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ADRIENNE Y. SEMIDEY, D.M
President & CEO, CCMS, LLC
Adrienne Y. Semidey, D.M., is the President and CEO of Communications and Change Management Solutions (CCMS), a leadership and organizational development firm helping growing organizations scale with intention and measurable impact. Drawing on 20+ years of executive experience across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, she uses CCMS's proprietary A³ Approach to move clients from strategy to execution at critical inflection points.
AIMY STEELE
CEO, New North Carolina Project
Dr. Aimy Steele is the Founder and CEO of the New North Carolina Project (NNCP), a Concord-based nonprofit strengthening civic engagement, housing security, economic mobility, and public safety for Black and Brown communities across North Carolina. A Ph.D. educator, multilingual global thinker, and multi-million-dollar real estate producer, Dr. Steele brings a rare cross-sector depth to community-centered systems change.
ALLISON JOHNSON
Founding Partner, Bayou Bounty Farm
Allison Johnson is a Founding Partner of Bayou Bounty Farm (BBF), an agricultural development firm specializing in grants management, program implementation, and conference logistics for federal agencies, land-grant universities, and rural communities. A former USDA National Outreach Director, she brings 30+ years of federal agricultural expertise to every engagement.
ANGELA MAUNEY
Founder, Mauney Prime Solutions LLC
Dr. Angela Mauney is the Founder of Mauney Prime Solutions, a cybersecurity and AI advisory firm supporting government and private-sector organizations in strengthening operational resilience and digital transformation. A U.S. Army veteran with a Ph.D., MBA, and 20+ years of experience — including 15 in cybersecurity leadership — she holds six of the top ten cybersecurity certifications and executive education credentials from MIT and Harvard.
ASHLEY MORGAN
Owner, Salubrious Restoration Clinic
Ashley Morgan is the Owner of Salubrious, a luxury hair restoration and wellness clinic on Chicago's South Side specializing in scalp treatments, cranial prosthesis fittings, and premium hair extension services. Through Salubrious University of Beauty Culture, Ashley is also building an educational pipeline that trains the next generation of licensed beauty professionals — positioning the brand at the intersection of luxury, medical hair restoration, and community impact.
BRITTANY COOPER
Founder & Principal Designer, Rathell Designs
Brittany Cooper is the Founder and Principal Designer of Rathell Designs, a full-service interior architecture and design firm in Cary, North Carolina. Specializing in thoughtful renovations, custom millwork, and curated interiors for residential and boutique commercial clients, Brittany blends biophilic design principles with entrepreneurial precision to create spaces that are timeless, intentional, and deeply personal.
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AHMYAH SMITH
CFO, CBK Industries
Ahmyah Smith is the CFO of CBK Industries, an Indianapolis-based multi-trade property services company delivering HVAC, plumbing, remodeling, and maintenance solutions for residential, commercial, and government clients. CBK's platform model consolidates multiple trades under one relationship — a differentiated approach in a highly fragmented industry.
DR. CARLA BRAILEY
CEO & Founder, Frontrunners Strategic Management Group
Dr. Carla D. Brailey is the Founder and Principal Strategist of Frontrunners Strategic Management Group, a strategic advisory firm serving nonprofits, public institutions, and civic leaders. A nationally respected sociologist, she brings over two decades of expertise in research, public policy, and community development.
CRYSTAL SMITH
President of Government Services, International Behavioral Health
Crystal Smith, LCSW, is the Founder and CEO of International Behavioral Health (IBH), a national provider of integrated and tele-behavioral health solutions licensed across more than 40 U.S. states and territories. Serving healthcare systems, employers, and public-sector partners, IBH deploys compliant, whole-person care into underserved communities and federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas nationwide.
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D'ANGELO SENAT
Founder & CEO, AllPeeP
D'Angelo Senat is the Founder and CEO of AllPeeP, a community infrastructure platform that lets organizations embed and fully own their digital communities — replacing rented tools like Slack, Discord, and Mighty Networks with infrastructure they control. A Florida A&M and UCF graduate with a background in industrial and systems engineering, D'Angelo has grown AllPeeP to serve over 1,000 organizations across the U.S., Africa, and Europe.
DANIELLE RILEY
CEO & CNO, Concierge Clinicians of Houston
Danielle Riley, RN, BSN, is the CEO and Chief Nursing Officer of Concierge Clinicians of Houston, a private-duty skilled nursing and home care agency serving Houston's most discerning clients. With over two decades of clinical experience across complex specialties and a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alumna, Danielle is also building "The Nurse That Knows" — a public health authority platform focused on preventing cognitive decline in younger generations.
