Kwame Ambaah is a speaker, strategist, and humanitarian leader passionate about leadership, innovation, and community impact. A first-generation Ghanaian American, he is deeply committed to building bridges between diaspora leadership, underserved communities, nonprofits, businesses, and global partners to create sustainable opportunities for growth and empowerment. He currently serves as Executive Managing Director of Grace Compassion Global Foundation, where he helps lead initiatives focused on expanding access to education and workforce opportunities, advancing healthcare and wellness initiatives, and strengthening community development efforts across Ghana and beyond. Through his work, Kwame has helped cultivate partnerships between nonprofit organizations, corporate leaders, universities, and government stakeholders to drive measurable social and economic impact. Professionally, Kwame has spent the majority of his career in the energy industry within strategic marketing and business growth roles, helping lead large-scale initiatives and cross-sector engagement efforts. Kwame has served in leadership roles including Vice President of the Texas Association of Student Councils and the Advisory Leadership Alumni Board for the Taco Bell Foundation. He has spoken at universities, conferences, leadership forums, workshops, and panels across the United States and Ghana. His work and story have been featured by CNN, Upworthy, GhanaWeb, the Taco Bell Foundation, and other leadership and community platforms. 

With a passion for all things media and empowering young women, Rashan Ali is a formidable and revered personality within the sports and entertainment industries. She believes in “Doing Media Differently.  While attending Florida A&M University as a Broadcast Journalism major, Rashan knew that she wanted to share her voice with the world and set out on a quest to make that happen. She became heavily involved in the entertainment scene in Atlanta, working for LaFace Records and as the personal assistant to the late Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes. Rashan entered a contest search looking for new talent on Atlanta radio station HOT 107.9 FM and was handpicked from over 500 applicants to join popular radio personality Ryan Cameron on-air. 

Her charisma and grace appealed to millions of listeners, which quickly propelled the program’s rating into the #1 position during its 6:00-10:00 A.M. timeslot. She then went on to become the host of the “A-Team” Morning Show on the same station. Rashan’s journey in radio came full circle when she reunited with Ryan Cameron for a year as the co-host of The Ryan Cameron Show on V-103 FM, Atlanta’s #1 urban formatted station. She later joined new hip hop station 94.5 as the host of “The Streetz Morning Grind." 

Rashan’s unique perspective and passion for sports has resulted in sideline reporting for the Atlanta Hawks, the Southern Conference Sports Network, the Atlanta Football Classic for NBC Sports Network, college football and basketball for CBS Sports Network and the Chick-Fil-A Bowl Preview Show, which aired on ESPN2 and ESPN U. She was also the social media correspondent for NBA TV’s “GameTime” during the NBA Playoffs and worked on the network’s show “Fantasy Insider” in the same capacity for two seasons. Ali hosted “Atlanta and Company After Noon” on NBC (ATL), “Under Armour Highlights of the Week” on the NFHS Network and “HBCU Playback” on Aspire TV. She freelanced as a sports anchor for CNN and HLN’s Bleacher Report. and served as the co-host of “Falcons Rise Up Weekly” on Atlanta’s CW 69 for four seasons. She is the host of her own podcast, “The Cool Soror Podcast” which explores the stories of women and men in black, Greek-lettered organizations. She has since expanded the brand incorporating all “Cool People.”  

Rashan formerly served as one of four co-hosts on "Sister Circle" - a nationally syndicated talk show on TV One, which ran for three seasons. She made a guest appearance on the second season of Tyler Perry’s “Sistas” on BET. Rashan also performed a supporting role in “All the Queen’s Men '' on BET+. 

Brian McIntosh is a rising star in the media world, known for his groundbreaking work at ESPN and BET. A graduate of North Carolina Central University, Brian launched his career at ESPN, contributing to SportsCenter and First Take. He then brought his talents to BET, where he has spent the past seven years driving record-breaking social media campaigns.

As the Host, Executive Producer, and social media strategist of For The Fellas, BET’s #1 digital franchise, now streaming on BET+ and a 2024 & 2025 Webby Honoree, Brian has built a platform that blends raw conversation, cultural relevance, and digital innovation. From shaping the creative vision to steering distribution strategy, he ensures the series lives on and off the screen, sparking conversations that matter.

A dynamic host, producer, and social media expert, Brian continues to redefine how culture is shaped, shared, and experienced in media. Above all, he is a devoted father, a role that grounds and inspires his work both on and off screen.

Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, is a distinguished leader in economic diplomacy and a prominent advocate for sustainable development and inclusive growth. With a career spanning over 15 years, Hon. Kenewendo’s work encompasses trade and investment, finance and development, public policy, and climate action.

Hon. Kenewendo currently serves as the Cabinet Minister of Minerals and Energy in the Republic of Botswana, leveraging her extensive expertise to advance national priorities in the energy and mining sectors. Her return to the Cabinet builds upon her exceptional contributions as a Specially Elected Member of Parliament and as Cabinet Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry. During her tenure, she implemented comprehensive reforms to enhance Botswana’s business environment, attract foreign investment, and negotiate high-impact trade agreements.

As Chairperson of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Council of Ministers of Trade, Hon. Kenewendo led critical negotiations resulting in key agreements, including the European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the United Kingdom Post-Brexit Agreement, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Her leadership in these negotiations strengthened regional trade cooperation and positioned Botswana as a strategic trade partner.

On the global stage, Hon. Kenewendo has been a pivotal advocate for climate action and sustainable finance. She served as Special Advisor to the United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champions for COP27 and COP28, where she championed innovative solutions for unlocking efficient, affordable financing for sustainable development in Africa and emerging markets. Her efforts have supported the establishment of transformative initiatives, such as the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative, the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance, the Africa Climate Risk Insurance Facility for Adaptation, and the Working Group for Sustainability-Linked Sovereign Financing for Nature and Climate. Notably, she has been instrumental in the development of the $20 billion UN Climate Action Projects Compendium.

Hon. Kenewendo’s professional portfolio extends to serving on various corporate and philanthropic boards. She is the Lead Non-Executive Director of the African Continental Free Trade Area Adjustment Fund Corporation, and a member of the Africa Center for Economic Transformation and the Club of Rome. Her prior service includes the Chairperson of Bank Gaborone Board of Directors, membership on the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation, the Advisory Group on UN Gender Architecture, and the Financing for Development Group.

Hon. Kenewendo is a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Trade Advisory Group, the WEF Global Future Council on Global Public Goods in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and is recognized as a WEF Young Global Leader. She has also contributed to the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council, advocating for gender equity on an international scale.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Hon. Kenewendo is a dedicated mentor and advocate for the rights and economic empowerment of women and youth. She mentors aspiring leaders through initiatives such as the Molaya Kgosi Trust, Young African Trade Experts, and Nala Fem Collective.

Hon. Kenewendo’s exceptional contributions have earned her recognition as one of Africa’s Most Influential People by multiple esteemed publications. In 2022, she was honored by TIME magazine in its prestigious TIME100 Next list, recognizing her as one of the world’s most promising leaders shaping the future of global governance and development.

Her commitment to excellence, sustainability, and equity continues to define her leadership and service to the Republic of Botswana and the global community.

Academy Award nominated, Emmy nominated, and Golden Globe-winning actor, filmmaker, and activist Taraji P. Henson quickly rose to fame after her breakout performance in the critically acclaimed film HUSTLE & FLOW. In 2020, Henson wrapped her iconic run as “Cookie Lyon” in Fox’s hit musical drama EMPIRE, which has earned her three Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe Award, a Critics Choice Award, and three BET Awards. Henson can recently be seen on the big screen starring in Blitz Bazawule’s THE COLOR PURPLE as Shug Avery. The Warner Bros. film is an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical, which is itself an adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. She can also recently be heard lending her voice to MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU as Belle Bottom. Henson also starred as Miss Hannigan in NBC’s Annie Live! in December of 2021, for which she won an NAACP award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special.

In Fall 2018, she launched the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her late father. The organization provides scholarships to African-American students majoring in mental health, offers mental health services to youth in urban schools, and works to lower the recidivism rates of African-American men and women. Henson, along with her best friend and foundation partner, Tracie Jade, recently co-hosted the Facebook Watch series on mental health called PEACE OF MIND WITH TARAJI, for which they received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for “Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host.”

