The Howard Alumni Movemakers Podcast hosted by Joshua Mercer

Alexandria Franklin graduated from Howard University with a Fashion Merchandising degree and began her professional dance career shortly after. Her credits include the NBA dance team the Washington Wizard Girls, Brooklyn Ballet, Neglia Ballet, UniverSoul Circus and Royal Caribbean International. She joined the Hiplet Ballerinas in 2017 and has danced in Paris Fashion Week, Le Coq Sportif Korea SS18, Visa Japan “New Normal”, G-Star Raw Uniform of the Free, as well as the Fox TV shows Empire and The Big Leap. Alexandria has also had the opportunity to dance for artists such as Chance The Rapper, Vic Mensa, and Jamilah Woods.--

Captain Remoshay R. Nelson is the Public Affairs Officer for the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. As Thunderbird 12, she leads the team's extensive marketing, publicity and community relations programs. Nelson is in her first season with the team. _______________________  Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com

I am Bianca, an award-winning inquisitive storyteller who not only wants to educate the masses but also feels a social responsibility to leave my community better than I found it. I specialize in broadcast reporting and video storytelling.

Who wants to look back at their life and say, 'should've, could've, would've'?  I sure don't. As a 2009 Teach for America corp member, I taught 6th-grade mathematics for six years in urban charter schools. I decided to return to an original passion and become a catalyst of change by telling the stories of those misrepresented or ignored by mainstream media. Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism allowed me to work under strict constraints, create content for various platforms, and communicate ideas to the public in a concise fashion. As a chosen candidate for the third-semester documentary program, I am a co-producer along with Lani Chan of a documentary entitled Somm State of Mind. The film is about the dynamic sommelier industry and the lifestyle balance women must endure in order to climb the ranks. Our film debuted at Columbia University's DocFest in December 2016 and was chosen for Sonoma International Film Festival 2017 in April.

During my time at WDB7, a CBS affiliate in Roanoke, Virginia I worked as a dayside and morning reporter. I covered events such a President’s Trump commencement speech at Liberty University to the violent rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Currently, I am a weekend anchor and morning reporter for KLAS, a CBS affiliate in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this role I cover a variety of topics such as breaking news, Las Vegas entertainment, crime, and education. Over the past two years, I contributed long-form stories to our Veterans Day Special, Hidden History Black History Special, and Breaking Down Barriers Special. I won a 2020 Pacific Southwest Emmy Award for the News Special Category.

When I'm not at work I'm can be found at the gym, hosting an event, volunteering with Junior League, or just having laughs with friends over a cocktail.

Mr. Perkins was just twenty-four years young when he founded the Perkins Management Company in 2005, specializing in the provision of contract food service management. Perkins Management Services Company is now a multi-million-dollar enterprise with multiple business platforms serving a diverse portfolio of clients that include colleges and universities, hospitals, and the US Department of Defense.

In his roles as Chairman, President, and CEO, Mr. Perkins has successfully honored his forefathers by building a company premised on a solid financial foundation with a core leadership team possessing strong business acumen and ethics.

It’s tempting to simply characterize the Chairman, President and CEO of Perkins Management Services Company, Nicholas M. Perkins, as a visionary businessman. Especially in light of achievements such as engineering an $18.5-million acquisition of the Fuddruckers restaurant brand, an accomplishment that stunned the business world in July 2021.

But Nicholas is far too inquisitive and multifaceted to be described just as a `businessman’ or `entrepreneur.’ That’s a good thing, given the positive impact Nicholas has had on the realms of education, philanthropy and social activism, in addition to business.

Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1980 and raised by a single mom – with a major assist from his maternal grandmother – Nicholas was taught to embrace rock-solid values, to include possessing a robust work ethic. Unlike his peers, as a boy Nicholas was fascinated with the heroes and sheroes of the Civil Rights Movement, igniting a lifelong quest for excellence to ensure that the sacrifices of his forebears weren’t made in vain.

Nicholas’ affinity for those who put their lives on the line during the Civil Rights Movement explain why he’s a strong proponent of economic development within African American communities, and why he’s donated millions of dollars to help HBCU students finish their secondary educations.

Nicholas is a 1999 graduate of Fayetteville’s E. E. Smith Sr. High School and graduated from Fayetteville State University in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in business. Ten years later, Nicholas earned an MBA degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he received the Prominent Alumnus award from the Howard University School of Business.

Nicholas was only 24 when he founded the Perkins Management Company, which specializes in contract food service management. Perkins Management Services Company is now a multi-million-dollar enterprise with multiple business platforms that serve a diverse portfolio of clients, to include colleges and universities, hospitals, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Nicholas is widely recognized as a distinguished leader and change agent within communities that include Fayetteville, Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina; Washington, D.C.; and Columbia and Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Nicholas has served on the South Carolina State University Foundations Board, and in 2014 former North Carolina governor Pat McCrory appointed Nicholas to serve as member of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Small and Historically Underutilized Businesses.

In 2015, Nicholas was appointed to the board of the National Urban League, making him the youngest individual to receive that honor. Nicholas also serves on the School of Business Deans Advisory Board for Fayetteville State University School of Business and Economics and has been an adjunct professor of Entrepreneurship with the Howard University School of Business.

Nicholas is a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

The HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com) highlights folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

Episode 89: Erica Easter talks life at Howard to Beating Cancer!

EP 88: Brandon Young from Philly/HU to Hollywood and working with Chadwick Boseman

Danielle Perry is honored to serve as the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer (CROO) for Illinois. Appointed by Governor JB Pritzker after legalizing Adult Use of Cannabis, she works with 13 state agencies to direct the regulation and taxation of Illinois' cannabis industry. Danielle's top priority for the office is ensuring Illinois reaches its social equity goals of expungements, community reinvestment, and diversifying the industry.

A combination of experience makes Danielle Perry the right leader to be Illinois's first CROO. She's been an urban agriculture non-profit executive director who trained individuals with employment barriers and created Chicago's first and only USDA organic farm. As Director of Communications and Outreach for the City of Chicago, she engaged citizens about police accountability and government efficiency. Danielle has also worked on Capitol Hill as a Congressional Aide in charge of social security, health care, and civil rights issues.

Lastly, Danielle Perry had the pleasure of serving as Special Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the Obama Administration, leading a National Community and School Garden Initiative in food-insecure communities.

A native of the Chicagoland Area, Danielle earned her B.A. in Political Science and J.D. from Howard University in Washington D.C. She and her wife live in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Sinclair Skinner is Co-Founder of I Love Black People and BillMari, the largest Pan-African Bitcoin wallet provider, using blockchain technology to open doors of financial inclusion and economic empowerment. BillMari has been among the most successful bitcoin companies in Africa and is the first to partner with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to lower remittance fees across the Diaspora.  Prior to BillMari, for over two decades Mr. Skinner strategically organized and led movements for those politically disenfranchised. As an early adopter of bitcoin, in 2012 he formed the African American Super PAC, 1911 United Political Action Committee, and became the first to accept bitcoins for contributions. Sinclair Skinner’s background includes being a Product Development Engineer, former US Patent Examiner, and a serial entrepreneur for over 20yrs. He is also recognized as a seasoned, global human rights activist and organizer. i am because WE are.

Presley Nelson Jr is Founder and President of Positive Deposits, Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes the purpose of  cancer awareness and advocacy through positive messages to encourage hope and inspiration for current survivors/diagnosed patients. 

Presley Nelson Jr was selected in 2016 to be a NCAA Coaches vs Cancer Hardwood Hero to raise money and fight cancer by participating in the first ever basketball charity game during the Final Four championship in Houston, TX. During our NCAA Bracket Challenge, we raised $721,500 for the American Cancer Society. Presley actively participates in the Relay for Life annual events and gives back to his local community and other cancer initiatives such as St. Jude Children Hospital Toy Drive and Lymphoma Leukemia Society’s Light the Night Walk.

Presley serves in the retail banking industry for over 10 years as a Branch Manager II at Wells Fargo in Washington DC. Within Wells Fargo, he is the current Chair of the Greater Washington DC chapter of the Black African American Connection network and previously awarded the 2016 Chapter Member of the Year. He is a graduate of the Greater Washington DC Leadership Development Program and in May 2019 he completed the Black African American Leaders Program in conjunction with UCLA Anderson School of Management.  Prior to Wells Fargo, Presley worked for Deloitte as a Forensic Dispute Associate under the Financial Advisory Service Federal Sector which specialized in statistical analysis, budgeting, and documentation review for various government organizations. Presley currently serves as Treasurer of Rebuilding Together DC Alexandria, which is a non-profit organization that creates healthy neighborhoods in Washington DC & Alexandria, VA by repairing homes, revitalizing communities and rebuilding lives .  Presley was also awarded the 2019 Prince George’s Power Moves Award-Corporate Partner by the Prince George’s African American Museum.

Presley is a proud alum of Howard University in Washington DC, where he obtained his bachelor of business administration in Finance.  Presley is a member of Howard University Campus Pals, The International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi, Iota Rho chapter (Howard University), Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Xi Chapter (Howard University), and currently an active member of Washington DC Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

Presley is committed to leading the charge of Positive Deposits' vision not only because he was a strong warrior during both stages of cancer but more importantly to encourage other survivors/patients to know that cancer is not our downfall but our inner strength to continue doing the things we inspire to accomplish. Though it is not an easy journey to walk down, if we change our mindsets with positivity and perseverance then we can survive the storm and defeat cancer.

Billy Leon Jenkins Jr. (born July 8, 1974 in Los Angeles, California) is a former professional American football defensive back in the National Football League. He played for the St. Louis Rams (1997–1999), the Denver Broncos (2000–2001), the Green Bay Packers (2001), and the Buffalo Bills (2002). He played in Super Bowl XXXIV for the Rams where he started at safety. After the 1999 season, the Rams traded Jenkins to the Denver Broncos for a fifth-round pick in the 2000 NFL Draft.  He is an alumnus of Howard University. Jenkins is currently a defensive backs coach at his alma mater.

Eskridge, former creative executive at Apple TV Plus and Netflix, signed an overall deal with Endeavor Content in January. She oversaw the production of “Ozark,” “She’s Gotta Have It,” “Seconds,” “Dead to Me,” “When They See Us,” “Top Boy,” “Messiah” and “Self-Made,” as well as several upcoming Apple originals.

Ashley Scott is a talented vocalist from Philadelphia, PA. He began singing and discovering music at the tender age of 3 from listening and watching is aunt Helen Scott of The Three Degrees and The Delfonics. Known for internationally known singles like the lush ballad “Words,” the infectious “Dance The Night Away” and his international anthem “Don’t Throw Our Love Away,” Ashley continues to release music across the Soul, Jazz, and Dance genres globally.  The biggest part of Ashley’s life and musical path came when he attended Howard University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music. At Howard University Ashley studied jazz voice under legendary jazz drummer and vocalist Grady Tate, Kehembe Eichelberger, and the late Webster Lewis. Ashley also joined the Howard University Gospel Choir, which has produced R&B artist Angela Winbush, Tawatha Agee of Mtume, Pure Soul, and Gospel great Richard Smallwood. During his tenure with the Howard Gospel Choir, Ashley has performed behind Edwin and Walter Hawkins and Dorinda Clark of The Clark Sisters. The choir was also privileged to perform for President Bill Clinton at The Department of Agriculture for the unveiling portrait of former Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy.  Professionally he has sung background for Lady Alma and Jean Carn as well as shared the stage with  Bilal, Marcus Johnson and Grammy Award Winners Take 6. In the studio he has recorded vocals for Chavous, Sarah’s Girl, Geneva Renee, Tye Tribbett, Jim Stephens, and Will Downing. In other musical attributes Ashley has served as a Board Member and  Vice President of The Recording Academy Philadelphia Chapter. Ashley is the Founder of The Soulful Sounds Series that is an R&B Educational Program. He co-founded a non-profit The Artists United with his partner Lox Knox that educates youth on the entertainment industry through its I.C.A.R.E Academy program. In his personal life he is a man who gives back to the community.  For more information Visit:  www.AshleyScottMusic.com  www.Facebook.com/IAmAshleyScott  www.twitter.com/AshleyScott3  www.instagram.com/AshleyScott3

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

Rhonisha Franklin is an award-winning photographer with over 10 years of experience specializing in portraiture for people of color.  Meet Rhonisha : My photography journey started in 2007 when I picked up a camera as a hobby but I fell in love with the craft. Specializing in portraiture for people of color, I have developed a keen eye for working with this demographic and understand the nuances that come with our beautiful differences.    I work with all skin tones, body types, and age groups. I am proud to have a dedicated team of trusted makeup artists that I work with that also know how to work with every skin type, adding to the exceptional quality of the final product.   My studio is based in Washington, DC where I have resided since attending Howard University for both undergraduate and post-graduate studies. I am available for travel.

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

An experienced social entrepreneur and civic engagement strategist, Stefanie Brown James is the Co-Founder and Senior Advisor of The Collective – a network of five affiliated organizations including The Collective PAC, The Collective Super PAC, Southern Strategies Super PAC, Collective Future and The Collective Education Fund – dedicated to supporting and funding Black candidates to win elections on the local, state and federal levels and the engagement of Black voters in the political process. The Collective is strategically focused on creating an equitable democracy where Black people are fully represented in positions of power to create the policies necessary to progress our communities forward.

Founded in August of 2016, The Collective has raised over $25 million from 80,000+ individual contributions, helped 300 Black leaders win elected office and in 2020, organized one of the largest Black voter engagement campaign in the country -- registering over 114,000 voters, garnering 29 million digital impressions on voter education messaging and providing 100,000 free rides to the polls.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Stefanie previously worked at EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, where she served as the organization’s Vice President of Training and Community Engagement. In 2012, Stefanie served as the National African American Vote Director for the Obama for America Campaign and created the national strategy to engage Black leaders and voters to re-elect President Barack Obama, helping to lead to the highest Black voter turnout in history. Formerly the National Field Director and Youth & College Division Director for the NAACP, Stefanie developed and administered the national field organizing strategy for the NAACP’s 2,200+ units.