DEREK D. ROSS
Founder & Principal Strategist, The D² Group
Derek D. Ross is the Founder and Principal Strategist of The D² Group, a brand strategy and communications firm operating at the intersection of culture, storytelling, and leadership. With more than 21 years of experience advising organizations across sports, entertainment, higher education, and social impact, Derek helps leaders translate big ideas into compelling narratives that drive visibility, influence, and lasting growth.
DOMINIQUE AKINS
Founder, Peaky's Cosmetology for the Culture
Dominique Akins is an entrepreneur, educator, and beauty industry leader dedicated to transforming lives through cosmetology education. As the founder of Peaky's Cosmetology for the Culture in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, she provides hands-on training in cosmetology, natural hair care, and aesthetics while emphasizing entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
FALLON BLACKMON
President & Managing Partner, The "REAL" Insurance Lady
Fallon Blackmon is the President and Managing Partner of The "REAL" Insurance Lady Agency (T.R.I.L.), a national insurance powerhouse specializing in ACA enrollments and healthcare access. A Baylor University alumna, Fallon helps lead an industry-defining agency that has grown from humble beginnings into one of the country's leading Obamacare enrollment firms serving thousands nationwide.
KAREN MORGAN
CEO & Founder, Telios: Measure What Wins
Karen Morgan is the CEO and Founder of Telios: Measure What Wins, a Houston-based sports technology company building the first wearable and sensor-enabled system for objective skill tracking in contact-based sports. A former All-American volleyball player at Rice University with 18 years of coaching experience, Karen holds domestic and international utility patents on the platform's core architecture.
KIMBERLY WILKINSON
Founder, Members Only
Kimberly Wilkinson is the Founder of Members Only, a Charlotte-based hospitality concept offering everyday open entertainment, casual bar experiences, and event space. A serial entrepreneur with 16 years in Charlotte's small business scene, Kimberly also owns and operates Juice Box and Partake — a trio of venues built on family-oriented energy and community connection.
KIRBY MACK
Founder & Owner, Kirby Mack Creative
Kirby Mack is the Founder and Creative Director of Kirby Mack Creative, a Houston-based boutique agency delivering strategic branding, web design, and fractional creative support for women-led brands, nonprofits, and corporate teams. With 10+ years in the industry, her work has supported contracts valued up to $90M and earned recognition from ESSENCE, Oprah's Book Club, and the NFL.
L. RENÉE LOWE
Founder & Managing Attorney, L. Renée Lowe, PLLC
L. Renée Lowe, Esq. is the Founder and Managing Attorney of L. Renée Lowe, PLLC, a boutique law firm delivering Fortune 200-level business, privacy, and cybersecurity counsel to entrepreneurs and growth-stage businesses across Texas — backed by 25 years of corporate, government, and private practice experience.
LA TASHA TAYLOR
Co-Founder & CEO, BSM Media Group LLC
La Tasha Taylor is the Co-Founder and CEO of BSM Media Group, parent of the award-winning BSM Magazine and the "Twins of Media" show — a twin-founded Houston media platform with 15+ years of cultural reach and an interview roster spanning Dr. Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Tabitha Brown, and Vivica A. Fox.
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LA TRISHA McINTOSH
Co-Founder & CEO, BSM Media Group LLC
La Trisha McIntosh is the Co-Founder and CEO of BSM Media Group, a Houston-based media company behind the award-winning BSM Magazine and the "Twins of Media" Show. Since launching as a blog in 2008, the brand has grown into a multi-platform media powerhouse with a celebrity roster that includes Tabitha Brown, Vivica A. Fox, and Oprah Winfrey.
LISA WILKINSON
Co-Founder, Health Readiness Resources
Lisa M. Wilkinson, LMFT, is the Co-Founder of Health Readiness Resources, a clinician-owned behavioral health contracting firm delivering telehealth, staffing, resiliency programming, and medical support services to city, state, and federal government clients. With over 20 years of experience and a track record of securing millions in government contracts, Lisa brings rare clinical depth and business strategy to a firm now scaling toward corporate markets and revenue diversification.