In a world searching for new leadership, The Reverend Dr. Karri Bryant is at the forefront of a new generation of exceptional leaders. The Reverend Dr. Karri Bryant is a visionary pastor, scholar, and leader dedicated to the transformative power of faith, education, and women's empowerment. Known for her dynamic preaching and compassionate leadership, Dr. Bryant combines deep theological insight with a heart for empowering individuals to live out their divine purpose. As a respected voice in both sacred and academic spaces, Dr. Bryant has served congregations, mentored emerging leaders, and spoken nationally on issues of faith, equity, and holistic wellness. Her work bridges the pulpit and the public square, calling for a renewed commitment to justice, hope, and reconciliation. Dr. Karri Bryant has a proven track record of vision driven leadership in the government, non-profit and ministry sectors. Her expertise in the marketplace, coupled with her ministry experience, has set her apart as a dynamic leader. Dr. Karri currently serves as the First Lady and Executive Pastor of Creative/Experience alongside her husband, The Reverend Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, civil rights leader, activist, businessman, and senior pastor of New Birth Church in Atlanta. Dr. Karri Bryant provides leadership and oversight to various divisions of critical ministry such as creative/production/broadcast, marketing and communications, social media, online ministry, events, hospitality, worship and arts, women's ministry, and much more. Dr. Karri Bryant boasts of many awards, honors and recognition for her work in the spheres of ministry and the marketplace, such as receiving the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., and recently named as an honoree of the United States Black Chambers Powerhouse 50 Women of Influence, the PowerHouse Woman In Ministry Award, the Legacy Award and the InnovateHer - Accelerating Power, Igniting Purpose Award to name a few. Dr. Karri Bryant  designed and launched the Distinguished Women of Color - Doctoral Cohort at Payne Theological Seminary for progressive women who desire to earn a Doctorate in Ministry with a concentration on women in ministry and marketplace. Dr. Karri Bryant is proud to be a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

The incomparable Dr. Karri Bryant holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the legendary Morris Brown College, a Master of Divinity Degree from The Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and an earned Doctor of Ministry Degree with a concentration in Christian Leadership and Renewal from Regent University, School of Divinity. Dr. Karri Bryant is a renowned speaker and published author of The Girl Bible, She's Lit, and The Nudge. Dr. Karri Bryant is an ordained clergywoman, mentor, entrepreneur, podcaster, philanthropist, and preacher/teacher who travels the world inspiring women of all ages. 

Dr. Karri has a ministry is rooted in the belief that authentic spirituality not only nurtures personal growth but also compels believers to engage the world with courage, empathy, and integrity. A devoted servant, Dr. Bryant continues to inspire through her preaching, teaching, and writing—reminding all that faith in action can change hearts, communities, and the world.

Janice Bryant Howroyd, fondly known as JBH, is the first African American woman to establish a multi-billion dollar company, the ActOne Group. The workforce solutions and staffing company engages some of the world’s best technologies and systems to support organizations of all sizes and provide jobs and careers for millions of workers across the globe. Her companies operate in over 32 countries, and her technologies service over 50 languages. JBH leads from the disciplines of humanity and excellence instilled by her parents in her childhood. Growing up in a segregated educational system in the deep south, the values of DE&I, transparency, and accountability frame her leadership style, her public and media presentations, and the culture of her organization.

JBH is the recipient of Black Enterprise’s coveted 2022 Women of the Year award and is the first-ever BET Honors Entrepreneur of the Year. She has been a presidential appointee to several committees, including Barack Obama’s Presidential Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, an appointment to the Federal Communications Commission’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE), and continues to serve on the ITAC (International Trade Advisory Committee).

She has guided the ActOne Group to a 2021 Silver Awarded Ecovadis Sustainable Corporation level and membership in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). She is also the author of two Amazon best-selling books: The Art of Work – How to Make Work, Work for You! and Acting Up: Winning in Business and Life Using Down-Home Wisdom.

JBH partners with some of the world’s best-known brands in business and academics to support education and business initiatives that advance diverse populations and is a generous donor to schools and organizations that work to create inclusive opportunities for all.

She is a sought-after and inspiring speaker at universities, organizations, and corporations on the subjects of economic inclusion, personal and professional development, and how to start/grow businesses in a tech-fueled economy. She provides subject matter expertise on women’s issues, the workforce and the economy, business and entrepreneurship, and network and digital media. She also has one of the most motivational social media presences across all social platforms. JBH uses her presence as a voice and connector for humanity, saying, “Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally!”

T. D. Jakes is a globally recognized serial entrepreneur, visionary, and faith leader who presides over The Potter’s House, a global humanitarian organization and 30,000-member church in Dallas. Beyond his faith-based initiatives, T.D. Jakes spreads his inclusive message via a multimillion-dollar media empire spanning film, television, radio, bestselling books and a global conference series.

