. Boston Excellence Award by the National Bar Association in 2023, and was named 40 under 40 by the New Pittsburgh Courier in 2025. 

Zoe Carney is an invaluable asset to the African American Chamber of Commerce, serving as the Administrative Program Coordinator since April 2023. With a strong background in program coordination and outreach, Zoe plays a crucial role in supporting AACC Pivot Business Counselors by coordinating business training and events for business development. Her dedication to fostering economic growth within the community aligns perfectly with the Chamber’s mission.

Before joining the Chamber, Zoe gained extensive experience in various customer-facing roles. As an Outreach Coordinator at Making A Difference Staffing L.L.C., she provided essential support to small businesses, ensuring they received the necessary resources for state certification. Her time as a Sales Advocate at Spectrum honed her skills in customer service and account management, enabling her to effectively address the needs of both new and existing clients.

Zoe’s professional journey began with roles in sales and customer service at companies like Fifth Third Bank, Premium Retail Services, and Cricket Wireless. Each position contributed to her comprehensive understanding of customer relations, sales strategies, and technical support. Her internship at Procter & Gamble, where she shadowed patent lawyers, provided her with valuable insights into the corporate world and legal processes.

Zoe holds a high school diploma from Shroder High School and has pursued courses in Business IT at the University of Cincinnati. Her diverse skill set includes program management, sales, customer service, software troubleshooting, marketing, and technical support across various operating. With a passion for business development and a commitment to community empowerment, Zoe Carney continues to drive positive change at the African American Chamber of Commerce.

In 25+ years with P&G, Kevin has worked in a variety of different roles and businesses including consumer products, pharmaceuticals, and social marketing startup Tremor. In his current work, Kevin leads startup innovation for P&G’s Global Business Development organization. Kevin helps link P&G businesses and functions to the global startup ecosystem. He is the Co-Founder of The Signal Accelerator, P&G’s startup innovation engine focused on identifying and piloting solutions to business needs in the advertising, commerce, and brand building space. He also works with P&G teams seeking solutions for supply chain, robotics, IT, Gen AI, and R&D challenges. Based in San Francisco, Kevin leads innovation outposts in key markets globally including the US, London, Berlin, Tel Aviv, Latin America, Singapore, and China.

Marcus Glover is a veteran Fund Manager who has a track record of investing and advising minority- and women-led companies. He previously founded and served as a Partner of M.Glover Capital and SouthBox Ventures, and has invested and launched 16 portfolio companies with 3 successful exits.

Marcus is a champion of Criminal Justice Reform and has led efforts to reduce barriers to employment for formerly incarcerated people through Fair Chance hiring. He serves on the National Board of Directors of Defy Ventures, an organization which advocates for criminal justice reform and lowering recidivism through entrepreneurship and business ownership. Marcus also serves on the Advisory Board of TIME Inc.

‍His experience also encompasses Impact and Social Justice, and he serves as an Advisor of Certified B Corporation, BMW Responsible Leaders Network, Greyston Bakery and the Center for Open Hiring. He has served in a variety of advisory roles, including with WeWork Labs and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).

"Ava Toro is a strategic leader in consumer insights, specializing in translating complex data into actionable strategies that drive brand growth and innovation. With over seven years of experience guiding Fortune 500 companies and high-growth organizations, Ava has built a reputation for uncovering the narratives behind numbers and helping teams move from static reporting to proactive decision-making.

As the Senior Agency Insights Lead at Reddit, she partners with global brands and agency partners to illuminate emerging behaviors, cultural trends, and audience motivations across digital platforms. Ava’s work empowers marketers to craft campaigns that resonate authentically and deliver measurable impact. Her expertise spans trend forecasting, segmentation, customer journey mapping, and multicultural marketing—approaches that bridge the gap between what consumers do and why they do it.

A passionate advocate for the transformative power of research, Ava has also contributed her insights to professional communities as a board member of the Insights Association and through speaking engagements focused on the future of AI, data storytelling, and inclusive marketing.

Known for her consultative leadership style, Ava thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution, helping organizations not only understand consumer sentiment but also act on it with clarity and confidence. She believes that great insights don’t just inform—they inspire action and unlock new opportunities.

"

Derrick L. Maultsby Jr. is a Managing Associate Attorney at Frost Brown Todd LLP where he is a member of the Private Equity & Venture, Data Digital Assets & Technology, and Corporate practice groups. Derrick serves as a key advisor and outside general counsel to venture backed companies and venture capital funds. Derrick has been invited to speak on various topics at the intersection of the law, venture capital, and technology at Legalweek New York, Brown School of Entrepreneurship, University of Dayton School of Law, Minority Innovation Weekend, HBCU Tech Law Summit, FounderX Global Summit, University of New Hampshire School of Law, and Black Tech Week. Aside from his practice, Derrick is also committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive environment within his law firm through serving on the firm's Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee. Derrick has garnered national attention and recognition for his work both in the legal industry, venture industry, and his community, such as being named a 2021 Trailblazer in the Law by the American Lawyer Magazine, Pittsburgh 30under30 by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2021, a Lawyer on the Fast Track by the Legal Intelligencer in 2022, received a 2023 Young Alumni Award from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2023, named a Duke of the Last Decade by Duquesne University in 2023, chosen for the Sheila S. Boston Excellence Award by the National Bar Association in 2023, and was named 40 under 40 by the New Pittsburgh Courier in 2025. 

"Monica L. Womack, MPA, is the Chief of the Minority Business Division (MBD) at the Ohio Department of Development. In her role, Chief Womack provides vision and leadership to support the growth and sustainability of socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) in the state of Ohio. In doing so, she engages with strategic partners at all levels of government, develops private-sector partnerships, and listens to the needs of business owners. 

Under Chief Womack's leadership, MBD has approved over $93.6M in both direct and indirect lending. MBD has increased the number of certified businesses in the state by over 38%. In 2024, MBD launched the Office of Supplier Development, now the Office of Supplier Engagement to increase contracting opportunities to Ohio businesses, while streamlining efficiencies between certifications and access to capital.

Accommodations from key Ohio strategic partners: 

•    August 2023 Partner of the Year by the Women's Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley, 

•    November 2023 Business Champion Award by the National Association of Women Business Owners - Columbus Chapter

•    May 2024 Community Partner Award by the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council.

•    May 2024 DEIB Champion by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce

•    February 2025 Diversity Honoree by the Contactors Assistance Association

•    March 2025 Diversity Champion by Columbus Business First

•    June 2025 Biddy Mason Trailblazer by the National Association of Minority Contractors

Chief Womack has a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management, and a Master of Public Administration, both from Franklin University. She is pursuing her doctorate in the area of supporting historically under resourced business owners. She serves her community as a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She has one adult son Will Maynus.

"

"Barb Smith, President of Journey Steel, has 37 years of experience in the construction industry. She holds a B.S. in Industrial Technology and has completed many development programs, including Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.

Barb has been honored as a 2025 100 Women to Know, a 2024 WBE Star, a 2021 We Are Making Black History member, and a 2017 Women Who Mean Business honoree.

Journey Steel has received numerous awards including being named one of the Top 100 Fastest Growing Inner-City Businesses three times.

Barb is a church trustee, a mother, grandmother, and a die-hard Reds and Bengals fan.

"

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).‬

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.

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