DR. LOMAX R. CAMPBELL
Co-Founder, Health Readiness Resources
Dr. Lomax R. Campbell is the founding President & CEO of Third Eye Network (TEN), a national multifaceted consultancy advancing social transformation through research, strategic planning, marketing, and ecosystem building. With over two decades of experience and $34M in grants raised, TEN has delivered impact in more than 50 communities across 20 states.
MATTHEW MULLENS
Managing Partner, AkoraTech
Matthew Mullens is a Managing Partner at AkoraTech, a managed services firm delivering AI enablement, cybersecurity, and cloud architecture to enterprise and government clients. His background in enterprise procurement and federal subcontracting drives AkoraTech's partnership-first approach to scalable IT delivery.
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NAKEITHA ROSS
CEO, The Fearless Female Forum
NaKeitha Ross is the CEO of The Fearless Female Forum, a nonprofit community dedicated to empowering women through mentorship, workshops, and authentic connection. Drawing on years of intimate mentoring experience, she has built a platform where women from all backgrounds find the strategic tools and support to break through self-doubt and thrive personally and professionally.
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NETTIE JONES
Owner, Nettie Jones LLC
Nettie Jones is a licensed psychotherapist and international speaker with 25+ years of experience supporting high-achieving women — executives, physicians, and attorneys — in building emotional wellness without sacrificing performance. Creator of the proprietary VITALS Model and author of three books including The Girlfriend's Therapist Handbook, her practice bridges clinical depth with real-world leadership application.
RODNEY DOUGLAS
Owner & Operator, A1 Fleet Service, LLC
Rodney Douglas is the owner and operator of A1 Fleet Service, a Houston, Texas-based diesel repair company specializing in diagnostics, engine repair, and preventative maintenance for semi-trucks and heavy-duty equipment. He has built a reputation for dependable service and honest workmanship that trucking companies and owner-operators rely on.
SHARAI LAVOIE
CEO & Managing Member, Lavoie CPA PLLC
Sharai Lavoie is the Founder and CEO of Lavoie CPA PLLC, a WBENC-certified financial operations firm based in Charlotte, NC delivering Accounting-as-a-Service — pairing day-to-day accounting with fractional CFO/Controller support, forecasting, and finance tech implementation. A Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses alum and Charlotte Business Journal Women in Business honoree, Sharai has led the firm to $1M+ in annual revenue since its founding in 2009.
SHARIKA COMFORT
Co-Founder & CEO, Educated Hoodlums Brand, LLC
Sharika Comfort is the Co-Founder and CEO of Educated Hoodlums Brand, a Charlotte-based consulting firm providing capacity building, fundraising strategy, and operational support to nonprofits and small businesses. A 2x HBCU graduate and Teach For America alum, she has supported 50+ organizations and helped clients secure over $500,000 in capital since 2024.
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TAELOR JACKSON
CEO, Panther Graphics
Taelor Jackson is the CEO of Panther Graphics, an MBE-certified manufacturing and marketing solutions company specializing in commercial printing, packaging, and brand communications. A second-generation leader and Rochester Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, she has transformed Panther into a modern, nationally recognized manufacturing platform serving enterprise clients and government agencies.
TEDARIAL EDWARDS
CEO, NMLD Towing LLC (No More Locked Doors)
Tedarial Edwards is the CEO of NMLD Towing LLC, a full-service towing company serving the Charlotte, North Carolina market. Founded in 2013, NMLD offers light, medium, and heavy duty towing, roadside assistance, recovery, and impound services — all with upfront pricing and certified, professional staff. An award-winning operator and community first responder, Tedarial is on a mission to make NMLD one of the best towing services in Charlotte.
DR. WILLIE WILLIAMS
Founder, Accepted Admissions LLC
Dr. Willie Williams is the Founder of Accepted Admissions LLC, a Black-owned educational consulting firm partnering with schools on Chicago's South and West Sides to deliver culturally responsive curriculum, mentoring programs, and professional development. A licensed educator and PhD with over a decade in the classroom, he brings lived experience and deep community credibility to work built on the belief that the right support can change a young person's trajectory.
YVETTE TOWNSEND-INGRAM
CEO & Founder, Yvette4Meck Consulting
Yvette Townsend-Ingram is the CEO and Founder of Yvette4Meck Consulting, a 501(c)(4) political consulting firm specializing in full campaign management, voter education, fundraising, and grant services. An elected official and data-driven strategist, she leverages deep community relationships and voter behavior analytics to help clients win campaigns and advance Democratic values.