Deeply committed to serving as a force for good in underserved communities around the world, T.D. Jakes has launched a variety of successful programs, including the Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.), which helps prepare former inmates convicted of non-violent crimes for the workforce. He also hosts conferences like the International Leadership Summit, which brings together a diverse group of entrepreneurs and visionaries who share their strategies for becoming more effective leaders, and a global women’s conference.

As an influential thought leader, T.D. Jakes has cultivated relationships with a broad mix of Fortune 500 CEOs, politicians and media figures, including AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson and U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC).

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. TDJF has three strategic pillars: financial inclusion, educational access and workforce readiness, and community transformation and well-being.

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. Her leadership gifts and talents have also been recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Corporate America by Savoy Magazine, by the Network Journal as one of the Top 25 Influential Black Women in Business, and she was a recipient of the Sojourner Truth Award by the National Congress of Black Women. Kelley was acknowledged for her commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout her career by receiving the Career Mastered Award and has been recognized as a member of the top team of distinction for the American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Banking Award, and as a Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Award winner by Peirce College for the City of Philadelphia.

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.

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!

To request Kelley Cornish as a speaker for your event, please use the Speaker Request link below. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and bring her expertise to your audience.

Stacy Spikes is the best selling author of Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being An Outsider. He is also an American entrepreneur and the Co-founder of MoviePass  the nation’s f irst theatrical subscription service that reached 3 million members and was voted Top 25 most disruptive technology companies by Business Insider.  He is credited with the patents in the area of FinTech. Spikes is also the founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Urbanworld Film Festival which is the world’s largest competitive festival of its kind and the launching pad of such directors as Ava DuVernay, Lee Daniels and Malcolm Lee.  2011 Spikes was honored by Mayor Bloomberg with the “Made In NY” Award along with Matt Damon, John Leguizamo and Sidney Lumet, which recognizes excellence within New York City’s media and entertainment industry.  2019 the USA Today named Spikes one of the 21 most influential minorities in tech. 

Spikes was the star of an Emmy-nominated HBO documentary called MoviePass, Movie Crash executive produced by Mark Wahlberg. The documentary was the second most watched movie behind Dune on the HBO/Max Channel in June of 2024. 

Shaunie Henderson is a pioneering media mogul, best-selling author, philanthropist, First Lady of The Lighthouse Church & Ministries,  and a defining voice at the intersection of entertainment, faith, and women’s leadership. As the founder and CEO of Amirah, Inc., she is the creative force behind one of television’s most successful and culture-shaping reality series in history: The Basketball Wives. Now, more than a decade later, and under her fierce leadership, the franchise has redefined a genre, launched multiple spin-offs, and continues to amplify underrepresented voices in a space that too often sidelines their stories. 

Grounded by her faith and unwavering purpose, Henderson’s journey is a testament to seeking growth, no matter the chapter of one’s life. It’s her very own story of “becoming” that keeps her digital community of more than 2 million locked in to the lessons she shares and the examples she lives her life in accordance to. As a trusted voice for women in search of clarity, courage, and self-agency, her platforms open doors, shift narratives, and invite multi-generational audiences of women to build lives that feel unapologetically theirs.  

That same blend of faith and audacity marked Henderson’s entry into television. With no industry experience or connections, she pitched her first TV show; one that would become the most-watched, longest-running, and highest-grossing reality TV shows in history. Her courage and creative instincts when coupled with her unshakeable defiance, shattered expectations, and transformed the cultural landscape. 

Today, Henderson’s influence stretches from her production studio to the pews of The Lighthouse Church & Ministries to global conference stages. Whether she’s building platforms, mentoring women, or reshaping how stories are told, Henderson is committed to widening the pathway for those around her. Her women’s ministry and event series, HerSay: Tea Time, creates space for truth-telling, laughter, healing, and the kind of real conversations that rarely happen in traditional faith settings. Known for her “faith for the real world” approach, Henderson speaks to women navigating life’s quiet battles which are most often faced alone. Without judgment or pretense, she bridges the gap between the women who love God, and those still figuring out their path.  

Honing a unique and sought-after perspective, she brings a relatable, real-life lens to her approach to various topics as the best-selling author of Undefeated, a dynamic global speaker, and the co-host of the Grown & Growing Podcast with her husband, Pastor Keion Henderson. Their conversations on marriage, leadership, and blended family life are honest, often humorous, and infused with the warmth, candor, and the grounded wisdom she’s best known for.  

