TODAY’S SCHEDULE
Harrison Auditorium
1009 Bluford St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Check in
Welcome and Sponsor Recognition
Brent Christensen, CEO- Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
Partner Remarks
Phil Barnhill, Executive Vice President - East Greensboro NOW
Proclamation City of Greensboro
Guilford County
Economic Equity Challenge
Kate Phillips, Director, Accelerate Greensboro
Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
Sponsor Remarks: Cone Health
Michelle Adamolekun, Chief People & Culture Officer - Cone Health
Sponsor Remarks: Bank of America
Diswa Malu, Director- Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Market Executive and Business Integration Executive for the Piedmont Triad
“Real Talk. Real Stories” Fireside Chat
• Moderated by Felicia Woodard - Senior Vice President, Market Executive, Commercial Banking, Bank of America
• Leah Wyrick – President/CEO, Three Strand Recovery Corporation
• Maria Garza – President/CEO, East Coast Migrant Headstart
• Angelica Thacker –President/CEO, Pinam Construction
• Kevin Price – President/CEO, The National Institute – Minority Economic Development
• Monte Edwards – Chief Executive/Managing Principal - Monte Edwards Group
Breakout Session Previews
Dismissal
TODAY’S SCHEDULE
Alumni Center
200 N Benbow Rd, Greensboro, NC 27411
Lunch/Networking
Summit Welcome Remarks
• Jada Monica Harris- Social Designs
• Ivan Canada- NC Center for NonProfits
• Niketa Greene- Z Smith Reynolds Foundation
Economic Equity Challenge
Kate Phillips, Director, Accelerate Greensboro Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
Leaders in Diversity Panel
• Introduced by Mark Gendle, Market President & Publisher, Triad Business Journal
• Moderated by Marvin J. Price, EVP Economic Development Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
• Dr. Channelle James – Professor of Entrepreneurship, UNCG
• Alex Moore – Senior Partner, Marketing & Technology, Stratagon
• Jonathan Thill – Co-Founder, Venture Asheboro
BREAK
Breakout sessions
TODAY’S SCHEDULE
Breakout Sessions
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Track
Celebrating and Navigating in an Inter-Generational Workplace
• Jada Monica Harris – CEO, Social Designs Consulting
Leveraging Business/Employee Resource Groups to Garner Equity in the Workplace
• Niketa Greene - Director of Convening & Capacity-Building
Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation
• Christopher Mitchell - DEI Program Consultant, Cone Health
• Brittany Carty- Director of Communications & Diversity, Volvo Group North America
• Michael Beanland- Director of Net Structural Savings, P&G
Unveil the Power of Words and Bias in Enhancing Team Dynamics
• Lenora Billings-Harris, President & CEO of UBUNTU Global
Minority Business Enterprise Track Becoming Bankable
• Michael McKinney - President & CEO, Piedmont Business Capital
• Kenny Taylor - Senior Vice President, Market Solutions Advisor - Bank of America
I’m HUB Certified: What Now?
• Robert Williams, CEO Executive Strategies LLC Interise Instructor, MA
Succession Planning
• Tanya Dickens, Owner, Savor the Moment Bakery
• James T. Walsh, Senior Vice President, Private Client Advisor - Bank of America
Pick Your Platform: Finding Your Social Media Soulmate
• Seny Tatum, Co-Owner - Sisters Saving U Cents
TODAY’S SPEAKERS
Michael Beanland Director of Net Structural Savings, P&G
Lenora Billings-Harris
President & CEO of UBUNTU Global
Ivan Canada
Mike Beanland, Director of Net Structural Savings at Procter & Gamble, has 15 years of manufacturing experience with the company. A second-generation P&Ger, he holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (’09). Mike began his career at P&G’s Mehoopany, Pennsylvania site and now co-leads the Equality and Inclusion Council at the Greensboro Brown Summit site in North Carolina. Passionate about servant leadership, problemsolving, and mentorship, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, is active in his church, and loves playing ice hockey and cooking.
