Lana Reid has always had a strong distaste for two things: beets and seeing the challenges faced in her Black communities without being personally proactive about trying to effect change if even in a small way. Inspired by her grandmother's words of advice, "When you close your eyes for the final time, this world should be a better place because you were here," Lana dedicates herself to making a meaningful impact through the servant work she is passionate about.

With more than 35 years of leadership experience across diverse industries, Lana’s journey began in her teenage years when she made company history as the youngest Assistant Manager at a discount women's clothing store at the age of 16. Her commitment to team building is evident in the social cause projects she champions.

Growing up as the daughter of a military father, Lana had the opportunity to travel widely during her formative years, calling places like Japan, the Netherlands, and several U.S. cities home. This rich exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives has significantly shaped her ability to empathize with others and is a trait that is prominently displayed in her endeavors.

As a speaker and consultant, Lana has had the honor of partnering with distinguished organizations such as the National Urban League for Young Professionals and the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, along with universities like San Diego State University and California State University, Northridge.

Lana is the author of numerous books and has previously hosted a syndicated radio show before founding “Conversations in Color.” She has been a contributor to “The Good Men Project” publication and featured on various media outlets. For her dedication to community service, Lana has received a host of awards and commendations from local and state leaders.

In her spare time, Lana loves to hang out in the boarding areas of airports, always searching for her next thrilling travel experience and opportunity to learn something new.

With more than 2 decades in educational and non profit spaces, Malik J Stewart has consistently focused on supporting the growth and development of children, youth and communities. In his career arc, he’s earned a reputation for being a strategic partner, innovative thinker and relationship builder. Leveraging his experience and leadership roles in the non-profit and public education sectors; he is known for assessing complex challenges and building plans and inclusive partnerships to make a difference.

Malik’s heart and hands stay in education and social justice and is committed to challenging systems that either oppress or maintain the status quo for those who are most impacted and least served by those systems. Before joining Empower Schools where he’s a Senior Director, he served in a variety of leadership roles with Reading Partners, the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, Red Clay Consolidated School District and the Delaware Department of Education. His professional journey started with the Christina Cultural Arts Center in Wilmington, DE where he served as the Education Director right out of college.

Malik’s active commitment to the community has been visible and acknowledged through previous civic volunteer engagement work which includes the Bethel AME Church Lansdowne (PA), Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, Claymont Elementary School (DE), Learning Link of DE Board of Directors, Keller ISD Foundation, 100 Men Reading, Opal’s Farm, the Police Athletic League and the YMCA.

He received his Bachelor’s Degree from North Carolina A&T State University and his Masters Degree in Education from Cabrini University. He resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with his family.

Brennan D. Geiger is a Banking & Finance Professional quickly emerging from a decade’s worth of experience championing modern day tips, tools, and adaptive strategies in order to provide financial freedom & flexibility for every household he comes across. Brennan has prided himself on enhancing every aspect of finance including business, insurance, investments, and any personal knowledge in order to help his clients reach their goals faster.

Throughout his experience, Brennan has been influentially involved within academics and his community as a member of Washington and Jefferson College Black Student Union, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Young Entrepreneur Society (YES) Programs, and Toastmasters International. This journey to expand his education, resources, and expertise has provided him with various insights & experiences regarding education with a working knowledge of the intersectionality of race, innovation, and professional speaking. All amounting to a better ability to transfer knowledge & practical application to everyone he encounters.

Brennan completed his undergraduate degree at Washington & Jefferson College with a focus on Business Administration and a concentration in Entrepreneurial Studies. To further his passions, he has decided in August of 2024 to pursue his Master’s Degree to earn an MBA with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and Management expected to be completed in May of 2026.

Brennan currently resides on the outskirts of Pittsburgh, PA. He enjoys anything outdoors related and has a love for the social gatherings and camaraderie of the city. He continues to build his passions yearly as he enjoys the beautiful steel town he resides in.

