SPEAKERS

VLC Ventures

Adaeze Okeke is a Tech Strategy & Operations Leader, Career Strategist, and the Founder of VLC Ventures. With nearly a decade of experience across industry giants like Google, Meta, Deloitte, and Guidehouse, she blends deep expertise in tech strategy, business operations, and program delivery with a passion for helping people and organizations pivot, grow, and scale with intention. At the intersection of innovation and execution, Adaeze partners with forward-thinking companies and startups to drive operational excellence, optimize systems, and deliver high-impact programs. As a former management consultant and in-house strategy leader, she brings a cross-sector perspective to solving complex business challenges. Through VLC Ventures, Adaeze also coaches mid-to-senior professionals navigating career transitions, empowering them to align purpose with positioning in a way that opens doors to their next role, landing clients roles in tech and media industries.

RapidLabz

Adalbert is an innovative product manager, coder, and visionary in the tech and creative space. Known as @SerStaxx on X, he's cultivated a reputation as a vibe-coding enthusiast. His work spans social platforms, podcasting tools, and on-chain MVPs, with a philosophy that prioritizes shipping over perfectionism. This mentality has allowed him to place in the Top 100 app design for Lovable Buildathon. ""Anyone can shape the digital future with plain English and relentless curiosity. I founded RapidLabz to democratize digital creation and help innovators turn their ideas into market-ready products without the typical delays and complications.

Equitable

Ainka T. Munroe is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with Equitable Advisors, LLC with over 17 years in financial services and is dedicated to helping individuals and business owners build their financial futures through asset and risk management. Prior to joining Equitable Advisors, LLC Ainka spent four and a half years at Deloitte and Touché as an auditor of Hedge Funds, Real Estate and Investment Banking firms. Ainka's academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting as well as an MBA both from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Ainka maintains a series 7, 66, 63 FINRA licenses along with the life and health insurance licenses. In 2023, Ainka also became a Credentialed Holistic Financial Coach through Columbia University. With that background, Ainka offers services and specific strategies to include retirement, risk management, investments, college education funding, income tax summary, estate analysis, financial statement and business planning. Maintaining a strong sense of community and a solid professional foundation are very important to Ainka. As part of her social contribution, Ainka is Chairman of the Board for UPLIFT Inc., a nonprofit focused on Black/African Descent professionals and students in Accounting and Finance. She also serves on the board of several service organizations and is a Life Member of Zeta Phi Beta. In her spare time, Ainka enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends

STEMBoard

Aisha Bowe is a former NASA rocket scientist, two-time founder, and recent member of the historic all-female Blue Origin space crew. She is the CEO and Founder of STEMBoard, a tech firm providing strategic advisory services with an education arm investing in future STEM leaders. She also founded LINGO, an edtech company serving over 10,000 students and aiming to equip one million learners with STEM skills. Among the top 2% of women founders to raise more than $2 million in venture capital, Aisha has earned numerous honors including NASA’s Engineering Honor Award, STEM for Her Woman of the Year, and Black Enterprise’s Luminary Award. She holds a BSE in aerospace engineering and an MEng in space systems engineering from the University of Michigan.

ByBlack, powered by US Black Chambers Inc.

I'm a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur and the architect behind the leading Black business directory and nationally recognized certification program. My work lives at the intersection of beauty and brains—where creativity meets strategy—with a mission to uplift small business communities. I blend innovation, advocacy, and vision to not only build systems that empower entrepreneurs, but also push for policies that truly support them.

Lockheed Martin & Aliyah's Intelligence LLC

Aliyah Gibbs is an AI Adoption Strategist and Training Specialist at Lockheed Martin, where she leads enterprise efforts to scale generative AI through strategic training and responsible implementation. She also serves as the Lead Technical Instructor for Black Girls Code Dallas, teaching students how to build with AI through hands-on coding experiences. Aliyah is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Texas at Austin, blending academic expertise with real-world applications. She is the founder of Aliyah’s Intelligence, a tech education platform that empowers professionals and communities to use AI for productivity, leadership, and career growth. Her mission is to make AI accessible, actionable, and inclusive—bridging the gap between innovation and impact.

Femigist

Amara Onwukaeme is the founder of Femigist, a wellness brand born from her battle with PCOS. She created the solutions she couldn’t find—plant-powered, science-backed care that treats hormonal imbalances from the inside out. As the Chief Estrogen Officer of Femigist, Amara is building the safe, wellness affirming space every woman deserves.

Feeture

An entrepreneur & music executive, Anastasia has touched nearly every facet of the entertainment business working with the likes of Madonna, Nas, Rick Ross, Imagine Dragons, OVO Sound & RCA Records, while running a successful marketing agency for 17-years. Formerly Vice President of Marketing for Janet Jackson; she is Global Head of Marketing for music app Feeture, has been featured in Forbes and Entrepreneur, is a former board member of Women in Music Inc. and a proud member of the Recording Academy.

CORXLY

Ariana Rodriguez is a 3X founder and the CEO of CORXLY, an adaptive productivity platform designed for neurodivergent minds. With over a decade of experience in operations and systems strategy, she’s built a career at the intersection of technology, inclusion, and emotional intelligence. Ariana is a thought leader on neurodivergence, burnout, and the future of work. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Create & Cultivate, and Buffer.

Revamped

Arianny Mercedes is a renowned Career Strategist and founder of Revamped, a consultancy reshaping how professionals navigate the job market. She has guided over 700 clients into roles at leading companies like Goldman Sachs, Disney, and Amazon—driving more than $15 million in earned salaries. Known for her expertise in career storytelling, job market positioning, and leadership development, Arianny blends strategy and substance to help professionals build careers with clarity, confidence, and compensation. Her work has been featured in Forbes, CNN, and Business Insider.