Stefanie is a former member of the Board of Trustees at her alma mater, Howard University and a member of the National Social Action Commission for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Stefanie’s greatest accomplishment, however, is marrying her business partner Quentin James and being the mother of two amazing toddlers, Carter & Elijah.

Maya Allen is the Beauty Director for InStyle, where she oversees all beauty coverage in the magazine. She has a thing for red lipstick (her collection is 200 strong) and an elaborate skincare routine. Embracing beauty, in all of its diverse glory, is her form of activism and she’s committed to amplifying representation through storytelling. Brooklyn is where she resides. At home she’s often dancing to the latest Drake album, masking, or FaceTiming with family and friends. @MAYAALENAA

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Andraé attended Howard University on a football scholarship. As a 3 time graduate of Howard University, Andraé became the recipient of the Floretta Dukes McKenzie scholarship (awarded to a highly effective educator with high academic achievement) to attend the Urban Superintendents Academy of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). As a member and graduate of the first National Certification Cohort, Andraé was highly recruited to lead the turnaround efforts in an urban school district.

​In the Winter 2016 Issue of Howard Magazine, Andraé was highlighted as a difference maker in education. President Frederick selected him as the representative of the 5th Administrative Priority of engaging in scholarship and research grounded in solving contemporary problems.

In 2016, Andraé was selected by The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to lead one of the most underperforming high schools in the state of Massachusetts. As the new principal of Southbridge High School, Andraé became the 1st black principal in the town’s 150-year history. The work that Andraé has already completed was highlighted by the former U.S. Secretary of Education and current President/CEO of the Education Trust, Dr. John King.

In the 2017 commencement speech at Howard University, Dr. King stated, “In all of this work, Howard places advocacy at the center. That means — to use a phrase from U.S. Congressman and civil rights icon, John Lewis — that you are prepared to make “good trouble.” In the context of education, “good trouble” is about being a champion of children and using your loudest, most persistent voice to advocate for what all students need to achieve their potential.

​

When I think of this work in action, I think of one of your alums, Dr. Andraé Townsel — a three-time Howard graduate.

Andraé recently was appointed principal of Southbridge High School in Massachusetts and is leading the school’s turnaround as one of the lowest-performing high schools in the state. He is the first African American principal at Southbridge High. He is teaching for social justice because he already has shaken up the status quo.

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Andraé forged new partnerships with the local airport and flight school to give Southbridge students the opportunity to earn college credits while they study aviation. Literally and figuratively, Andraé is helping his students to fly.

Through education, lives can be uplifted, transformed, and even saved — which brings me to my next suggestion for you as you build your careers. And that is to see and love the whole child.

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So many students experience tremendous adversity: Poverty. Poor health. Violence. Hunger. Addiction. Difficult family circumstances. I want to challenge you to see those things — really see those things. Look at them dead-on and don’t let them lull you into softening your fierce belief in your students’ potential.”

Honors: National Black Law Students Association
Honors: Sports and Entertainment Law Society
Honors: Loyola University Chicago School of Law's study abroad program

Major: Print Journalism

Dawn D. Bennett-Alexander is a cum laude graduate of the Howard University School of Law and a magna cum laude graduate of the Federal City College (now the University of the District of Columbia). Licensed to practice in DC and six federal jurisdictions, she is a emerita associate professor of Employment Law & Legal Studies of the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business, retiring in February 2021 after 33 years and over 60 awards and recognitions for teaching and service, including 10 Outstanding Professor of the Year Awards. A celebrated author, facilitator and consultant with nearly 40 years of experience in bringing people together, she created Practical Diversity to help the world take diversity from theory to practice by doing the necessary heart work. Upon her retirement, the University of Georgia honored her contributions by creating the first-of-its-kind annual Dawn D. Bennett-Alexander Inclusive Community Award for faculty demonstrating a significant commitment to Diversity & Inclusion.

Becoming a writer truly opened my eyes to the power of story. Before becoming a writer, I had a story but I wasn’t the one writing it. The literal and figurative action of picking up the pen is when things changed for me. I’m an educator turned entrepreneur. I had a successful career in education working with NYC public schools and decided I wanted to work for myself. I have founded a number of companies and am currently the CEO of BirthWrite Consulting, a company specializing in all things writing and founder of The Educator’s Promise, a nonprofit organization focused on education equity.   A woman of many ideas, my first passion is in writing. My book, "Jewels From a Black Diamond" is a collection of life lessons, words of wisdom and things learned along the journey to self discovery. It reflects on struggles with confidence, toxic relationships, faith, and the power of self love. My hope is that the reader finds the courage to always see and choose themselves, no matter who else doesn't.  My 2nd book, “No Saving Me for Later” is about putting your focus back on you and making the steps to be your best self. No waiting, no complaining, no blaming. I speak to my journey as a Black woman and the obstacles I had to overcome even with degrees from both Howard & Harvard University. Many of the obstacles being what I was taught to believe about myself through past trauma and self-doubt. I lost it all and gained more back. The book is meant to inspire, heal and motivate people to live life with purpose.

Francis Roberts is Head of Creator Partnerships at Snap Inc. Francis oversees relationships with digital-native talent supporting content opportunities for creators on the platform and identifying opportunities to develop Snap’s Creator Shows and Snap Originals. He joined Snap earlier this year to bring his vast experience in the digital creator space to the platform, having worked with some of YouTube’s biggest creators during his eight-year tenure at Google. He has collaborated with some of the most popular Creators and celebrities, including Will Smith, Naomi Campbell, Liza Koshy, Jackie Aina, The Try Guys, Tre Melvin, and more. Prior to joining Google, he was co-founder of BE LLC, a New York-based event planning and digital media firm. Francis holds a bachelor’s degree in international business with a focus on Asia-Pacific studies from Howard University.

Jared Wilson is an award-winning leader, a seasoned innovation & growth executive, and a data-driven business strategist with proven capabilities in strategic client engagement and new business development. His ability to deliver excellence in experience and product has accelerated him to the Chief Innovation Officer and Managing Director of Global Sales with ABCD & Company- a marketing & events consulting firm. A strong communicator, he has a track record of building teams, leading complex projects, and implementing strategy.

Jared currently drives innovation and revenue strategy company-wide to produce a trajectory of sustainable growth. He has carried his expertise in business development, consulting, marketing, financial services, and customer service into his studies at Hult International Business School, where he graduated with his EMBA with a specialization in entrepreneurship and marketing while also serving as President on Hult's Student Association. Jared had the privilege of winning the Growth Mindset Award and was selected by his peers to give the class' graduation speech. This opportunity has allowed Jared to study, learn, and grow on both coasts of the United States, London, Dubai, and Shanghai.

At the age 23, Jared soared to management positions while completing Allstate’s Leadership Development Program, which provided valuable experiences in strategic planning, operations, and multi-cultural marketing. Through Allstate, Jared used his refined skills to raise $185,000 for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in partnership with predominate African American influencers, including Magic Johnson, Tom Joyner, and Roland Martin. This project was especially meaningful to Jared, being a graduate of Howard University, an HBCU.

Jared is passionate about helping others reach their untapped potential and does not take his innovative gifts for granted. He constantly seeks opportunities to inspire others as he continues on his upward journey.

Breanna Adams inspires others through her keen sense of fashion & style via her vivacious Instagram photos & reels, with her curated styling newsletter, and through her personal styling business BREANNA MARIE STYLING.  Born in Los Angeles, CA and raised in Silicon Valley, Breanna graduated from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. Throughout her career in corporate fashion, Breanna has worked at iconic fashion houses, Gucci, BCBGMAXAZRIA GROUP and bebe Stores Inc. further cultivating her expertise in fashion and style.  Breanna’s love for fashion started at an early age, far too early to pinpoint the exact moment, but her infatuation with collecting beautifully handcrafted purses from her family members travels from around the world catapulted something special – including her love for mini bags!  As the personal stylist / shopper and owner of BREANNA MARIE STYLING, Breanna helps to elevate her clients style through her one-of-a-kind and personable consultations and her legendary BMS Style Guides. Breanna showcases aesthetically pleasing looks featuring clothing and accessory items custom to each of her clients needs to view, shop and easily implement an update to their current wardrobe.  Breanna has been featured and has worked with several brands such as SPANX, TJ Maxx, and Cise to name a few.  In addition to personal styling, Breanna is a marketing professional and an active member in her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  Breanna lives in Los Angeles, CA and enjoys immersing herself in new restaurants, traveling, reading romantic novels and dabbling in graphic design. Follow her on Instagram @ilybree and contact her for styling services at BreannaMarieStyling.com.

Sean A. Blondell concentrates his practice in the area of serious and catastrophic personal injury. Sean has long fought on behalf of clients who have been victims of others’ negligence. Sean has built a reputation in our community for giving a legal voice to people who have suffered personal injuries caused by the negligence of others. He has a proven track record of success as a litigator and negotiator, and he stands ready to go to trial in order to get maximum compensation for his clients. Prior to focusing his practice in the area of personal injury, Sean worked in the area of complex commercial litigation, insurance defense, business torts, and contract negotiation and drafting. Practicing since 2009, Sean began his legal career as in-house staff counsel for one of the nation’s largest insurance companies. During his years in insurance defense, Sean’s representative experience included personal injury defense, insurance coverage controversies, public sector liability defense, general liability defense, premises liability, products liability, construction defect defense, and municipal civil rights defense matters. After his tenure in insurance defense, Sean worked for a respected personal injury firm where he represented clients in serious personal injury matters. Prior to entering the field of law Sean worked for two NBA basketball franchises, and he also worked in real estate finance with three major banking institutions. Sean is a proud graduate of Howard University’s School of Business in Washington, D.C. and received a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Marketing. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge where he was Vice President of the Sports Law Association, Treasurer of Black Law Students Association, and was a member of the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Team and the Recruitment Committee. Sean is licensed to practice in all Louisiana State and Federal Courts, including the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana and the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. Sean regularly volunteers his personal time serving as a Board Member of Benjamin Franklin High School, College Beyond- an educational non-profit, President of the Board for the New Orleans Hoopz, and as a sponsor to many organizations and initiatives in the Greater New Orleans community.  He and his wife, Laci, are the proud parents of four children.

Responsible for advising ultra-high net worth families on an array of financial matters which includes: investing, estate planning, debt and philanthropic initiatives. Client base includes: corporate leaders, family-owned and operated businesses, entrepreneurs, athletes & significant professional investors.

She may be modest in demeanor but a powerhouse behind a lens, under hot stage lights and with a mic in her hand. With over ten years of experience,  Crystal “CryStylez” Belcher has been recognized for her charismatic and cunning displays of artistry and athleticism on and off the poles. She has produced piercing pieces like “Strange Fruit”, appeared on DJ Diplo’s “Set It Off” music video, danced alongside Snoop Dogg on tour and hosts one of the world’s largest international pole conventions. Not only is she a well-decorated competitive pole dancer, she's a global instructor, choreographer, judge and competition producer since 2010. “CryStylez” thrives on fluidity and showmanship, alongside the thrill of expression and transformation. She aspires to inspire clients to enhance their visions of fitness, performance and/or dance with style! Not only does Crystal work to leave a lasting impression, she aims to share her insight and perspective on how to be more impactful performers to up and coming artists. "It is not just about the tricks and transitions, hyper flexibility and strength moves, it’s about creating moments and evoking emotions." Crystal is a Houston, Texas native and 2006 baccalaureate degree recipient from the School of Communications. As an active member of the Howard community, Crystal served as Bison Cheerleader from 2002-2004 and Cheer Coach from 2005-2009, Women's Intramural Flag Football team, Assistant Intramural Coordinator, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Tau Chapter, HUHC 2003 Step Show Coordinator, HUSA 2005 Alumni Networking Coordinator, UGSA 2005 Black College Weekend Step Show Coordinator & HU Texas State Club Historian.

Candace, a divine Professional Encourager, believes that God will give beauty for ashes. Motivated by her own college journey, she became an Academic Success Coach and College Planning Consultant. As the owner of Be Encouraged LLC, Candace assists students with time management, study habits, organization and self-advocacy. It is her gift to get students to know their identity inside and outside of the classroom. Candace serves as a beacon of light for families overwhelmed with the college process, providing them with support, guidance and relief. Throughout the years, Candace has helped countless students and families successfully plan, attend and cultivate a rewarding college experience.   Candace is inspired by her late sister Shonda, who prepared a family friend for her Graduation prom; Candace decided to volunteer at the 2010 Prom dress giveaway and began the Queens chapter of Operation PROM in 2011 in New York City. Now known as Operation PROM National Network (OPNN), a nationally recognized 501c3 not for profit organization, was originally established to help low-income students attend their proms by providing free prom dresses and tuxedo rentals.  Candace is now a board member of the Operation Prom National Network and one of the directors of Shonda’s Prom Closet. The organization has dressed more than 1,500 students for prom and has become a staple in the Queens community celebrating 10 years in 2019. Candace can be found speaking at Women Empowerment events, local PTA meetings, and on social media giving a word and as of 2019, on her podcast “Candid Conversations with Candy.” Candace is a first generation graduate.

Dr. Dana E. Crawford is a pediatric and clinical psychologist who developed the Crawford Bias Reduction Theory & Training (CBRT), a systematic approach to reducing bias, prejudice, and racism. She has a thriving private practice in Manhattan and has treated patients with high incidences of trauma in Philadelphia, Cincinnati, New Orleans, San Antonio, the Bronx, and New York. Dr. Crawford is a graduate of Howard, Temple, and Miami universities and has degrees in counseling, African-American studies, psychology, and the arts. She has certifications in Practical Nursing, medical hypnosis and biofeedback. She completed her pediatric psychology residency at Tulane University School of Medicine, which was followed by a two–year clinical fellowship with the United States Department of Defense and then a two-year fellowship with the Center for Early Connections at Tulane University. In recent years, she has worked with the National Black Caucus to create legislation for Black maternal health equity, appeared on a number of news platforms. In 2020, she has conducted over 55 trainings and presentations in private, non-profit, public, and government sectors. Dr. Crawford is currently a Scholar in Residence at Columbia University in the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute.

