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< Back To Speakers Curtis Valentine Founder | Educator | Speaker | Co-Director Contact For Booking ​ ​ Curtis Valentine, founder of Real Men Teach, is at the forefront of advocating for the recruitment and retention of male educators of color. His initiative stems from the insights gained during his ten-year tenure as an At-Large School Board Member for Prince George’s County Public Schools, and the subsequent creation of the Male Educator Network. Through Real Men Teach, Curtis collaborates with schools, districts, nonprofits, and universities to champion diversity in teaching. A dynamic and nationally recognized speaker, Curtis has shared his insights at prestigious platforms including SXSW, the Black Male Educator Conference (BMEC), ASU-GSV, ESSENCE Fest, the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, 100 Black Men Annual Conference, and Amplify KC. His expertise extends to policy and academia, serving as the Co-Director of the Progressive Policy Institute's Reinventing America's Schools Project and as a Public Policy Professor at the University of Maryland. Curtis’s academic journey, spanning Morehouse College and Harvard University, laid the foundation for his career. Starting as an Education Volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps in South Africa, he then transitioned to a middle school educator in Maryland. His written work has been featured in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, Washington Informer, and the Theory Into Practice Literary Journal. Currently, Curtis is penning 'Real Men Teach,' a book that explores the profound influence of Black male educators, tracing back to the 18th century.

< Back To Speakers Michael D. Huggins Responsible Leader | Strategist Author | Keynote Speaker Contact For Booking ​ ​ Mike, a former C-suite executive, is a successful keynote speaker and corporate strategist unlike no other. He has earned a 25-year global reputation with a fresh perspective on managing companies and inspiring executives to address key issues for businesses ranging from $50 million to $2 billion. As Mike began evaluating his personal evolution into mindfulness and wellness, his last corporation became embroiled in legal issues and three corporate officers, including Mike, plead guilty to a misdemeanor under the responsible corporate officer doctrine, which holds executives accountable for actions taken at lower levels of their organizations. That experience was a huge turning point for Mike during his journey towards yoga and wellness, but also moved Mike to be more of a more vocal champion for corporate integrity, accountability and ethics.

< Back To Speakers Jennifer Freeman Actress | Motivational Speaker | Spokesmodel | Author | Women Advocate Contact For Booking Establish a solid, effectual support system and get rid of destructive cycles. You are far too smart to be the only thing standing in your way. Jennifer Freeman is a devoted mother, a redeemed daughter, and a fierce advocate for women. Born and raised in Long Beach, Jennifer is widely known for her role as Claire Kyle on the hit TV show, My Wife and Kids. In addition to her work as an actress, Jennifer is an author, motivational speaker, and a model - one who was recently named as one of the "new young faces" for the Neutrogena Skincare Company. After a difficult childhood, Jennifer began her career as an actress in 2000 to help her single mother support the family. Following her early successes, she went through a series of trails that could have left her broken ... if not for God. By leaning on her deep and abiding faith in Christ, Jennifer has committed herself to move forward by loving her family, her community - and ultimately - herself, well. As her story has resonated with young women everywhere, Jennifer has become a coveted and powerful motivational speaker. Her first book, Journey to Loving Yourself, shares inspired truths, grounded in God's word, designed to reach the heart of women. Through her journey, Jennifer has discovered a real, tangible relationship with God, who has restored and transformed her life. Jennifer's goal is to inspire others to do the same.