Zoom

Ayana Gardner, is a nationally recognized, customer experience technology leader at Zoom, with 15 years across various industries and companies ranging from telecommunications, cloud services, cybersecurity, and AI-Driven software. Ayana plays a critical role for the IT Partner community by helping them understand the newest innovations in customer experience software and enabling them to offer it to their customers around the world. Ayana, an advocate for gender-equality, is a role model for many women in the technology industry. She has volunteered to speak at various events because she has a strong commitment to coaching, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of tech professionals.

CFG

Betty Jean is a strategic talent manager and digital marketing expert leading the NIL and athlete division at CFG Talent. She manages a roster of macro creators and athletes across beauty, fashion, sports, and lifestyle—securing over $1.5M in brand partnerships since starting at CFG, a year and a half ago. With a background in influencer marketing and campaign strategy for brands like Walmart and 7-Eleven, Betty brings both creative vision and analytical rigor to every partnership. She is passionate about building inclusive, purpose-driven careers for talent and aims to become a CMO and founder of her own consultancy. Betty is driven by a deep belief in the power of representation, storytelling, and bold leadership in the creator economy.

Executive Dental Group

Brandi Thee Millennial Manager is a powerhouse career and management consultant and content creator focused on navigating the workplace. As a Director of Operations she draws on her professional experience to offer practical advice. Her goal is to boost the confidence in the workplace through video and podcast "Thee Millennial Management Podcast. Outside of her career online and professionally she has been married for 16 years to her husband Kaleb and a mother to their three children, McKhenzy, Kaleb Jr and Aiden.

MYAVANA

Candace V. Mitchell is a global business innovator and a pioneering force at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven innovation. Her journey as a computer scientist led her to start her first company, MYAVANA, which uses AI technology to recommend the perfect products for your hair, garnering recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, WWD’s Top 50 Beauty Innovators, BET Honors, CNN’s Small Business Success, Marie Claire Magazine’s Next Big Thing in Beauty, and Beauty Matters Innovator of the Year. She graduated from Georgia Tech in 2011 and was recently inducted into the College of Computing Hall of Fame as a Rising Star.

Columbia University

Cedoni Francis is your internet big sister, bringing you the real, the glam, and the game. A NYC-based Gen-Z lifestyle creator, podcast host, Vanderbilt grad, and Columbia MBA student, she started sharing her life as a product marketer in big tech before pivoting to full-time entrepreneurship. From career moves and dating tea to beauty, fashion, and finance, Cedoni is all about showing women how to level up their lives. Whether she’s securing major brand deals with your favorite companies or navigating life’s plot twists (like getting laid off and bouncing back better), she’s here to empower and inspire - with a side of fun.

Corro AI

Chinwendu Iwuorie is the Founder and CEO of Corro AI, a Houston-based consultancy helping startups and SMBs streamline operations through intelligent AI systems. With a background in Data& AI, she specializes in building agentic solutions that transform business workflows. Chinwendu’s work sits at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and accessibility, making AI practical for everyday business use.

Technical Accounting

Christine Miao is the creator of technical accounting, the practice of tracking engineering maintenance, resourcing, and architecture. It turns massive initiatives - like breaking up monoliths, complex refactors, or cleaning up tech debt - into visuals simple enough to explain to your grandmother. Previously, she led some of the first Agile Transformation projects at McKinsey Digital. She has worked with dozens of organizations - from idea to Fortune 50 - launch and improve their products. She now researches technical accounting fulltime while writing at The Thoughtful Engineer, which aims to educate, demystify, and promote healthy engineering cultures.

Wrk Receipts

Cierra Gross is the Founder and CEO of Worklution Inc., a Future of Work company that operates two groundbreaking brands: Caged Bird HR, which provides independent HR support to employees, and Wrk Receipts, an AI-powered app helping users document workplace experiences and understand their rights in real time. Since launching Cierra has bootstrapped the company to over $1M in revenue and Wrk Receipts has gained 9,000+ downloads. She’s been featured in Forbes, The Guardian, and Yahoo for her bold approach to labor tech and employee advocacy. Prior to entrepreneurship, she held HR roles at companies like ExxonMobil and Google.

Kohls + Sephora

Courtney Walker is a cybersecurity leader with extensive experience in protecting data, modernizing technology systems, and enhancing user experiences across public and private sectors. She has led initiatives for secure payment systems, data governance, and compliance for major national brands. Passionate about cybersecurity education, Courtney empowers communities and helps organizations navigate emerging threats with confidence.

Off Worque

Cristina Jerome is a DMV based community leader and marketer who prides herself on mastering talent, entertainment, and brand marketing. Known first for her efforts in music, she led digital strategy at Keep Cool (RCA Records) for R&B acts, Normani, Lucky Daye, and UMI. From there, she ventured into TV and worked on content and social strategy for Jada Pinkett Smith, her show Red Table Talk, Peacock's Bel-Air, and Issa Rae's Rap Sh!t on HBOMax. Recently, she directed all social content at Topicals, Sephora's fastest growing black-owned skincare brand and executed a global brand marketing campaign for adidas' SS23 running campaign. From there, she led Social and Culture at Lobos 1707, a luxury tequila brand. Today, she has pivoted into social impact in the mental health space by founding off Worque, a non-profit social club catered to those who want to decenter work and create a healthy work/life balance.

Meta

Czara Reynolds is a strategic project and program management leader with a proven track record of delivering impact at top tech companies, including Mastercard, GitHub, and Meta. She has deep expertise in managing both technical and non-technical programs across engineering, privacy, and strategy & operations, among others—illustrating that with the right approach, one can seamlessly adapt and lead across any discipline, regardless of their starting point. Czara’s journey into tech wasn’t linear, and that’s precisely what makes her story powerful. Drawing from her own experience transitioning into technical program management from a nontraditional background, Czara is passionate about helping others navigate their career journeys. She speaks on topics including career pivots, leveraging transferable skills, and breaking into tech without a traditional resume, offering actionable insights for professionals at every stage of their path. Beyond her work, Czara is dedicated to mentoring and uplifting professionals undergoing career pivots, with a focus on inclusion, strategy, and self-advocacy.