Conrad Woody is a Partner and Head of Odgers Berndtson's U.S. Corporate and Government Affairs Practice in Washington. His portfolio of search work includes advising clients on government affairs, corporate communications/public affairs, economic development, trade association CEO and leadership roles.  Prior to joining Odgers Berndtson, he was a Principal at Korn Ferry and a key member of the firm’s Government Affairs Practice. Before this, he was with Goldman Sachs, where he was a member of the campus and diversity recruiting teams. He began his career as a staffer on Capitol Hill.  Conrad has a degree in political science from Howard University.

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

Chequan Lewis is the Chief Equity Officer for Pizza Hut U.S. In this role, he champions, promotes and guides the company’s equity and inclusion vision, strategy and initiatives across Pizza Hut’s footprint as a franchiser, employer, and community pillar. Chequan is responsible for helping shape Pizza Hut as a resilient business for the 21st century by encoding equity into the fabric of the company’s structure, processes, and decision-making for the benefit of employees, franchisees, licensees, restaurant teams, and customers.  Chequan has previously held other leadership roles in the company since joining in 2016. Most recently, he served as Senior Director of Express, leading the team responsible for the license of ~1,500 locations in airports, stadiums, military bases, Target stores, movie theaters, transportation centers, colleges/universities, and other venues. Prior to that, he served as Director of Legal, leading the company’s legal efforts in franchising issues.  A Harvard Law School graduate, Chequan is a former business litigator at Baker Botts LLP. Before becoming an attorney, Chequan graduated from Howard University and worked in business management with McMaster-Carr Supply Company.  Chequan is committed to civic engagement. Among a number of policy-focused experiences, he has worked with the Office of Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings to analyze economic revitalization efforts in southern Dallas and previously served as chairman of the City of Dallas’s South Dallas-Fair Park Opportunity Fund. In his capacity as chairman, he led the city board’s efforts to invest municipal funds, via grants and loans, in a historically-marginalized area of Dallas. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for both the Dallas Zoo and City Square and on the Board of Advisors for the SMU Dedman School of Law Robert B. Rowling Center for Business Law & Leadership.  Chequan is a Presidential Leadership Scholar and a recipient of the Dallas Business Journal’s Minority Business Leader Award. He is also an alumnus of the Latino Center for Leadership Development Leadership Academy and the Dallas Mayor’s Star Council. Chequan is also a contributor to the Dallas Morning News, focusing on sociopolitical issues. Chequan resides in Oak Cliff with his wife, Whitney, and their children, Carter and Claire.

Comedian, writer, and Internet troll known formally as Rallo, got his start while attending the illustrious Howard University. The summer of his junior year, Rallo was dared by a classmate to perform stand-up comedy at an annual summer barbecue. Rallo accepted the challenge, and subsequently was bitten by the comedy bug. In the fall of that year, word travelled fast and Rallo was asked to perform at the Howard University’s Homecoming Comedy Show. The rest is history.  Rallo’s wit and conversational delivery makes for an unforgettable experience that will leave your abdomen sore from laughter. Rallo’s casual approach to romantic relationships, race, and politics makes these often polarizing subjects a bit more palatable across broad audiences.  Rallo has made appearances on New York's Funniest and has performed at notable comedy clubs such as Carolines on Broadway, The DC Improv, and The World Famous Comedy Store. The sky is the limit for this young comedic dynamo.

An assistant coach under Chris Beard at Texas Tech for the previous two seasons, Ulric Maligi has been named Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at The University of Texas. The 36-year-old Maligi brings 14 years of collegiate coaching experience to the Texas staff. During the recently completed 2020-21 season, the Red Raiders posted an 18-11 mark (9-8 Big 12) and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Second Round. Texas Tech earned a 65-53 win over Utah State in the NCAA First Round before falling to Arkansas, 68-66. The Red Raiders were ranked in The AP Top 25 throughout the entire season for the first time in program history, reaching as high as No. 7 in February and sitting at No. 21 in the final poll.  Texas Tech led the Big 12 in scoring defense (63.2 ppg) and held 13 of its 29 opponents below 60 points. The quartet of Mac McClung (second team), Terrence Shannon Jr. (third team), Kyler Edwards (honorable mention) and Kevin McCullar (honorable mention) earned All-Big 12 honors, while McClung claimed spots on the NABC and USWBA all-district teams. In addition, a school-record six players garnered Academic All-Big 12 team recognition.  Maligi was instrumental in Texas Tech securing a recruiting class in 2020 that ranked No. 7 nationally by Rivals and No. 9 by 247 Sports. The class, highlighted by Micah Peavy, a Jordan Brand All-American, also included some of the top transfers in Division I, including Mac McClung (Georgetown) and Marcus Santos-Silva (VCU).  In the shortened 2019-20 season (COVID-19), Texas Tech posted an 18-13 record and tied for third in the Big 12 with a 9-9 league mark. The Red Raiders defeated No. 1 Louisville 70-57 at the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden and registered an 88-42 home win against TCU, marking the largest margin of victory (46 points) in Big 12 play in program history. Jahmi’us Ramsey (second team) and Davide Moretti (honorable mention) earned All-Big 12 honors, while Ramsey and Shannon claimed spots on the Big 12 All-Freshman team. Following the season, Ramsey was selected No. 43 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings.  A native of Arlington, Texas, he began his coaching career as the head manager during his undergraduate time at Howard University. In his role, he assisted the coaching staff with film breakdown, on-campus recruiting and academic monitoring while supervising the staff of student managers.  Maligi earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, cum laude, from Howard University in 2006. He is married to Dr. Courtney B. Maligi.

Polished, interdisciplinary entertainment industry professional with seasoned years of experience producing high-profile, large scale and intimate events for globally recognized names and brands. Also mastered in the areas of office operations, project management, strategic planning & organizing and team management in a C-Level office for executive leadership. Extensive experience in talent management & relations, and publicity. Sophisticated verbal and written communication; regarded by management as forward thinking, enterprising, proactive and adaptable within fluid environments. Proven ability to fully handle crisis management situations calmly. Knowledgeable of the latest ideas and trends in pop culture, as well as within the music, fashion, liquor & spirits, fragrance and TV & film industries. Keen luxury lifestyle management training, including private air travel processes and mega yacht charters; also well-traveled in top domestic and international markets.

As the Managing Principal of Hunken Ewing Financial Group, Mr. Van A. Ewing II shares responsibility for firm-wide management with Mr. Scott B. Hunken and is member to the Executive Leadership team. He holds the primary leadership position in the firm for their recruiting and retention, wealth management and investments, compliance, and marketing. Additionally, he acts as a consultant and mentor to all members of the firm.

With 16 years of experience, Van is a recognized leader in the insurance and financial services industry. He has qualified for Guardian’s Leader’s Club three times and Guardian’s Presidential Citation in Field Management award, Platinum level. Van has been a multiple qualifier for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT).

Mr. Ewing received his BBA in Finance from Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville and his MBA in Finance from Howard University. He serves as a Board Member of NAIFA Illinois Foundation, Board Member of Howard University School of Business, and previously served as Corporate Advisory Board Member of LaRabida Hospital and the American Lung Association-Chicago Region. Van has also been recognized as a “Man of Excellence” by the Chicago Defender in 2015 and as one of Howard University’s most prominent business school alumni in 2010. On May 11, 2018, Mr. Ewing had the privilege of returning to his alma mater to deliver the Keynote address to the Howard University School of Business, 2018 Graduation class.

Prior to joining Hunken Ewing Financial Group, Van was Managing Partner for New York Life Insurance Company (NYLIC). He was responsible for growing agency and managing teams in insurance, retirement, and financial planning. He was responsible for growing the downtown Chicago NYLIC office from scratch to one of the largest offices in the NYLIC agency system. His career began at Texaco, Inc. (now known as Chevron Corp.), with his last position being Director of Corporate Development and Strategic Initiatives.

Van currently resides in the Andersonville area of Chicago with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two sons. As a family, they enjoy University of Wisconsin Badger football games, attending Formula-1 racing events globally, long walks and runs through the city with their two dogs, and relaxing with nearby family and friends. As a hobby, Van loves the tasting of small Napa vineyard wines and specific wines of the Burgundy region of France. He is also very active in his church, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and serves on the church’s Capital Campaign Committee.

Dr. A’s passion and perfected skill has made her the trusted choice of the stars. As a premier celebrity cosmetic dentist to everyone from Lebron James, Gabrielle Union, and Dwyane Wade to singer Michelle Williams (formerly of girl group Destiny’s Child), her drive and commitment to excellence creates the best smiles and brightest days for all of her clients.

As the youngest graduate in history of the illustrious Howard University’s College of Dentistry, Dr. Amira set out to make her mark on the world of dentistry at the precocious age of 23.

Given her humble beginnings as an Egyptian immigrant to the U.S., Dr. A never forgets where she’s come from and is committed to lifting as she climbs. Dr. Amira believes that one can’t be successful without inspiring others.

She was recently the keynote speaker at The Momfrence and She is a CEO.

She’s also a proud wife and mother of two.

Marci Rodgers is an award-nominated costume designer who created the rich palette and ‘70s wardrobe on Spike Lee’s highly acclaimed film, BLACKKKLANSMAN, which won an Academy Award in 2019.  Known for her ability to bring stories from script to screen through impeccable detail and authenticity, Rodgers designed Season 1 and Too of Spike Lee’s modern reboot of SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT, which premiered on Netflix and was nominated for best Television - Contemporary TV Film Series by the Costume Designers Guild. This past summer, she wrapped on the show’s second season. Marci has recently collaborated with directors such as Liz Garbus on her upcoming thriller film, LOST GIRLS; Steven Soderbergh for his Netflix drama film, HIGH FLYING BIRDS, Christopher Morris on his upcoming film, THE DAY SHALL COME, for See-Saw Films and Archer Gray; and WU TANG CLAN AN AMERICAN SAGA on Hulu.  From her educational roots at Howard University where she received a B.B.A. in Marketing, Rodgers went on to receive a Corporate M.B.A. from Florida International University and a Certificate in Fashion Design and Marketing from London Fashion College: Central Saint Martins in London, all before graduating with an M.F.A. in Costume Design from the University of Maryland.

Dr. LaNail R. Plummer Ed.D., LPC (DC), LCPC (MD), ACS, NCC, BC-TMH

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC-MD), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-DC), a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and Board-Certified TeleMental Health (BC-TMH) counselor, Dr. LaNail R. Plummer is committed to improving the lifestyle of many through the aspects of mental health and character development. Through the values of integrity and awareness, Dr. Plummer believes that emotional, spiritual and cultural healing is attainable for all.

As the CEO of Onyx Therapy Group, Dr. Plummer has created and leads a company whose mission is centered on addressing mental health issues, disparities, and inequalities in communities, organizations, and individuals in need. She leads her team of counselors, consultants, and specialists with a focus on development, compassion and understanding while requiring their attainment towards high standards of excellence that is incorporated in research, education, training, personal knowledge, and intuition. She strives towards creating a familial experience amongst her team, that can be modeled and creates a parallel process with all clients and consumers of Onyx Therapy Group.

Dr. Plummer, and her team of counselors, specialize in Child Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. As a graduate of Howard University & Marymount University, Dr. Plummer and her team ensure their clinical sessions incorporate cultural frameworks as a method of self-awareness, processing, and healing. With over 15 years of clinical experience that spans in variations of clients to include children, single adults, couples, returning citizens, and members of the LGBTQ community, she is passionate about her work and purpose within the mental health field.

As a consultant, Dr. Plummer ties in her experiences from the military, school/community leadership, university faculty, and parenting. The

culmination of these aspects allows her to provide the best services to her clients, directly and indirectly,  based on her breadth of information, knowledge and communication styles. As a researcher, Dr. Plummer explores the experiences of Black Women in clinical and supervision settings with the goal of creating a grounded theory that best suits the needs of Black Women in a range of professions. Additionally, Dr. Plummer and her team provide direct consultation to local and federal government agencies, while providing models and structures that allow them to support to their frontline mental health teams.

As a presenter, Dr. Plummer enjoys sharing her knowledge of clinical frameworks and counseling, clinical supervision, small business/private

practice start-ups, and spiritual techniques and implications in therapeutic sessions. As such, Dr. Plummer  has presented at 15+ international and national conferences to include the European Branch of the American Counseling Association (EB-ACA), the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi), and the Maryland Counseling Association (MCA). Additionally, Dr. Plummer has presented insightful mental health tips and commentary on local and national media outlets to include nationally syndicated podcasts and stations such as WTOP, ABC7, NBC4, and CNN.

Dr. Plummer is an Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University with teaching specializations counseling in the clinical supervision, counseling adolescents, counseling in the LGBTQ community, entrepreneurship in private practice.

Dr. Plummer is the recipient of the TAGG Magazine Enterprising Woman award and the 40 Under 40 honoree through the Center of

Leadership and Excellence.

Per WIKIPEDIA Shai is an American 1990s vocal R&B/soul quartet. Their most successful hit was "If I Ever Fall in Love", which reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The group met on the campus of Howard university and formed the group. "If I Ever Fall in Love" was released as the first single from the debut album of the same title, and peaked at #2 in the U.S. The next two releases from the platinum album, "Comforter" and "Baby I'm Yours," each peaked #10. The group's next album release was Right Back At Cha, a remix album that largely consisted of new versions of their previous hits, with a couple of new songs as well. A completely reworked version of their previous hit "Baby I'm Yours," simply titled "Yours," was released as a single, and peaked at #63.  Shai returned in 1994 with "The Place Where You Belong," from the Beverly Hills Cop III soundtrack. It was the group's final Top 40 single. In late 1995, their follow-up album Blackface was released (#42 Pop, #15 R&B). It featured their final R&B Top 20 single "Come with Me" (#43 Pop). The group's last chart appearance was the follow-up single, 1996's #89 single "I Don't Wanna Be Alone" Remix, which featured Jay-Z and was inspired by the Belinda Carlisle's 1987 "Heaven Is a Place on Earth"..

