Kenny Lewis & One Voice is easily one of the hottest groups to watch in the gospel music industry today. Their last album, “Undefeated” garnered over 20 million streams with the lead single, “He’s Been Good” hitting #1 on Gospel Billboard in January 2022. The group has also garnered two nominations at the prestigious Stellar Awards and fans are excited for what is next to come.

Based in Chicago, Kenny Lewis founded the group One Voice in 1999, and 25 years later the group is gaining the notoriety it deserves. The group has released five albums together including “The Bridge”, “The Mission”, “The Way of Escape”, “Refocus”, and most recently “Undefeated”. Throughout the years the group has also collaborated with artists including Charles Jenkins, Kim Burrell, BET Sunday Best finalists Michael Lampkin, Tiffany Andrews, and more! The group’s reach spans worldwide, garnering a fanbase in Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Aside from Lewis’ musical successes, he is also intentional about helping the next generation in marginalized communities. He spends his time outside of music working with behavioral and autistic kids providing learning support, tutoring, mentorship, and more! He also provides supervision to the children both inside and outside of the classroom in order to help unlock each student’s full potential in the safest, most education-friendly environment possible.

It is his mission to show God through both his music and his work with the motto “If I can help even just one person, I know my work will not be in vain

Crystal Khalil is a Master Executive and Relationship Coach, International Best-Selling Author of Hard Workers Work Hard, And Networkers Move Up!, and a trailblazing corporate leader. She’s the Co-CEO of Volition Enterprises, Inc. and Sister Diamonds, LLC, where she empowers individuals to lead with purpose, integrity, and boldness in their careers and relationships. With over 30 years in corporate leadership—including becoming the first African-American executive leader with Porsche—Crystal’s expertise spans transformational coaching, strategic leadership, and high-impact networking. She is a certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer, and Coach, as well as a Prepare and Enrich Trained Relationship Coach, offering a unique blend of professional and personal development expertise. Crystal also serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Caring For Others, an international non-profit focused on poverty eradication. Her work alongside her dynamic business partner, Dr. Nicole LaBeach, extends to guiding diverse clients toward their highest potential, supporting professional excellence, and nurturing authentic connections in business and life. Driven by her faith and a commitment to impactful leadership, Crystal resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where she continues to inspire and lead by example.

Dr. Nicole LaBeach is a renowned Master Coach, Business Strategist, Speaker, and Best-selling Author of “A Woman’s True Purpose: Live Like You Matter.” She’s the Co-CEO of Volition Enterprises, Inc. and Sister Diamonds, LLC., empowering individuals to achieve freedom in their businesses, build effective leadership, and cultivate their most meaningful relationships. Known for her impact on Oprah Winfrey Network’s "Put A Ring On It," Dr. Nicole has also guided critical celebrity, clergy, professional athletes, and Fortune 500 clients like The Coca-Cola Company, Southern Company, Manpower, UCB Pharmaceuticals, News Corporation, and AON to name a few. With over two decades of experience in organizational consulting, executive and relationship coaching she’s inspired audiences on platforms like Good Morning America, The Tamron Hall Show, and The Essence Festival. Dr. Nicole holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology with a background in Ministry and Clinical Psychology - She is a true champion for personal and professional growth. She resides in Atlanta, Georgia, driven by her faith and commitment to empowering others.

Coming Soon

Dr. Sabrina Islam is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Section of Cardiology at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Her clinical interests include Preventative cardiology, Cardiovascular Health Equity, Echocardiography , and Nuclear cardiology. She is the Director of the Cardiac rehabilitation program, and Quality improvement and Assurance for the Echocardiography lab. Dr. Islam earned her medical degree at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, her MPH from Johns Hopkins University and completed her Internal Medicine Residency and Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship at Drexel University. Dr. Islam was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key Honor Societies. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts, an ASE book chapter and serves as a reviewer for JASE. She serves on multiple institutional, regional and national committees and councils. Dr. Islam is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and the American Society of Echocardiography.

Aishat Mustapha is a current cardiovascular disease fellow at Emory University School of Medicine. She grew up in Abuja, Nigeria. She completed her medical school training at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH followed by internal medicine training at Johns Hopkins Osler Medical Residency in Baltimore, MD. She hopes to practice general cardiology with a focus on prevention, vascular medicine and imaging. Her current research includes diversity in cardiovascular clinical trial representation, peripheral arterial disease and digital health interventions.

Carissa M Baker-Smith, MD, MPH, MS is a board certified and nationally recognized pediatric cardiologist (preventive cardiology) who specializes in the management of youth with risk factors for premature cardiovascular disease (CVD), including obesity, systemic hypertension, and dyslipidemia. She is currently an Associate Professor Pediatrics (Pediatric Cardiology) at Sidney Kimmel Medical College and serves as Director of Pediatric Preventive Cardiology at Nemours Children’s Health Delaware. Her research interests include use of mathematics models for predicting CVD risk factor development, preventive cardiology care, dietary intervention strategies for management of dyslipidemia and identification of barriers to health equity.

Dr. Elizabeth Ofili is a Professor of Medicine, at Morehouse School of Medicine, and a practicing cardiologist with Morehouse Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia. She serves as Chief Medical Officer of the Morehouse Choice Accountable Care Organization, a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Shared Savings Program, that includes Morehouse Healthcare, and Federally Qualified Health Centers across the state of Georgia.

Dr. Ofili has received over 50 national awards, including “Changing the Face of Medicine: The Rise of America’s Women Physicians” Exhibit at the National Library of Medicine. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine, which is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. Dr. Ofili currently serves as Membership Chair of Medicine and Subspecialties, Dermatology and Pathology, the largest member section in the National Academy of Medicine.

Sue has a background in nursing and has worked in the healthcare industry for over 20 years, with the last 12 years spent as a patient educator and pharmaceutical liaison. Her experiences have provided her with a much broader perspective on the great need for access and education. She was inspired to become an Alnylam Patient Education Liaison (PEL) when she learned that she could help educate patients and raise awareness of hATTR amyloidosis, a rare condition that disproportionately affects African Americans.

PELs are employees of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. They are not acting as healthcare providers and are not part of your healthcare team. PELs do not provide medical care or advice. All diagnosis and treatment decisions should be made by you and your doctor.

Tab, living with hATTR amyloidosis, went from teaching cycling classes several times a week to contemplating using a wheelchair to get around. He began experiencing shortness of breath, pain in his hip, carpal tunnel syndrome, and symptoms of neuropathy. Join us to hear more about Tab’s journey with hATTR amyloidosis.

Dr. Akinboboye is a cardiologist, has a specific interest in amyloidosis, and is experienced in managing patients with hATTR amyloidosis. He currently serves as a Medical Director at Laurelton Heart Specialists P.C. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and completed his cardiology fellowship at Nassau County Medical Center, State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook.

Carmen White serves as the US & Global Health Equity Lead as a part of Pfizer’s Oncology Patient Solutions and Alliances group in the Oncology Division.  As Pfizer works to Outdo Cancer and follow through on its commitment to patients to minimize barriers to care and access, Carmen works to empower communities and close health gaps through cohesive, sustainable and scalable approaches to health equity, and helps make breakthroughs available to cancer patients no matter who they are or where they live.

 

She previously led multicultural participant experience in the R&D division and has patient engagement, clinical trial and healthcare communications experience serving the public sector, academia, and the pharmaceutical industry.

 

Over her career, she has supported clinical trials for various sponsors in multiple therapeutic areas and developed protocol review, public awareness, and community outreach programs for companies and a leading multi-center comprehensive cancer center.

Rod Thornton is a distinguished leader in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector with over 24 years of extensive experience at Johnson & Johnson (J&J) in various strategic and operational roles. A results-driven professional, Rod possesses a diverse skill set in management, clinical operations, strategic customer relations, national account management, and healthcare policy.

Edmondo Robinson is the Founder and CEO of Downeast Digital and a national leader in digital health and innovation with over 25 years of experience in health care delivery, management, and leadership. A practicing academic hospitalist, Dr. Robinson cares for patients while teaching students and trainees as part of the Hospital Medicine service at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. Previously, Dr. Robinson served as Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Moffitt Cancer Center where he founded and led the Center for Digital Health as well as co-founding CancerX. Prior to that, Dr. Robinson was the Chief Transformation Officer and Senior Vice President of Consumerism at ChristianaCare, one of the largest health systems in the mid-Atlantic.

Dr. Robinson is a professor of Internal Medicine and Oncologic Science at the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine. He serves as a Director of the Boards of Ardent Health and Carriage Services, Trustee of the Board of the University of Vermont Health Network, and Chair of the National Advisory Council for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, a senior fellow of the Society of Hospital Medicine, and a former Aspen Institute Health Innovators Fellow. He holds a medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles; an MBA with an emphasis in health care management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania; and a master’s degree in health policy research from the University of Pennsylvania.

Naomi Jordan Cook is an eCommerce and lead-generation marketing specialist. She co-founded The Virtual Global Consultant (VGC) Group in 2016, a company that designs and develops eCommerce systems to help businesses generate revenue online. The VGC Group customizes digital platforms and software that simplify shipping and payment collection for businesses in emerging markets. Naomi has helped her clients generate millions of dollars annually in at-will donations and business sales, with a special focus on faith-based organizations and Africa-based companies.

With over 15 years of professional experience in technology, Naomi is passionate about creating, building, and maintaining online platforms. She specializes in expanding brand visibility and driving engagement to increase at-will donations and sales for her clients. Naomi is a co-author of the book Cyber Church Today: Online Marketing Tools for the 21st Century. She holds a Master of Science in Internet Technology and has earned several certificates in Internet Marketing, Web Development, and Computer Programming. Additionally, she completed the ExporTech program by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Through her company, Naomi launched the Digital Futures Fellowship Program, connecting market research students with African businesses to help them compete globally. The pilot program positively impacted several Ghanaian businesses and involved over 30 students, using eCommerce and digital strategies to support their growth.