TD Bank

Alongside an extensive career as a senior leader in technology delivery, Daphne brings a wealth of expertise in advancing underrepresented and diverse populations. Daphne has actively used her voice and influence in various Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leadership capacities to amplify her impact, create racial and gender awareness, build community, and promote candid conversations. Prior to joining TD, Daphne was the inaugural DEI Director for the National Board of Medical Examiners where she owned the DEI strategy and roadmap. She was the Global Lead for the U.S. Black Technology Community for JPMorgan Chase, driving transformation, creating career exposure opportunities, and sponsoring DEI across nine geographic locations.

Cyber Motivation

Dr. Dannielle Eason is an experienced IT consultant with over 15 years in Cyber Security Governance, Risk, and Compliance. She holds a Doctorate in Information Systems Management and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Passionate about developing future cybersecurity leaders, she mentors aspiring professionals and frequently speaks at industry events. As the host of R.A.W. (Right After Work) events, Dannielle curates vibrant networking spaces for professionals to connect and grow. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, dance, and meaningful moments with friends and family.

Yahoo Inc.

Gloria Osardu, PhD is a seasoned business strategy executive with over 18 years of experience leading high-impact customer insights and analytics teams across Fortune 500 companies and startups. Currently, she leads the global consumer research organization at Yahoo, where she oversees UX, brand, marketing, and consumer insights researchers who deliver actionable, user-first recommendations across Yahoo’s product and brand ecosystem. Throughout her career, Gloria has built and scaled multidisciplinary teams, helping organizations in industries like GenAI, SaaS, fintech, education, and government contracting make data-informed decisions. She is a strong advocate for equitable, ethical, and accessible research practices, and believes deeply in the power of durable insights to de-risk product and business decisions in a data-saturated world. Outside of work, Gloria is a global explorer, a proud mom of two, a FIRST Robotics coach, and a self-proclaimed LEGO master.

ReeTheCyberBoss®

​Dr. Jeree Spicer is a passionate cybersecurity leader with over seven years of experience spanning strategy, risk management, engineering, agile methodologies, and program management. As the founder of Ree The CyberBoss™, Jeree is dedicated to educating underrepresented communities on digital safety and cyber resilience. She is also the author of The Adventures in Cybersecurity with Huggie Hugglesworth, a children's book introducing young readers to cybersecurity fundamentals. Pursuing a Doctorate of Science in Cybersecurity, Jeree focuses her research on cybersecurity and cyberpsychology.​

Dotdash Meredith

Dr. Mackenzie Price is a Director on the AI Editorial Operations team at Dotdash Meredith where she partners with development, product, editorial, and marketing teams to deliver and scale AI-driven solutions. Dr. Price is a linguist (a social scientist who studies language and communication) with a background in qualitative research and deep expertise in strategic and internal communications across both public and private sectors. In a previous role at Dotdash Meredith, she designed and led an innovative content standards initiative focused on identifying and mitigating bias in content, helping to establish scalable practices that prioritize integrity and inclusivity. She is passionate about building trusted, respectful, and safe user experiences and is a frequent speaker on inclusive language, workplace communication and navigating career transitions.

NoDefeat

Dr. Shannon Burge is an Executive Wellness Strategist, dynamic speaker, and founder of NoDefeat — a premier wellness brand helping high-achieving women transform their bodies, habits, and mindset. With over 15 years of experience in corporate leadership, including serving as a Senior Director at a Fortune 500 company, she now leads purpose-driven programs that blend structure, fitness, and faith. Shannon is an IFBB Pro, certified trainer, and Executive Director of NoDefeat Warrior, a nonprofit organization that impacts underserved youth through wellness and financial literacy. She holds a PhD in Christian Leadership & Business and has empowered over 500 women through her signature 8-week transformation experience.

Raedio

Dzifa Yador is a senior media and entertainment executive with extensive experience scaling content-driven businesses across platforms. As VP of Strategy & Operations at Issa Rae’s Raedio, she leads strategic planning, creative and production oversight, and distribution. Previously at Spotify, she launched Frequency, a global initiative celebrating Black culture, and oversaw major podcasts including The Joe Budden Podcast, The Michelle Obama Podcast, and Jemele Hill is Unbothered. She began her career in video production, earning an Emmy nomination, and is known for her foresight, agility, and ability to position media companies to capitalize on emerging trends and opportunities.

Black Women Talk Tech

Esosa Ighodaro-Johnson is the co-founder of Black Women Talk Tech (BWTT), the largest collective of Black women tech founders, supporting over 50,000 global entrepreneurs through funding access, conferences, local chapters, and year-round programming. In 2023, she launched AcceleratorCON, the largest U.S. accelerator event connecting startups to capital, accelerators, and investor networks. With over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship and corporate leadership—including founding two influencer marketing firms and working as a bank executive at Citigroup—Esosa has been featured in Forbes, ELLE, NBC, and named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Most Powerful Women.

PR Girl Manifesto

Fatou B. Barry is a cultural and communications strategist and the founder of PR Girl Manifesto, a global platform making the PR and communications industry more inclusive and accessible. She currently serves as the Director of PR & Marketing for Impact13 Foundation, NBA star James Harden’s nonprofit. With over a decade of experience, Fatou helps mission-driven brands tell stories that spark connection and drive impact. She was recently named a 2024 Entreprenista 100 Award Winner. Fatou is also the author of the upcoming book PR Girl Manifesto: New Rules for Success and the producer of COMM/UNE, a summit for next-gen PR professionals launching in 2026.

