Our Board

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.

Bio coming soon.

Sarai brings a distinct blend of experience in Human Resources and Wellness Coaching. She is deeply committed to the power of dialogue, empowerment, and community engagement. Her passion for community improvement fuels her dedication to fostering meaningful conversations that drive positive change and unity.

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.

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.

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.

Melinda King is a Human Resources professional with over two decades of experience dedicated to championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in both Higher Education and Corporate America. Melinda has spent her career dismantling barriers and amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, particularly women.

Throughout her 25-year HR journey, Melinda has held key leadership roles spanning top corporations and institutions, including Land O’Lakes, Sara Lee, 23andMe and The University of Alabama. Melinda's career journey has given her unique insights into the intersectionality of race, gender, and age in the workplace. She's dedicated to fostering dialogues and strategies that address the complex challenges women face in corporate America.

Melinda is the co-host of a Podcast, Mom Knows Ball, where she and her son leverage the added bond that sports creates between moms and their children. Melinda has an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama with a focus on Public Relations and a Master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma with a focus on Diversity, Equity and Social Justice.

Melinda currently owns a consulting firm, Belonging at Work and resides in Dallas, TX. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and is mom to two adult sons.

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.

Jazmin Slaughter is a passionate public relations professional and the founder of A Hint of Jazz Management, where she works full-time, specializing in media relations for small business owners. She is also the Community Engagement Specialist for the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania, she helps the organization engage with the local tech community, fostering meaningful connections. Jazmin is excited to join the Conversations in Color board, driven by her love for storytelling and its power to inspire impactful dialogue and change.

Currently completing her MBA, Jazmin is committed to continuous learning and professional growth. An avid traveler, she believes that exploring new cultures and perspectives enriches both her personal life and her work in public relations, helping her better serve her clients and community.

Jazmin also serves as Secretary for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Central PA, is a board member for Thrive Housing, and was recently appointed as Fundraising Chair for Experience PRoCon. These roles highlight her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as her drive to create positive, lasting impacts within her community.

G'Tobia Washington is known for turning visions into reality through strategic digital marketing and a deep commitment to community impact. She excels at identifying opportunities and weaving them into cohesive strategies, driving engagement and amplifying voices across various platforms. As the founder of Organic GLW Analytics, G'Tobia leverages her expertise to craft innovative marketing solutions that enhance brand visibility and foster community connections.

Currently, G'Tobia leads Organic GLW Analytics, focusing on empowering nonprofits and small businesses through tailored digital marketing strategies. Her approach is grounded in a strong background in SEO and a passion for civic engagement, drawing on previous work addressing Social Determinants of Health to inform her strategies. G'Tobia has successfully bridged her marketing skills with her commitment to social equity, making a tangible difference in community health and engagement.

Before launching Organic GLW Analytics, G'Tobia honed her skills as a Communication Specialist at the Harris County Engineering Department and held various roles in marketing and outreach. She managed successful campaigns for nonprofits, developed training programs and contributed to significant increases in engagement and visibility.

With a Master’s in Digital Marketing from Full Sail University and a Bachelor’s in Communication from the University of Rhode Island, G'Tobia combines her academic background with hands-on experience. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling and spending time on the beach, balancing her passion for work with personal fulfillment.