< Back To Speakers Dondré Whitfield Actor | Speaker | Social Commentator | Restoration Agent | Author Contact For Booking Strategies to Create Service Leaders in an Age of Selfishness. Words possess the power to bridge, calm, heal, transform, and deliver. Dondre Whitfield fulfills his life purpose by sharing his essence with others – as a loving husband, devoted father, engaged mentor, and as a skilled and passionate actor. A veteran, multiple Emmy nominated actor, he is popularly known for his role as Remy Newell in the award-winning television drama series Queen Sugar. Dondre’s deep commitment to activism and community reinvestment compels him to serve through mentorship opportunities. Inspiring men to discover their paths toward healthy manhood is one of his most gratifying experiences. The restorative part of his essence often bridges the frequently broken communication and relational gaps between men and women during times of formal speaking engagements as well as informal one on ones. He is a regular social commentator as well, contributing his honorable views on politics, social issues and community. Dondre Whitfield speaks, and his essence releases the wisdom, practical strategies and timeless answers that bring the life as well as relational healing and discovery moments men and women have been longing to know. His message targets a wide array of impactful life and relationship topics related to manhood, leadership, parenting, and spiritual inspiration. He shares from his wealth of life experiences that span across family dynamics, career, his inner life and its power to influence the course of the collective male conscience through his willingness to share.

< Back To Speakers Scott Steinberg Futurist | Leading Business Strategist | Author Contact For Booking ​ ​ WORLD’S LEADING BUSINESS STRATEGIST – MEET FORTUNE MAGAZINE’S MASTER OF INNOVATION Hailed as The Master of Innovation by Fortune magazine, and World’s Leading Business Strategist, award-winning strategic consultant, trends expert, and professional speaker Scott Steinberg is a bestselling expert on leadership, change + innovation. A go-to resource for C-level leaders, he has served as a source of thought leadership, insight, and consulting for over 1000 leading brands, and advised on household-name products found in 100+ million homes. One of America's top futurists (per the BBC); the author of Make Change Work For You and Millennial Marketing; and among today's top business strategy + leadership training providers, the Fortune 500 calls him a "defining figure in business + technology" and "top trendsetter to follow." A strategic adviser to CEOs and four-star generals, firms like IBM, PwC, and the US Dept. of Defense regularly seek his insight. As the CEO of BIZDEV: The International Association for Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, and management consulting + market research firm FutureProof Strategies, he helps partners stay one step ahead of emerging trends – and drive growth around them. One of the world's 150 most influential keynote speakers + futurists, and today’s #1 generations expert and technology expert (per Google), he offers breakouts, workshops, and speeches at meetings/events, and has consulted on dozens of industry-leading solutions. A noted content strategy, social media + communications expert, his eye for business analysis has also led to work as an insider for 600+ media outlets from CNN to The Today Show. From Dell to MTV, he’s worked with many top brands to drive success. An expert witness + board member who advises C-level leaders, attorneys + investors, he also offers sales and media training, and hosts many executive summits. "One of the best gurus on innovation + competitive advantage strategies to accelerate growth.” -European Commission “If you really want to know about business, you should refer to Scott Steinberg.”- Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin TOPICS – KEYNOTE SPEECHES AND BREAKOUTS THINK LIKE A FUTURIST: HOW TO SEE TOMORROW TODAY LEADING WITH INNOVATION: HOW TO FUTURE-PROOF YOURSELF, FEARLESSLY INNOVATE, AND SUCCEED DESPITE DISRUPTION WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF WORK: TOMORROW’S BEST PRACTICES, OPERATING MODELS, AND WORKFORCE TRENDS CHANGE MANAGEMENT: CREATING A CULTURE OF INNOVATION

< Back To Speakers Ravi Starzl Co-Founder and CEO of BioPlx | Executive Director of American BioDefense Institute | Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University Contact For Booking ​ ​ My passion is solving hard problems that matter. There is no more exciting place to be than working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and biotechnology. I am presently focused on addressing Antimicrobial Resistance and Hospital Acquired Infections with novel, sustainable, ethical, and valuable solutions. With deep expertise in biotech, applied AI / machine learning, and entrepreneurial execution, my methods are highly interdisciplinary, convergent, focused, and often unorthodox. My focus is on concrete double-bottom-line results.

