SPEAKERS DIRECTORY

Dr. Lia Abney is a leadership expert, international speaker, and bestselling author. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to develop leaders and create positive change. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Abney's expertise in leadership development and organizational behavior has been sought after by audiences worldwide. Her high-energy presentations are known for their practicality and engaging delivery, making her a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences and events.

My name is Charae Metevia and my primary message is centered around empowerment, encouragement, and enlightenment. I speak to leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who all seek to uplift their mindset and apply real principles to help them gain clarity of purpose, create and execute actions that will move them in the directions of their vision and goals.

Dr. Krystal L. Clemons, Founder and CEO of Our Village Consulting, is an award-winning educator with 15+ years in school counseling. Recognized by the American School Counselor Association for her contributions to the field, she developed The BRC Framework for Effective Engagement© and The Village Model of Community Engagement©. Her work focuses on Black student achievement, authenticity in education, and strengthening school-family-community partnerships.

Alberta Thomas, a dynamic 32-year-old from South Carolina, wears many hats: CEO of Corporate Classy Podcast, Co-Owner of Mo Movements, Regional Director at TCC, Corporate Trainer, and Mentor. Passionate about empowering women, she leverages her own life experiences to offer guidance and support. Alberta believes in the power of mindset and determination to overcome challenges and achieve success. Through her platforms, she inspires women to embrace self-discovery, growth, and empowerment, fostering a community of greatness.

Recognized in Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World, international speaker, author, and entertainer, Cheryl BryantBruce, M.D. “The Celebrity Doc” is mental health and wellness expert for ultra-successful individuals, celebrities, and all who seek to successfully master midlife challenges. Dr. Cheryl BryantBruce’s signature paradigm enables clients to live a self-empowered, abundant, purpose-filled life. Kings and presidents call upon her expertise. Her talk show Chatters That Matter airs worldwide.

Dr. Glacia Ethridge is the owner of Anew Comfort, a life coaching business that helps individuals find a new comfort in their current circumstances to carry with them throughout their lives. Specific areas of focus for Anew Comfort include grief and loss, life balance, stress management, and self-care. She is also the owner of a counseling practice, S.T. Phelps & Associates, LLC, which focus focuses on mental health issues, such as depression, grief, and anxiety.

Marklyn T. Johnson is a heavily sought-after DEI and self-empowerment keynote speaker and published author. From self-awareness to corporate cultural transformations, Marklyn specializes in creating opportunities for reflection and change throughout his engagements. He uses his upbringing in the white, middle-class ‘hood’ and pushes the envelope to bring the reality of racism into perspective. Having graduated Concordia University and attended the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, Marklyn has worked in the production industry and corporate world for over twenty years. Through his public speaking, comedic and podcast work, Marklyn believes DEI is a critical topic in this incredibly, relevant time. His current books include Facebook Conversations: The Good, The Funny, The Ugly and Lessons from a Shit Talker...with a third on racism coming soon…

Lisa Anderson is a Chief HR Officer and a certified Leadership Coach who has 25 years of HR experience. She speaks on topics that focus on leadership topics for women who want to find their leadership voice, build their leadership courage, and increase their executive presence so that they can propel their careers. Her signature speech is titled “Invisible Professional to Influential Leader” where she gives tips on how to lead with influence.

Liletta Harlem is an accomplished speaker, author, and self-relationship advocate, With a strong foundation in nonprofit leadership, Liletta also leads My Natural Me, supporting women and families through targeted programs, and heads the Dementia Caregivers Support Program, advocating for caregivers across communities. Her mission is to build a resource-rich network that bridges professional aspirations with personal well-being.

I am the author of three nonfiction books of Afican American history and one historical fictional novel, an adjunct professor of history at The Citadel Military College in Charleston SC, tour guide, you tuber, and storyteller. I am also a former newspaper columnist and radio commentator. I specialize in African American history stories of empowerment for audences of all ages.

Kristal Frazier is the Founder of the Assertive Ask™ Fundraising System, used by licensed trainers, organizations, and universities to help programs fund, sustain and grow. Kristal Frazier has an innate talent for coaching critical thinkers and thought leaders to craft words and deliver speeches that cultivate investors, funders, and donors. Thousands of fundraisers, students, entrepreneurs, program leaders, and collegiate executives, benefit from the Assertive Ask™ Fundraising System.

Janine “JJ” Conway was the first African American physicist in the Air Force, where she served for over 23 years. After returning from a 6-month military trip to discover her house sold, divorce papers, and over $845,000 debt to her name, JJ hustled hard to increase cashflow and build a life for her and her son. JJ now teaches others the same personal growth and financial management skills that allowed her to dump that debt and begin building wealth.