Under her leadership, VGC Group has developed mobile applications and digital software for well-known industry leaders and organizations. Her expertise in implementing digital technologies and eCommerce systems supports economic development within underserved communities. She also created and launched Aftown Mall, an eCommerce ecosystem that showcases select African-based products rebranded for the high-end global

marketplace. In 2021, the VGC Group was honored with the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency’s award for Minority eCommerce Firm of the Year.

Dr. Paul Monroe Butler, PhD is passionate about brain health. He is an expert in dementia and the science of aging. Dr. Monroe received his M.D from Boston University School of Medicine and is a board-certified behavioral neurologist. He has worked with companies such as Apple and Biogen to develop tools that empower patients to track their brain health and use strategies to slow decline. While working at Biogen, Dr. Butler has pioneered work in digital medicine and is medical director for a virtual research trial called Intuition: a brain health study. Dr. Butler currently provides clinical care to patients with disorders in memory, movement, and thinking, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. While working at Biogen, Dr. Butler has pioneered work in digital medicine and is medical director for a virtual research trial called Intuition: a brain health study.

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Apostle Fred Wyatt III, is a Pastor, businessman, and church planter. He is the founding and Senior Pastor of Speaking Spirit Ministries, a multi-site church located in Richmond, Virginia. As founder, the church has acquired 3 campuses and grown rapidly to over 4,200 parishioners. The church now owns a movie theater, event center, gymnasium, and community center that have all greatly impacted the city. The church sponsors over 47 local and global organizations while reaching over 19,000 youth annually.

Pastor Fred has been married to Inger Wyatt for over twenty-one years and they have two sons Frederick M. Wyatt IV and Gabriel Wyatt.

Shadawn McCants is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology and a Master's degree in Counseling from the illustrious Prairie View A&M University. Shadawn is the owner and Clinical Director of Know and Live Counseling and Consulting, a private practice counseling agency in Houston, TX where she specializes in holistic wellness for women, adolescents, and couples. In addition, she is also the founder of 2 Know is 2 Live, a 50 lc3 organization dedicated to promoting active, engaged, and empowered women and communities to address HIV/ AIDS disparities by focusing on awareness, education, and healing. Shadawn McCants is a furious leader, healing practitioner, international activist, best-selling contributing author, model, and actress.

In addition, she is the Co-Chair for the Texas Black Women's Health Initiative Houston chapter, CDC Ambassador for the Let's Stop HIV Together Initiative, I AM a Champion Ambassador with Thera Technologies, Recipient of POZ Top 100 Black Advocates, and a sought out public speaker and educator. While Shadawn has several pursuits that she is passionate about, her overall desire is to empower you to Know and Live. Until there is an End to the HIV Epidemic, she will be a catalyst to live BRAVELY and show up fully Positive and Positive!

 

Coming Soon

Bishop Darryl Sylvester Brister was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 26, 1966. He received his license to preach in 1989 and was ordained on May 1, 1992, under the administration of Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr. On January 26, 1996, at the age of 29; he was consecrated to the highest position in the church, the office of a “Bishop”. He is the Apostle/Overseer of Beacon Light International Ministries and since July 1993, has served as the Senior Pastor and Teacher of Beacon Light International Baptist Cathedral. He serves as the 2nd Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International.

Bishop Brister has authored ten books that have ministered to thousands, entitled Exposing the Enemy, The Monster Within, Recovering From Ruptured Relationships, Don’t Fight the Process, Talk To Me Afterwards, Look To the Hills, Living the Dream, Doing Right In A Wrong World, Against All Odds – “Turning Obstacles into Opportunities”  and most recently The 99% Woman. In March of 1999, Bishop Brister and the Beacon Light Mass Choir released their first CD entitled, “It’s All About Him.” He serves as President and Founder of the Darryl S. Brister Bible College and Theological Seminary, which was established in August 1999, and is also the Founder of the Beacon Light Christian Academy, which was established in  August 2002. He is the Apostle/Overseer of the Beacon Light Baptist Church of Houma, LA, Beacon Light Baptist Church of Hammond, LA, Beacon Light Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, LA, Beacon Light of Haiti at New Orleans, Beacon Light of Panama City, FL, and Beacon Light of LaPlace, LA.

Bishop Darryl S. Brister is married to Dionne Flot Brister and is the father of five children. He is a man of vision whose life embraces destiny and purpose. He has a deep hunger to win souls for Christ and is committed to serving God, dedicated to following wherever God may lead, and excited as God continues to do “A Brand New Thing” within his life and ministry.

Reconciliation has always been what I work hard for and will continue to do so, both in South Africa and within the Church. I believe that reconciliation should be an ongoing subject matter in our society. There is a need to reconcile the different ways that people worship within the church. Understanding this, recognizing it and allowing for it, is crucial to a unified Church. One of my priorities is making the Church relevant. We are in Africa. Let’s be a Church in Africa and allow people to celebrate who they are. As a Church, led by the previous Bishops, we fought apartheid. This laid the groundwork and built the bridges. Now it’s up to us to make it possible for people to take one another across the bridges. I actively welcome and celebrate the philosophy that allows different beliefs about the interpretation of the scriptures to co-exist within Anglicanism. Within the broader and widely held belief that human beings are created in the image of God, all other theological debates become less significant

Bishop Benjamin Dube is a chart-topping, award-winning minister, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer from Johannesburg, South Africa. He has mentored hundreds of musicians in his homeland and is regarded as one of his country's most significant recording artists in religious music. He grew up on-stage performing with his siblings and parents in the Dube Family Singers.

His rising international profile as a speaker coincided with his being a widely recognized gospel singer and bandleader. His singles reached into churches and on religious radio in countries that included the U.S., Sweden, the Netherlands, Paris, Australia, Japan. In 2019, Dube released Glory in His Presence. The double album featured a wealth of new material and was loaded with appearances by top-flight South African gospel stars such as Sethu Gumede, Unathi Mzekeli, the Dube Brothers, VaShawn Mitchell, and many others. It was certified platinum in South Africa.

Talysha Jomyia Jones is a professional singer, songwriter and worship leader from Gastonia, NC. Her musical gift has afforded her the opportunity to sing and travel internationally with artist such as Travis Greene, Chandler Moore, Todd Galber, John Lankin and El DeBarge. Her latest single “Never” can be streamed on all digital platforms.

Victoria Smalls is the Founder & CEO of Smalls Cultural Resources is a global network for heritage preservation, specializing in professional services, grant writing, strategic partnerships and programs, consulting, history, art and cultural presentations and keynote addresses. Committed to safeguarding Gullah Geechee heritage. Focusing on climate, land, and ocean justice, Smalls Cultural Resource is dedicated to preserving Gullah Geechee heritage through history, art, language, and culture.

Yolanda is the Owner, President and CEO of Eudora Enterprises, LLC where she functions in the knowledge, understanding and workings of the Proverbs 31 woman. She purchases real estate and invest in other capital ventures. “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers”.

Yolanda is the Owner, President and CEO of Credential America, Inc..  Credential America is a nationally recognized Credentials  Verification Organization that assist healthcare facilities with their credentialing and enrollment needs.  She is currently a member of the Medical Staff State Associations of Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York and her home state of Virginia and the National Association.

Yolanda is a co-founder and member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Richmond Metropolitan Chapter.  She serves on the Diaconate Ministry of First Baptist Church of South Richmond. Yolanda enjoys spending time with her daughter and business partner (Leah), family and friends.  She also enjoys international travel and listening to jazz. She loves to share her entrepreneurial faith journey.

Yvonne C. Collins M.D. is a Gynecologic Oncologist and current Chief Medical Officer of CountyCare within Cook County Health Hospitals System.  She is board certified in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology.  Dr. Collins is a graduate of Xavier University in Louisiana and University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida.  She completed a residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois and received fellowship training in Gynecologic Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York.

Dr. Collins has devoted her career to educating underserved women on the importance of routine health maintenance, including Pap tests. Her research interest includes community outreach and education on the causes, prevention, screening, and early detection of cervical cancer, which is preventable.  She also has an interest in empowering women through education, eliminating barriers to care and increasing access. She works with community organizations, area churches, beauty salons, task forces and the American Cancer Society on developing ways to decrease racial disparities related to cervical cancer diagnosis, treatment, and mortality.  She has provided healthcare not only in the United States, but has traveled abroad to Central America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa providing care to those who need it.  She lectures nationally and internationally with the goal being to educate on disease prevention.  She was honored as an Outstanding Teacher and Humanitarian of the Year.

Dr. Collins has published in various scientific journals, including Gynecologic Oncology and Journal of the Lower Genital Tract Disease. In addition, Dr. Collins served on the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) Cervical Education Committee, previous chair of the SGO Health Care Disparities Task Force and previous president of the Prairie State Medical Society.  She is currently Region IV Trustee for National Medical Association and a member the Cook County Physicians Association.  Additionally, she was a 2022 Climate, Health, and Equity Fellow.

She has attended Trinity United Church of Christ since age six and currently serves in the Trustee Ministry, and the Deacon Ministry.  She enjoys lecturing, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Coming Soon

Bishop Lawrence Reddick, the 51st bishop elected in the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, has been presiding bishop of the Eighth Episcopal District since July 2014. Born June 20, 1952, in Huntsville, Alabama, he is one of seven children of the late Reverend and Mrs. L. L. Reddick, Jr.