< Back To Speakers Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda Educator | Change Maker | Founder | Urbanist | Author Contact For Booking ​ "Everyone has a role to play in building a better tomorrow, today." Dr. Pineda is an inspiring and transformative speaker, change-maker, and globally recognized scholar on inclusive smart cities. He is a two-time US presidential appointee serving three administrations in the US Federal Government. He's also a senior advisor to governments (Dubai, Amsterdam, Bangkok, Qatar) and Fortune 500 companies on innovation, resilience, and inclusive design. Dr Pineda helped negotiate agreements, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Habitat's New Urban Agenda, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Dr. Pineda directs the Inclusive Cities Lab at UC Berkeley, and is the Executive Chairman of the Victor Pineda Foundation / World Enabled. He's founded the Global Network for Disability Inclusive and Accessible Urban Development and the Cities for All Global Initiative. Dr. Pineda holds a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from UCLA's Luskin School for Public Affairs. Speaking Topics: • Social Impact Radical Inclusion Environmental and Social Governance Global Action on the Sustainable Development Goals • Future of Living Servant and Conscious Leadership Finding your purpose and creating meaning through adversity • Personal Development Smart Cities and Communities Philanthropy, Education, and Transformative Learning Innovation in Health, Bio-tech, and Precision Medicine Exponential Technologies (AI, Blockchain) Learn more by watching this video or the videos below. https://vimeo.com/866506820/c4dfdecc51

< Back To Speakers Wes Parham MBA, Ph.D Author | Speaker | Haterologist Contact For Booking "Be A Hater" ​ Wes Parham MBA Ph.D. is a higher education professional and Organizational Consultant at WEEW Consulting and author of "Be A Hater/Haterology". He also serves as the Executive Director/CEO of the Urban Scholastic Center located in Kansas City, KS. He is a national speaker in the areas of student development, organizational innovation, and organizational leadership. With his unique mix of social commentary, humor, and scholarship Dr. Wes has presented to thousands of students, professionals, and individuals and has established himself as a dynamic voice in today’s culture. Dr. Wes earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and an MBA with an emphasis in Leadership and Organizational change from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University in Virginia Beach. He has a true passion for individual empowerment, personal growth, and creative leadership. His professional experiences include positions as a project manager, student life coach, academic advisor, recruiter, scholarship coordinator, consultant, admissions director and more. His newest area of emphasis is on the intersection of selective exposure theory, millennials, and haters. Wes hopes to challenge, grow, and entertain the next generation of students, professionals, and leaders. Keynote Topics Organizational Leadership in the New Era Organizational Innovation Improve Your Personal & Business Relationships

< Back To Speakers Dr. Kori Novak Seasoned Chief Executive Officer | Researcher | Published | Author Contact For Booking ​ ​ Dr. Kori Novak is an accomplished Senior Executive with more than 18 years of success spanning healthcare and criminal justice. Leveraging extensive experience as a CEO for various organization Dr. Novak’s broad areas of expertise include elder care, hospice services, healthcare strategy and public affairs. She is a professor at various universities and is a Sr. Researcher in Gerontology at Oxford University and a Sr. Fellow of Sociology at the School of Law and Social Science at the University of Suffolk. She has been a guest lecturer and keynote speaker for several domestic and international associations/Congresses revolving around Gerontology, Health Care and Criminal Justice. Dr. Novak attained her Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Ethno-Geriatrics and End of Life from Stanford University School of Medicine, her Ph.D. in Human Services and Gerontology with Summa Cum Laude honors from Capella University, her MBA with a concentration in Marketing, Public Relations, and Healthcare Administration with Magna Cum Laude honors from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, and her BA in International Relations and Russian with Cum Laude honors from the University of Denver. She currently lives in Southern California with the loves of her life, her rescued dogs Winston and Abigail.