As a mother of five, philanthropist, and dedicated community-builder, Henderson believes that peace is a form of ambition, and that success is measured, not only by what you build, but by the purpose, wholeness, and relationships you protect along the way.  

Angela Rye is an award-winning host, social justice advocate, lawyer, commentator, and self-described empowermenteur. She's been recognized for her thoughtful commentary and real talk about social justice, politics, and culture by our nation’s most prominent civil rights organizations including National Urban League, NAACP, and National Action Network.

She has been nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards for her work on other networks and programs such as The Breakfast Club, The Daily Show, BET, HBO, TV One, CNN, ABC, NBC, NPR, and ESPN. She is also a partner on iHeartMedia’s new political podcast network Reasoned Choice Media. Rye co-hosts its flagship podcast, Native Land Pod, with Andrew Gillum and Tiffany D. Cross, where they discuss the global impact of politics, the behind the scenes of the cable news industry, and much more.  

Angela has worked with every branch of government at the intersection of purpose, justice, and integrity. She is the Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, a political advocacy, social impact, and racial equity firm where she creates strategic partnerships and coalitions with Capitol Hill, third party organizations, and influencers to ensure societal change. She also served as the Executive Director and General Counsel to the Congressional Black Caucus for the 112th Congress and as the Senior Policy Advisor and Counsel for the House Committee on Homeland Security for four years. 

Tracy “The D.O.C.” Curry

Tracy “The D.O.C.” Curry is one of the most influential architects of hip hop — and a 2025 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree who continues to shape the culture he helped create. He’s an artist most Hip Hop fans have heard of, but few realize how much they’ve actually heard from.

As a founding creative force behind N.W.A., The D.O.C. helped engineer the sound and soul of West Coast rap, co-writing landmark tracks for Eazy-E, N.W.A., and others. His own debut album, No One Can Do It Better (1989), set a new lyrical standard and remains a cornerstone of the genre.

A near-fatal car accident irreparably damaged his vocal cords and cut short his performing career — but not his impact. The D.O.C. continued to shape culture from behind the scenes, ghostwriting iconic verses and mentoring future legends including Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur. He went on to co-found Death Row Records, pen timeless hits for Dr. Dre, Snoop, and countless others, and help define the very blueprint of modern hip hop.

Today, he’s building something even bigger — a bridge from legacy to future, art to technology, voice to vision. Through DOC Cares and the Dreams Experience Academy, he’s reclaiming his voice and expanding his impact to younger generations across Education, AI, Music, Film, and Technology.

Featured at the 2025 Yale Innovation Summit, The D.O.C. is a sought-after thought leader for innovators exploring AI-driven creativity, voice technology, and the intersection of culture, commerce, and tech. He continues to redefine what it means to inspire — proving that true influence doesn’t fade. It evolves.

[Watch his 2025 Yale Innovation Summit keynote address →]

First female to perform Hip Hop in the White House and first African American female to serve as the President of the Los Angeles chapter of the Recording Academy: these are just the first of many firsts. Lyricist, actress, inspirational speaker, DJ, pioneer, icon, philanthropist, and entrepreneur describe one of the most prolific and well-respected woman Hip Hop artists of all time: MC Lyte. She has consistently found ways to reinvent herself musically, while expanding her resume and gaining new fans. An inductee in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, MC Lyte always has her finger on the pulse of what’s next as she continues to venture out to other avenues that have allowed her to show the world just how talented she truly is.

MC Lyte’s groundbreaking music career solidified her as a Hip-Hop icon. She is the FIRST rap artist ever to perform at New York’s historic Carnegie Hall, the FIRST female rapper to ever receive a gold single, the FIRST female solo rapper nominated for a Grammy, and in 2006, MC Lyte became the FIRST solo female rapper to be honored and inducted on VH1's Hip Hop Honors. Her accolades include honors from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), BET, BET HER, AARP, ADCOLOR, the National Urban League, the Black Music Collective, and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Culture Icon Phoenix Award. In addition to Carnegie Hall, she has performed at historic venues including the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the White House, where she performed for President Barack Obama. MC Lyte also serves on the Kennedy Center’s Hip Hop Culture Council and co-produces the annual I AM WOMAN celebration honoring women in Hip Hop.

MC Lyte has graced network television as well as the big screen and she has been the voice behind the VH1 Hip Hop Honors and national campaigns for Wherehouse Music, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Nike. Her distinctive voice has become synonymous with excellence,

serving as the announcer and voice for the BET Awards, Emmys, Grammys, NAACP Image Awards, NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show, and numerous Fortune 500 brands.