JPMorgan Chase

Hailing from the world of impact investing and public opinion research, Fiyin came to user experience (UX) research bringing with her a decade of experience across fields such as psychology, qualitative and quantitative social science, and survey research. While she's always been naturally inquisitive and empathetic, Fiyin has channeled that into figuring out how to improve client and customer experiences in her current role at JPMorgan Chase as UX Research Lead, VP. As a leader in her space, Fiyin revels in harnessing the power of research to change anything from a micro-interaction to someone's entire experience with a product or service Fiyin has brought that same passion and energy to her role as a DE&l champion within her firm but also outside her 9-to-5, by mentoring, guiding, and encouraging other underrepresented folks to break into tech.

Google

Francine “Frenchy” Marquis is a first-generation Haitian-American technologist, Cloud AI leader at Google, and passionate advocate for equity in tech. With over seven years at Google, she’s led transformative projects that make artificial intelligence more accessible, ethical, and culturally relevant. Frenchy’s work bridges innovation and inclusion, helping Black and Brown communities harness the power of emerging tech. A proud HBCU graduate, she’s also a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from AI for social good to overcoming imposter syndrome in male-dominated industries.

NFNTE

Harold Hughes is a serial entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of NFNTE Capital, an entrepreneurial support organization that helps startup founders leverage social capital. Institutions, including Benedict College, the University of Texas, and Yale University, have adopted his entrepreneurial curriculum to further the entrepreneurial mindset in their communities. As a first-generation American prioritizing education, he holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Political Science and an MBA from Clemson University. As a community leader, he authored and published "A Kids Book About Blockchain" to make Web3 technology accessible to all ages.As a community builder and co-founder of Catalyst Labs, Harold runs a 12-week accelerator program for emerging entrepreneurs. His expertise spans from go-to-market strategy and business development, to supporting founders from ideation to scale. He is an active angel investor, primarily investing in companies led by diverse founders. Most notably, he has invested in Partake Foods, the Jay-Z-backed CPG company making allergy-friendly snacks, and companies like Liquid Death, Athletic Greens, Republic, Winx Health, Major League Pickleball, and Broadway plays like Stereophonic, Hell’s Kitchen, and The Wiz on Broadway.

The Circle

Jadejha is a security leader with extensive experience in IAM and SIEM solutions. Having experience starting in a SOC and working in EdTech, FinTech, and start up environments, she possess in-depth knowledge of SIEM tools like Splunk, Sentinel, Qradar, and proven success in implementing CyberArk and Entra for IAM. Jadejha enjoys being in the field daily but also helping others learn about the different paths of cyber security.

Reboot Representation

Jannie Fernandez is a passionate advocate and champion for equity in technology, serving as the Director of Talent Engagement at Reboot Representation. In this role, she leads strategic initiatives designed to unlock the full potential of Black, Latina, and Native American women and girls in the tech industry's most innovative fields. She expertly forges collaborative partnerships, leverages data-driven insights, and champions innovative solutions to dismantle systemic barriers and create pathways to success for BLNA women and girls. Her work is fueled by a deep commitment to service and a belief in the transformative power of inclusive tech. She started her career as a science educator, teaching Biology and Physics while leading the Special Education Department at a public high school in Miami, FL. This hands-on experience instilled in her a profound understanding of the importance of equitable access to education and opportunity. Holding a BS in Special Education from Florida International University and an MS in Organizational Leadership from the University of Colorado Boulder, Jannie combines academic rigor with real-world experience. Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, where her passion for education ignited, and now based in Richmond, VA, she continues to champion inclusivity and drive meaningful change in the tech industry, one initiative, one partnership, and one woman at a time.

Aescape

Jasmine Lawrence Campbell is a Staff Technical Product Manager at Aescape, where she builds AI-powered massage robots that support human wellness. With a background in robotics, consumer tech, and entrepreneurship, she’s spent over a decade at the intersection of innovation and impact at companies like Meta, Microsoft, Google, and NVIDIA. She’s also the founder of EDEN BodyWorks and a passionate advocate for STEM education, tech for good, and purpose-driven leadership.

Jaz Turner LLC

Jaz Turner is a full-time content creator, entrepreneur, and self-development speaker dedicated to inspiring women to elevate their lives through self-care, wellness, and intentional luxury. Originally from Chicago, she earned her B.A. summa cum laude from Spelman College before pursuing both law and business degrees at Emory University. With a community of over 950K followers across platforms, Jaz shares daily vlogs, routines, and GRWM content that blend elegance with practicality. Her passion lies in curating a lifestyle rooted in intention, growth, and beauty. Deeply community-focused, she creates content that reflects her audience’s values and fosters a space for empowered transformation.

Imajenative

Jen Waltz is a strategic executive with 20+ years leading cybersecurity, cloud technology, and global partnerships. As Chief Channel Cybersecurity Officer at Imajenative, she empowers partners to leverage innovative cybersecurity, cloud, IoT, and blockchain solutions. Throughout her career at Microsoft, Unisys, Equinix, and Kron Technologies, Jen has driven significant revenue growth through strategic alliances and executive leadership. She holds a JD/MBA from Benedictine University and actively champions diversity, inclusion, and mentorship. Based in Chicago, Jen enjoys farm-to-table cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family.

HuCapital

Jerlisa "Juju" Fontaine is the Founder & CEO of HuCapital, a professional social media platform where curated feeds meet personalized career and business insight designed for more intentional professional growth; all powered by our AI Engine, Huey. She is also the Founder of The Desmond Fontaine Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization providing grant funding and business resources to early stage-entrepreneurs. Outside of her entrepreneurial endeavors, Fontaine is a seasoned product manager and tech leader with 10+ years of experience in digital health and professional development. She specializes in developing impactful technology solutions including AI-powered career tools, health insurance engagement systems, SMS-based programs, and optimized EHR software. Her work has empowered and supported thousands of patients, providers, students, professionals and founders. She is passionate about her personal mission to improve the health and financial outcomes of citizens across the globe.