He is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University of Delaware, Ohio (Bachelor of Arts degree) and Duke Divinity School of Durham, North Carolina (Master of Divinity Degree). He was conferred honorary doctoral degrees from United Theological Seminary and Bible College of Monroe, Louisiana, and Texas College, Tyler, Texas.

His journey into ordained ministry began in 1966 in Athens, Alabama (Frazier Chapel CME Church), when he was licensed to preach by the Reverend R. E. Brooks. He was ordained deacon in 1968 and ordained elder in 1969 by Bishop E. P. Murchison, and admitted into full connection in 1972 by Bishop C. A. Kirkendoll. His ministerial appointments prior to being elected bishop included being pastor in Alabama, Ohio, North Carolina, Missouri, and Mississippi. He also assisted as youth minister in Ohio.

He was elected editor of The CHRISTIAN INDEX, the Official Publication of the CME Church, in 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1994. When elected bishop in 1998, he was simultaneously serving as editor of THE CHRISTIAN INDEX and presiding elder of the Aberdeen-Tupelo District in the North-East Mississippi Annual Conference.

Upon election as bishop in 1998, he was assigned as bishop of the Tenth District (including the work in Jamaica, Haiti, Liberia, Ghana, and Nigeria). After service in the Tenth Episcopal District, Bishop Reddick was assigned in 2002 and 2006 as bishop of the Fifth Episcopal District (which includes the denomination’s work in Alabama and Florida). In 2010 he was assigned to the First Episcopal District, comprising Arkansas, Tennessee and Jamaica. In 2014, he was assigned to the Eighth Episcopal District, comprising Texas (except El Paso) and Jamaica. He became Senior Bishop (the longest serving active bishop and CEO) in 2014. He is chair of the Texas College Trustee Board, and was chair of the Committee to Develop a New CME Hymnal and the Compilation Committee for THE BOOK of DISCIPLINE 2014. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Bread for the World.

He is married to Mrs. Wynde Jones Reddick, is the father of five children (Jon, Janice, Iris, Rose, and Samuel), and is the grandfather of eight (Sean, Nylah, Lailah, Gabriel, Benjamin, Anthony, Anyah, Judah).

Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr., is Senior Pastor of the Bethel Church, located in Jacksonville, Florida. Bethel is the oldest existing Baptist church in the state of Florida, being founded in 1838. Under Bishop McKissick’s leadership, the church has experienced exponential growth to over 10,000 active disciples. Bishop McKissick has established himself not only as a prolific proclaimer but also as an academician, teaching as an adjunct professor at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Religion at Virginia Union University. Bishop McKissick is also the author of several books as well as an accomplished musician with several national, critically acclaimed music projects.

Bishop McKissick has been afforded many national platforms for proclamation, among them being the morning preacher at the prestigious Hampton University Ministers and Musicians Conference as well as the featured conference preacher in the evening; the conference preacher at the John Malcus Ellison Convocation at Virginia Union University (Now the John Ellison/Miles Jones Convocation) and being inducted into the Morehouse School of Religion Board of Preachers.

Bishop McKissick also serves on various boards, which include being a board member of the National Action Network, founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, the Board of Trustees of Florida State College at Jacksonville and the Advisory Board to the President at Virginia Union University.

Bishop McKissick holds a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University with a double major in the field of music: one in Opera and the other in Sacred Church Music, with a minor in pipe organ performance. He holds the Master of Divinity Degree from The School of Theology at Virginia Union University, now the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Religion at Virginia Union University, and the Doctor of Ministry Degree from the United Theological Seminary. Bishop McKissick has been awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from both Bethune Cookman University as well as Virginia Union University. He is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as well as Sigma Pi Phi Boule (pronounced BOO-LAY).

He is married to the former Kimberly Joy Nichols and they are the proud parents of three beautiful children; Jocelyn, Janai (pronounced JANAY) and Joshua.

Linda Mathew, MSW, DSW, LCSW-R is a Social Work Manager at the Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion with specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy, meaning-centered psychotherapy, trauma-informed therapy, and palliative and end-of-life care. During her tenure at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), she co-created the REACH for Caregivers program and co-led the Talking with Children About Cancer initiative. She is also an active member of the Social Work Department’s Antiracism Committee and contributes to the New Hire Orientation program. In 2022, she completed MSK’s Emerging Leadership Program.

Outside of her work at MSK, Linda serves as the President-elect for the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW). Additionally, she has been recognized by both the National Association of Social Workers and the Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network, receiving the Mid-Career Exemplary Leadership Award and the Excellence in Clinical Practice Award, respectively.

Linda earned both her master’s and doctorate degrees from New York University’s Silver School of Social Work (NYUSSW). As a master trainer and board member of ESPEC: Educating Social Workers in Palliative and End-of-life Care, she plays an active role in educating the next generation of social workers. She serves on several editorial boards, presents at both local and national conferences, and is a published author. In addition to her clinical and leadership roles, she gives back to the field as an adjunct faculty member at both NYUSSW and Smith College.

Michele is a Shine Maker in the Shining through CIDP program from Brandywine, MD who was diagnosed with CIDP in 2010. She is an attorney with a passion for helping patients with chronic conditions negotiate working conditions. She has spoken about her experience with CIDP through a variety of patient advocacy organizations and events and is on the board of the GBS-CIDP Foundation. Michelle has been her own biggest advocate and strives to help other CIDP patients in a similar way. To others who are struggling with CIDP Michelle says “Be an advocate for yourself and make your wellbeing a priority.”

Dawn Warner, Holistic Health Coach (HHC), is a dynamic and influential leader in holistic wellness and entrepreneurship, with over two decades of experience helping individuals achieve optimal health. She is a holistic health speaker, travel speaker, and women’s wellness retreat facilitator. She has been featured in prominent outlets such as Black Enterprise, TEDx Princeton Women platform, TV shows, podcasts, and radio. As a motivational author, her six empowering books incorporate metaphysical principles, offering insight and inspiration to her audience. In 2014, Dawn achieved remission from Myasthenia Gravis, a rare autoimmune disorder, and in 2020, she founded the Myasthenia Gravis Holistic Society, a 501(c)(3) organization supporting those affected by autoimmune conditions.

Shelley Gerson is the Associate Director Global Patient Advocacy at argenx, leading the advocacy efforts tied to argenx research for alternative treatments for people living with rare autoimmune diseases.

Shelley joined argenx in 2021 after working in patient advocacy in rare bleeding disorders at Sanofi, Bioverativ and Biogen. Prior to working in the biotech industry, she was a biology teacher and a licensed therapist with a small practice supporting people living with chronic illness.

Shelley lives in the United States with her three children ages 21, 20 and 16 and her fur children, who are equally important , Sugar a 3 year old goldendoodle; Yoshi a 12 year old mutt; and two cats Jackie and Rosie. When she is not working, you can find Shelley reading, enjoying the beaches around her home state of Michigan and hanging out with her kids!

Dr. Katie Rocawich earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She worked in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System for more than 15 years before transitioning to her current role as a medical science liaison (MSL). As both an advocate for, and a recipient of biologic therapy, Katie recognizes the impact that scientific advances can have to improve the lives of patients. She is an advocate for improving access to these therapies and has a unique understanding of the barriers that exist. Katie resides in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, two children and two dogs.

Jessie Cruz is a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) with experience within both the pharmaceutical industry and clinical practice. He earned this Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Texas at Austin, completed a postgraduate year-1 pharmacy residency at UT Southwestern in Dallas, and stayed on board there for several years working as a clinical pharmacist before entering the industry. Prior to Amgen, he worked as an MSL at another company, with therapeutic expertise in oncology. Jessie joined Amgen this July and is now using his skills to support the allergy and asthma team and product portfolio. Jessie is dedicated to bridging the gap between pharmaceutical advancements and clinical practice, ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with the latest data to make the best-informed decisions for the patients they treat. In his free time, Jessie enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, and playing and watching sports.

Emily earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. She completed her pharmacy practice residency training at the University of Chicago Medicine in Chicago, IL and pediatric specialty residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH. She has worked as a clinical pharmacy specialist with adult and pediatric patients. Emily has led research teams, presented regularly at national conferences, and was an adjunct professor at several colleges of pharmacy and medicine. She has a passion for educating patients, their families, and healthcare practitioners.

Dr. Ogo Egbuna is a passionate physician scientist with nearly two decades of clinical, academic, and drug development experience. Originally from West Africa, he completed medical school at the University of Nigeria before emigrating to the United States, where he completed his residency in internal medicine at Mount Sinai followed by clinical fellowships in nephrology and kidney transplant medicine at the University of Rochester and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, respectively. Dr. Egbuna then completed a Masters in Clinical Investigation from the Harvard/MIT School of Health Sciences and Technology and was on faculty teaching residents, caring for patients, and conducting National Institutes of Health-funded research at the Harvard Medical School.

Throughout his early career, Dr. Egbuna received several honors and awards for his exceptional academic and clinical work and received over a dozen invitations to give oral presentations on topics ranging from kidney disease clinical research to disparities in access to kidney care and transplantations for underserved minorities. He spent ten years at Amgen as a Clinical Research Medical Director for both early and late phase clinical development programs, interacting with a wide range of medical, regulatory, and business stakeholders. During this time, he also began teaching and mentoring medical students as an assistant clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Currently, Dr. Egbuna is the Vice President, Clinical Development and also the Global Clinical Development Lead for Vertex Pharmaceutical’s APOL1-mediated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) program, which aims to develop a potentially curative treatment for the underlying cause of APOL1-mediated Kidney Disease. In addition to his role at Vertex and his professorship, Dr. Egbuna also offers pro bono advice to the leadership of KidneySolutions, a kidney disease and dialysis center in Lagos, Nigeria, on standardization and implementation of policies and clinical procedures as well as the use of modern technologies for dialysis and electronic medical records.