Shanaé Elbert is a driven entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and dedicated mother to her 16-year-old daughter. A proud native of Shreveport, LA, Shanaé is currently furthering her education in Clinical Psychology, blending her passion for mental health with a deep interest in psychedelic research as a promising alternative for treating mental illness.

As the owner of Efficient Assistance by Elbert’s Events, an executive virtual assistant company, Shanaé exemplifies leadership and innovation in the business world. Her commitment to excellence and efficiency drives her to empower entrepreneurs and businesses to achieve their goals through tailored support.

Shanaé's dedication to service extends beyond her business endeavors. She is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts, an engaged member of the American Psychological Association, and an active participant in The Junior League. Volunteering and community involvement are at the core of her values, and she continuously seeks opportunities to give back and make a positive impact.

Ashley Andrews, known professionally as Ashley Relates, is the visionary Founder and CEO of Digital Zess. With over seven years of expertise in social media strategy and brand development, Ashley is a driving force in the industry, renowned for her culturally infused approach to digital marketing.

Armed with a Master's in Mass Communication, specializing in Social Media from the esteemed University of Florida, Ashley has finely honed her skills in crafting compelling narratives and fostering engaging online communities. Her academic journey was sparked by a Bachelor's in Journalism, complemented by a minor in Social Media & E-Marketing Analytics, laying the foundation for her entrepreneurial endeavors.

Ashley's commitment to authenticity and cultural resonance has led to impactful collaborations with prominent minority-focused brands like Miami Broward Carnival and Blavity Inc. Her mission is clear: to create genuine, culturally resonant narratives that deeply connect with diverse audiences.

Beyond the boardroom, Ashley is an unwavering enthusiast of Soca culture, infusing passion into her professional and personal pursuits. Whether orchestrating compelling content strategies or immersing herself in the vibrant energy of Carnival, she embodies the essence of her Trinidadian heritage with fervor. And when it's time to unwind, Ashley finds solace in a Netflix binge, embracing life's rhythms with unwavering dedication.

Yvonne Conley-Robinson possesses the ability to transform a vision into reality through strategic development. Her strong intuition enables her to identify organizational opportunities and integrate them into a cohesive strategy. She also encourages others to broaden their thinking and effectively contributes to driving business growth. Yvonne is an inspiring leader who sets an example, motivates others to act, and possesses a strong understanding of economic data to benefit the business. Known for her astute decision-making, sharp strategic insight, and ability to set clear governance boundaries, she commands respect and admiration in her field.

Currently, as Regional Director at EVgo, a public company committed to using 100% renewable energy and making it easy for drivers to go electric while protecting the environment, Yvonne is driving the regional operations forward. Her focus on strategic management and site development is evident in her leadership of the West Site Development team. She is instrumental in successfully expanding the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, a testament to her commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Previously, as the COO and Vice President of Operations at XG Communities, LLC, a site development and engineering company, Yvonne's leadership was instrumental. She established the telecommunication construction division and fostered strong strategic relationships within the telecommunications industry, leveraging her twenty years of experience. She transitioned from the legal department to real estate and operations in the telecommunications industry, with experience at AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile. This showcases her versatility and adaptability. She began her career in the legal sector at Singleton Law Firm, where she worked in its class action division.

Yvonne's educational background and expertise are a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. She holds a Juris Doctorate, a Bachelor of Science, and an MBA in Global Business from the American Public/Military University. Her areas of specialization include transformational leadership, strategic management, market and company growth, real estate development, and client relationships. Her unique perspective allows her to see problems as opportunities for change in the workplace and the world. She is a dedicated mentor and supporter, guiding friends, family, and colleagues toward better and more effective choices for positive outcomes, demonstrating her commitment to personal and professional growth.

Mahogany is a natural-born supporter to those around her. Her passion in life for uplifting those around her, pours out into every part of her life. This eagerness lead her into the field of education where she works at the University of South Carolina- Beaufort as IT Manager. Along with her duties in the workforce, she also finds herself an active member of many of her institutions’ committees.