Step Up

Jess-Mara Jones is the Senior Manager of Young Adult Programs at Step Up, a mentoring nonprofit serving young women and girls. With a decade of public service experience, Jess-Mara began her career as an AmeriCorps VISTA after graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Elon University, later completing a Master's Degree in Public Administration with a focus in Nonprofit Management from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her accomplishments include significantly increasing participation in campus-wide service opportunities, revamping and expanding mentorship and public service programs for youth, and addressing physical and economic barriers for students during the pandemic. She strives to continue making confidence and career-focused mentorship accessible and accommodating to the needs of young women everywhere.

Amazon Web Services

Jessica Reyes is a Global Event Marketing Manager within Amazon Web Services' (AWS) Global Brand Partnerships team, where she orchestrates AWS's strategic presence at major industry shows and technology events worldwide. At AWS, Jessica collaborates with product teams and industry experts to develop targeted event experiences that demonstrate cloud capabilities to enterprise clients, specializing in translating technical solutions into clear business outcomes for organizations modernizing their IT infrastructure through cloud adoption. Her background spans commercial tech sales and cloud solutions implementation, backed by AWS Cloud Practitioner and Associate Solutions Architect certifications. Jessica's work directly contributes to AWS's market expansion and customer success stories across multiple sectors. As Board Director for Amazon's Black Employee Network in the DMV region, Jessica focuses on creating meaningful community impact through service initiatives, volunteer programs, and educational outreach that promote STEM education and professional development in underserved areas.

Culture Connection Media INC

Jionne “JiJi” McMichael is a Brooklyn-born host, panel moderator, and media professional with experience at BET, Universal Music Group, and Truly Original. She is the creator and host of Bag Talk w/ JiJi, an Instagram Live series spotlighting Black creatives and entrepreneurs. JiJi has moderated panels for events like The Dinner Party NYC’s MUSE and emceed the 2024 Pink Apple Gala Awards. Her work centers on amplifying underrepresented voices and creating space for real, empowering conversations.

TD Bank

JoAnn Means is a seasoned HR professional with over six years of experience, specializing in diversity and inclusion. As a Senior Diversity Talent Recruiter at TD Bank, she recruits mid-level to executive-level talent while building diverse and inclusive pipelines. Her career reflects a strong commitment to advancing underrepresented talent and fostering equitable workplaces. JoAnn also mentors students, helping them navigate career paths and build confidence in their professional journeys. She holds an M.B.A. from Gwynedd Mercy University.

ESSENCE

Jordyn Brown is a dynamic Senior Product Manager at Essence Communications Inc., where she leads innovative digital experiences that elevate content engagement and community connection. With a proven track record in virtual event streaming, CMS development, and audience growth strategies, she brings a user-first mindset to every project. Jordyn has spearheaded high-impact initiatives like the launch of Essence’s SMS program and the Playlist Player for live events. Passionate about storytelling, technology, and inclusive product design, she thrives at the intersection of culture and innovation.

Techpreneurship Academy

Justice Collier is a seasoned tech entrepreneur, Principal UX designer, and founder of Techpreneurship Academy. With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, she specializes in helping professionals transition from traditional 9-to-5 roles into successful contractors and business owners. As an expert in building FinTech startups and scaling businesses, Justice empowers individuals to unlock their full potential and create their own path to success. Through her coaching and speaking engagements, she equips aspiring techpreneurs with the tools and mindset to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. 4o mini

Level Up Ventures

Global tech and growth exec with 16+ years in enterprise software (SAP, Manhattan Associates). Deep expertise in business development, geographic expansion, and startup investing. Led SAP’s Americas accelerator (69 startups, $600M+ raised, 6 exits). Board Chair at KIPP NYC ($200M org), angel investor, and Venture Partner at Level Up Ventures. Known for connecting corporate innovation with emerging tech.

Morning Brew Inc

Kate Noel is an accomplished HR executive and culture champion with a decade of experience leading people strategy in fast-paced, innovative workplaces. As Head of People at Morning Brew Inc, she champions employee experience, leadership development, and organizational growth with a bold, human-first approach.

Producer AI

Kendall Rankin is a community builder, tech enthusiast, and champion of culture working at the intersection of technology, creativity, and equity. She studied Industrial Engineering at Georgia Tech and began her career at LinkedIn in Chicago, spending three years working across sales, operations, and customer success. She went on to build out the Chicago hub for All Raise, a nonprofit focused on gender equity in venture capital and entrepreneurship. After earning her MBA from Wharton, she explored VC and creative tech through roles at Andreessen Horowitz’s Cultural Leadership Fund, Precursor Ventures, and a creative tech startup, Wild. Currently, she leads growth initiatives at Riffusion, an AI music research lab, where she drives marketing, partnerships, and ecosystem development.

Yahoo

Khalia O'Dea is a seasoned Talent Acquisition professional with a passion for building inclusive high-impact experiences. She currently serves as a University Recruiter at Yahoo. Her career has been focused on technical recruiting, early talent programs, and curating events that create a lasting impact.

Amazon Web Services

Kourtney is a Senior Cybersecurity Program Owner and Industry Leader at Amazon Web Services, where she leads a global access monitoring program protecting sensitive customer data across cloud infrastructure. With over a decade of experience, including roles at AWS, Fannie Mae, and the U.S. Department of Defense, she specializes in access governance, data protection, and scalable security controls. She is the founder of The Chic Tech Firm, a consulting practice that helps professionals pivot into cybersecurity and thrive. A former Director of Events for Amazon’s Black Employee Network Board of Directors, Kourtney is passionate about creating spaces that elevate underrepresented voices in tech.

She's So Lucky Podcast

Les Alfred is a media entrepreneur and cultural storyteller shaping the future of women-centered narratives. As the creator and host of She’s So Lucky (formerly Balanced Black Girl), an NAACP Image Award-nominated podcast, she has built a thriving media ecosystem that explores wellness and self-discovery through the lens of trail-blazing women. ​​Everything she creates seamlessly blends content, commerce, and culture, positioning her as a next-generation media mogul committed to storytelling that elevates, empowers, and entertains.