Per WIKIPEDIA Shai is an American 1990s vocal R&B/soul quartet. Their most successful hit was "If I Ever Fall in Love", which reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The group met on the campus of Howard university and formed the group. "If I Ever Fall in Love" was released as the first single from the debut album of the same title, and peaked at #2 in the U.S. The next two releases from the platinum album, "Comforter" and "Baby I'm Yours," each peaked #10. The group's next album release was Right Back At Cha, a remix album that largely consisted of new versions of their previous hits, with a couple of new songs as well. A completely reworked version of their previous hit "Baby I'm Yours," simply titled "Yours," was released as a single, and peaked at #63.  Shai returned in 1994 with "The Place Where You Belong," from the Beverly Hills Cop III soundtrack. It was the group's final Top 40 single. In late 1995, their follow-up album Blackface was released (#42 Pop, #15 R&B). It featured their final R&B Top 20 single "Come with Me" (#43 Pop). The group's last chart appearance was the follow-up single, 1996's #89 single "I Don't Wanna Be Alone" Remix, which featured Jay-Z and was inspired by the Belinda Carlisle's 1987 "Heaven Is a Place on Earth"..

A former Wall Street analyst turned coffee connoisseur, Kris Christian was born and raised in Memphis, TN and earned her degree in Business Management at Howard University. Tired of overloading her coffee with cream and sugar to make it palatable, Kris decided there had to be a way to actually savor the drink, not just tolerate it. Fueled by entrepreneurial savvy, she developed her own blends so rich in flavor, they barely need added sweetness. Her goal is to make gourmet, flavorful coffee accessible, so she uses her business to teach others how to brew a delicious cup at home.

Julian Bostic joined Vista Equity Partners in 2018. Mr. Bostic is responsible for leading Vista’s Capital & Partner Solutions engagement and development efforts throughout the Midwest and Texas.  Prior to joining Vista, Mr. Bostic worked as a Managing Director and Client Advisor in the Institutional Client Group at Neuberger Berman, where he focused on corporations, public funds, endowments and foundations, and family offices in the Midwest and Texas. Before his time with Neuberger Berman, Mr. Bostic spent 13 years at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, where he served as a Client Advisor in the Institutional Americas Group and as a Portfolio Manager in the Private Equity Group.  Education: B.B.A. in Marketing, Howard University + M.B.A in General Management, Duke University

A seasoned brand marketer and general manager with over 25 years of experience, Kimberly is widely recognized as a leading business executive that is known for driving transformative growth among existing and emerging Brands and Companies. She sites her ability to stay connected with consumers and culture, cultivate strong collaborative partnerships, unlock revenue growth opportunities, and build inspired and empowered teams as keys to her success. Kimberly recently joined ViacomCBS as EVP, Chief Marketing Officer, BET Networks. In this role she is responsible for managing and implementing brand strategy across all platforms including the BET and BET Her linear networks, BET+ streaming, BET Social and stewards the highly successful BET Live Events business.   Prior to joining BET, Kimberly was the Chief Operating and Brand Officer, Sundial Brands where she partnered with founder and CEO, Richelieu Dennis, to craft the overall strategic direction for future growth across the entire Sundial portfolio, including SheaMoisture, Nubian Heritage, Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture, and Nyakio. Kimberly oversaw Operations, Marketing, International, and Sales, and played a leading role in the launch and marketing of the $100M New Voices Fund in support of Women of Color Entrepreneurs. Prior to Sundial, Kimberly was Chief Marketing Officer of the Beauty Division of Coty, Inc., the makers of several fragrances and iconic beauty brands such as COVERGIRL, Clairol, Sally Hansen, and Rimmel. During her time at Coty, Kimberly stewarded the U.S. relaunch of several flagship brands, including Rimmel’s Street Beauty, the modernization of Sally Hansen, and Clairol’s Nice N’ Easy relaunch which delivered the most significant innovation in the hair color category in the last 50 years. Prior to joining Coty, Kimberly worked at The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) for 16 years in various roles in North America and Global. Her roles included Vice President, Venturing and Emerging Brands (VEB) where she was responsible for leading marketing, innovation and assessing high growth merger and acquisition opportunities of emerging beverage brands.  She is widely known for her leadership, turnaround and delivery of record growth of the $3.5B Sprite and Flavors portfolio. During her leadership, she relaunched The Coca-Cola Company’s 2nd and 3rd largest global brands and led key marketing partnerships with the NBA, LeBron James, Drake and many others.   Kimberly started her career in Brand Management at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, OH. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications & Business from Howard University and a MBA from Clark Atlanta University. She has been recognized as one of the Top Marketing Executives to Watch, interviewed by leading industry publications and has spoken on a number of panels on Women’s empowerment, how to expand brands globally and effectively market to youth, millennials and multicultural consumers. She is actively involved in many professional and social organizations and has been nationally recognized for her efforts to address childhood literacy.

Ezinne (Kwubiri) Okoro joined Wunderman Thompson in October 2020 as the agency’s first Global Chief Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Officer responsible for creating a comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion strategy for Wunderman Thompson.  Ezinne previously made an impact on addressing inequality and lack of diverse representation in the fashion/retail industry as H&M’s first Head of Inclusion & Diversity for North America. At H&M, she designed strategic frameworks to drive inclusion, equity and diversity; facilitated thought-provoking conversations about corporate culture; and led innovative corporate change and community activism. She served as a principle advisor for various markets and the Global H&M Group leadership team.  Prior to H&M, Ezinne spent nearly 12 years with Viacom Media Networks (now ViacomCBS) in various change management roles, where she designed and led solutions for enterprise-wide implementations. During her tenure at Viacom, Ezinne served as a coach, mentor and collaborator with C-level executives and functional leadership to achieve long-term, consistent and innovative practices.  Ezinne was named to the Top 100 Transformers in Business by Business Insider in 2020, The Network Journal’s 40 under Forty and ESSENCE Magazine’s Women to Watch in Fashion. She is a sought-after thought leader and has been featured in various outlets, including Forbes, CNBC, Black Enterprise, Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), Variety and TheRoot.com. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and board member for She’s the First.  Ezinne has a passion for corporate social advocacy and cultural equality. An immigrant from Nigeria and a graduate of Howard University’s School of Business, Ezinne uses her experiences and network to support organizations that empower young girls and serve underrepresented communities.

Charles F. Coleman Jr. is a seasoned civil rights attorney who specializes in EEO law, human resources and human capital solutions, as well as the support of diversity and inclusion efforts in the workforce. As a former Brooklyn, NY prosecutor turned civil litigator, Charles has extensive experience as a trial lawyer and his courtroom acumen is matched only by his leadership abilities, which he displays through his community mobilization and civic activism efforts.  Charles has appeared internationally on various media outlets as a legal and political analyst, writer, and orator. He has been branded as one of the brightest and most well-respected voices in conversations on law, diversity, civil rights, and social justice. Charles gives public talks to businesses, student groups, and civic organizations on law, culture, diversity, and social justice. Charles began his legal career as a prosecutor in the Kings County (Brooklyn, NY) District Attorney’s Office. While there, he excelled quickly and was hand-picked to join the specialized Gangs Unit where he prosecuted some of the city’s most dangerous and violent criminals in several high profile cases. For his efforts as a trial attorney and commitment to justice, in 2007 Charles was awarded the prestigious Law Enforcement Appreciation award for excellence and leadership in law enforcement.  Since leaving the DA’s office, Charles has transitioned to the arena of civil rights, focusing primarily on EEO law while helping to provide diversity and inclusion support to companies seeking to improve their workforce. In an increasingly growing marketplace, Charles understands how to impress upon executives and senior management the importance of not simply creating a more diverse work force and an inclusive work culture, but how to do so within the appropriate boundaries of the law.

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LaTonya E. Clark is a Senior Program Manager in the Chief Operating Office (COO) Executive Office at Fannie Mae in Washington, DC, were she manages and facilitates strategic projects and initiatives to support the COO senior leadership team and corporate shared service functions in executing the organizations unified digital transformation strategy.   She received both her Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), concentration in International Business/Marketing degree from Howard University.  LaTonya’s professional strengths and expertise include advocating and advancing business initiatives from strategy development through execution in dynamic, cross functional environments in both private sector and federal government organizations. Her specialties include public policy development, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and organizational design.

Just as LaTonya is committed to her professional career, she is just as passionate and committed about her volunteer and philanthropic service to the Washington, DC community.  Her volunteer and leadership experience with the arts, women and girls, literacy, and global issues and trends continues to make an impact to the organizations she supports. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Xi Omega Chapter; The Links, Inc. Capital City (DC) Chapter; The Washington, DC Carats; The Junior League of Washington; 19th St. Baptist Church; Commissioner, DC Commission for Women in the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives; and Ambassador/Founding Member- Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

As a 20 year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., LaTonya has served in a variety of leadership positions including Membership Chair (Alpha Chapter); Co-Chair of the 6th and 7th annual signature Xi Omega Chapter Women and Girls Conference, Chairwoman of the North Atlantic Region Cluster I Leadership Conference; and two terms as the Treasurer of the Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation.  Over the course of her 11 years of membership in The Junior League of Washington, she proudly accepted the call to leadership by serving as the Chair of Special Events, Assistant Council Director for Ways and Means, and two terms on the Nominating Committee.  In June 2018, LaTonya was inducted as a Links, Inc. Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute Fellow, Cohort VIII.  This highly selective leadership program selects only 47 women across the country, all under the age of 40, who will experience enhanced programming and leadership development.

LaTonya has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to service by the Howard University School of Business MBA of the Year Award (2019); Pearl and Ivy Educational Foundation, Presidents Award (2016); Deloitte Consulting Federal Practice Applause Award (2013, 2015); The Junior League of Washington Chair Extraordinaire Award (2013); Howard University School of Business Top 40 Under 40 Emerging Business Leaders (2010); and National Association of Women MBAs: Women of Color Special Edition (2008).

LaTonya’s favorite books, “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and the “Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein continue to shape and inspire her in seeking and living in her life’s passions.

LaTonya is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina and currently resides in Washington, DC. She enjoys tennis, cooking, entertaining, and spending time with her nephews Andrew Francis and Roger, III and niece Ava Rose.

Dr. KaNisha L. Hall (Dr. KaNisha) is a board certified anesthesiologist,  sexuality counselor, radio personality, and published author. She is a native of Shreveport, LA. She graduated from Howard University College of Medicine in the Great Class of ‘08. She is currently an active board member of the Howard University Medical Alumni Association (HUMAA). She also hosts the HBCU power hour for Kluster Media Group which broadcast on more than half a dozen stations on streaming platforms and IheartRadio. You can also listen to her every weekday morning on The Bridge Morning Show on Hip Hop Joint Rap Radio (HHJR) Atlanta’s #1 streaming hip hop station. It’s obvious Dr. KaNisha is not your average physician. She has been practicing anesthesiology, perioperative, palliative and addiction medicine for more than a decade in several states including Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, and Michigan.

Per #Wikipedia Crystal Waters is an American house and dance music singer and songwriter, best known for her 1990s dance hits "Gypsy Woman", "100% Pure Love", and 2007's "Destination Calabria" with Alex Gaudino. All three of her studio albums produced a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. In December 2016, Billboard magazine ranked her as one of the most successful dance artists of all time. Her accolades include six ASCAP Songwriter awards, three American Music Award nominations, an MTV Video Music Award nod, four Billboard Music Awards and twelve #1 Billboard Dance Chart hits. Her hit song "Gypsy Woman" was sampled in musician Trey Songz's 2017 song "1x1" from his album Tremaine the Album, which she co-wrote. 

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Waters' first job in the music world was as a backup singer at a local recording studio. She realized she wanted the creative control of writing her own music. Meeting the Basement Boys at a D.C. conference, they agreed to collaborate. Waters' self-described style was jazz and the Basement Boys was house. The first two songs she wrote for the 'Boys were "Makin' Happy" and "Gypsy Woman".  Waters signed a writing contract with Mercury Records in 1989.[citation needed]  Her single "Makin' Happy", with contributions by remixer Steve "Silk" Hurley, shot quickly to #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs.[citation needed]  With her 1994 follow-up album Storyteller, Waters made a mainstream comeback with her hit single "100% Pure Love", which hit number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100,[5] #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs and became one of the longest-charting singles on the Hot 100 at 45 weeks ("Gypsy Woman" had remained on the chart for 16 weeks). Along with the single, her second album Storyteller, sold over 1 million copies in the United States. Feminist scholar and social activist bell hooks described Waters as "fierce and politically on the job" because of the singer's socially conscious lyrics.  Waters performing in 2013. In 1996, Waters participated in the AIDS benefit album Red Hot + Rio, which was produced by the Red Hot Organization, performing the song "The Boy from Ipanema".  In 2007, the mega European hit "Destination Calabria" by Alex Gaudino, featuring vocals by Crystal Waters, went to #1 on the European Pop Chart in over 30 countries. The track is a mashup, taking the instrumental from Rune's "Calabria" and the vocals from Alex Gaudino's and Crystal Waters' "Destination Unknown", both originally released in 2003. It was produced with the help of Maurizio Nari and Ronnie Milani (Nari & Milani), matching the saxophone hook/riff from "Calabria" to Crystal Waters' voice. "Destination Calabria" was released as a 12-inch single by the Italian label Rise Records, and as a CD single on March 19, 2007 by British label Data Records. It originally charted in Australia in February 2004, peaking at #98 under the title "Destination Unknown" before being re-released as "Destination Calabria" and reaching #2 in 2007.  In 2012, "Le Bump" with Yolanda Be Cool gave Waters another #1 on the Beatport House Chart.  With DJ Chris Cox in 2013, the #1 Billboard Dance Club Songs hit "Mama Hey" was listed as one of Billboard's "Top 50 Dance Songs of 2013".  In November 2015, Waters released "Synergy", and in October 2016 she released "Believe". Both songs quickly rose to the #1 spot on the Billboard Dance Club Songs.[citation needed]  Her 2017 single "Testify" with Hifi Sean was released on Defected Records and went straight to the A-List on BBC Radio and garnered another #1 spot on the Billboard Dance Club Songs.  Her third collaboration with Sted-E & Hybrid Heights, titled "I Am House", reached #1 in the club charts in Spring 2018, giving Waters a total of twelve #1 singles in the US Billboard Dance Club Songs.  In February 2020, she began a monthly radio/podcast show called "I Am House."  