"I'm amazingly blessed. I will never ever say that I've lived the perfect life to be shown such favor with God or the people, but here I am," declares the incomparable Regina Belle. The Academy Award-winning and Multi Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress, with a string of hits including "Make It Like It Was," "If I Could," "Baby Come To Me," and "This Is Love," Regina Belle has made a career following her heart and moving gracefully between the worlds of R&B, Gospel, and Jazz.

She is an entertainer of immeasurable musical talent. This New Jersey native has earned distinction as an international treasure. Her luminous vocals on the Peabo Bryson duet, "A Whole New World" (Grammys Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 1994) solidified her place as music

Royalty.

Belle's vocal abilities were demonstrated at a young age, with her first solo at the age of 8, at Friendship Baptist Church in New Jersey, pastored by her uncle, the late Dr. Fred M. Belle, Jr. The entertainer's natural gifts were further polished at Dwight Morrow High School and the Manhattan School of Music for Preparatory College, where she studied classical voice training with Inga Wolfe. Although having received a full scholarship to attend Manhattan School of Music, she opted to aim her sights on the elite Rutgers University to study both Africana Studies and Music.

In 1985, Belle left Rutgers University her senior year, just 15 credits shy of completing her degree, to go on the road with the Grammy Award, World Renown Group, THE MANHATTANS. She remained with them for two years before being springboarded into her own career.

Thirty years after leaving Rutgers and 10 albums later, Belle started taking on line courses, which earned her a Bachelor's Degree in Africana Studies and a Minor in Music. Belle walked the stage with her 'new class' from Rutgers in May of 2015. She states, "This achievement of finishing my degree which I started almost 30 years ago and finally being done was a bittersweet moment and rates as high as my Grammy Awards."

Her life is a constant, eventful journey purposeful but not without misfortune. After releasing her first Gospel album in 2008, "Love Forever Shines," with the hit single "God Is Good," she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This devastating news came at the height of her gospel career. After two surgeries and 10 months of rehabilitation, Belle found herself back at the top of her game, ready to take on the world.

Belle's life experiences and health challenges have made her a champion in the area of caregiving, affording her opportunities to wear different hats. Additionally, she cared for her father and brother all at one time until their passing, and she continues to be a caretaker for her mother. She was honored to have represented AARP as an Ambassador for Caregivers.

Belle has enjoyed career success for which many entertainers can only pray. She can also give thanks for a blessed personal life. She has been married to former NBA player John Battle since 1991. The couple has raised five children and is blessed to have four grandchildren. Bishop John Battle serves as Senior Pastor and Belle, working alongside him as an ordained minister, First Servant, and Minister of Music of their two churches: New Shield of Faith Worship Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and Spread the Word Ministries in College Park, Georgia.

Rita B. Choula, MA is the Senior Director of Caregiving at the AARP Public Policy Institute. In her role, she drives the development of family caregiving initiatives by providing content expertise, both within AARP and in partnership with a range of external collaborators. Her work bridges policy and research to practice, centered on identifying and supporting needs of diverse family caregivers across identities. In collaboration with clinical experts and key partners, Rita also leads the development of programs and tools that enable health care providers to better recognize the diverse needs of family caregivers and provide support to them across settings. She is driven to ensure systems are structured to meet the holistic needs of family caregivers by working to advance equitable, culturally-responsive policies and practices that elevate their unique experiences and enable them to manage their own wellbeing while providing care to others. Rita is moved to action by her personal experience as a family caregiver for her grandmother, as she aged and then her mother who lived with Frontotemporal Dementia, while working full-time and caring for two small children.

Shardae Showell, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist with over 10 years of expertise in Alzheimer’s disease currently serving as a Medical Director in Clinical Development at Biogen. She began her career in patient care as a critical care technician, supporting patients with neurological disorders. She later shifted from patient care to Alzheimer’s disease research, where she led, and co-designed interventions aimed at addressing cardiovascular risks to Alzheimer’s disease.

Following, Dr. Showell served as an Assistant Professor of Anatomy & Physiology, where her research focused on genetic and social determinants of Alzheimer’s disease. Driven by a desire to advance therapeutic solutions for Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Showell transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry. Under the support of Gantenerumab in medical affairs, she collaborated with key medical experts to further the understanding of the patient journey, from diagnosis to treatment.

Dr. Showell’s diverse experiences in patient care, research, and medical affairs equipped her with valuable insights to advance her career in drug development. Previously, she supported the Aducanumab program, publishing research on the impact of comorbidities and education on clinical trial participation in underrepresented populations.

Currently, Dr. Showell serves as the Lead Medical Director for Lecanemab and the Health Equity Advisor for clinical development at Biogen.

Dr. Fayron Epps is a nurse and researcher who specializes in gerontology, dementia care, and health disparities. She particularly focuses on improving care for African Americans living with dementia. She is a Professor and the Karen and Ronald Hermann Distinguished Chair in Caregiver Research at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio School of Nursing. Her work is centered around promoting awareness, education, and support for families affected by dementia, particularly within African American communities. Dr. Epps is known for her community-engaged research and her efforts to partner with faith communities to improve dementia care and resources. Her research includes exploring how faith-based organizations can serve as a support system for families and caregivers and developing culturally relevant resources to address health disparities in dementia care.

Coming Soon

Bishop Darryl Sylvester Brister was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 26, 1966. He received his license to preach  in 1989 and was ordained on May 1, 1992, under the administration of Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr. On January 26, 1996, at  the age of 29; he was consecrated to the highest position in the church, the office of a “Bishop”. He is the Apostle/Overseer  of Beacon Light International Ministries and since July 1993, has served as the Senior Pastor and Teacher of Beacon Light  International Baptist Cathedral. He serves as the 2nd Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship  International.

Bishop Brister has authored ten books that have ministered to thousands entitled, Exposing the Enemy, The Monster  Within, Recovering From Ruptured Relationships, Don’t Fight the Process, Talk To Me Afterwards, Look To the Hills, Living the Dream, Doing Right In A Wrong World, Against All Odds – “Turning Obstacles into  Opportunities”  and most recently The 99% Woman. In March of 1999, Bishop Brister and the Beacon Light Mass Choir released their first CD entitled, “It’s All  About Him”. He serves as President and Founder of the Darryl S. Brister Bible College and Theological Seminary, which  was established in August 1999 and is also the Founder of the Beacon Light Christian Academy, which was established in  August 2002. He is the Apostle/Overseer of the Beacon Light Baptist Church of Houma, LA, Beacon Light Baptist Church  of Hammond, LA, Beacon Light Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, LA, Beacon Light of Haiti at New Orleans, Beacon Light  of Panama City, FL, and Beacon Light of LaPlace, LA.

Bishop Darryl S. Brister is married to Dionne Flot Brister and is the father of five children. He is a man of vision whose life  embraces destiny and purpose. He has a deep hunger to win souls for Christ and is committed to serving God, dedicated to  follow wherever God may lead, and excited as God continues to do “A Brand New Thing” within his life and ministry.

Bishop Miller, born five of six children to Harmon and Agnes Rogers, is a native of Paterson, NJ, who attended Paterson Public Schools. After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson, NJ, she attended Rutgers University and Cook College in New Brunswick, NJ. She earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Occupational and Technical Studies from Old Dominion University (ODU), Norfolk, VA in 1994. She graduated with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology and, in 2009, received her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Higher Education from ODU. In May 2019, she received the Doctor of Ministry degree from Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, in Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation.

Bishop Miller is an educator who taught graduate courses in higher education at Old Dominion and Ashford Universities and undergraduate studies at Old Dominion University. She was a secondary school Technology Education teacher of manufacturing, construction, and production and an engineering-architectural board and computer-aided drafting instructor at the Norfolk and Stafford County Virginia public schools.

In August 2009, Bishop Miller was commissioned and served as a Chaplain in the United States Navy until July 2023, after attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In her last assignment in the Navy, she was the first Chaplain Program Officer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Navy Recruiting Command. She also served as a chaplain for the Bergen County Prosecutors Office, Bergen County, NJ.

Her awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Fleet Marine Force Warfare pin. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Bishop Miller is an ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

She has pastored four AME Zion Churches nationwide, beginning at Sycamore Hill, Gates, NC; Martin Temple, Compton, CA; Varick Memorial, Hackensack, NJ; and last, St. Paul AME Zion Church in Ewing, NJ. She serves in many capacities on the connectional, conference, and district levels, including The Board of Schools

and College’s secretary; The Harriet Tubman House, Inc. Board member; New Jersey Conference – Finance Committee Chair, Budget Committee Chair (2016-2023); Trustee Board member; Conference Studies Professor and Board of Examiners. Camden District – Admissions Committee Chair. At the 52^nd Session of the General Conference, Rev. Dr. Melanie Miller was elected the 110th bishop in the line of succession for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and currently serves as the Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal District.

Reverend Dr. Renita J. Weems is a distinguished biblical scholar, author, academic administrator, public intellectual, and ordained elder in the African American Episcopal Church (1984). Her esteemed and insightful publications, commentaries, and articles on modern faith, race and religion, womanism and social movements, make her a widely sought-after inspirational speaker and academic lecturer. Rev. Weems was the first African American woman to give Yale University’s prestigious Beecher lectures in 2008. She also serves as the Co-Founder and Co-Pastor of Ray of Hope in Nashville, TN alongside her husband Reverend Martin L. Espinosa.