Brittany Carty
President & CEO of NC Center for Nonprofits
Director of Communications & Diversity, Volvo Group North America
Lenora Billings-Harris is a DEI strategist who collaborates with clients to drive inclusion and challenge bias. Named one of the 100 Global Thought Leaders on Diversity and Inclusion by SHRM, Lenora serves on the Advisory Council of the Nido Qubein School of Communication at High Point University and holds adjunct faculty positions at two universities. She has inspired audiences in over forty countries, authored “The Diversity Advantage,” and co-authored “TRAILBLAZERS.” Lenora is a past president of both the National Speakers Association and the Global Speakers Federation and was inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame in 2018.
Ivan is a leader in the Triad community and has been awarded the Triad Business Journal’s “Forty Leaders Under 40” Award, their inaugural “Leaders in Diversity Award,” the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s “Change Agent Award,” and most recently has been recognized by the Latino Community Coalition of Guilford County with a “Corazón Latino Award” (Latino Heart), which recognizes non-Latino community members, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that have consistently served as an ally to the Latinx community.
Brittany Carty, Director of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (IDE) and HR Communications at Volvo Group, has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive and holistic employee experiences. She leads IDE initiatives across North America, embedding IDE values into business practices and creating employee-led communities. Previously, Brittany held people-centered roles at Ralph Lauren, where she developed global communications and inclusive culture strategies. Her career spans various functions, including communications, engagement, and culture, supporting strategic business goals across diverse industries.
Tanya McCaskill-Dickens Owner, Savor the Moment Bakery
TODAY’S SPEAKERS
Monte Edwards
Tanya McCaskill-Dickens is an entrepreneur and community leader, owning Savor the Moment, LLC with locations in Greensboro and High Point, NC. She authored “Raising Generational Entrepreneurs” and founded nonprofits like Cultivating Entrepreneurial Opportunities and STEM Prep Academy. A Summa Cum Laude graduate from North Carolina A&T State University, Tanya volunteers extensively, including mission trips and foster care advocacy. She serves on the boards of West End Ministries and the Children’s Home Society of NC, earning accolades like the Greensboro News & Record’s “Women of the Year” Inspire Award.
Chief Executive/Managing Principal, Monte Edwards Group
Monte serves as the chief executive for MEG, a multi-million-dollar company providing program and project management services to federal, municipal, and Fortune 500 sectors. With extensive experience in the Wireless Telecommunications industry, he held executive roles with Verizon Wireless, ALLTEL Corporation, and GTE Corporation. Monte also helped lead SRS to become an Inc. 500 and Black Enterprise 100s company. Monte holds a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and has served on boards including UNCG, Greensboro and Winston Salem Chambers of Commerce, and United Way of Greater Greensboro. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Cornell Admissions Ambassadors Network.
Maria Garza President/CEO, East Coast Migrant Headstart
Maria Garza, CEO of East Coast Migrant Head Start Project (ECMHSP), excels in non-profit management and community engagement. She leads the organization’s strategic plan and has secured $25M in grants for ECMHSP. Formerly a Marketing Consultant, Maria advised on social media strategies and contract negotiations. As President and CEO of the Zambrano Foundation and the Mexican American Council (MAC), she initiated international partnerships and educational programs. Maria’s previous roles include AmeriCorps Program Director for UnidosUS and White House Hispanic Community Liaison, showcasing her commitment to enhancing quality of life for underserved communities.
Niketa Greene
Director of Convening & Capacity-Building for Z Smith Reynolds Foundation
Niketa Greene, Director of Convening & Capacity Building for the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, leads initiatives supporting grant partners across North Carolina. Previously Chief DEI Officer at Cone Health, she enhanced diversity and inclusion, earning several recognitions. At the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, she launched the Scale to Excel program and a minority business accelerator. Niketa holds degrees from NC A&T State University and NC Central University and serves on the boards of NC A&T Real Estate Foundation, United Way of Greater Greensboro, and NCCJ. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Jada Monica Harris CEO, Social Designs Consulting
TODAY’S SPEAKERS
Dr. Channelle James Professor of Entrepreneurship, UNCG
Chris Mitchell
Jada Monica Harris is the CEO of Social Designs, a leadership and diversity firm, and hosts the annual Bloom Inclusion Conference. With a master’s in Global and International Education from Drexel University and a bachelor’s in Psychology from Guilford College, she is a certified trainer in True Colors International and Intercultural Development Inventory. Jada is the author of three books on leadership and social change and serves on the boards of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and United Way Impact Team. She was named Small Business Minority Person of the Year in 2019.