Source: Wikipedia

Ashley Henderson is a Los Angeles native, a Howard University Alum ('11) and proud member of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is the Founder of League Twenty Two, a creative events agency specializing in event production and execution, brand experiences and cultural relevance with a focus on Beauty, Music, Sports, Retail and Philanthropy. Some of her clients include Nike, H&M, Estee Lauder, YouTube and Beautycon. Instagram: @leaguextwenytwo. Website: www.leaguetwentytwo.com Projects that I loved working on: Nike #UntilWeAllWin Battle Of The Real Jollof, YouTube Black Creator Summit and 300 ent- Album Release Parties

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Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com. ________ 

Christopher J. Tyson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Build Baton Rouge, the city’s redevelopment authority. Chris works closely with the Mayor, business leaders, and community advocates to revitalize dis-invested areas, drive economic impact through equitable investment, and advance partnerships to increase community-wide capacity. Under his leadership the agency has secured over $45 million in grants for transit-oriented and equitable urban redevelopment. Chris is currently on leave from his position as the Newman Trowbridge Distinguished Professor of Law at the LSU Law Center where he is a tenured member of the faculty with a decade of law teaching experience. He is a noted local government law scholar and has published in numerous academic and editorial journals, including the New York Times and the Harvard Journal on Racial & Ethnic Justice. In 2015 Chris was the Louisiana State Democratic Party nominee for Secretary of State and earned the most votes of any black candidate at that point in Louisiana’s history. In 2017 LSU honored him with the Brij Mohan Distinguished Professor Award for his commitment to advancing peace and social justice. In 2018 he was inducted into University Laboratory School’s Alumni Hall of Distinction. Chris served as Co-Chair of Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Broome’s Transition Team and Governor John Bel Edwards has appointed him to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and the COVID-19 Health & Equity Task Force.  Chris graduated with honors in 1998 from the former Howard University School of Architecture. While at Howard he was active as a member of the Gentlemen of Drew Social Club, Campus Pals, the Undergraduate Student Assembly, and Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He also served as Mr. Howard University 1996-97. Chris went on to earn degrees in public policy and law from the Harvard Kennedy School and Georgetown University, respectively. He is married to Dr. Gia Tyson (HU c/o '01) and they reside in Baton Rouge with their three children.

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Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

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Dr. Gia Tyson is a transplant hepatologist for Ochsner Health in Louisiana. As the only liver specialist in the Baton Rouge region she has multiple jobs. She started The Liver Center Ochsner Baton Rouge to provide high level liver care to the region. Dr. Tyson is head of The Liver Center, which has grown significantly over the past 6 years and receives referrals from around the state. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Louisiana State University where she staffs the liver disease clinic with LSU Baton Rouge residents and provides care to the underserved. At LSU she gives didactic lectures to the residents and medical students. She also started a special program at LSU where primary care providers can give specialized care by treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive patients. Dr. Tyson utilizes her Master of Public Health degree and clinical expertise as the Clinical Network Specialist for the Louisiana Department of Health’s initiative to eliminate hepatitis C (HepCured LA). Louisiana is the first start to have this type of public initiative. In this role she has helps create the training documents and provides the training to primary providers around the state of Louisiana to treat HCV. In less than one year, the HepCured LA initiative has created over 300 new hepatitis C treaters and treated more the 4,200 persons with HCV. More patients on Medicaid have been treated than the previous 5 years combined.  She has published multiple peer reviewed articles on hepatitis C, hepatitis B and hepatocellular carcinoma.   Dr. Tyson is also an entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of Med School Admit (MSA). MSA has programs focused on helping premedical students become competitive medical school applicants. She is proud of all the work she is doing to create healthier Louisianans and is particularly motivated to make an impact on students around the country who want to see their dreams of becoming a doctor realized. Dr. Tyson is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana who attend college at Howard University, Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins for residency, Baylor for GI fellowship and Tulane for transplant hepatology. She is a wife and mother of three children who in her spare time enjoys movies and endurance sports.   While at Howard University Dr. Tyson was very involved. She was a student athlete, playing tennis for 3 years and serving as team captain. She served as junior class president in the College of Arts and Sciences. She was a member of Phi Sigma Pi honor fraternity and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. During her senior year she was the president of Alpha Kappa Alpha. She took full advantage of her Howard years, researching at the National Institutes of Health and travelling to Africa during her summers. Given her well rounded activities while maintaining a 4.0 gpa Dr. Tyson applied for the Rhode’s Scholarship and was a finalist. Above all Dr. Tyson is grateful for the amazing and lifelong friendships she formed at Howard that are ongoing. 

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THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY***

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.  Resheida Brady, a Chicago native, received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University and Master of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Southern California. Upon graduating, Resheida entered the industry as a writers’ assistant and has matriculated to writing for such shows as, “Being Mary Jane (BET),” “Good Trouble (Freeform), SEX/LIFE (Netflix).” She is currently Producer on Godfather of Harlem (EPIX). Resheida hopes to tell poignant, impacting stories and create interesting and entertaining characters that will inspire the world through relatability and empathy.

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.  Marcia Smith founded HGC Apparel in 2011 with one goal in mind; to celebrate black culture and design a collection that had a social purpose. “After being in the military for 8 years, I felt inspired to create a platform for my community. I had a vision and a voice and always wanted to design a unisex sportswear collection.” HGC Apparel is one of Instagram’s most engaging brands with an engaged community of 360,000 followers. “I create content in an authentic voice and feel that people respect and love the brand even more because of how real we are,” says Marcia Smith, founder of HGC Apparel. The HGC Apparel collection is bold, colorful, and purpose-driven in its messaging. “Black by Popular Demand, Respect, Protect, and Love the Black Woman” are just a few of the trademark slogans that are creatively woven through the collection which could not be more relevant given the Black Lives Matter movement and racial injustice in America. Celebrity fans of the brand include actress Zendaya, screenwriter and producer Lena Waithe, and musicians Chloe x Halle. The collection is sold online at www.hgcapparel.com and ranges in price from $39.99 for cropped t-shirts offered in an assortment of colorful cotton jersey fabrics, to $124.99 for a windbreaker set in neon, and $199.99 for a printed unisex bomber jacket.  After graduating from Howard University, Marcia Smith established HGC Apparel in 2008. Our vision was to revive the early 90's and to bring back the air of Black pride that most of us as youth associated with that time. The baggy sweatshirts, color blocking, and the bright and flashy "Black and Proud" designs were a staple of this time, which had been long forgotten until now. At HGC Apparel, we are inspired by this era and strive to put our customers back into this euphoric genre. It is our hope that HGC Apparel will give you a feeling of pride and consciousness of our community.

With his wife's support, Matthew Goins created Puzzle Huddle in January 2018. As a couple Matthew and Marnel have three children all under the age of seven. Frustrated with the lack of diverse images shown on commercially-produced puzzles, the family began creating unique puzzle designs. Matthew began by printing images from the internet and hand-cutting puzzles at home with a pair of scissors. A few dozen roughly cut puzzles later, he started looking for commercial printers to manufacture puzzles with images he commissioned from different artists. They are so proud to provide you with puzzles that showcase inclusive images that our children, and others, will love. Since launching a line of diversity focused puzzles, the company expanded to include wall decorations, t-shirts, pillows, and blankets. The puzzle images largely represent themes that are important to their family: education, achievement, culture, religion, and diversity. Matthew was born and raised in Detroit, MI, and his wife Marnel was raised in Philadelphia, PA. The two met while attending Howard University for graduate school.

Why Puzzles? Puzzles are a timeless toy and development tool for children. The time a child spends assembling a puzzle requires focus, problem solving, discipline, and fine motor skills.

Why Ethnically Diverse Images? Children perceive and internalize the images around them. When children play with toys that feature images that look like them, they have the opportunity to be affirmed and engage in imaginative play in a very personal way.

ASHLEY BLAINE FEATHERSON currently stars as ‘Joelle Brooks’ in the critically acclaimed Netflix Original Series, DEAR WHITE PEOPLE. After the show’s 2017 debut, Variety, described Featherson’s ‘Joelle’ as “pitch-perfect,” and TV Guidesaid the actress “is the comic force of the show.” In Volumes 2 & 3, Featherson continued to steal scenes and reviews and now, with her stunning cover of Erykah Badu’s classic, ‘Tyrone,’ she is also the only cast member featured on the soundtrack. Alongside Emmy-winner Lena Waithe, Featherson co-created the groundbreaking web series, HELLO CUPID. Vulture selected CUPID as one of the best web series of 2014 and The Boston Globe went further, declaring the series, and Ashley, deserving of Emmys. This past year, Featherson again stood out and hailed for her starring role in the MACRO produced series, LEIMERT PARK, at Sundance. Featherson also starred in Amber Tamblyn’s directorial debut, PAINT IT BLACK, on the big screen; and in the 2016 ABC pilot, DREW, and guest starred in Fox’s GLEE on the small screen. As for what's next, she is co-starring in the 2020 Sundance Hit BAD HAIR set to hit theaters later this year. Featherson received her BFA in musical theater from Howard University and she currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

An internationally acclaimed, award-winning actor, Isaiah Washington is an extraordinary man of character known for his many memorable performances and devotion to his craft: ''What I’ve always wanted to put at the forefront is my creativity – what I’ve always wanted to do – is act.''  A veteran of Spike Lee films, Washington’s extensive body of work is perhaps most marked by his role as gifted cardiothoracic surgeon “Dr. Preston Burke” on the hit ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. His portrayal earned him two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award. After leaving Grey’s Anatomy, Washington joined NBC, guest starring on Bionic Woman. He has been recognized on TV Guide’s “TV’s Sexiest Men” list in June 2006, and was named one of People’s “50 Most Beautiful people” in May 2006.  Now focusing his efforts off-screen, Washington is a devout supporter of Sierra Leone, working to give back to the land to which his ancestry has been traced. In 2007, he founded The Gondobay Manga Foundation, advocating cooperative planning to achieve positive, timely improvements in the lives of the people of Sierra Leone. By uniting passionate people, The Foundation strives for immediate impact by addressing one village at a time. This singular approach tailors initiatives to the specific needs of the village community, while drawing the attention of the international community to distinct goals. In undertaking such issues as road building, water supply, and electricity, The Foundation will stress the need for reliability, accountability, and sustainability in the infrastructure of Sierra Leone.   In November 2007, Washington and the Gondobay Manga Foundation opened its first school, Chief Foday Golia Memorial School, in the Njala Kendema village for 150 students in grades K-5. The new school, named in honor of the former leader of the village, replaces two grass huts not suited for occupants. In addition to building the school, Washington and the Gondobay Manga Foundation donated uniforms and school supplies for each student.  A man of great patriotism, Washington honorably served in the United States Air Force, and currently works with the LA Regional Food Bank to provide food for the needy in Los Angeles. Active in promoting the arts, he hosted the recent 16th Annual Pan-African Film Festival. Washington was the Master of Ceremonies for the first White House Summit on Malaria to fight the war against malaria in 15 African countries, and in 2008 attended the 63rd United Nations General Assembly in New York City as an advisor to President Ernest Bai Koroma of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Following this event, President Koroma traveled to Washington, D.C. and announced that Washington would be granted full citizenship of Sierra Leone. This historical citizenship declaration made Washington the first African-American to receive such an honor and President Ernest Bai Koroma the first African President to perform such an act. Finalized in December of 2008, it concluded a longtime dream of dual citizenship for African-Americans by Pan African pioneers such as W.E.B. DuBois, Kwame Nkrumah, Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Horace Mann Bond, Ralph Bunche, Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Edward Wilmot Blyden and Rev. Leon Sullivan.

Zurin Villanueva is originally from Brooklyn, NY. Zurin first started dancing at 7, moved to acting at 12 and finally started singing at 17, she is a Graduate of Laguardia High school for Drama. Howard University for Musical theater BFA. Broadway: The Lion King, Mean Girls, Shuffle Along. Off-Broadway: Clueless the musical (Dionne)National tour: The Book of Mormon. Regional: Ragtime (Barrington stage company), Million Dollar Quartet (pclo), Ruined (every man theatre), and crowns (arena stage) which was my first gig. Zurin is also am proud of playing Josephine Baker in a new musical at metrostage in va. Film and TV: Insatiable s2e5, Detroit as Martha of the vandellas, and Marvelous Mrs. Maisel s2e1. Instagram @Zurin

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

Simone Missick made history for her powerful and extraordinary portrayal in Marvel's Luke Cage as TV's first black female superhero, Misty Knight, and has captivated audiences ever since. Touted as the show's "breakout star," Missick was featured as one of People magazine's "Ones to Watch" prior to the first season premiere. She continued to portray this impactful character in other shows, such as The Defenders and Iron Fist.

Simone's other television appearances include CBS All Access' Tell Me a Story, the political thriller Scandal, Wayward Pines, and Showtime's crime drama Ray Donovan. Also, she starred in the comedy short Voicemail, for which she was nominated for the Best Actor Award at the NBC Universal Shorts Festival. Later this year, Simone will star in the second season of the series Altered Carbon, opposite Anthony Mackie.

Previously, Simone filmed the lead in the independent film Jinn, directed by Nijla Mumin, which premiered at SXSW Festival in 2018. The film tells the deeply intimate and timely story of a woman who converts to Islam and how this affects her family dynamic.