She is the author of several acclaimed books, among these, Just A Sister Away, I Asked for Intimacy, Showing Mary: How Women Can Share Prayers, Wisdom, and the Blessings of God, and What Matters Most: Ten Passionate Lessons from the Song of Solomon. Listening for God: A Minister’s Journey Through Silence and Doubt (Simon & Schuster) won the Religious Communicators’ Council’s prestigious 1999 Wilbur Award for “excellence in communicating spiritual values to the secular media”. Her beautifully crafted and compelling words invite and strengthen audiences to explore their hopes and fears, call upon women to support and empower one another, and show them pathways to do so.

Born in Atlanta, Ga and ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Renita received her Ph.D. from Princeton Seminary in 1989 and was the first African American woman to earn a doctorate in Old Testament Studies. Dr. Weems has taught at Vanderbilt Divinity School, Spelman College, and has served as Academic Dean at American Baptist College in Nashville, TN. She received her M.Div. From Princeton Seminary and her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College.

Finally, check out the book Black Stars: African American Leaders, a collection of bibliographies of some of the most important Back Religious Leaders over the last 200 years and you will see Rev. Renita featured along with such impressive figures as Adam Clayton Powell, Elijah Muhammad, Sojourner Truth, Howard Thurman, and Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.

Cary L. Goodman, a native of Richmond, VA, has a sincere passion to empower faith communities to operate at their fullest capacity in areas of health promotion, advocacy programs, outreach and development. For over 16 years, he has been dedicated to establishing and expanding health programs across the United States by building the capacity to address health disparities that greatly impact congregations and the communities they serve by strategically leveraging faith-based and community partnership to impact sustainability.

Currently, Cary is a Program & Strategic Development Consultant for The Balm In Gilead, Inc. where he works diligently at the intersection of faith and public health nationally to address the burden of various diseases the impact African American communities. A highly skilled strategist and national speaker adept at leading relationship building and engagement opportunities, he has forged various faith based and public health community partnerships and coalitions. With a sincere passion to empower black men, Cary founded Black Men’s Wholeness, an initiative designed to engage black men in conversations focused on areas that reassures wholeness such as trauma, emotional and mental health, and fatherlessness.

An ordained minister, Cary deems himself a “connector” where he focuses on the significance of outreach and engagement, establishing coalitions, collaborating, and relationship building in order to increase accessibility and sustainability to strengthen congregations and communities.

The Reverend Doctor Brandon Thomas Crowley (pronounced kroh-lee) is an African American scholar in religion, ethics, theology, ecclesiology, and queer theory. Since 2009, he has served as the Senior Pastor of the Historic Myrtle Baptist Church in West Newton, Massachusetts, one of America's oldest Black congregations founded by freed slaves at the end of Reconstruction and one of the few open and affirming historically Black churches in North America. Presently, Reverend Crowley is a Lecturer in Ministry Studies at Harvard University’s Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts; the Crump Visiting Professor of Theology at the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas; and the American Academy of Religion’s Black Religious Scholars Group’s 2021-2022 Scholar-in-Residence.

Reverend Crowley earned a Ph.D. in Church and Society and a Master of Sacred Theology with a certificate in social justice from Boston University’s School of Theology where he was a Springboard Fellow, the Charles E. Jefferson Scholar, a William and Anna Lowstuter Scholar, and the Roswell Robinson Scholar. Additionally, Reverend Crowley earned a Master of Divinity from Harvard University’s Divinity School, where he was a presidential scholar, the J. H. Jackson National Baptist Convention Scholar, and an Edward Hopkins shareholder, an honor awarded to young scholars who demonstrate ministerial excellence and social ingenuity. Reverend Crowley also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and a certificate in moral cosmopolitanism and multi-religious ethical leadership from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia where he was the top-ranking scholar in the department of religion and philosophy and the Martin Luther King Jr. International Scholar at the Morehouse College Chapel.

Reverend Crowley’s first book is Queering Black Churches: Dismantling Heteronormativity in African American Congregations with Oxford University Press. His research has been funded by the Forum for Theological Exploration, the Lily Foundation’s Boston University Doctoral Students of Color Fellowship, and the Louisville Institute’s 2021 project grant for academic researchers. Reverend Crowley was ordained in the Progressive National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. in 2009.

Rev. Dr. Melva L. Sampson is Assistant Professor of Preaching and Practical Theology at Wake Forest University School of Divinity. She is an ordained minister of the Progressive National Baptist Convention and an ordained ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church, USA. Her research interests live at the intersections of gender, digital interactive media, performance and preaching. She is the creator and curator of Pink Robe Chronicles ™ a digital hush harbor that centers faith and spirituality utilizing the womanist tenets of redemptive self-love, critical engagement, radical subjectivity and traditional communalism to elucidate the role of sacred memory and ritual in the collective healing of marginalized communities.

A seasoned program administrator and small group facilitator, her published scholarship, sermons and reflections include Going Live: The Making of Digital Griots and Cyber Assemblies www.practicalmattersjournal.org, After Katrina and Rita: What Must I do to be Saved? which appears in The Sky is Crying: Race, Class and Natural Disaster; Hell No! which appears in the final volume of Those Preaching Women: A Multicultural Collection co-edited by the late Reverend Dr. Ella Pearson Mitchell; and No Redemptive Quality: Black Women’s Bodies, The Black Church and the Business of Shame which appears on www.thefeministwire.com.

Pastor Frederick Knuckles attended the American Baptist College, Ashland Theological Seminary, and the International Bible Institute & Seminary. He holds the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling.

Born in Cleveland Ohio, he is married to Lady Bregina Knuckles, a noted Worship Leader and Minister, and together they parent four children and seven grandchildren. A gifted communicator, life coach, teacher and Friend.

His achievements and recognitions are noteworthy. He has been honored as an Outstanding Contributor to Education, an Outstanding Communicator and Minister of the Year, as well as an African American Role Model by several organizations. He is listed in Who's Who in Religion and a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

He serves as Pastor of the New Fellowship Baptist Church of Cleveland Ohio and Moderator of the Progressive Baptist Association Cleveland and Vicinity and serves as the chief visionary for its corporate affiliates.

Pastor Knuckles oversees a project in Cuyahoga County to reduce the rate of infant mortality in the city of Cleveland and surrounding areas by providing education and referrals through local churches.

Called to empower people through transformative preaching, teaching, and community organizing, Willie Dwayne Francois III is the Senior Pastor of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, NJ and President of the Black Church Center for Justice and Equality. He is a 2009 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Religion, named the ranking scholar in both departments. While at Morehouse, he was named the 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar. Francois received the Master of Divinity from Harvard University’s Divinity School, where he received the Hopkins Shareholders Award—the school’s highest academic recognition—and served as the class of 2012 commencement speaker. In 2020, Francois earned the Doctor of Ministry degree from Emory University, where his research met at the intersection of antiracism, theology and anti-incarceration policy advocacy.

 

From 2015-2023, Francois served as the Senior Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Pleasantville, NJ—one of the fastest growing churches in the county. He is the founding President of Be Whole Community Development Corporation, which offers completely free community programming in the areas of mental health, the arts, financial literacy, and youth civic engagement.  From 2013 to 2015, Francois served as the Associate Pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) in Harlem, New York, where Pastor Michael A. Walrond, Jr. is the pastor. Prior to joining the FCBC team, he served as the Minister of Christian Education and Discipleship at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, under his pastor, Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby. Francois was licensed and ordained at the First Union Baptist Church of Galveston, Texas.

 

Francois lives at the intersection of the life of the spirit and the life of the mind. His most recent book published by Brazos Press in August 2022, Silencing White Noise: Six Practices to Overcome our Inaction on Race, draws on said work as a community organizer and antiracism educator. His upcoming book tentatively entitled Outing Blue Privilege: A Call for Public Love when Public Safety is Not Enough is under contract with Oris Books. He is the co-author of Christian Minister’s Manual: For the Pulpit and the Public Square for All Denomination—the most progressive and comprehensive clergy resource and the first interdenominational manual written for Black clergy in 56 years. He has written for The Huffington Post, Religion Dispatches, Civil Eats, The Hill and The Christian Century concerning a range of matters pivoting around race, class, and religion in America. In 2017, Francois was inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.

 

Francois gives oversight to the Master of Professional Studies Program, which operates at Sing Sing and Bedford Hills Correctional Facilities, and is Associate Professor of Liberation Theology at New York Theological Seminary. He also serves as a visiting professor at Memphis Theological Seminary. Likewise, he held adjunct positions in the African American Studies program at the University of Houston and at Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University respectively. In addition to publishing various articles and sermons, Francois previously served as a member of the Young Preachers’ Leadership Team of the Academy of Preachers, the director of the Young Ministers’ Corner of the African American Lectionary, and a Civil Rights Scholar for the imaging of the King Paper collection through the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (in Atlanta).

Raymond A. Jetson is the catalytic force that has powered the evolution of the Baton Rouge based social enterprise MetroMorphosis. Utilizing an innovative asset based, community centered change model, MetroMorphosis seeks to transform inner city neighborhoods through racial, social, and economic equity.

 

In February 2023 Jetson launched Aging While Black, a movement designed to amplify the value and experiences of Black elders by exploring the intersection of aging and race. The movement is being advanced through community building around three essential pillars: Recalibrating the Village, Embracing Innovation and Rapid Change, and Leaning into Sankofa. The pillars center the well-being of Black elders by the overhaul of the systems that support Black life, adapting new technologies and their potential, and embedding the wisdom of the elders into the fabric of the culture.

 

He has a rich history of public service and impacting people. From April 2006 through December 2009, Raymond served as CEO of the Louisiana Family Recovery Corps, a nonprofit focused on supporting the recovery of families impacted by disasters. Prior to joining the Recovery Corps, Jetson was the deputy secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH). In this capacity, he provided leadership for the state’s largest agency. Raymond served as the state Representative for District 61 in the Louisiana House of Representatives for more than 15 years.  And for 23 years he served as the pastor of the Star Hill Church. Jetson was also a Fellow in the Advanced Leadership Initiative at Harvard University in 2010 and 2011, and an Encore Public Voices and Forward Promise Fellow.