Michael McKinney President & CEO, Piedmont Business Capital
DEI Program Consultant, Cone Health
Channelle D. James, PhD, is a faculty member at the Bryan School of Business and Economics at UNC Greensboro and the President and Executive Director of Community Ventures Inc., a nonprofit focused on social good in Greensboro through entrepreneurship and social innovation. Her research and publications cover sustainable and social entrepreneurship, diversity, and community support for vulnerable communities. A native of Asheville, NC, Channelle produces the Sustainable-E Podcast and the upcoming “Hold My Purse While I Slay These Dragons.” She also instructs the Greensboro Chamber’s Scale to Excel program.
Michael McKinney, CEO of Piedmont Business Capital (PBC), has over 30 years of leadership experience, blending financial expertise with community service. Holding a master’s in Nonprofit Management from High Point University and pursuing a Master’s in Banking from Boston University, he excels in organizational development. His career includes impactful roles at the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen. Serving on various local boards, including the Greensboro War Memorial Commission and NC State Board of Opticians, Michael champions diversity and inclusion. He is also a devoted Deacon at Providence Baptist Church.
Chris Mitchell, originally from Toledo, Ohio, lives in Greensboro, NC, with his wife and two sons. He holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Toledo. With over 12 years in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Chris is a strategic leader at Cone Health. He provides direction and oversight for the DEI plan, ensuring an accessible and equitable environment. Chris has led the Inclusion & Diversity Council and developed programs for mentoring, leadership development, and social justice education. His work focuses on increasing diversity in leadership and strengthening the pipeline for underrepresented candidates.
TODAY’S SPEAKERS
Alex Moore Senior Partner, Marketing & Technology, Stratagon
Alex Moore, MBA, is a senior partner and marketing strategy expert at Stratagon. In true early adopter fashion, Alex is passionate about marketing technology, automation, CRM and using leading tech tools to create forward movement in business and in life.
Kevin Price President/CEO, The National Institute – Minority Economic Development
Marvin J. Price
Kevin Price is the third president and CEO of the National Institute of Minority Economic Development in Durham, NC. Under his leadership, the organization has tripled in size and successfully merged with the NC Community Development Initiative, rebranding it as Institute Capital (ICAP). With over 30 years in community economic development, Kevin previously led supplier diversity at Novant Health, growing their spend by over 500%. His background includes roles in commercial banking, real estate development, and community development. The Institute, headquartered on Durham’s historic Parrish Street, focuses on business diversity and inclusion.
EVP Economic Development, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
Marvin J. Price is the Executive Vice President of Economic Development for the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, overseeing significant economic growth with over $15 billion in capital investment and 9,900 jobs created. He has successfully collaborated with corporate leaders on projects for Toyota, Procter & Gamble, Boom Supersonic, and others. Previously, Marvin was Vice President of Economic Recruitment for the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and managed Business Development for Spire. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montevallo and a Master’s in Community Planning from Auburn University, and has received multiple industry awards, including the 2023 NCEDA Economic Developer of the Year.
Kenny Taylor
TODAY’S SPEAKERS
Senior Vice President, Market Solutions Advisor, Bank of America
Seny Tatum
Co-Owner, Sisters Saving You Cents
Jonathan Thill Co-Founder, Venture Asheboro
Kenny Taylor is a Senior Vice President and Market Solutions Advisor for the Triad, Triangle, and Eastern North Carolina Markets in Business Banking at Bank of America. With over 16 years of banking experience, he specializes in providing strategic financial guidance and credit solutions to community business owners. Kenny joined Bank of America in 2022 as a Senior Relationship Manager and was recently promoted to Market Solutions Advisor. He serves on the Foundation Board for GTCC and the Board for Centers for Exceptional Children in Winston-Salem. Kenny holds a BS in Business Administration from UNC Charlotte and a graduate degree from LSU’s Graduate School of Banking.