Reboot Representation

Linda Calvin is the Chief Impact Officer at Reboot Representation, where she partners with tech companies to advance and retain Black, Latina, and Native American women in tech. She brings over 30 years of private-sector IT experience, including global leadership in digital strategy, data privacy, and tech policy. Formerly the IT Sector VP at Ivy Tech, Linda continues to champion tech education through her service on multiple advisory boards, including Franklin College and Butler University. She founded the Transcending Boundaries Tech scholarship to support BLNA women earning tech credentials and co-founded Indiana Women IN Tech Week, the only statewide week of its kind. Linda’s work sits at the intersection of equity, technology, and economic mobility. Linda is a graduate of Butler University, with a BA in Journalism, and IU McKinney School of Law with a juris doctor.

AYC Consulting Group

Mariah Bayne is a career coach, speaker, and senior leader with over a decade of experience in Sales, Customer Success, and Operations. She’s led teams responsible for over $500M in revenue and helped professionals transition into six-figure roles using business-scale strategies. Mariah is the Founder of AYC Consulting Group and the host ofGrowing the Middle, a podcast for mid-career professionals navigating growth and reinvention. She currently serves as Senior Director of Candidate Placement at RE:WORK TRAINING, where she creates equitable hiring pathways in tech sales.

LAVA Technology Services

Mayka Rosales-Peterson is the VP of Marketing at LAVA Technology Services, a global technology consulting firm helping businesses around the world meet their evolving tech needs. She is an award-winning marketer, advocate for underrepresented groups in tech and President of the Alliance of Channel Women. Known for her bold leadership in the IT channel, Mayka specializes in channel partner enablement, sales and go-to-market strategy.

SPROXXY

Melanie Samba is the founder and CEO of SPROXXY; the developer of enterprise SaaS conference intelligence software that helps brands understand the ROI of their conference participation. Prior to founding SPROXXY, Melanie served as a branding and corporate communications leader with a 20-year career leading brand campaigns for Fortune 500 companies. In 2023, Melanie was listed as one of the top 25 most influential leaders in commstech by PRWeek Dashboard 25.

Family Office, Prev. Y-Combinator

Michaela Clarke is an early-stage venture capital investor with 10 years of experience in the startup and VC ecosystem. She has supported Y Combinator’s admissions and Startup School program and led Deloitte’s startup advisory practice. Michaela specializes in identifying high-growth startups and providing strategic, operational, and fundraising guidance to help founders scale and navigate the investment landscape.

E78

Nabila Lulow is currently serving as the Executive Vice President of Global CX at E78 Partners. She has several years of consulting experience, utilizing her expertise in CCaaS and ERP. Nabila has established herself as a forward-thinking leader and innovator. Nabila’s career path began after completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington. It includes a series of strategic roles that have built her skills and deepened her industry knowledge in the Contact Center space. Most notably, her tenure at Five9 as a Senior Enterprise Sales Director was instrumental in developing and refining her knowledge in this space. Nabila’s career is decorated with significant achievements. Her specialization in CCaaS change management has not only brought transformative changes to her organizations but also earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Presidents Clubs. Beyond her corporate achievements, Nabila is an advocate for Women in Technology, and she believes in striving for excellence, a principle that guides her in her professional and personal endeavors. This philosophy is evident in her participation in various industry forums and her contributions as a Co-Chair for Alliance of Channel Women. Nabila also serves on the Board for Seattle SIM as the VP of Sponsorships.

Mudder AI

Nadia B. Ahmad is an environmental law professor, climate tech founder, and advocate at the intersection of law, technology, and social justice. She is the founder of Mudder AI, a startup that uses artificial intelligence to improve disaster response and climate resilience. A Yale PhD candidate and former visiting professor at Yale Law School, Nadia was part of the global coalition awarded the United Nations Human Rights Prize for advancing the right to a healthy environment. She also serves as co-chair on the DNC Interfaith Council, bringing a principled, solutions-focused voice to movements for environmental and social change.

AirAssistant.io

Nani Israel is the founder of Air Assistant.io, a digital growth marketing firm that scales mission-driven founders to 5-figure months and 10-hour work weeks using “flirt-to-convert” social media automation sales systems and A.I.- powered marketing assistants. Specializing in grassroots marketing that requires ZERO startup funding, Nani has helped founders and large corporations alike amass over $18M in sales through highly successful marketing and social media campaigns with low follower count. Her clients have been featured in Target, Barnes & Noble, Vogue Magazine, Essence Magazine, Hulu, Official Black Wall Street and Sephora among others. As a travel enthusiast who RV’s the country with her hubby & high school sweetheart, Nani has been on a mission to help no less than 1000 BIPOC and women-owned businesses effortlessly achieve $100K-$1M+ in revenue while working less to enjoy a freedom lifestyle most can only dream of.

The Brazen Club

Nicole Wardlaw is a 2x founder and venture funder. After graduating from Duke University, she built her career at high-growth startups from New York to Guatemala to Bangladesh. Witnessing persistent inequities in the startup ecosystem, Nicole pivoted to venture capital to drive funding where it is needed most. She now serves as the Founder of The Brazen Club, an entrepreneurial literacy platform that encourages and equips women to see entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Through her work, she aims to expand who gets to build and fund companies as a path toward equity and economic mobility.

Win Win Coffee

Nikisha Bailey is an entrepreneur, educator, and music industry veteran with over 15 years of experience in A&R, marketing, and artist development at top labels like Atlantic Records and Republic Records. She is the founder of Win Win Coffee, a mission-driven, small-batch roaster that builds direct trade relationships with marginalized farmers and reinvests in community-based supply chains. Nikisha also teaches music business at Drexel University and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Recording Academy. Her work bridges culture, commerce, and community through equitable, impact-driven ventures.