 

Raymond has continually emerged as a leading voice on community change strategies, social innovation, issues impacting boys and men of color, and authentic community engagement. Jetson has served as a source for USA TODAY, The New York Times, NBC Nightly News, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

 

Dr. Claybon Lea, Jr. is the Senior Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Fairfield and Suisun City, CA where he has served since 1999.

 

A widely known and highly sought after preacher, teacher, lecturer, and leader, Dr. Lea has been blessed to travel the world sharing his gifts to the glory of God. A believer that "a call to preach is a call to preparation", Dr. Lea has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Morehouse College (where he was inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers), a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biblical Studies from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary where he graduated with highest honors having written his dissertation on The Hermeneutics of Desmond Tutu.

 

Dr. Lea serves on several boards and committees on local, state, and national levels. He is the immediate past Vice-President of the Far-West Region of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, and a life member of the NAACP. In addition, Dr. Lea is the author of "Lessons from a Dying Savior", "Giant Lessons From David: Managing the Journey of Success"., and a contributing author to the forthcoming “Handbook for Contemporary Preaching, 2nd edition”. He is the father of four remarkable children: Claybon III, Jillian, Christopher, and Jessica; and a new, proud grandfather to Claybon IV.

Rhonda Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a nonprofit that works to advance health equity for Black Californians. Prior to this role, Rhonda was an independent consultant and led many successful health disparities initiatives for the BIPOC community focused on developing and implementing community outreach, health promotion, and health behavior change strategies to close the gap in disparities.

Rhonda has served in various nonprofit leadership roles that include Consultant/Project Director for the LiveHealthy OC Initiative, a three-year initiative that aimed to transform the model of care of a network of FQHCs from a disease-focused treatment model to prevention and wellness model, providing whole person care approach. Before the LiveHealthy OC Initiative, Rhonda served as the Consultant/Statewide Project Manager for the Susan G. Komen® Circle of Promise California Initiative, an intensive four-year effort to identify evidence-based strategies to decrease the high mortality rate of African American women diagnosed with breast cancer, and address disparities at the system, community, and individual levels.

Rhonda earned her MBA in Marketing and Operations Management from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and her B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech.

It all started with a diagnosis of invasive, aggressive, metastatic breast cancer in 1996. Donna had just left a position in a Cancer Prevention Program at Morehouse School of Medicine to join the GA State Office of Nutrition. The prognosis was extremely poor.  And options were few. Trained in Home Economics/Nutrition at Oakwood College and Public Health Education at Loma Linda University, she was very familiar with the role of "lifestyle choices" on disease incidence and was determined to thoroughly seek out "healthy lifestyle" options as part of her care.  She prayed.  She found them at Wildwood Lifestyle Center and Hospital in Wildwood, GA.  She was convinced.  She changed her lifestyle.  She did radiation.  She saw improvements. Not just in the breast cancer, but in her overall health.  She was committed to overhauling her approach professionally and creating experiences for people who wanted to "take charge of their health" via healthier lifestyle choices.  And, for the last 21 years she has provided wellness coaching, health education and plant-based cooking classes. 

Donna has had a rewarding career of providing leadership in developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating Public Health Initiatives, Interventions, Programs, Services and staff at the national, state and local levels, and in the college/university setting, (teaching for 8 years at her own alma mater Oakwood University) with specific emphasis in Nutrition, Healthy Cooking and Healthy Lifestyle Education including point of purchase education; she successfully negotiated and acquired contracts with state, public and private organizations. Served as a National Ambassador Susan G. Komen Circle of Promise Campaign.  is aFood for Life Instructor, Cancer Project/PCRM.  Donna works with husband Eddie in the clinic, provides wellness/nutrition education and has authored two books on healthy living and is the host and executive producer of the cooking show “Cookin’ Up Good Health” which aired on Bounce TV Huntsville and HopeTV Channel 368 on DirecTV. She also writes the Optimal Health recipe column for Message Magazine! www.messagemagazine.com

Transformation Specialist Dionne Jones is all about that balanced life! Dionne is Founder and Owner of Age with Vibrancy, LLC, based in Cleveland, Ohio. Age with Vibrancy, LLC  “meets women where they are, and takes them to where they deserve to be in their lives.” Dionne takes the whole-body approach to helping women thrive. Get ready to strip away all of the self-doubt and negativity, and find YOU again!

As director of Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, Robert A. Winn, M.D., is leading the nation in establishing a 21st-century model for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the oncology workforce, optimizing cancer health care outcomes for all and spearheading interdisciplinary approaches to cancer disparities research. Just the fourth director of Massey since its 1975 National Cancer Institute designation, Winn oversees a center comprised of nearly 150 scientists and clinical investigators. Leading by example, Winn is nationally recognized for his community engagement efforts in promoting new approaches to building trust among populations previously disenfranchised from healthcare or excluded or abused in research. Most recently, during the pandemic, Winn launched a nationally heralded Facts & Faith Fridays conversation series, an initiative that creates a dialogue between science, community and faith leaders to combat medical mistrust within the African American community. Hosted guests have included Jill Biden, Ed.D., Anthony Fauci, M.D., Ned Sharpless, M.D., and Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D. Winn is also the namesake of the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program, a $114 million training and education program in partnership with the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.

Winn is committed to both community-engaged research and research focused on eliminating health disparities. He is principal investigator on several large multi-institutional initiatives, including a team science award from Stand Up To Cancer, a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded Planning SPORE focused on Lung Cancer Health Equity and an NCI-funded institutional partnership award fostering cancer disparities research and career development collaboration between Massey and Virginia State University, a Historically Black University located in Petersburg, VA - a city that has faced health and education inequities for generations. Winn also manages his own basic and translational research laboratory which has been supported by multiple NIH and Veterans Affairs Merit awards for nearly two decades. Winn’s laboratory focuses on the molecular mechanisms and novel therapeutic approaches for lung cancer and the confluence between societal and biological factors which may lead to disparities.

Winn’s previous faculty appointments include serving as director of the University of Illinois Cancer Center from 2015-2019 and as associate vice chancellor of health affairs for community-based practice at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Science System from 2013-2019. Prior to his work in Chicago, Winn spent 13 years at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and School of Medicine in a variety of leadership roles, including associate dean of admissions and vice chair of career development and diversity inclusion.

Rwenshaun Miller is an accomplished author, speaker, psychotherapist, consultant and philanthropist who has dedicated his life and career to, not only reshaping the negative connotations often associated with mental health, but also directly impacting the lives of those living with mental health challenges. Of all his accolades and roles, Mr. Miller proudly first serves as a Mental Health Change Agent. As a result, Mr. Miller has globally impacted the lives of many through his awareness efforts.

Mr. Miller’s relentless passion and commitment derived from his personal experience living with Bipolar Disorder. Through his journey, Mr. Miller initially encountered similar challenges many face, including that of acceptance of a mental health diagnosis. Eventually, Mr. Miller decided to not allow this diagnosis to define and debilitate him realizing that Bipolar Disorder is not what defines who he is. Thus, he embarked on a path to help uplift, empower, encourage and teach others who live with mental health challenges how to “thrive” in life.

Through Mr. Miller’s founding nonprofit, Eustress, Inc., he built an awareness platform to educate others and break the stigma associated with mental illness. Furthermore, Eustress assists youth in under-served communities with identifying and overcoming mental health challenges to achieve healthier, productive lifestyles. Mr. Miller recognizes the gaps in both self and public awareness and has taken action to bridge those gaps throughout the world. He further understands that representation matters, therefore he obtained his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to change and promote the availability of black male therapists. Mr. Miller is a practicing Mental Health Counselor in Charlotte, NC at his founded, private practice, The Good Stress Company, and he is actively pursuing a Doctoral Degree in International Psychology.

Demonstrating continuity to seeing those with mental health challenges flourish, Mr. Miller created Be Who You Needed through which he provides consultancy services and training to other therapists and like-minded individuals to empower them to make the greatest impact in the mental health field. Mr. Miller is truly invested in everyone’s success.

Ayo Johnson joined Mental Health America of Central Carolinas as Executive Director in January 2024. Her extensive resume centers around nonprofit management, where she has held all facets of executive leadership. Her experience includes a decade with the Capital Area YMCA in New Jersey, where she served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer and completed her tenure there as interim CEO. A staunch advocate for eradicating food insecurity, during her tenure at the YMCA, Ayo birthed their highly successful, award winning, food access program that served close to 1 million meals to children during the pandemic and doubled the organization’s operating revenue.

For 12 years Ayo owned and operated Wonder Girl Consulting, where she supported small non-profits aiming to grow their capacity and increase their size from small (under $1 million in revenue) to mid-size (over $4 million), as well as coached emerging leaders of color in attaining, navigating and surviving the C-Suite.

Throughout her decades working in the nonprofit arena, the native New Yorker has demonstrated herself as a leader in building meaningful partnerships and collaborations in the community, as well as developing a strategic vision that encompasses specific organizational objectives and strategies to strengthen nonprofits. She is a graduate of Rider University in New Jersey, with an MA in Organizational Leadership, and a BS in Global Marketing.  

Victor Armstrong serves as Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In addition, he is the National Director of Soul Shop for Black Churches, a workshop that teaches faith leaders how to minister to congregants that may be dealing with suicidal desperation. Victor previously served as Chief Diversity Officer with Recovery Innovations International, and as the inaugural Chief Health Equity Officer for North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services. Victor has also served as Director of the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services. Prior to his NC state government roles, Victor spent 6 years as Vice President of Behavioral Health with Atrium Health, based in Charlotte, NC.