As an actress, MC Lyte has built an impressive body of work in both television and film. Her recent roles include Detective Monroe in BET’s Angel, Viacom’s Hip.Hop.Family.Christmas, and BET’s Favorite.Son"s.Christmas. MC Lyte has had recurring roles in UPN’s Half.™ .Half and NBC’s For.Yor.Love as well as a series regular role in the New.York.Undercover pilot reboot. She has also recurred on major television series, including S¡W¡A¡T¡ (CBS),.Power (Starz), and Queen. of. the. South (USA). Her film credits include the Sundance Award–winning Patti. Cake₰, the box-office hit Girls.Trip, Bad.Hair directed by Justin Simien, Sylvie starring Tessa Thompson and Eva Longoria, Loved.to.Death, and One.Night.Stay.

Behind the camera, MC Lyte has made a powerful impact as a creator, producer, and director. MC Lyte is the creator, director, writer, executive producer, AND lead actress in AMC/ALLBLK’s sitcom Partners.in.Rhyme and serves as executive producer of the Netflix docuseries Ladies. First. A. Story. of. Women. in. Hip Hop. She made her award-winning directorial debut with the short film Break. Up. in.Love, which garnered multiple festival honors. She also directed rising young artist Van Van’s Be.You music video and the BET television series Angel.

In addition to her creative achievements, MC Lyte is the CEO of Sunni Gyrl, Inc., a full-service entertainment management and production company providing executive leadership, artist development, brand strategy, and creative services. She oversees the careers of Van Van, Lil Mama, Scarface and a host of entertainers, DJ’s, comedians and public figures.

An author, motivational speaker, and philanthropist, MC Lyte continues to inspire audiences worldwide through her advocacy for entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and community uplift. Through her nonprofit organization, Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, she has awarded over $1 million in scholarships, further cementing her legacy as a leader committed to impact, education, and generational change.

Morgan DeBaun, a visionary leader in media and technology, serves as the Founder and CEO of Blavity Inc. Since its inception in 2014, Morgan has steered the company to become a global corporation serving multicultural consumers. Blavity Inc. is renowned for its diverse brands including AfroTech, Travel Noire, and Shadow and Act. Recognized for her dedication to inclusive advertising and tech innovation, Morgan has been honored with several prestigious awards, such as the American Advertising Hall of Fame, Inc.’s Female Founders, and Forbes' 30 Under 30. Some of her recent clients include Nike, Microsoft, American Express, Capital One and Newell Brands. Her commitment is further exemplified through her influential role as an angel investor and a board advisor to American Airlines, Pepsico and the Black Economic Alliance. A proud alumna of Washington University in St. Louis, Morgan is an advocate for small business owners and workplace equity. She frequently speaks on global platforms, sharing her insights and inspiring change. Beyond her executive role, Morgan nurtures future leaders as a podcast host and advisor, focusing on elevating entrepreneurs. 

Damola Adamolekun is a globally recognized business leader and dynamic speaker whose journey from Nigeria to the boardrooms of America embodies resilience, excellence, and bold leadership.

At just 36 years old, Damola is the Chief Executive Officer of Red Lobster, the world’s largest seafood restaurant company, where he leads the iconic brand’s transformation for a new generation. He is the youngest CEO in Red Lobster’s history and was previously the youngest CEO in the history of P.F. Chang’s, where he steered the company through the pandemic and revitalized one of America’s most beloved Asian dining brands.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential executives of his generation, Damola was named to Fortune’s “100 Most Powerful People in Business” and has been featured by The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Forbes, CNBC, CNN, Bloomberg, and the Harvard Business Review, among others.

Born in Nigeria and raised across Africa, Europe, and the United States, Damola’s story is one of grit, global perspective, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey—from Ivy League football fields to Wall Street trading floors to the C-suites of billion-dollar companies—fuels his belief that success is built on discipline, action, and the habit of excellence.

As a speaker, Damola is known for his dynamic, high-energy delivery and transformative insights on leadership, innovation, and perseverance. Whether addressing corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, or students, he challenges audiences to think bigger, move faster, and lead with clarity and conviction.

Before joining Red Lobster, Damola was a Partner at Paulson & Co., where he led several of the firm’s largest investments, and later served as CEO and Director of P.F. Chang’s. He began his career at Goldman Sachs in investment banking and later at TPG Capital in private equity.