Outside of film and television, Simone's impressive theater work includes the Signature's Paradise Blue, written by Dominique Morisseau and directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Center Theatre Group's Citizen: An American Lyric. Based on a book of poetry by Claudia Rankine, adapted for the stage by Fountain Theatre co-artistic director Stephen Sachs, and directed by Shirley Jo Finney, "Citizen" fuses poetry, prose, movement, music and the video image in a provocative stage adaptation. Also, Missick starred as Sweet Tea in The Road Weeps, the Well Runs Dry at the L.A. Theatre Center, which earned her an NAACP Theater Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2014.

Simone lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Dorian Missick, and pup Charlie. Her birthday is Jan. 19. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @SimoneMissick.

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

Gerald L. Hector, CPA is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer for Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. He has been in the role for approximately four months where he oversees a majority of all the business and administrative functions of the college to include, human resources, information technology, business office, student accounts, auxiliary services, and facilities.   Prior to joining Morehouse, he was the Vice President for Financial Affairs and University Treasurer for Ivy League Cornell University. An institution that has an annual operating budget of $4.5 billion. There he was responsible for the controller’s office, tax office, payroll, sponsored financial services, cash management, risk management, office of policy, and purchasing and procurement. While there he was also active in other groups around judicial mentoring, and race and diversity workshops and presentation to his division.  His career as a financial and administrative executive goes back to similar roles as the Vice President of Finance and Administration at Ithaca College where he implemented a number of firsts for the college that included the implementation of the Zero Based Budgeting concept, along with creating a monthly CFO discussion series entitled “Dollars and $ense.” He created a ten-year master plan for the campus, along with deferred maintenance strategic plans for both facilities and information technology. Both plans were firsts for the college. In addition to his regular duties he became known in several circles for his commitment and work around race, diversity and inclusion in 2015, when tensions arose on college campuses across the country. He was featured on several webcasts and podcasts during that time. The model he implemented to have difficult dialogues has been adopted by his former colleagues at other institutions. He has also held the Vice President of Business and Finance role at Johnson C. Smith University, an HBCU that was guided through to a successful reaccreditation process in 2006 with no findings or recommendations. There he also created several financial firsts like establishing the college’s first ever unrestricted cash reserve of $10 million. He went to Johnson C. Smith after having served as the Corporate Controller for the United Negro College Fund, Inc. While at UNCF he was responsible for putting together the financial budgets and framework for the $1 billion Gates Millennium Scholars program. A program that was designed through the generosity of Bill and Melinda Gates to provide 20,000 minority students with a college education. Prior to UNCF, he was a public accountant with Deloitte and Touche where he served independent power plants and nonprofit organizations.  An honors graduate from Howard University’s School of Business with a baccalaureate degree in accounting, he also holds a Masters in Christian Thought from the Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He weaves both his financial acumen and spiritual grounding to mentor and engage a host of individuals on the issues of today. His lunchtime lecture in the fall of 2018 at Cornell University around “Faith and Finance” continues to be an inspiration to individuals who are keen on trying to understand the interaction of how the world we live in today presents opportunities for reflection and healing.

Dr. Brummer received his medical degree from NYU and completed his residency in emergency medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.  Dr. Brummer is a multiple-award winning physician executive with over 15 years of medical management.  He has served as Vice President and member of Board of Directors of Vituity, a billion-dollar national healthcare organization that treats over 7 million patients a year. He is also on the Board of Trustees for the American College of Emergency Physician’s Emergency Medicine Foundation.  Dr. Brummer has developed and operationalized over 100 specialty practices included occupational health, urgent cares, emergency departments, and freestanding emergency departments.  Dr. Brummer has also been a contributed as an Executive Producer in various projects that have premiered on Netflix and cable television.  Dr. Brummer resides in Pasadena, CA.

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

Jade P Duncan, D.D.S., M.Ed., a native of Trinidad and Tobago, graduated from Howard University, in Washington DC, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree.  She completed a 2-year General Practice Residency, where she served as Chief Resident at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center. She also holds a Master of Education in Curriculum Development and Instruction, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Medical Education from the University of Cincinnati. Additionally, Dr. Duncan graduated with a certificate in Theology from the E.L.I. Bible Institute and Seminary. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In her previous professional role, she served as the Director of Operating Room services and clinical attending for the Department of General Dentistry at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY. She held a faculty appointment at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY and is an Adjunct Clinical Faculty at the University of New England, College of Dental Medicine in their Community Based Education program. She currently practices dentistry at Penobscot Community Health Care, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Bangor, Maine, where she serves as the Director of Dental Residency for the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency program.

In her personal life, Dr. Duncan is a certified Life Coach and is currently completing her Master Life Coaching certification. She recently published her first book, “Saved, Single, Secure: The Secrets to thriving in your single season” and completed a successful book tour in the Caribbean. She is a professional motivational speaker and has been an invited conference speaker and guest lecturer. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and was inducted into the Alpha Phi Chapter at Howard University in Spring 2006. Dr. Duncan loves fashion and considers herself to be a foodie. Her passions include cooking, mentoring, volunteering at church and spending quality time with family and close friends.

On May 6, 2019, Howard University Director of Athletics Kery Davis announced the hiring of Kenneth Blakeney as its men's basketball head coach. In his first season at the helm, Blakeney coached Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) All-Time Leading Scorer Charles Williams where he earned All-MEAC honors. He also witnessed Wayne Bristol, Jr. winning 2019-20 MEAC Rookie of the Year. Blakeney brings a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree to the program. He has coached at seven Division I universities over a 12-year span. He has been associated with winning as a player, coach and business entrepreneur. Raised in Washington, D.C., Blakeney was a McDonalds All- American and Gatorade Player of the Year at the famed DeMatha Catholic High School, playing for Hall of Fame Coach Morgan Wooten, the winningest high school coach in history. Following his stellar scholastic career, Blakeney headed to Durham, N.C., to play for the Duke Blue Devils under the direction of Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski. During his Duke career, the Blue Devils compiled a record of 99-34 which included winning two national championships.  After receiving his bachelor’s degree in history from Duke, Blakeney secured his first coaching position as the assistant men’s basketball coach at James Madison under Hall of Fame Coach Lefty Driesell.  Blakeney later moved on to the men’s basketball staff at LaSalle University where he recruited and developed Rasual Butler, a 2002 NBA draft pick for the Miami Heat.  Blakeney then moved on to the University of Delaware where he served as the Head Assistant under now current Notre Dame coach Mike Brey. During his time in Delaware, Blakeney conducted coaching clinics and lectured in Senegal and Turkey as part of NBA educational efforts. He also assisted in the recruitment of three nationally ranked recruiting classes from 2003-06 at Delaware. Blakeney lectured in the physical education department, coordinated community relations events and initiated a marketing campaign called the “6MAN”.
After one-year stints at St. Bonaventure and Marshall, Blakeney went on to have a successful career at Harvard University. Working under Head Coach and former Duke standout Tommy Amaker, he assisted in capturing the program’s first Ivy League Title and NCAA Tournament berth since 1946. Blakeney also helped recruit two back to back Top 50 recruiting classes in 2008 and 2009, with the 2008 class being named to the ESPN Top 25. He also discovered and developed 10-year NBA veteran Jeremy Lin. After his four years at Harvard, Blakeney co-founded a fashion accessory company named Sportin’ Styles. Additionally, he joined apparel giant Under Armour where he worked with NBA, College and Grass Roots division. In 2018, he returned to the sidelines and the Ivy League at Columbia University (SOURCE: https://hubison.com/).

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

As a top plastic surgeon in Houston, Texas, Dr. Camille Cash is recognized by patients and peers alike as a leader in her field. Dr. Cash is known for her unique and innovative techniques to achieve a natural and improved look. She combines the use of surgery with non-surgical or minimally invasive procedures to yield the best outcomes for transformation and empowerment, including body contouring, facial and breast sculpting, anti-aging regimens, and vaginal rejuvenation for women. “Plastic surgery to me, embodies the perfect combination of artistry with medicine, fine details with the big picture, instant gratification with lasting change, new technologies with tried-and-true standards.”  A trailblazer in her field, Dr. Cash is Double Board certified in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery and was the first African American female in the State of Texas to achieve this distinction.  Dr. Cash’s extensive training began at Howard University where she graduated magna cum laude before earning her medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine. She completed a five-year general surgery residency and a two-year plastic surgery residency at St. Joseph Hospital where she earned the prestigious Resident of the Year Award. In 2002, Dr. Cash founded her solo private practice and has gone on to establish herself as a leading provider of the newest and most advanced technologies and techniques for surgical and non-surgical cosmetic enhancement. Dr. Cash's sought-after expertise has led to numerous interviews for local and national print, digital, and television media.  Dr. Cash was featured throughout season three of the TLC series My 600lb Life: Skin Tight where she showcased her surgical skill and bedside manner in treating patients suffering with excess skin following massive weight loss. Dr. Cash has consistently been named as a Top Doctor by the medical review site, RealSelf, and is ranked among the top 1% of participating medical professionals on the prestigious RealSelf 100 List. She was also recently named one of the top three plastic surgeons in Houston by the selection committee for Three Best Rated, a consumer review site focused on local business. Recognized for sharing her knowledge and commitment to patient education and optimal patient outcomes, Dr. Cash participated as an investigator for the Allergan Breast Implant Follow Up Study, among other clinical trials. Dr. Cash also serves as a medical advisor and educator with leading industry partners including SkinCeuticals®, Neodyne Biosciences, Revance Therapeutics®, InMode, Healeon Medical, Regeneris Medical® and CareStream America.  Even with her thriving private practice and busy family life, Dr. Cash continues to devote time to causes that are important to her. Dr. Cash believes in giving back to her community as an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church and as a board member for St. Agnes Academy and Sisters Network® Inc.  Dr. Cash also stays active in the plastic surgery community through her ongoing participation in such organizations as The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and The Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Candiace Dillard Bassett is a sassy and savvy 33-year-old former Miss United States, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. At an early age, the Real Housewives of Potomac star learned what excellence looked like from observing her parents, who served in the United States Air Force and worked in different facets of the medical field. A graduate of Howard University, she served a tenure in the White House Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, where she liaised between the White House and the African American community for President Barack Obama. She later traded in her suit and heels for the campaign trail, where she served as a staffer for President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. In 2013, Candiace won the crown and title of Miss United States and hasn’t looked back since. While she takes pride in her background in public service, she considers herself an artist at heart and is no stranger to performing. Her award-winning independent film debut cast her as the spicy Dr. Nicole St. Claire in Water In A Broken Glass. You can also catch her as Victoria in season two of the web series, Pivot Point and making her lead actor and co-producer debut this summer in a new independent feature called The Cure. This fall, Candiace will guest star alongside Tia Mowry as the spunky Sunita Chanel in Netflix’s Family Reunion. Music is a second language for Candiace, singing most of her life. From talent competitions to choirs to a girl group, her music journey eventually led her to the production of her first single R&B single, I See You. Forthcoming, with the help of Grammy Award winning producer, Chucky Thompson, Candiace will release her second single, the I See You Remix. The go-go hit is an homage to the city that adopted her, Washington, DC, featuring Anwan “Big G” Glover of renowned go-go group, Backyard Band. As an entrepreneur, she is the founder and CEO of Candiace Dillard Pageant Consulting, cofounder of Prima Hair Collection by Candiace Dillard, and co-owner of Chateau Salon Suites. In 2009, she also founded an organization called My Sister’s Keeper, a mentorship and women’s empowerment organization designed to give young girls the opportunity to interact with women in their communities. Candiace is married to her best friend, restaurateur Chris Bassett, whom she met while they were both working at a restaurant in downtown Washington, D.C. When she is not running her numerous businesses, Candiace can be found curled up with a good book, as reading is her favorite pastime. Don’t miss Candiace on season 5 of the Real Housewives of Potomac Sundays at 8PM EST on Bravo TV!

Dallas Jackson was born and raised in Denver, Co and is a graduate of East High School who’s other well known alumni include Pam Grier, Don Cheadle, and Hattie McDaniel. He’s also a graduate of Howard University's School of Communications . He is a Writer/Director/Producer and President of DJ Classicz, a production company focusing on edgy young adult driven film and television projects. In 2017 Dallas was the Executive Producer along with the iconic late film director John Singleton for 10 episodes of the crimedrama “REBEL” on BET/Viacom networks. The duo also wrote the pilot script “Straight Outta Heaven” for the CW. Dallas directed and produced the teen slasher film “THRILLER” for Blumhouse Pictures/Universal Pictures which debuted on Netflix April 2019 and quickly became “trending” on the streamer for six weeks.  The film was also co-written by Jackson and stars Mykelti Williamson, RZA, and Vanessa Bell Calloway. Currently, Dallas just completed post production on the action film “Welcome to Sudden Death” for Universal Pictures. Jackson wrote and directed the movie which premieres on Netflix September  29, 2020.

In addition Dallas is also writing and executive producing an adaptation of the crime-thriller novel “Notorious C.O.P.” For CBS Studios which 50 Cent and T.I. are also executive producing.

Once a year, a collective of Howard Alumni produces several homecoming events for professionals coming to the Mecca to celebrate Howard Homecoming. Known as #GoHamHU, founders Duclas Charles, Trey Poindexter, Major Dobbins and Brandon Banks execute events throughout the week to tend to different eras from “The Mecca.” With the help of The Gifted Life and the Playmakers US, Homecoming at The Mecca (H.A.M) offers events for everyone, creating options each night for alumni to reminisce with classmates and visitors from across the nation. Since it’s inception, #GoHamHU has planned over 40 events with 10,000+ guests. The #GoHamHU team utilizes a family approach to its partnerships and hopes to have every homecoming event produced by Howard alum. #GoHamHU intends to continue Howard’s rich legacy of black excellence and providing quality entertainment for notable celebrities and fellow Bison who visits the nation capital for the best homecoming celebration on Earth. Remember, life is about options. Follow @GoHamHU to see what they have in store for homecoming.