Innovator-Connector Consultancy

Nina Archie is a professional with extensive experience in dual-use technology and intellectual property. She founded Innovator Connector, a consultancy focused on aiding startups and small businesses in technology commercialization, securing non-dilutive funding, and guidance to small business/startup programs and resources. With a background that includes roles in the U.S. Department of Defense as a Program Manager (contractor) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office as a Patent Examiner, Nina has a robust track record in facilitating and actively participating in the innovation ecosystem. She holds an Intellectual Property certificate from the World Intellectual Property Office and a Technology Transfer certificate from the National Institutes of Health. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a Master of Science in Bioinformatics. Ms. Archie is also a Small Business Innovation Research Reviewer at the National Science Foundation and SXSW Advisory Board Member.

Vista Supports, LLC

Precious “Preciosa” Myers-Brown is the CEO and Chief Innovation & Dream Officer of Vista Supports, the only Minority Woman-Owned agency providing Enabling Technology and Remote Supports to marginalized communities. With over 36 years of experience in human services, digital transformation, and advocacy, she is a nationally recognized leader, The "Voice" of Enabling Technology, keynote speaker, and tech disruptor. Her work bridges equity, innovation, and impact, proving that technology, when done right, can be a tool of liberation.

Yahoo Inc.

Robert Ellegate is an SRE‑turned‑AI/ML engineer at Yahoo Mail with a passion for building resilient systems and advanced models. A graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, he combines his expertise in reliability engineering with machine learning to optimize large-scale email infrastructure. Based in the Buffalo–Niagara Falls area, Robert enjoys solving technical challenges that power seamless user experiences for millions of mail users.

TIME

Sadé Muhammad is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Chief Impact Officer at TIME. Appointed in January 2023, she is the first to hold the CMO position since TIME became an independent company in 2018. Before joining TIME, Muhammad spent over seven years at Forbes, where she founded the Representation & Inclusion Practice, an award-winning B2B advertising initiative focused on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion as key components of corporate growth strategies. Throughout her career, Muhammad has been recognized for her innovative approach to marketing and commitment to social impact, earning accolades such as inclusion in Chief Marketer's Marketer of the Year, CMO's Alliance CMO to Watch, CCYNC's Creative Class for Media & Entertainment, The ColorComm 28, and more. Muhammad holds a Bachelor of Science in Magazine Journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Nasdaq

Sahirah Johnson is a seasoned digital marketing leader with extensive expertise in SEO, SEM, and marketing analytics. As Director of Search at Nasdaq, she has led enterprise-wide strategies that significantly boosted global engagement and website performance. Her work integrates data-driven insights with content and technical optimization to drive measurable business outcomes. Sahirah also serves as an adjunct instructor at Pratt Institute, where she equips students with practical skills in digital analytics. She is passionate about leveraging technology and innovation to create impactful digital experiences.

Product Place Labs

Sarah Perkins is a seasoned product and technology executive with over 14 years of experience delivering enterprise-scale digital transformation across Fortune 500 companies and high-growth ventures. Known for her strategic vision and empathetic leadership, Sarah blends deep domain expertise in SaaS, ERP, HCM, and AI-powered technologies to drive meaningful innovation at the intersection of product, people, and platforms. As a former Chief Product Officer of Gusto Sarah leads high-performing global teams across product, engineering, marketing, and operations. She is passionate about building modern, customer-centric digital experiences that not only meet business objectives but elevate how teams work and how users interact with technology. Her leadership is rooted in empathy, systems thinking, and a relentless pursuit of clarity—creating environments where product innovation thrives and cross-functional teams align around shared goals. Beyond the boardroom, Sarah is a sought-after speaker and facilitator on topics such as enterprise innovation, product leadership, digital strategy, and inclusive team-building. She champions collaboration, authenticity, and continuous learning—empowering other leaders to build not just better products, but better organizations.

As seen on E!, TMZ, VH1, and BET

Shy is a dynamic TV host, journalist, and pop culture expert from New Jersey making major waves in Los Angeles. She’s hosted TMZ on TV, E! The Rundown, and served as an emcee on VH1’s Basketball Wives, with trusted reporting credits on Revolt Black News. Beyond the screen, Shy’s pen game shines as a Hallmark Mahogany writer and red carpet correspondent for Baller Alert. Known for her hustle and passion, she lives by the Frederick Douglass quote: “Where there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Her mission? To own the mic and launch her very own talk show—and she’s just getting started.

Character AI

Tamar's passion lies at the intersection of media, technology, and monetization, where the world is becoming more connected as you read this. She works in spaces that both bring content to life and ensure creators know their worth and are paid fairly. Currently leading product strategy at Character.AI, Tamar has also worked on gen AI product strategy and content strategy at Netflix and YouTube. She holds a BA from Columbia University and an MBA from Stanford.

AI to the World

Tanyka Renee Henry is a global brand strategist, cultural innovator, and tech advocate, shaping the future at the intersection of culture, technology, and commerce. As the founder of AI to the World, she is dedicated to democratizing artificial intelligence while safeguarding Black and Brown identities, intellectual property, and likeness. Her mission is to ensure underrepresented communities have access to ethical, inclusive innovation that protects cultural integrity and drives economic power.

Black Girls in Media

Founder of Black Girls in Media, Tasha McCaskiel is a trailblazer dedicated to uplifting minority women in the media industry. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Tasha holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from North Carolina A&T. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communication from New York University after relocating to New York City to pursue her dream of working in entertainment. Through her platform, Black Girls in Media, Tasha has created a powerful community of over 100,000 minority women in media. Known as a go-to mentor and resource, she connects ambitious professionals with the tools and experts they need to start and thrive in their careers. A celebrated leader, Tasha has been recognized as a 2024 Ebony Magazine Power 100 honoree and a Comerica Bank Women's Business Awards recipient. Whether you’re looking to break into the industry or elevate your career, Tasha’s passion for mentorship and community empowers those ready to make an impact in media.