< Back To Speakers Jasmine Sanders Media Personality | Advocate | Co-Host of The D.L. Hughley Show Contact For Booking ​ "Failure will happen. Don’t cry about it get up and do something about it" Jasmine Sanders is an inspiring media personality known for her infectious energy and captivating presence. As co-host of The D.L. Hughley Show, she brings joy and entertainment to listeners nationwide. With her expertise in brand development and management, Jasmine helps businesses create engaging and relatable images. She is also a devoted advocate for foster care, adoption, and assault abuse, using her platform to make a positive impact on the world. Jasmine's authentic charm and relatability have made her universally loved and respected in the media industry. Visit Jasmine's YouTube channel to learn more https://www.youtube.com/@thejasmineexperience Speaking Topics: • "The Power of YES: How Perseverance and Persistence Can Lead to a Successful Life" • "Unleash Your Inner Strength: Why Knowing Your Core is Essential to Success" • "The Magic of Manifestation: How Speaking the Future into Existence Can Transform Your Life" • "Shine Bright Like a Diamond: How to Embrace Your Inner Light and Let It Shine for All to See" • "Navigating Life's Journey: Why Finding Your Co-Pilot is Key to Success" • "Faith and Works: How Putting Your Faith into Action Can Help You Achieve Your Dreams"

< Back To Speakers Devon Drew Founder & CEO, DFD Partners Contact For Booking Founder & CEO, DFD Partners ​ As a global leader in developing NextGen fintech solutions, Devon Drew is founder of Diligence Fund Distributors, a fintech platform that connects financial advisors to prospective clients and investment solutions. The firm is dedicated to maintaining its status as a cutting edge platform in the industry. DFD Partners leverages data and AI to provide asset managers with innovative and data driven solutions. Drew has worked as a senior executive at the internationally renowned Vanguard Group, JP Morgan Chase and Merrill Lynch and American Century and Alger. At Vanguard, Drew led efforts in the financial advisor services business to raise assets in Vanguard's proprietary ETFs and mutual funds within Texas where he raised over $20 billion from private wealth advisors. At American Century Investments and Alger, he raised over $2 billion from institutional and intermediary investors. At JP Morgan Chase and Merrill Lynch, he managed the financial well-being of his clients and received exposure to traditional investment products, including alternatives such as private equity, hedge, and real estate funds.

< Back To Speakers Quinn Conyers Corporate Event Emcee (MC) | Compelling Keynote Speaker | Event Experience Partner | 2023 TOP Speaker | 2X Author Contact For Booking ​ ​ As soon as Quinn Conyers opens her mouth, you will quickly realize why her energy is her superpower! She has over 17 years of in-person and virtual public speaking and event hosting experience. She has served as an engaging Event Emcee (MC) and speaker for organizations such as Nike, Visa, M&T Bank, the Black Podcaster Awards, Maryland Public Television (MPT) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to name a few. She is dynamic at keeping events on time, quick on her feet and is easy to work within a fast-paced environment. Quinn is a master at moderating and emceeing events that can last a few hours or multiple days. Her expert Emcee services are perfect for event planners who value robust experiences designed to make their events unforgettable. Quinn has recently been named Dream in Black Future-Maker by AT&T and was honored by her high school as a 2021 Distinguished Alumni. Quinn is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and the Black Speakers Network (BSN). She holds a Bachelors’ Degree from West Chester University and a Masters from Howard University. The event world is crazy busy with multiple moving parts. It’s easy for an event to go from calm to chaotic in a matter of seconds. But what if you had an Event Emcee who could confidently fill in when needed, or effectively bring a crowd to life? Quinn Conyers is the glue that holds your event together and ensures your conference or convention is not boring, but mind-blowing for multiple days. Quinn’s In-Person and Virtual Emcee Event specialties include: • Business, Entrepreneur, and Start-Up Events • Women in Business Conference and Conventions • Business Pitch Competitions & Demo Days • Awards Shows and Celebrations • Sales Summits & Conferences Keynotes: • Make HER voice visible in the workplace • Transform average events into EPIC experiences • Turn Conversations into Association Members Quinn also leads dynamic corporate trainings, workshops and breakout sessions on the following topics: • Public Speaking for Professionals: How leaders can become compelling communicators to excel in their career • Public Speaking & Pitching for Business Owners • Leading with your Voice • Speaking as a Strategy for Business Growth