Seny Tatum is the visionary owner of Sisters Saving U Cents, dedicated to empowering people to save money and live financially healthy lives. With her sister Tamica, she built a social platform offering strategic advice, couponing tips, and financial education, amassing a community of over 187,000 followers. Seny also works as a Member Engagement Specialist for the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. Her expertise in smart shopping strategies and budgeting has made a significant impact on her followers and community.
Originally from deep in the heart of East Texas, Dr. Jonathan Thill currently calls Asheboro his home. Dr. Thill spent 15 years working in the North Carolina Community College System in instructional and leadership roles at two colleges before becoming a serial entrepreneur in 2018. Passionate about helping underrepresented entrepreneurs gain access to connections, collaborators, and a supportive community, Dr. Thill created Venture Ecosystems and his first coworking incubator space, VentureAsheboro. Since 2018, VentureAsheboro has designed and hosted four Black Business Accelerators, two Entrepre-New-Her Accelerators, and two Accelerating Equity Accelerators, serving over 175 entrepreneurs with a variety of technical assistance and grant funding. In 2023, Triad Business Journal honored Dr. Thill with a Leadership in Diversity Award in recognition of his work supporting underrepresented business owners.
Angelica Thacker President/CEO, Pinam Construction
TODAY’S SPEAKERS
James Walsh
Angelica Thacker, CEO of PINAM Construction, has risen from construction laborer to trailblazer in the industry. Born in Mexico and raised in South Texas, she moved to South Carolina as a seasonal migrant worker before discovering her passion for construction. Under her leadership, PINAM Construction has expanded to city, state, and federal projects. Angie is the first Hispanic to receive a HUB 2024 Award of Excellence from NC State Construction and the first Latina inductee into the NC Women Business Owner’s Hall of Fame. She advocates for Latino inclusion and partners with various Hispanic organizations.
Senior Vice President and Private Client Advisor with Bank of America Private Bank in Greensboro, NC
James Walsh is a Senior Vice President and Private Client Advisor with Bank of America Private Bank in Greensboro, NC. He provides strategic guidance to high-net-worth clients, including business owners, focusing on investment management, business succession planning, and tax minimization strategies. Holding the Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation, James began his career with Bank of America in 2006 and joined the Private Bank in 2017. He holds an MBA in international business and a master’s in biblical counseling. James also teaches at UNC Greensboro and volunteers with local nonprofits. He and his wife have four sons.
Robert Williams CEO, Executive Strategies LLC, Interise Instructor, MA
Felicia Woodard
Robert Williams, former Director of Government and Community Relationships for Massachusetts’ Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), led efforts to engage diverse and small businesses within the state’s supply chain. With extensive experience as a Business Banker at Santander Bank and VP at Bank of America’s Government and Municipal Banking Group, he also served as a Loan Officer for the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation. Currently a National Trustee of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Robert is an alumnus of Merrimack College, Georgetown University, and Harvard University’s National Fellows Program.
Senior Vice President, Market Executive, Commercial Banking, Bank of America
Felicia Woodard, Senior Vice President, Market Executive-Triangle and Triad, is the Business Banking Market Executive for the Greater Triangle and Triad Market based in Raleigh, NC. Felicia is responsible for the Business Banking segment serving U.S.-based small to mid-size privately held companies. With 25 years of financial services and leadership experience in the Triangle and NC Markets, Felicia has a solid understanding of the growth characteristics of various industries and geographic markets in NC and across the US and how to lead during various economic cycles.
TODAY’S SPEAKERS
Leah Wyrick President/CEO, Three Strand Recovery Corporation
Leah Wyrick, a Wake Forest University School of Business graduate with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, founded Three Strands Recovery Wear during her freshman year. Inspired by her mother’s battle with breast cancer, Leah balanced her studies and business ownership throughout college. Her personal experience and collaboration with industry experts give her a unique understanding of the needs of breast surgical patients. Leah is dedicated to addressing these needs through Three Strands Recovery Wear and the Resilience Bra, focusing on the technical, functional, and emotional aspects of recovery garments.