SPEAKERS DIRECTORY

While many neglect to follow their dreams due to setbacks like procrastination, fear and a lack of resources, she uses those very things as stepping stones to her success. For Queashar L. Halliburton, CEO and founder of Queashar Detroit Publishing, LLC, her greatest success to date has come from living outside the box and operating in her God-given gifts and purpose—and she encourages others to do the same.

Oumar Dieng is a resilience subject matter expert who helps clients build “everlasting resilience" and spark a chain reaction of motivation, productivity and high performance in teams and individuals so that they can overcome any challenge life throws at them and reach their goals.

Aisha is dedicated to encouraging professionals to embrace their personal strengths in order to make an IMPACT in their professional development. Aisha has over 20 years of experience within industries such as the consumer financial services, commercial real estate, and residential property management sectors. Her area of expertise in career and leadership development include HR practices in recruiting and employee management, developing leadership and communication training curriculum for adult learners, and implementing employee engagement programs.

Darius Fennell is an author, speaker, coach, and mental health & therapy advocate. He has published his book, Leaving Jupiter: Navigating Your Anxiety Recovery, and has been featured in Rally Up and Helpful Living mental health magazines. Darius strives to dismantle stigmas and encourages people who struggle with mental health to never lose hope, find courage to seek help, and advocate for their own mental health recovery.

Randy Sneed Jr., the Millennial Marriage Coach specializes in helping couples navigate love, marriage, and family dynamics. With a passion for strengthening connections, Randy offers practical tools, heartfelt guidance, and fresh perspectives to empower individuals and couples. Known for his relatable style and unwavering positivity, he’s dedicated to fostering healthy relationships and promoting emotional wellness. Randy is also an author and advocate for destigmatizing therapy and coaching in the Black community.

Esther Dillard, a 2024 Gracies Award recipient, is a seasoned journalist, author, and public speaker known for her impactful storytelling. She reports for The Black Information Network and hosts "The Color Between the Lines" podcast, interviewing authors of color. With a rich background in media, including roles at WBGO-FM, KTVU-Ch2, and CBS-3, Esther also served as a communications professor at Bloomfield College, teaching various media and journalism courses.

Dr. Janice Fortman, Ed.D believes that communication is the foundation for personal and professional relationships, therefore, people's opinions of you or your organization are formed by the way you communicate verbally and non-verbally. She is an author, award winning international motivational speaker, corporate trainer, and effective communication coach. As a Distinguished Toastmaster, Dr. Jan provides memorable and engaging, presentations focusing on giving people peace and power through the use of effective communication skills.

As one of the top experts in image development, Stacey is a dedicated advocate to helping youth expand their view of themselves, others and the world. Through her coaching and training brand, Urbanity à la Mode, her acute insights and dynamic presentations have inspired numerous students and organizations on how to successfully navigate the crossroads that they will inevitably face and approach their academic & personal development with a sense of purpose, passion, and fulfillment.

As a corporate marketing manager, I confidently oversaw a $1B product portfolio and various project teams. Juggling life with my newborn twin boys proved MUCH harder.  Outmanned and overwhelmed, I carved a new path that included reimagining my life, tuning into my kids, and becoming a diligent student of child development.  Seventeen years later, I am a certified parenting strategist, guiding parents to rediscover the joy in their journey with my fresh approach to discipline, parent-child communication, and family connections.  As a speaker, podcaster, and 4x best-selling author, I’ve reached thousands teaching my strategies for building self-discipline, purpose, and resilience from the ground up.

T. Alston-Sutton Consulting Services LLC provides consulting services to promote excellence in educators, parents, and students. The business offers services related to culturally responsive teaching, and other concepts to enhance pedagogy, teaching practices, and perspectives for all grade levels in general and special education. Services for community organizations and businesses provide support for equity and diversity practices. Services promote professionalism and team building for organizations. Collaborative models implement performance-based activities, workshops, observations, feedback, and consultations.

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…

Juan Lee, a transformational speaker, thought leader in re-imagining love and author. Founder and executive director of Clear Journey, a nonprofit that demonstrates the practical application of love by educating and providing resources to change lives.