Chasing Outcomes™

Teddra Burgess is Founder and Principal of Chasing Outcomes™, an executive consulting and advisory firm specializing in leadership coaching for tech innovators and organizations navigating the AI era. With over 25 years of C-suite experience at Google Cloud, HP, and Tanium, Teddra has built high-performing teams, driven $1B+ in growth, and led transformation across both public and private sectors. She’s the creator of the Executive Elevation Model™ and serves as a board member and trusted advisor to technology companies and nonprofits. Teddra’s outcome-driven approach blends real-world strategy with a deep commitment to developing diverse, future-ready leaders. Her philosophy: True leadership is about courage, adaptability, and chasing outcomes that matter.

Thuto Labs

Tiffany Lumpkin is a beauty educator, wellness advocate, and founder of Thuto Labs—an on-demand platform empowering people to transform their self-image through makeup and personal care education. As a professional hair and makeup artist for TV and film, she’s worked with major networks and high-profile clients. Her work bridges beauty, wellness, and storytelling, helping women embrace healing and transformation from the inside out. Tiffany is also the host of The Transformation Passport, a podcast exploring growth through travel, self-discovery, and soul care.

The Black Beauty Club

Tomi Talabi is the founder of The Black Beauty Club, a cultural platform redefining how we see, celebrate, and invest in Black beauty. Since launching in 2020, The Black Beauty Club has become a go-to destination for conversations, experiences, and collaborations that center Black women at the heart of beauty culture. With partners like NARS, Shop My, Topicals, and Clinique, the Club bridges commerce and community, creating real-time impact and long-term cultural value. Previously, Tomi led global communications at Estée Lauder Companies and spearheaded inclusive storytelling at Pinterest, launching innovations like Hair Pattern Search and Body Type Technology. Across every role, her work blends strategy, storytelling, and cultural insight — shaping narratives that resonate and move markets. Tomi also advises high-growth brands on building cultural credibility and visibility. Her ethos is clear: beauty is sacred, Black women are the blueprint, and story is a form of power.

MusicXclusives TV| Essence | Hype Hair | Femi Magazine | Caribbean Life Newspaper

Tracey Khan is prominent journalist, media maven, and red carpet host known for her magnetic presence and passion for amplifying powerful voices. With bylines in Essence.com, Caribbean Life, Hype Hair, and Femi Magazine, Tracey blends storytelling with sparkle — celebrating culture, community, and innovation. As Managing Editor of MusicXclusivesTV and a trusted PR consultant, she brings over a decade of experience across TV, print, and digital. Whether she’s covering culture or commanding the pink or red carpet, Tracey shows up for the girls who lead, build, and break boundaries.

SiriusXM

With over a decade of experience leading high-impact marketing strategies, I specialize in transforming complex challenges into actionable insights that drive results. Currently a Marketing Leader at SiriusXM, I’ve led integrated campaigns for brands like HelloFresh, WeWork, Lyft, Bloomberg Industry Group, and the American Diabetes Association—sharpening my expertise across CRM, mobile apps, social media, and digital content. Blending data-driven precision with creative strategy, I bring a global perspective and a passion for empowering teams to push boundaries. As a speaker, I deliver energy, clarity, and real-world insights on channel marketing, customer engagement, and cross-functional leadership. Let’s connect—and inspire your audience to think bigger, act smarter, and market more effectively.

Dope Nerds

With 30+ years in tech, Ursula Spencer is a pioneer known for bridging innovation with real-world impact democratizing access to emerging technologies. As the founder of Dope Nerds®, she’s led immersive learning using Virtual Reality and AI adoption initiatives across K–12, enterprise, and government. Her work sits at the intersection of strategy and storytelling making the future feel human and accessible. Ursula speaks with purpose, builds with vision, and shows up for the next generation of technologists who dare to lead differently.

SEED Media

Valeisha Butterfield is an award-winning global leader and cultural vanguard in tech, entertainment, and politics. She is the Founder and CEO of SEED Media, a company dedicated to inspiring one billion people through iconic storytelling and experiences. Valeisha has held executive roles at the Recording Academy, Google, and in the Obama Administration, where she made historic impact. She currently serves on several national boards, including Clark Atlanta University Board of Trustees and GRAMMY Global Ventures. A proud CAU alum and North Carolina native, Valeisha is also the co-founder of the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN), author, and a powerhouse mom raising two sons with purpose and passion.

ICF

Whitney Millegan is a strategic leader with expertise in digital strategy, healthcare, and scaled operations. She has led transformation across sectors—from optimizing global operations at Meta to shaping healthcare strategy for former clients at Deloitte. Now leading internal AI development and governance teams at ICF, she ensures responsible and effective adoption of emerging technologies. Millegan holds an MBA from Emory University and an MPH from the University of South Carolina. She is committed to leveraging business and technology to create meaningful, future-focused impact. Her work has been featured in Forbes, and she has been recognized by Diversity Woman Magazine’s Top 100, Northern Virginia Technology Council Tech 100 NextGen Leaders, and MEFEater Magazine’s Women to Watch 2025 lists.

FTW Ventures

Willie Williams is a board chair at Black Girl Ventures, Co - Founder a seed stage Healthcare VC firm. He serves as Managing Partner of FTW at FTW where he advises AI-Native startups and emerging funds at the intersection of capital, markets, and infrastructure. Willie brings a unique mix of Wall Street experience and tech ecosystem insight, helping high growth teams scale with precision. His works spans venture strategy, macro markets, and platform design.

Nex Cubed and BLCK VC

Zaria Smith is a venture strategist, program operator, and founder with deep experience scaling innovation platforms and supporting early-stage startups. She has led investment and accelerator initiatives at AWS and Nex Cubed, supporting 150+ founders and helping startups raise over $1.3M in non-dilutive and venture capital funding. Zaria’s work focuses on bridging capital access and operational infrastructure for underestimated founders, combining AI, systems thinking, and strategic partnerships to build sustainable growth.