Victor has over 30 years of experience in human services, primarily dedicated to building and strengthening community resources to serve individuals who have been historically marginalized. He is a nationally recognized speaker on issues regarding health equity and access to healthcare, particularly as it relates to individuals living with mental health challenges.

Victor currently serves on the steering committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Recovery Innovations International as well as the Board of Directors for I2I Center for Integrative Health. He is a member of the Board of Advisors for East Carolina University School of Social Work and is the host of the “Strong Talk” podcast.

Victor graduated, Magna Cum Laude, from North Carolina Central University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and received his MSW from East Carolina University. He is the husband of Dr. Charletta Armstrong and the father of three sons, Carter, Alonzo, and Victor Jr.

Dr. Stanford is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics who practices and teaches at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)/ Harvard Medical School (HMS) as one of the first fellowship-trained obesity medicine physicians worldwide. She is among the most highly cited obesity medicine physician-scientists, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Stanford received her BS and MPH from Emory University as an MLK Scholar, her MD from the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine as a Stoney Scholar, her MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government as a Zuckerman Fellow in the Harvard Center for Public Leadership and her executive MBA as a merit-based scholarship recipient from the Quantic School of Business and Technology. She completed her Obesity Medicine & Nutrition Fellowship at MGH/HMS after completing her internal medicine and pediatrics residency at the University of South Carolina. She has served as a health communications fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and as a behavioral sciences intern at the American Cancer Society. Upon completing her MPH, she received the Gold Congressional Award, the highest honor Congress bestows upon America’s youth.

Dr. Stanford has completed a medicine and media internship at the Discovery Channel. An American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation Leadership Award recipient in 2005 and an AMA Paul Ambrose Award for national leadership among resident physicians in 2009, she was selected for the AMA Inspirational Physician Award in 2015. The American College of Physicians (ACP) selected her as the 2013 Joseph E. Johnson Leadership Award recipient, and the Massachusetts ACP selected her for the Young Leadership Award in 2015. She is the 2017 recipient of the HMS Amos Diversity Award and the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) Award for Women’s Health. In 2019, she was selected as the Suffolk District Community Clinician of the Year for the Reducing Health Disparities Award for MMS. She was chosen for The Obesity Society Clinician of the Year in 2020. In 2021, she was awarded the MMS Grant Rodkey Award for her dedication to medical students and the AMA Dr. Edmond and Rima Cabbabe Dedication to the Profession Award, which recognizes a physician who demonstrates active and productive improvement to the profession of medicine through community service, advocacy, leadership, teaching, or philanthropy. She is the 2021 Recipient of the Emory Rollins School of Public Health Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2022, the National Academy of Medicine selected her as a Scholar in Diagnostic Excellence. She was named to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA). The National Medical Association selected her for the Meritorious Award, which recognizes a physician with national and international achievement and prominence for exceptional work in medical service, medical research, and academic medicine.

Linda Goler Blount, MPH, is an epidemiologist and President of the Black Women’s Health Imperative, the first national non-profit organization focused on Black women’s health and wellness. Ms. Blount has overseen more than $30 million invested in research to prevent chronic disease and HIV, ensure reproductive justice and healthy maternal outcomes, and advocate for health-promoting policies. Ms. Blount is also the Executive Chair of the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition, a $20M collaborative of over 80 organizations formed to ensure patients of color, low-income, and rural patients are centered in research, advocacy, and policy. Her career includes leadership tenures at the CDC, the Coca-Cola Company, and the American Cancer Society. She also has extensive international health expertise and has served as a consultant to government ministries in Germany, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, where she lived for four years. A Michigan native, Linda holds a Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering/Operations Research from Eastern Michigan University.

Dave Craig is a two-time cancer survivor, caregiver and patient experience champion. After 10 years of struggling to see his own experience, and the lack of diverse experiences in the research he led for the pharmaceutical industry, he co-founded Gryt Health (‘grit’). Gryt Health amplifies voices to improve health outcomes.

Gryt is a healthtech platform run by survivors and caregivers. By always putting the patient experience first, Gryt works to improve medicine development, access to equitable care, and outcomes for all.Dave has a BS in Communication and MBA in Technology Management, from Rochester Institute of Technology. He has completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School in Building New Ventures and MIT Sloan School of Management in Corporate Strategy.

In 2021, Dave stopped using his given last name because of its connection to hate groups. “The highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another’s world” – Plato

Oya is a podcaster, a father of 3, and a notable artist in the Delaware hip-hop community. Known as “Grand G,” he came up hard - spittin rhymes in the streets of Wilmington, eventually leading to a record deal and numerous song releases.

The day after Christmas in 2017 - after 2 years of being dismissed by PCPs and specialists, he heard these words for the first time in his life - Multiple Myeloma. Diagnosis confirmed. An incurable blood cancer that impacts the Black community twice as much as other ethnicities. This was information that others needed to know!

Since his stem cell transplant in 2018, he continues learning to live with the ever-changing reminders of cancer and subsequent daily dose of chemo.

But instead of just living with Multiple Myeloma, he's turning his pain into POWER and teaching Myeloma to live with him.Oya is the creator and host of an innovative podcast, available on all major listening platforms.The “Hip, Hope, Hooray! Black Men Talking Health Podcast” was birth to address the disproportionate cancer burden and health disparities faced by Black Americans. The podcast aims to increase health literacy and provide a platform for Black men to share their stories, struggles, and successes in improving their health. Through conversations with guests ranging from doctors to community members, practical tips, resources, and encouragement are shared

to help Black men on their journey to better health. The podcast serves as a health literacy movement to empower and educate the Black community for a healthier future.

Thanks to the invaluable support from organizations like the International Myeloma Foundation,various pharmaceutical companies, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, he’s aligning DEI with patient advocacy, while encouraging and empowering People of Color to be proactive in their own healthcare plans.

This year, these passions inspired Oya to launch The Health, Hope, ???? Hip-Hop Foundation – a non-profit organization whose mission is to teach health literacy and address Black health disparities at the grassroots level, using the cultural juggernaut of hip-hop as the core catalyst.Today, the landscape of patient advocacy is changing. With so many new voices making noise, let’s be game changers – not spectators!

Stephanie J. Monroe, JD is Vice President and Senior Advisor of Health Equity for UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, a national advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. She was the founding director of AfricanAmericansAgainstAlzheimer’s which was the first national network created specifically to respond to Alzheimer’s disease’s disparate impact on African Americans. By working nationally, locally, and through strategic partnerships, Ms. Monroe works to raise awareness of the impact of Alzheimer’s health disparities on communities of color and women, the need for greater minority participation in clinical trials to find better treatments, diagnostics and hopefully a cure, and the importance of all communities, especially those most at risk to begin to focus on brain health and adopt risk reduction strategies that promote brain health across the lifespan.

An attorney with three decades of federal public policy experience. Stephanie is a former Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education. Prior to serving in that position, she ended a 25-year career on Capitol Hill after holding several key staff positions in the United States Congress, including Chief Counsel of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, as well as Staff Director of the Senate Subcommittee on Children and Families. Stephanie serves on several Boards of Directors as well as an advisor to numerous academic centers, industry partners, federal agencies, and others on issues to ensure full equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from all that America has to offer.

Dr. Joy Angela DeGruy is a prominent researcher, educator, and author who has spent over 30 years studying and working in the field of social work, with a focus on the impacts of racism, trauma, and slavery on African Americans. For over two decades, she served as an Assistant Professor at Portland State University’s School of Social Work and now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Joy DeGruy Publications Inc. Dr. DeGruy holds multiple advanced degrees and is renowned for her acclaimed book "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome – America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing," which examines historical trauma in African American communities. Dr. DeGruy lectures extensively, has presented her work globally, and has received prestigious awards including the American Psychological Association's Presidents Award in 2023. Her scholarship is highly influential, with over 1,700 citations of her seminal book. In addition to her research and writing, Dr. DeGruy has developed evidence-based models to support communities of color.

Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 30 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.
Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always share a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.
As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100 named Dr. Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.
October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.
Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Bishop Horace E. Smith is a man gifted with a passion for God's Word coupled with a love for God's people. He has a contagious spirit of generosity that overflows in every facet of his life. As pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church and an attending physician specializing in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago (formerly Children’s Memorial Hospital), Dr. Horace E. Smith has treated bodies and souls for three decades. Bishop Horace E. Smith M.D. was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. Bishop Smith graduated as an honor student from Lindblom High School and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree (with honors) Chicago State University, and M.D. from University of Illinois Medical Center.

Dr. Barbara Louise Shaw is the Immediate Past International President of The Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. A product of four generations in the A.M.E. Zion Church, born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Barbara L. Shaw was spiritually developed and reared in the Pennsylvania Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church (Baltimore, Maryland) where she served in many positions. She was consecrated a Deaconess in 1993. She is a dedicated mother and grandmother who understands and values the importance of family. Dr. Shaw was educated in the public schools in Baltimore; Morgan State University; and graduate studies at The Johns Hopkins University, School of Writing. Professionally, she has served as a teacher in the Baltimore City Public School System; Associate Producer at Maryland Public Television; and a Chief Administrator with the State of Maryland Department of Public Safety. In October, 1997, she retired after 30 years of service in the state of Maryland. In August 2003, Dr. Shaw was elected the 16th General President of the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. In this position, she presided over 800,000+ women on five continents. In August of 2007, she was re-elected as General President and retired in July, 2011. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Hood-Speaks Theological Seminary of the University of Calabar, Nigeria, West Africa, June 2005. In February 2006, she received an Honorary Doctorate from Livingstone College, Salisbury, North Carolina.