Damola has been honored with multiple GLOBEE Leadership Awards, including CEO of the Year: Food & Beverage and Transformational Leader of the Year, as well as inclusion on Nation’s Restaurant News’ Power List and the EBONY Power 100.

A graduate of Brown University, where he studied Economics and Political Science and played on the Ivy League Champion football team, Damola also earned his MBA from Harvard Business School.

Damola shares his message of purpose, discipline, and transformation with audiences around the world—showing that greatness isn’t inherited, it’s built through action.

Dr. Joel Tudman is an actor, author, leadership communicator, and mental health advocate known for his compelling ability to bridge leadership, mental wellness, and personal transformation. Holding a Doctorate in Leadership, Dr. Joel blends strategic communication, innovation, and clinical insight to help individuals and organizations develop resilience, clarity, and sustainable growth. With a background spanning ministry, mental health, and media, Dr. Joel designs programs and speaks nationally on topics including identity, emotional intelligence, recovery, resilience, and leadership development. His work emphasizes preparation, regeneration, and long-term wellbeing—equipping people to lead themselves effectively before leading others. As a mental health advocate, Dr. Joel focuses on drug and alcohol recovery, anger management, and emotional regulation, with a particular emphasis on creating healing spaces for men. His candid, solution-oriented approach allows him to address complex issues with both depth and accessibility. Highly adaptable in both sacred and secular settings, Dr. Joel is recognized as a crossgenerational communicator who connects with diverse audiences through authenticity, precision, and presence. Whether on stage, on screen, or in coaching environments, his mission is clear: to help people become whole, grounded, and purpose-driven leaders. 

Dr. Shirley Davis is an award winning global workforce and leadership expert, a marketplace minister, certified coach, bestselling author, and President and CEO of Dr. Shirley Davis International. She has over 30 years’ experience as a business executive in Fortune 50 and 100 companies in various senior leadership roles and has worked in over 40 countries. She has been featured and quoted on NBC’s The Today Show, USA Today, Fast Company, in the Wall Street Journal, Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, The Washington Post, Harvard Business Review, Forbes Magazine, to name a few. 

In 2021 she was inducted into the Inclusion Hall of Fame, in May 2022 she was sought out by Oprah’s team to write an article about “purpose and destiny” in which she was featured on the front page of Oprah Daily. In August 2022, she was honored with the highest and most prestigious award of Toastmasters International called the Golden Gavel. 

In 2025 and 2026, she was named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Tampa Bay by the Women We Admire Organization.   She delivers more than 100 keynotes and training programs across the country and internationally and consults with Pastors, Bishops, global CEOs, Boards, and other business leaders on strategies and solutions for cultivating world class leadership teams, organizational cultures, and developing future leaders. Additionally, she preaches at church revivals, leadership retreats, women’s conferences, and youth conventions. She is a popular LinkedIn Learning author of 12 leadership courses, and author of six books: “Reinvent Yourself: Strategies for Achieving Success in Every Area of Your Life,” (and the companion workbook)  “The Seat: How to Get Invited to the Table When You are Over-Performing and Undervalued,” “Living Beyond What If?: Release the Limits and Realize Your Dreams,” and “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Dummies,” Inclusive Leadership for Dummies” and this past February, her third Dummies book titled, “Leading High Performance Teams” was released.  

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Law; a Master’s degree in Adult Education, a Master’s degree in HR Management; and a Ph.D. in Business and Organization Management and held the national title of Ms. American United States (2000-2001).  She also serves on the national board of directors for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In 2023 she launched the Dr. Shirley Davis Foundation to serve individuals from underserved groups by providing them mentorship, home ownership funding, career acceleration, scholarships and financial literacy for building a better future and leaving a legacy for their next generation.  

Bakari was born into an activist family. His father, civil rights leader Cleveland Sellers, instilled core values in him to continue in the tireless commitment to service. 

In 2005 Bakari earned a bachelor's degree in African-American Studies from Morehouse College. He continued his education at the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2008 earning a juris doctor. Bakari currently practices law with the Strom Law Firm, LLC in Columbia, SC.

Bakari made history in the 2006 South Carolina state legislature as the youngest African American elected official in the nation, at the age of 22. His political career did not stop there, in 2014 he was the Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor in the state of South Carolina. Bakari has also worked for United States Congressman James Clyburn and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. 