Steve Owens graduated from Howard University in 2006 (BA, Marketing), NYU 2008 (MA, Music Business). Steve worked in music from 2006-2015 (Epic, Def Jam, Atlantic, Warner Chappell, and for various managers and agents including fellow Bison Chris Hicks of Noontime Publishing). Owens is currently a Senior Account Executive for Experiential Marketing at Burrell Communication with a focus on music and festival properties for Toyota. Steve Owens is the founder of the Gifted Life and started #1000Bottles (+ other homecoming parties) in 2011, Trill Grill Fest in 2014, and Brunch Kings 2015. Most recently, Owens pivoted to Ivey + Allen, black / HBCU alum owned candle company during the pandemic when in-person events weren't viable.

Alfonza "Pep" Hamilton is an American football coach who is the quarterbacks coach for the Los Angeles Chargers. He was previously the head coach and general manager of the DC Defenders of the XFL. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina who graduated from West Charlotte High School, Hamilton played quarterback from 1993 to 1996 at Howard University. While at Howard, Hamilton earned the team's scholar-athlete award in 1995 and 1996.Hamilton started his coaching career at Howard University, where he served as the team's quarterbacks coach before becoming the team's offensive coordinator. Hamilton coached in the National Football League for the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers before taking a position as quarterbacks coach for the Chicago Bears on March 5, 2007.In 2010, Hamilton was hired by the University of New Mexico Lobos after Tee Martin left for the Kentucky Wildcats and was named co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. However, after Ron Turner left Stanford for the Indianapolis Colts, Hamilton left New Mexico before the start of the season to be the wide receivers coach at Stanford. In 2011, he was promoted to offensive coordinator under new head coach David Shaw. In 2013, Hamilton was named as the new offensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts, after former OC Bruce Arians left to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. The move reunited Hamilton with former Stanford starting quarterback Andrew Luck, tight end Coby Fleener, and wide receiver Griff Whalen.[3] Hamilton turned down an offer to become the offensive coordinator of the Virginia Tech Hokies, citing a desire to be reunited with his former protégé Andrew Luck. On December 30, 2014 the Oakland Raiders interviewed Hamilton concerning their coaching vacancy, but opted to hire Jack Del Rio. On November 3, 2015, the Colts fired Hamilton. In January 2016, Hamilton was named as the associate head coach and quarterbacks coach for the Cleveland Browns. In 2017, Hamilton was signed by the Wolverines to a four-year $4.25m contract. In February 2019, Hamilton joined the XFL's DC Defenders to be their head coach and general manager for the 2020 XFL season. In April 2020, Hamilton joined the Los Angeles Chargers to be their quarterbacks coach for the 2020 NFL season.

Antoine Bethea, 3X Pro Bowler, Super Bowl Champion is an alum of Howard University. The 14 year NFL Veteran was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2006 draft. Heading into his 15th season in the NFL, Bethea led all DB’s in tackles in 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals Walter Payton Man Of The Year recipient, Bethea’s journey has been of the ultimate underdog.

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.  

Born in Jamaica, Anna-Lysa Gayle has always had a passion for documenting events happening around her. She started documenting her life, as soon as she could form real sentences. Since then, she remained committed to her passion for storytelling.  At 11 years old, she moved to the United States to Brooklyn, New York. As she moved to other parts of the east coast, her love for journalism only intensified. In 2009, she enrolled at Howard University where she studied Broadcast Journalism. During that time, she secured internships with companies like WTOP-FM, FOX5 DC, CNN and more. She was also selected for competitive programs like the Meredith-Cronkite Fellowship, the T-Howard Foundation, the CBC-UNC Diversity Fellowship, MTVU, ONA student newsroom and NABJ’s student multimedia project.  She started her career at WHSV-TV in Harrisonburg, Virginia before moving on to WLKY-TV in Louisville, Kentucky, for nearly three years. While in Kentucky, she received an award from the Associated Press for her continuing coverage of a case involving four young men (coined the Misidentified Four).  In July 2016, she joined WJLA-TV where she continues to tell stories that she hopes will leave a lasting impact. She is currently a three-time Emmy award-winning journalist. She earned two Emmy awards for her role in a special report on the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and her role in a newscast on the Silver Spring explosion, which left seven dead.  In 2018, she received her third Emmy for her role in ABC7’s coverage of the Congressional baseball shooting in Alexandria, Virginia. She has also received a community award, known as the ‘Distinction of Hope Award’.  You can watch Anna-Lysa Gayle at 10 p.m. on WJLA’s 24/7 News channel (formerly News Channel 8) & 11 p.m. on ABC7 news, from anywhere in the DMV. You can also follow her journey on her website AnnalysaGayle.com. Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.   Lloyd Freeman is a Partner and Chief Diversity Officer at the firm. Lloyd concentrates his practice in the area of commercial and complex civil litigation in state and federal courts in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He has represented clients in trials, arbitration and mediation in both states.  Lloyd has experience in commercial and complex matters involving consumer fraud, real property, franchise, business torts and other issues related to business and contractual disputes. Lloyd has also litigated a number of disputes involving merchants and the sale of goods governed by Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”).  A member of Archer Discovery Strategies – the firm’s practice group dedicated to eDiscovery litigation and document management practices – Lloyd has extensive experience managing electronic discovery in complex state and federal matters. In the fall, Lloyd teaches e-discovery and digital evidence to upper-level students at Drexel University’s Kline School of Law in Philadelphia, PA.  As Chief Diversity Officer, Lloyd carries out the firm’s vision to grow diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, as well as implements policies and procedures, and fosters programs to promote diversity throughout the firm.  He does this by promoting diversity and inclusion in the recruitment, hiring, retention and promotion of Archer attorneys, which includes maintaining an ex-officio position on the Personnel and Hiring Committees while serving as Chairman of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Most recently, Lloyd planned and hosted the firm’s first diversity retreat featuring two days of workshops on unconscious bias, cultural competencies, inclusive practices and emotional intelligence. In addition, he develops and nurtures key partnerships to drive strategic diversity and inclusion marketing, as well as business development initiatives.   Accordingly, Lloyd serves as a trusted advisor to firm executive management and the Office of the President.  A longtime champion of diversity and inclusion in the profession and at Archer, Freeman created Archer’s affinity group, L.E.A.D. (Lawyers Encouraging Archer’s Diversity) in 2012 and coordinated the firm’s summer associate program for the past three years, resulting in the most diverse summer associate classes in the firm’s history. Freeman himself was a summer associate at Archer and also received an Archer diversity scholarship while in law school. He is the first person of color to rise through the ranks from summer associate to partnership status.  Outside of the firm, Lloyd served as president of the Garden State Bar Association and has written articles and spoken at conferences on the importance of diversity and inclusion.  Lloyd has used his influence as a social justice advocate in the cannabis space as well.  He has spoken at press conferences with the governor, met with state leaders and written pieces urging the decriminalization of marijuana in New Jersey.  Prior to joining the firm, Lloyd served as an intern to the Honorable Jerome B. Simandle, S.U.S.D.J, and as an extern to the Honorable Joseph E. Irenas, S.U.S.D.J., both of the District of New Jersey.

Kenrya Rankin is an award-winning author, journalist, and editorial consultant whose insight has been tapped by leading outlets, including the New York Times, the Huffington Post, and ThinkProgress. She creates dynamic content that amplifies the lived experiences, advocacy and work of people of color and shifts the narrative around who deserves liberation, justice and dignity in America. A 20-year veteran in the editorial space, she is also Executive Producer and Co-host of The Turn On podcast, Principal at Perfectly Said Studio, and the author of five books, including How We Fight White Supremacy: A Field Guide to Black Resistance and the forthcoming Anti-Racist: Powerful Voices, Inspiring Ideas. As a journalist and editor, her work has appeared in dozens of national publications, including Reader’s Digest, Ebony, Fast Company and Redbook, and has been translated into 21 languages. The Cleveland native is a graduate of Howard University and New York University. When she’s not working, she enjoys baking and having Beyoncé dance parties with her brilliant daughter.

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

As the Head of Global Public Relations for Global Citizen, a movement of engaged citizens who are using their collective voice to end extreme poverty, eradicate climate change and end gender inequality by 2030, and as the previous Director of Communications for Discovery Education, where she oversaw targeted press engagement for ed tech impact initiatives that aimed to uplift 51 million students around the globe, Charmion believes that “service is the rent we pay for life.” Charmion has also led communications for My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (MBK Alliance), where she provided strategic communications counsel for the organization’s work to expand opportunities for boys and young men of color. Prior to her service with MBK Alliance, Charmion managed corporate social responsibility communications at The Walt Disney Company. As a key member of Disney’s Corporate Communications team, she developed engagement campaigns that elevated the company’s reputation and influenced kids, families, and communities that needed inspiration most. In 2015, the company contributed more than $333 million through charitable cash giving, product contributions and public service announcements, to charitable organizations domestically and globally. In service to the Obama Administration from 2009 to 2013, Charmion aided former President Barack Obama as a political appointee in ranging public affairs capacities, including: Assistant Press Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Associate for the Press Office of First Lady Michelle Obama where her work enhanced communications, research and strategy-based support for the First Lady’s Let’s Move! and Joining Forces initiatives, and Special Assistant for the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). In 2008, Charmion joined Obama for America as a field organizer for the Missouri Campaign for Change. Her work as an organizer empowered targeted communities across Kansas City’s urban core – including more than 14,457 voters in 32 precincts – to collectively plan, implement and manage multiple voter contact, outreach and GOTV events. Collective efforts resulted in the historic election of the 44th President of the United States. Preceding her political career, Charmion worked as Assistant Campaign Manager at the Ad Council, Inc., where she managed the distribution and promotion of several key campaigns including: childhood obesity prevention, nutrition education, stroke awareness, diabetes prevention and online sexual exploitation prevention. Charmion was responsible for expanding social awareness platforms through guiding the strategic development, creative design and targeted outreach of Ad Council PSAs. At the Ad Council, Charmion liaised several key Ad Council partners including: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), American Stroke Association (ASA), National Football League (NFL), Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and DreamWorks. There she managed a budget of nearly $10 million across three campaign platforms. From 2004 to 2007, Charmion was employed with Edelman, an international public relations agency. There, she advised ranging clients with Edelman’s healthcare and corporate social responsibility practices, based both in Washington, D.C. and in New York, NY. While there, she contributed a wealth of knowledge to alliance development, issues advocacy outreach and healthcare solutions. Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! 

Brandon William Jones is a high impact analytical leader with deep experience across sales, operations and finance roles for high-growth consumer and enterprise tech products. Today, as Director and Head of North America Sales Development for LInkedIn, Brandon is working towards a mission of digitally mapping out the global economy to connect talent with opportunity at a massive scale. In this role, he oversees an organization that serves as North America’s growth and talent engine, accounting for over 1% of the company’s employees across offices in San Francisco, Chicago and New York City. Previously, Brandon headed Google Cloud’s Sales Development across the Americas, its fastest growing region accounting for over 60% of global business. Before that, Brandon headed Product Operations for 7 of Google's technology products, including Google’s Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality efforts, Digital Content, and a number of confidential products within the Advanced Technology & Products division. Prior to joining Google, Brandon accumulated nearly a decade of experience in finance, strategy, technology and operational roles at Fortune 500 companies including Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Johnson & Johnson and Mercer. In addition to serving as a strategic advisor to Stanford School of Medicine’s Healthcare Innovation Lab, Brandon sits on the corporate board of SCAN Health Plan, one of the nation’s largest non-for-profit Medicare Advantage plans with ~$4B in revenue, and serves as a member of the Audit & Compliance and Governance committees. Brandon is also an investor in real estate and a number of startup companies focused on frontier technologies. Brandon has served as a partner of the Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund, a member of the Milken Institute Young Leaders’ Circle and the advisory boards of The Mr. October Foundation for Kids, Cultivating Aspiring Leaders and the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Center. Brandon has spoken at world-class leadership summits including The Aspen Institute’s Socrates Seminars and Renaissance Weekend. Brandon hosts the Series B Show podcast, which highlights the journeys of key influencers across tech, culture and business and has featured guests including Y-Combinator CEO Michael Seibel, Hall of Fame Baseball Player Reggie Jackson, Microsoft Chairman John W. Thompson, and “Father of the Internet” Vint Cerf. Brandon holds an MBA from Harvard University, where he was a Merrill Lynch, Robert A. Toigo and HBS Leadership Fellow, and a BBA in Computer Systems from Howard University, where he was a Reginald F. Lewis Scholar. Brandon resides in Palo Alto, CA with his wife Charlotte and two children.

