SPEAKERS DIRECTORY

Karwanna D. is a Government Contracts Strategist, based in San Francisco, CA. This 20+ year business vet has successfully built 2 lucrative small businesses and now teaches women and minority small business owners how to grow their business with massive government contracts just like the movie War Dogs. Over the past few years Karwanna has helped thousands of small business owners generate millions of dollars in combined revenues with a simple 3 Step System.

Constance M Every Knoxville TN Disable Combat Veteran (Army, 2006-2015) Study Microbiology (Austin Peay State University (2004-2006/University of Tennessee (2011-2013) Founder of 2 Black Nonprofits (501c3 Sleeves4Needs, 501c4 Black Coffee Justice) Governor of Tennessee Candidate 2022 (Only Black Candidate on the Ballot) Black Lobbyist (BCJ/Current)

Dr. Jonas Gadson, DTM, known as “Mr. Enthusiastic!” is an International Motivational Speaker and Best Selling Author, Corporate Trainer, Radio Personality and Expert Communication Coach. He worked 30 years for two Fortune 500 companies, Xerox Corporation and Eastman Kodak Company. At Eastman Kodak he trained 8,000 employees from 69 countries who were managers, supervisors, group leaders, executive secretaries and manufacturing employees and he earned the Trainer of the Year Award!

Dr. Carolyn Brooks-Collins is an international speaker and author, business consultant and coach. She is the CEO of M. Carolyn-Brooks Collins, LLC, a multi-dimensional coaching, and consulting firm. She is passionate about helping women discover and walk in their purpose. She brings over 45 years of management experience in accounting, leadership, and risk management, and holds a B.A. in Accounting, an MBA in Project Management, and is a CPA and CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner).

Bonita Owens, Certified Coach and owner of AWN Leadership Consulting empowers leaders to balance life and leadership through self-awareness. She has worked with organizations like IBM, Google, Bank of America, and AMEX on leadership development and communication. Her S.C.A.L.E. framework cultivates authentic leadership. As a Dare to Lead Trained Professional, Bonita integrates Brené Brown's principles to build trust. She is an Amazon best-selling author of Who Stole My Significance.

Lyreshia has over twenty years of experience in the mental health field and criminal justice system. After working nine years in a hostile environment as a probation officer, Lyreshia filed a discrimination lawsuit against the NJ Judiciary. Lyreshia founded Bonds Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm where Lyreshia utilizes all her crisis management and conflict resolution skills to educate mankind, advocate for social justice/criminal justice reform and motivate future generations for true change.

Dr. Rònké A. Òké is an executive DEI leader and Critical Race scholar with over two decades of experience driving organizational change and fostering inclusive environments. As CEO & Founder of RAO Consultants, she provides strategic guidance to corporations and educational organizations. A sought-after thought leader, her work in race and identity formation, Afro-feminism, and anti-racist social justice inspires many. Dr. Òké also serves on the board of Heights Philadelphia, co-chairing the Anti-Racist Transformation Subcommittee.

Dr. Walker is a retired NYC school administrator, former pastor, and former NCAA Division 1 college basketball referee. His life experiences have set him on a journey to work with individuals who want to live a champion’s life. He inspires his audiences to overcome an underdog mindset to see that your entire life experience is your advantage in life. He speaks locally and nationally at schools, churches, community events, and conferences. Dr. Walker earned his doctorate from Northeastern University and a Master of Divinity from New York Theological Seminary.

Zeenat Watts is a CEO, trichology educator, and cultural wellness strategist specializing in holistic hair care, product development, and community-rooted entrepreneurship. As founder of Haku Holistics, she blends herbal knowledge with trauma-informed care and digital education. Zeenat speaks on Black beauty ecosystems, ethical business models, neurodivergent leadership, and creating accessible wellness for marginalized communities. Her talks resonate with those building healing-centered spaces that honor culture, care, and creativity.

Ashley Kirkwood is an international speaker, best-selling author, and award-winning lawyer. She believes that you should use The Currency of Confidence® to create a life custom-designed for you. In fact, that’s the title of her signature talk, performed at colleges and corporations nationwide. She has helped doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, consultants, therapists, DEI experts, and many other experts package and position their expertise to land large corporate and collegiate speaking contracts.

Charmaine E. Betty-Singleton aka CBS, author, advocate, veteran, entrepreneur, attorney, and transformational speaker extraordinaire, is the CEO/Owner of PTK Enterprises LLC, a business focused on supporting other business owners, community activism, and empowering individuals to greatness. Additionally, she is the owner of Victorious Vibes radio station housed on SIBN. Charmaine is an avid lover of God and all people. She attributes her success first to God, and then to her parents and mentors, one of which is the late Dr. Myles Munroe.