His accomplishments do not go unnoticed within the Democratic Party. In 2008 he served on President Obama’s South Carolina steering committee. His ability to “reach across the aisle to get things done” has led to numerous achievements including being named TIME Magazine’s 40 Under 40 and “The Root 100” list of the nation’s most influential African-Americans in 2014 and 2025, and HBCU Top 30 Under 30 in July 2014. 

Bakari has served as a featured speaker at various Political Events, Universities, and National Trade Organizations across the country, such as the 2008 and 2016 Democratic National Convention. 

Sellers is married to Dr. Ellen Rucker-Sellers and is the father of twins, Sadie and Stokely, as well as Kai, who is a freshman at Howard.

Arian Simone is a distinguished venture capitalist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, best-selling author, international speaker, and Queen. She is the Founding Partner and CEO of the Fearless Fund, the first venture capital fund designed by women of color for women of color, focusing on pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments. The fund includes prominent institutional investors like J.P. Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and others. Arian’s work with the Fearless Fund has been nothing short of monumental, including the Fund’s victory in the lawsuit waged against them by Ed Blum which marked a significant win in the ongoing battle against the attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Arian's achievements and unwavering commitment to empowering others have solidified her reputation as a pioneering force in her industry. With an MBA from Florida A&M University, Arian launched a successful public relations and marketing firm, serving major clients such as Sony Pictures, Walt Disney, and Universal Studios. Her expertise has led to her role on the Board of Directors for Steve Madden and advisory positions with Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, Arian holds the esteemed role of Queen of Dawa Grand-Béréby in Côte D'Ivoire, where she works with the government to help improve the welfare of the people. Recognized on the TIME Next 100 list in the "Phenom" category, Arian’s work exemplifies her commitment to empowering others and driving meaningful change. 

Van Jones is a U.S. media personality, entrepreneur and world-class changemaker. Jones has a rare track record of bringing people together to do hard things – in areas as diverse as clean energy solutions, criminal justice reform and racial inclusion in the tech sector. In 2007, Van was the primary champion of the Green Jobs Act, signed into law by George W. Bush. In 2009, he worked in the Obama White House as the Special Advisor for Green Jobs. In 2018, he helped pass the FIRST STEP Act, signed into law by Donald Trump; the New York Times calls that legislation the most substantial breakthrough in criminal justice in a generation.

In 2021, Jones was the first recipient of Jeff Bezos’ Courage & Civility Award. He has since founded Dream Machine Innovation Lab and launched RAPPORT.co, which uses A.I. to increase firms’ EQ. A Yale Law School graduate, Van is a CNN host, an Emmy Award-winning producer, a 3X New York Times best-selling author and the creator of the Van Jones Substack.

Reverend Doctor Nicole Massie Martin was born and educated in Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a triple major in Human and Organizational Development, Educational Studies, and French. Dr. Martin received her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and earned a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. 

Dr. Martin serves as the President and CEO of Christianity Today. She is the founder and Executive Director of Soulfire International Ministries, which accelerates thriving for pastors, churches, and younger leaders. She is also active in her local congregation in Maryland at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church.

Dr. Martin is a gifted writer and author of numerous articles including three books: Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering & Surrender, Made to Lead: Empowering Women for Ministry and Leaning In, Letting Go: A Lenten Devotional. She serves on the executive council of the National Association of Evangelicals, the Board of Trustees at Fuller Theological Seminary, and on the National Advisory Board for the Salvation Army. She is a founding board member of the Center for Christianity and Public Life and has been inducted into the esteemed Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. 

Dr. Martin is married to her best friend, Dr. Mark Martin, and they have two amazing daughters.

Apostle Dwight Buckner, Jr. is a passionate servant of God whose life and ministry are marked by an unwavering love for the Lord and a deep compassion for people. A seventh-generation pastor from Minneapolis, he accepted his call to preach at sixteen and has been faithfully proclaiming the Gospel ever since.

Now based in Georgia, Apostle Buckner is the founder and senior pastor of Generation of Hope Church—a ministry birthed out of his barbershop, to reach at-risk youth, strengthen families, and restore hope to the broken. He also leads Hope Nation Global Network and My Purpose Mentorship Program, empowering leaders and helping individuals discover God’s purpose for their lives.

A gifted preacher, author, and mentor, Apostle Buckner continues to impact lives around the world through his teaching, media ministry, and a sincere commitment to serving others. He resides in Tucker, GA with his wife Elisa and their two children.