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.   After graduating from Howard University with a degree in Communications, Tracey Lee inked a recording deal with Bystorm/Universal Records under which he released a solo album entitled, Many Facez (1997). This album included the hit single, The Theme (It’s Party Time), which settled on Billboard’s Top 100 for thirty-seven weeks.  He had the opportunity to collaborate with award-winning artists such as the Notorious B.I.G., Busta Rhymes, and Kanye West. Some of Tracey's performances and appearances included BET Rap City: The Basement, BET Teen Summit, Keenan Ivory Wayans Show, and HBO Original Series: ARLI$$.  Tracey's whirlwind music industry experience prompted him to earn a Juris Doctorate Degree from Southern University Law Center making Tracey the 1st former major label hip-hop artist to earn the abbreviation Esq. behind his name. Some of his clients include Eric Roberson (Grammy-Nominated R&B Singer/Songwriter), Invisible Productions (for Kelly Rowland, Solange Knowles and Kobe Bryant), and DJ Young Guru (Tour DJ & Engineer for Jay-Z).  In 2014, Tracey returned to the music scene as an independent artist under his LLeft Entertainment label releasing his project entitled ESQ. The Revelation, with appearances by DJ Young Guru, Eric Roberson, and Algebra Blessett. Fall of 2016, he joined the faculty staff of Coppin State University as an adjunct professor teaching The Business of Music. In 2018, Tracey released Expect The Unexpected, an album that brilliantly bridges the gap musically between the new school sound and hip-hop culture's foundation. On July 31, 2020, Tracey released his latest project Glory, which is already being revered as Tracey's magnum opus. Created in the midst of a major societal shift, (Covid-19, Quarantine, Police Brutality, and Civil Unrest), this album is a pure product of the now and the way forward on a landscape cultivated entirely by the production of super producer, Ojizz.  Tracey currently sits on the Governor's Board for The Recording Academy Washington, DC Chapter, and is a member of Black Entertainment and Sports Law Association (BESLA), American Bar Association (ABA), Screen Actors Guild (SAG), and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard University Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.   Brittany Jacob is currently a News Anchor at KFVS-TV in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She also serves as the Illinois Bureau Reporter in Southern Illinois. Brittany is originally from Houston, Texas. She arrived in Southern Illinois by way of Washington, D.C. She is a proud graduate Howard University's School of Communication as a broadcast journalism major and theater minor.  Her passion for journalism has never ceased. She was the Senior reporter on the high profile murder case of Southern Illinois University Student Pravin Varughese. She has covered the midterm elections gubernatorial race, the infamous Illinois state budget stalemate, the Cairo housing crisis, and more.   Brittany is the 2018 News Spokesperson for the Salvation Army of Southeast Missouri and also host the annual Black History media program for the youth at the African American Museum of Southern Illinois.  She started her professional career in media sales, marketing and advertising working for iHeart Radio and then CBS Radio in Washington, DC. Although having a successful career in media sales and in acting and modeling, she followed her passion in broadcast news.   Brittany loves to spend her free time on stage performing one of her passions, theatre. She also loves to experience new cultures, traveling, meeting people, trying new foods and is always up for an adventure. She enjoys yoga, cooking, scintillating conversations and spending time with her family.   Brittany graduated Magna Cum Laude, was on the Dean's Honor Roll, Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She was the recipient of the BET Scholarship, Howard University's Trustee Scholarship and the Lewis Fenderson Scholarship. She was a part of the National Association Broadcaster's Education Fund Institute, a member of National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.  Alex Dixon humbly serves as the President of the West Region for PureStar, North America’s foremost provider of laundry services and linen management to the hospitality industry. Prior to the $825M sale of Circus Circus Hotel and Resort, Alex led the property as its President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to Circus Circus, Dixon served as the opening General Manager of MGM Springfield Casino Resort & Spa in Springfield, Massachusetts where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations at the $950M resort. Immediately prior to joining MGM, Dixon served as the opening Vice President and Assistant General Manager of Horseshoe Casino Baltimore with Caesars Entertainment. Prior to joining Caesars, Dixon worked as an investment banker focusing on mergers and acquisitions with Goldman Sachs and Silver Pacific Advisors in cities including: New York, London, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Dixon’s significant transaction experience includes the $638M IPO of Jackson Hewitt and Disney’s $7.5B acquisition of Pixar. Dixon currently serves as a member of Nevada Governor Sisolak’s Covid-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task force and as a Trustee of the Vegas Chamber of Commerce. Alex formerly served as the Treasurer of Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas, President of the Las Vegas Urban League Young Professionals, Board Member MedStar Harbor Hospital, Executive Committee Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, Trustee American International College and was appointed by the Clark County Commission to serve on the Committee on Community Priorities. From 2010 – 2019, Alex co-founded and led Confess Media a souvenir and event photography software development firm based in Las Vegas. In 2003, Dixon was awarded a BBA in finance from Howard University in Washington D. C. and studied abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico. A native of Las Vegas and graduate of Durango High School, Dixon is the husband of Yindra Dixon and proud father of Alex, Jr. and twins, Parker and Peyton.

Welcome to the HU Movemakers Podcast (www.humovemakers.com), where we highlight folks in Howard Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! If you would like to apply or nominate someone  to be on the podcast, please email bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com. GRAMMY Award-nominee, singer, songwriter, and producer Eric Roberson continues to break boundaries as an independent artist in an industry dominated by major labels, manufactured sounds and mainstream radio.  Described as the original pioneer of the independent movement in R&B/soul music, Eric has achieved major milestones in his career, from being a successful songwriter and producer for notable artist such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Dwele, Vivian Green and countless others, as well as headlining sold out tours across the country. This Rahway, NJ and Howard University alum became the first independent artist to be nominated for a BET Award 2007 and was the recipient of the "Underground Artist of the Year" BETJ Virtual Award, with Rahsaan Patterson in 2008.  In addition, Eric was nominated in both 2010 and 2011 for a GRAMMY award in the "Best Urban/Alternative Performance" category and continues to blaze trails unheard of as an independent artist.  In 2011, his studio album, Mister Nice Guy, debuted in the top 5 on the iTunes R&B/Soul charts and his 10th studio album, The Box, was released in 2014. Eric's latest project, Wind, will be released on July 21st and digital pre-orders are available now on iTunes.  This album is the second part of a three album compilation Earth, Wind, and Fire, to be released throughout the year.  Wind features Urban Contemporary Veteran Will Downing on the single "Lyrics Of Pleasure". The inspiration behind the album titles definitely pays homage to the iconic group, but Eric also wanted to use music to voice some of today's topical issues and in his special way, include personal influences into these albums.  "Earth is self-empowering, Wind is the love and Fire is the message," says Roberson.

The HU Movemakers Podcast highlight folks in Howard Culture that are blazing the trail and making moves! Subscribe to our email list now at www.humovemakers.com. Got questions or want to nominate someone? Email humovemakers@gmail.com.  A two time Emmy award winning reporter with ten plus years experience in sports and news.  AJ Ross cover the NFL, college football, and college basketball sidelines for CBS Sports providing in game reports, post game interviews, and additional content for CBS studio shows.  Additionally AJ has also worked with the WNBA solo hosting news segments and All-Star live-streaming coverage across the league’s digital platforms.  In 2019 AJ also freelanced with MSG Network covering the sidelines of the NY Streets arena football team games.    After graduating magna cum laude from Howard University, AJ landed her first job working as a production assistant at ESPN producing and editing montages, teases, and highlights for SportsCenter and various NBA studio shows.  Later AJ transitioned from behind the scenes to in front of the camera at WMBF News in Myrtle Beach, SC.  As a multi-media journalist and anchor AJ covered one of the biggest wildfires in South Carolina history.  AJ also produced an in depth feature on the NAACP's boycott of the confederate flag.  On weekends AJ also served as a fill in sports anchor assisting with Friday Night Lights high school football coverage.  My next stop was WSYX in Columbus, OH where AJ served as a reporter and fill-in morning anchor. While there AJ covered a wide range of stories from the Senate Bill 5 protests at the Ohio Statehouse, to the Zanesville animal massacre, and Jim Tressel’s resignation from OSU following Tattoo Gate.   After two years in Columbus, AJ returned home to Pittsburgh to work as a freelance reporter for WTAE-TV and the New Pittsburgh Courier newspaper. In April 2013 AJ joined WKYC in Cleveland where AJ was awarded two Emmys for my breaking news contributions; including coverage of the ‘Miracle in Cleveland’, the mass stabbing at Franklin Regional HS, and ongoing developments in the deadly Cleveland Police chase that ended with 137 shots fired. In September 2014 AJ joined WABC in NYC covering breaking news stories across the five boroughs and beyond.  From the Halloween box truck terror attack to traveling abroad to Brussels following the ISIS attacks, AJ was able to further hone my skills in high pressure situations.

For more HU Movemaker Podcast interviews, visit www.HUMovemakers.com.   In this interview, Stan Verett Talks Alpha, Hip Hop DJ to the Voice of ESPN Sports Center, the Howard Experience.  Stan Verrett earned his B.A. from Howard in 1989, when he was recognized as one of two outstanding graduates in the journalism program. He began his career in radio in Charleston, South Carolina, before moving on to Norfolk, Virginia, where he worked in radio and began his television career at the NBC and ABC affiliates. Verrett joined the NBC affiliate in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1998. After two years there, he went on to work at ESPN. As an anchor on the network’s flagship program, SportsCenter, Verrett was a part of a team that was recognized with two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Daily Sports Show. He is one of the network’s longest tenured current anchors, hosting SportsCenter and other ESPN shows for the past 19 years. Verrett has also hosted the college football studio show on ABC. In 2016, he hosted an hour-long town hall on Sports, Race and Culture with former President Barack Obama. Want to nominate somone, email humovemakers@gmail.com.

Welcome to the HU Movemaker Podcast where we highlight influential people in Howard culture that are making moves! For more information, visit www.humovemakers.com. Questions? Want to nominate someone? Send a bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

Servant leader, educator, military chaplain, mentor and friend are just a few of the divine assignments that the Honorable Omarosa Manigault Newman has embraced in her life. Omarosa Manigault Newman currently serves as the head of the Faith and Family ministries at the Sanctuary at Mt. Calvary Church in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2015 she was endorsed by the Baptist Ministers Conference and was commissioned first lieutenant in the California State Military Reserves as a Chaplain for Southern Regional Command at Los Alamitos Joint Training Base.

She previously served as Assistant Pastor of Weller Street Mission-ary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California for nearly a decade.

In this role she was an integral part of the Skid Row outreach min-istries which focused on at-risk youth and homelessness. Additionally, she has worked on behalf of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Positive Vibrations program in Compton, CA and the Fred Jordan Mission, on Skid Row in LA. She has participated in both domestic and international missionary work in Ferguson, Nigeria, Senegal, Haiti and the Gambia.

Her passion for knowledge and truth has enabled her to speak to audiences around the world. Most recently she was honored to lecture at Oxford University, Cambridge University, Harvard University and Temple University. During a pilgrimage to Israel she was given the distinct honor to deliver a moving sermon in the holy land where she was also baptized in the Jordan River.

Omarosa currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Howard University School of Business executive education program. She previously served as Director of Research and Education for the National Visionary Leadership Project in Washington, DC.

Omarosa has a political career that spans two decades. Shehas served in the White House for two US presidents. She vice chaired the African American Leadership finance council and was a member of the political National Diversity Coalition.

Rev. Omarosa received her Bachelor’sDegree from Central State University in Ohio and was inducted in the CSU Hall of Fame in 2006. She received her Master’s Degree from Howard University and she is ABD in her Doctoral Studies also at Howard University. She is currently completing her D.Min at Andersonville Theological Seminary, Georgia.tral State University in Ohio and was inducted in the CSU Hall of Fame in 2006. She received her Master’s Degree from Howard University and she is ABD in her Doctoral Studies also at Howard University. She is currently completing her D.Min at Andersonville Theological Seminary, Georgia.

Welcome to the HU Movemaker Podcast where we highlight influential people in Howard culture that are making moves! For more information, visit www.humovemakers.com. Questions? Want to nominate someone? Send a bio/headshot to humovemakers@gmail.com.

Servant leader, educator, military chaplain, mentor and friend are just a few of the divine assignments that the Honorable Omarosa Manigault Newman has embraced in her life. Omarosa Manigault Newman currently serves as the head of the Faith and Family ministries at the Sanctuary at Mt. Calvary Church in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2015 she was endorsed by the Baptist Ministers Conference and was commissioned first lieutenant in the California State Military Reserves as a Chaplain for Southern Regional Command at Los Alamitos Joint Training Base.

She previously served as Assistant Pastor of Weller Street Mission-ary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California for nearly a decade.

In this role she was an integral part of the Skid Row outreach min-istries which focused on at-risk youth and homelessness. Additionally, she has worked on behalf of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Positive Vibrations program in Compton, CA and the Fred Jordan Mission, on Skid Row in LA. She has participated in both domestic and international missionary work in Ferguson, Nigeria, Senegal, Haiti and the Gambia.

Her passion for knowledge and truth has enabled her to speak to audiences around the world. Most recently she was honored to lecture at Oxford University, Cambridge University, Harvard University and Temple University. During a pilgrimage to Israel she was given the distinct honor to deliver a moving sermon in the holy land where she was also baptized in the Jordan River.

Omarosa currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Howard University School of Business executive education program. She previously served as Director of Research and Education for the National Visionary Leadership Project in Washington, DC.

Omarosa has a political career that spans two decades. Shehas served in the White House for two US presidents. She vice chaired the African American Leadership finance council and was a member of the political National Diversity Coalition.

Rev. Omarosa received her Bachelor’s Degree from Central State University in Ohio and was inducted in the CSU Hall of Fame in 2006. She received her Master’s Degree from Howard University and she is ABD in her Doctoral Studies also at Howard University. She is currently completing her D.Min at Andersonville Theological Seminary, Georgia.

Lance sat down with host Joshua Mercer to discuss failure, success, future, and the Howard Experience. Lance Gross is an accomplished actor, producer and photographer.  He was most recently seen in the role of ‘Lincoln’ on “Hawaii 5-0” (CBS).  He was a series regular on “Star" (Fox) as ‘Maurice Jetter’, while also appearing as the recurring role of ‘Billy Colton’ on ‘MacGyver” (CBS).  He was also recently seen in Amazon's "Too Old To Die Young" with Miles Teller (Dir. Nicolas Winding Refn). Previously Lance was a series regular on “Sleepy Hollow’ (Fox) opposite Nichole Behari, and also the lead of the NBC drama “Crisis” opposite Dermott Mulroney, Gillian Anderson, and Rachael Taylor.  Lance has starred on TV One’s “When Love Kills: The Felicia Blakely Story” directed by Tasha Smith; the BET anthology series “Tales: Trap Queen” directed by Benny Boom; and “The Bobby Brown Story” (BET). He is the first actor to win four NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role on Tyler Perry’s "House of Payne." Lance is also the creator, producer and star of the MACRO digital series “I Turned My Camera On” (Essence) which combines his love of photography with a series of celebrity interviews.  Season one featured Michael B. Jordan, Omari Hardwick, Kelly Rowland amongst others. Other credits include the Tyler Perry film "Temptation" opposite Jurnee Smollett, Brandy Norwood, and Vanessa Williams; the remake of "Steel Magnolias," opposite Queen Latifah, Alfre Woodard, Phylicia Rashad, and Jill Scott (Lifetime); alongside America Ferrera, Forest Whitaker and Carlos Mencia in Fox Searchlight's "Our Family Wedding;” and has guest starred on USA Network's "Royal Pains."