Pamela D. Price currently serves as the Deputy Director for The Balm In Gilead managing the various health initiatives of the organization. Under her leadership, the organization provides support to faith institutions in areas of program design, implementation and evaluation, which strengthen their capacity to deliver programs and services that contribute to the elimination of health disparities. In addition to her role as Deputy Director, she also serves as the Director for The National Brain Health Center for African-Americans.
As the Center’s director, she co-developed a six-part educational curriculum for nurses and allied healthcare professionals aimed at addressing knowledge gaps related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affecting African Americans. She also co-authored and facilitates an accredited training for healthcare providers and clinicians; aimed at increasing cultural competencies related to the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia in African Americans among providers.
Mrs. Price holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Public Health and has more than 20 years of experience in public health, epidemiology, and healthcare. She has served as a member of the U.S. Army Nurse Corp and excelled in both government and non-governmental agencies providing leadership and guidance on program management, quality improvement, and project development. Mrs. Price has conducted hundreds of training sessions across the country with various nursing associations, healthcare organizations and conferences.

Donnie McClurkin is a gospel vocalist with the soul of Andraé Crouch and the contemporary flair of Kirk Franklin. Born into a home filled with domestic violence and drug abuse, McClurkin was saved by an aunt who sang background vocals with Crouch himself. After staying close to Crouch throughout his boyhood, he began to play piano and sing with his church youth choir. He formed the McClurkin Singers by the time he was a teenager, and later formed another group, the New York Restoration Choir.

Hired as an associate minister at Marvin Winans' Perfecting Church in 1989, with his vocals during a seminar, McClurkin endured a bout with leukemia that year. A friendship with a Warner Alliance executive resulted in his signing to the label for his 1996 self-titled LP, with producers Mark Kibble (of Take 6), Cedric and Victor Maxwell plus Andraé Crouch.

Donnie McClurkin is a Gospel superstar whose voice is recognized around the world. His voice has already transcended the Sunday morning pulpit to the top of record charts where his music has remained steadfast while reaching gold and platinum status. While on an airplane, God gave him the words for the song “Stand,” and, he says, in 20 minutes the words flowed inside his head. “How do you deal with the shame of your past…you stand,” he continues repeating the words. McClurkin has been able to overcome and excel to the point that fans, celebrities and a cross section of music lovers recognize his talent as “special.”

In 1983, while working with the choir, McClurkin met the Reverend Marvin L. Winans. Impressed by McClurkin’s performance a gospel workshop seminar, Winans invited McClurkin to Detroit to help start a ministry. Six years later, in 1989, McClurkin moved to Detroit, became an associate minister at Perfecting Church and began touring and singing at different churches across the country. At age 31, Donnie was diagnosed with leukemia. But at 36, with church, music and an unyielding faith, Reverend McClurkin hit gold with his debut album and changed his life.

McClurkin is head pastor at Perfecting Faith Church, a nondenominational Pentecostal church in Freeport, New York with a 1,000-plus congregation. He is home for the services every Sunday unless traveling overseas. This Grammy award-winning artist may sing for presidents, but he’s known for “being real.” And whether in his local church pulpit or on a stage before thousands, he preaches a forthright, often-provocative message about his troubled past, and his faith in God. Music, he says, is his sermon.

Ghanaian-American medical student and science communicator Joel Bervell is known as the ‘Medical Mythbuster’ for creating viral medical content on social media that is at the forefront of conversations about racial disparities in healthcare, the hidden history of medicine, and overlooked biases in the healthcare industry. After entering medical school, Bervell became a highly respected TikTok and Instagram creator, with over 1M+ combined followers and 300M+ views. In his videos, as he does in speaking engagements, he breaks down complex topics about how healthcare fails to serve marginalized groups. A gifted educator and engaging speaker, Bervell has been sought after to share his unique and inspiring perspective with groups like Novartis, Meta, Google, TikTok, the Clinton Foundation, General Electric, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and on behalf of the Congressional Black Congress, among others.

Bervell has been featured in the New York Times, on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Good Morning America, Business Insider, NPR, YahooNews, WebMD, and more, and has advised organizations like TikTok on efforts to increase Diversity & Inclusion. The Medical Mythbuster serves on councils including the White House Office of Public Engagement’s Health Care Leaders in Social Media, the Council for Responsible Social Media, and the World Health Organization’s ‘Operation Fides’. He has collaborated with brands including Neutrogena, Google, Samsung, Listerine, Gushers, the American Medical Association and numerous others. Bervell’s work earned him the honor of being named a Seattle Forbes 30 Under 30, Smithsonian Channel ‘Cyclebreaker’, a Scientific American ‘Revolutionary’, a 2022 National Minority Quality Forum “40 Under 40 Leader in Minority Health,” and the 2022 recipient of the American Medical Student Association’s Racial Justice in Medicine Award.

For leaders and organizations looking to understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare, increase understanding of overlooked stories, or examine the changing landscape of social media, Bervell offers an unparalleled perspective that will resonate with audiences.

Brandon P. Fleming is a renowned speaker, nationally acclaimed educator, and author of MISEDUCATED: A Memoir. His triumphant story of struggle, success, and service has captured the heart of national media and inspired millions of people around the world. An at-risk youth and college dropout turned award-winning educator, Fleming is a former debate coach at Harvard University and Founder & CEO of the Veritas School of Social Sciences in Atlanta, GA.

In 2017, Fleming was recruited to become Harvard University’s assistant debate coach at the age of 26.  Fleming soon made history at Harvard as the founder of the first Black pipeline program called the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project, which was designed to increase Black enrollment at Harvard’s residential debate program where hundreds of gifted young scholars from over 25 different countries study and compete in an international academic debate competition.  

Over six years, Fleming has raised millions of dollars to enroll more than 200 students of color into Harvard’s summer debate residency on full scholarship.  But there was one challenge that Fleming faced: How would he take Black youth from mostly under-resourced schools in Atlanta, who had never been exposed to the rigors of academic debate, and prepare them in just one year to compete against some of the most elite debaters from across the globe?  Fleming created a transformative curriculum that is designed to build intellectual capacity, accelerate learning, and ultimately level the playing field for Black students.  And it did.  For six consecutive years, since the program’s inception in 2017, every cohort trained by Fleming has won the international competition as six-time consecutive champions. News of the achievement has gone viral and broke national headlines, being featured on CNN, Good Morning America, the Steve Harvey Show and many more. The organization has gained the financial backing of Fortune 100 companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, UPS, Chick-fil-A, and many more. 

Fleming’s story represents the transformative power of equity.  The equity model Fleming has built to close performance gaps is one that academic and corporate institutions have highly sought to replicate.  As a renowned speaker, Fleming has keynoted for international governmental organizations such as the United Nations.  Fleming has spoken at the nation’s most prestigious colleges, universities, and K-12 conferences.  Fleming has also keynoted conventions for corporate executives at the nation’s largest brands such as Walmart, Bank of America, FedEx, the Federal Reserve Bank, and many more.  At the age of 29, Forbes Magazine named Fleming to the Forbes 30 under 30 list.  In 2020, The Root Magazine named Fleming one of the top 100 most influential African Americans in the United States.  And in May 2021, North Carolina Wesleyan College bestowed upon Fleming the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree.

Stellar Award winning gospel Artist Jovonta Patton a five-time #1 chart-topping Billboard recording artist, composer, producer, and entrepreneur from Minneapolis, MN.

His album Finally Living, made him the first independent gospel artist to have a #1 album on the Billboard gospel charts.” 


He displayed a gift of leadership, and as a teen was asked to revive a choir for a local high school. The momentum led him to found Deliverance For Youth (DFY), a youth choir.

He established a reputation of community service and garnered attention from then Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, who declared July 31, 2016 Jovonta Patton Day. 


A savvy marketer, in 2018 Patton issued the independent single “Way Maker” Promoting it exclusively through social media, it became the #1 digital gospel song and was included on the album “The Best Me,” a project with guest appearances by Grammy award-winning icon Kirk Franklin and Hollywood film producer Devon Franklin.

Patton also has millions of plays on YouTube for his viral version of “My Hands Are Lifted Up.”

His streams and digital sales are unmatched on Spotify and Apple Music, and he is one of CD Baby’s highest paid artists across all genres. He has sung with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, and Erica Campbell. 


A husband and a father of three small daughters, he still resides in Minneapolis, MN.  He is the senior pastor of The Wave Church Minneapolis.

Almeta Ingram-Miller is the leader of the powerhouse gospel group and 2022 National Heritage Fellows the Legendary Ingramettes. The National Heritage Awardees epitomize what it means to live an artful life. The recipients all have deep ties to their communities and are often voices for those communities, working to to keep their traditional arts alive and vibrant and sharing them whenever and wherever possible—often while working day-jobs. The Legendary Ingramettes are a case in point. In this musical podcast, Ingram-Miller, a born storyteller, talks about the group’s six-decade-long journey and the vison and legacy of her mother Maggie Ingram, who began the group when she was left with five children to raise on her own. Her goal was to keep her family together. So, she taught them to sing gospel, and Maggie Ingram and the Ingramettes were born—singing in churches in South Florida until the family moved to Richmond, Virginia in 1961. Ingram-Miller talks about living and traveling in the Deep South during that time, the way gospel music reflects the struggles and the joys of the Black community, how the Ingramettes began performing at folk festivals that expanded their audiences, and the group’s work with correctional facilities. She also discusses the matriarch of the group, Maggie Ingram, and how her songwriting reflected her experiences, Maggie’s passing that led to Almeta taking on the leadership of the group and making the recording Take a Look in the Book, and the legacy of service begun by Maggie that remains at the heart of the Legendary Ingramettes.