As a native of the Lowcountry of South Carolina, Mahogany’s investment in the education field stems from her being surrounded by the history of her home. It was by learning about the past that she was able to think of changes to impact the future. This led her to joining the illustrious Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated in efforts to create positive impacts on her community.

Being the advocate for education that she is, Mahogany possesses her M.Ed. in Learning, Design, and Technology with aspirations to acquire her doctorate in the same field. She is also a member of many national education based committees and organizations.

In the short-term, Mahogany hopes to be able to influence her local community to increase opportunities for individuals to learn skills that can be used in their careers. For the future, Mahogany hopes to be able to create initiatives that encourage the continuation of education no matter their age or demographic.

Elijah Perry has dedicated more than 30 years to advocating for marginalized communities and advancing social justice across the civic, public interest, and nonprofit sectors. His career has been driven by a deep passion for empowering those whose voices are often unheard and addressing systemic inequities, particularly through education, mental health, and community-based initiatives.

As the Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of The Artistic Resilience Foundation, Elijah channels his commitment to social change by nurturing the mental health of youth and young adults through the transformative power of the arts. His work with the Foundation emphasizes the intersection of creativity and healing, offering artistic outlets to young people who face emotional and psychological challenges.

Elijah’s career also includes leading impactful workforce development programs. As the Executive Director of GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic, he oversaw the Solar Works DC Training Program, helping underserved communities access clean energy jobs while promoting environmental justice. In this role, he managed various efforts, including workforce training, partnerships, communications, and fundraising, to advance economic opportunities for individuals in marginalized communities.

Before his time at GRID, Elijah held leadership roles in several nonprofit organizations focused on supporting vulnerable populations. He served as Corporate Development Manager at PFLAG National, and has worked with organizations like Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, the National Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Feeding America—each experience shaping his deep understanding of the barriers facing many in need and his commitment to breaking down those barriers.

Throughout his career, Elijah has been driven by the belief that equity, access, and justice should be the foundation of every community, and his work remains a testament to his unwavering dedication to these principles.

Antoinette is the Executive Director of Initiate Justice, a California nonprofit that activates the political power of the people most impacted by incarceration. Antoinette’s passion for abolition and community advocacy stems from lived experiences supporting herself and loved ones through various overlapping socio-economic issues and failed systems—from the state’s criminal legal systems and child welfare systems, to substance use and addiction and underground economies. She has organized alongside thousands, and is courageously committed to amplifying the experiences of those most impacted by the criminal legal system, and the many intersecting societal issues and failed systems.

Antoinette has facilitated a myriad of training programs to empower system-impacted people to engage in policy change; presented on Initiate Justice’s work, abolition, and advocacy in a variety of classrooms and conferences all over the state and nationally; and organized alongside thousands to advocate for legislation that is rooted in humanity, equity, and community.

She possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from California State University, Fullerton and is a Coro Women in Leadership alumnae. She is a lifelong California resident, where she and her fiancé currently reside with their 3 children and golden-doodle. Antoinette dreams of re-launching her nonprofit, Family Beyond the Gates, with a renewed vision for strengthening families at their core in order to build self-sustaining communities where all people are fully supported and resourced.

Hi, I’m Heaven-Lee, and I freelance as a social media marketing professional, mainly working with up-and-coming musical artists. My focus is on helping artists build their online presence through social media marketing, artist relations, influencer partnerships, and graphic design. I love creating campaigns that get people talking about music releases and events and help boost sales along the way.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and several certifications including digital advertising, user experience design, project management, and data analytics. During my time in undergrad, I served as the Media and Marketing Chair for the Black Student Union, where I enjoyed connecting with the student body, creating events tailored to the Black student community, and acting as a liaison between students and the administration to voice concerns and ensure the community’s needs were met. I’ve also worked in various roles, from Social Media Coordinator to Artist Liaison and User Experience Designer, always with the goal of elevating brands, and talent, and building meaningful connections with their audience.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me painting, hiking, baking, or trying out new cultural cuisines. I also enjoy digging through the bins at vinyl stores for hidden gems and have recently started exploring music production to learn more about the creative side of the industry.