Welcome Letter
Program Overview
WEDNESDAY , 9.25.24
Shirley A. Massey Executive Conference Center
8:00am - 8:30am
8:30am - 10:30am
10:30am - 10:45am
10:45am - Noon
Noon - 1:00pm
1:00pm - 3:00pm
3:00pm - 3:15pm
3:15pm - 5:00pm
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Schedule at a Glance
B REAKFAST AND N ETWORKING
P ROGRAM W ELCOME , O VERVIEW, AND I NTRODUCTIONS
S NACKS /B REAK
B RIDGING S TRATEGY AND T ECHNOLOGY
L UNCH AND N ETWORKING
U NLOCKING W EALTH C REATION FOR D IVERSE E NTREPRENEURS
S NACKS /B REAK
F EDERAL M ARKET M ASTERY: T URNING O PPORTUNITIES INTO R EVENUE
R ECEPTION ( A FRICAN A MERICAN H ALL OF FAME )
THURSDAY , 9.26.24
8:00am - 9:00am 9:00am - 10:00am
10:00am - 10:15am
10:15am - Noon
Noon - 1:15pm
1:15pm - 2:15pm 2:15pm - 3:45pm
3:45pm - 4:00pm 4:00pm - 5:30pm
B REAKFAST AND N ETWORKING
N URTURING THE S OUL OF Y OUR B USINESS : L EADERSHIP, W ELLNESS , AND S USTAINABLE G ROWTH
S NACKS /B REAK
D RIVING G ROWTH : C RAFTING R OBUST G ROWTH S TRATEGIES WHILE
N AVIGATING F UNDING PATHWAYS TO O PTIMIZE F INANCIAL
D ECISION -M AKING
W ORKING L UNCH : S CALING , G ROWING AND E XITING Y OUR B USINESS
K EYNOTE S PEAKER : J USTIN B AYLESS , M ANAGING P RINCIPAL , T EN F IGURES
S ECURING C APITAL : PATHWAYS TO I NNOVATIVE C APITAL S TACKING
P REPARING AND B ECOMING A D IVERSE S UPPLIER FOR IBM
IBM M ENTORS S HARED
S NACKS /B REAK
E NTREPRENEURIAL L EADERSHIP C ONSULTING (ELC) P ROGRAM :
D RIVING B USINESS S UCCESS WITH S TUDENT C ONSULTANTS
FRIDAY , 9.27.24
8:00am - 9:00am 9:00am - 11:00am 11:00am - 11:15am 11:15am - 12:30pm 12:30pm - 1:30pm 1:30pm - 2:30pm 2:30pm - 2:45pm 2:45pm - 3:00pm
B REAKFAST AND N ETWORKING
E FFECTIVE L EADERSHIP F RAMEWORKS FOR D IVERSE E NVIRONMENTS
S NACKS /B REAK
S TRENGTH IN PARTNERSHIP : L EVERAGING C OLLABORATION FOR B USINESS G ROWTH
W ORKING L UNCH - C RAFTING Y OUR E XIT: B ALANCING S TRATEGIC
D ECISIONS WITH E MOTIONAL R EADINESS
K EYNOTE S PEAKER : S ANDRA C EPEDA , PAST P RESIDENT /CEO C EPEDA
S YSTEMS & S OFTWARE A NALYSIS I NC .
A SCEND N ATIONAL C OHORT A LUMNI PANEL - C OHORT E XPERIENCES AND L ESSONS L EARNED
A SCEND N ATIONAL - D ATA A NALYTICS C OLLECTOR
R EFLECTIONS AND C LOSING
Program Agenda: 9.25.24
Wednesday, September 25th
Shirley A. Massey Executive Conference Center
8:30AM – 10:30AM BREAKFAST, PROGRAM WELCOME, OVERVIEW, AND INTRODUCTIONS
MUSICAL SELECTION: Lesh’In Edwards, Senior Music Major, Morehouse College
Tiffany Rogers Bussey, DBA, MBA, MSc, PMP
Executive Director, Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
Dr. Tiffany Rogers Bussey is the founding Director of the Morehouse College Entrepreneurship Center, a global model for providing small business support in the areas of organizational management, infrastructure development and process improvement. Dr. Bussey has over thirty years of experience in various aspects of business management for corporate, small business, educational and non-profit organizations. As Director of the Morehouse College Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, Dr. Bussey manages strategic teams of faculty, staff and consultants to achieve the goals of the Center, which is to assist in the development and growth of entrepreneurs of color through scholarly research, training and consulting services. Dr. Bussey is also an adjunct professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy at Morehouse College. She frequently provides commentary as a small business expert on NPR, Bloomberg News, Black Enterprise and Huffington Post. Her opinions and writings have appeared in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta Business Chronicle, USA Today and Forbes Magazine among other media outlets.
Dr. Bussey earned her doctorate in business administration and masters of science degree in strategic management from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, U.K. She received a master’s in business administration from George Washington University in Washington D.C and a baccalaureate degree in economics from The College of Saint Elizabeth in New Jersey. Dr. Bussey is a certified Project Management Professional, Situational Leadership Facilitator, Quality Auditor, Training Presenter, and a Teacher of Entrepreneurship. Her research interest intersects the areas of leadership behavior and strategic change in small firms.
Grant M. Warner, Ph.D, Executive Director, Center for Black Entrepreneurship
Dr. Warner is the Bank of America Endowed Professor of Entrepreneurship and the Director of the Center for Black Entrepreneurship (CBE). A collaboration among the Black Economic Alliance Foundation, Spelman College, and Morehouse College, the CBE aims to grow the pipeline of Black entrepreneurs and connect them to investment and commercial opportunities. By increasing investment in Black-founded companies, the CBE will ultimately contribute to closing the investment gap. He has supported the signature Lab-ToMarket accelerator in the country, the I-Corps program, across several federal agencies including the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Energy. He has served as an instructor in those programs and helped to develop the curriculum to support “deep tech” innovation. This has also extended to international Lab-To-Market programs where he provided similar support to the Korean Innovation Center KIC-Start program, Innovate Egypt, and GIST programs run by the Department of State. He received a B.S. degree from Cornell University, an M.S. degree from Penn State University, and a Ph.D. from Columbia University all in Mechanical Engineering.
Michael Verchot, Director, UW Foster School Consulting and Business Development Center and National Lead, Ascend (Virtual)
Michael Verchot is the founding director of the University of Washington’s Consulting and Business Development Center, a Lecturer in the Marketing Department at the Michael G. Foster School of Business and the National Lead for Ascend. Ascend is the nation’s largest ecosystem network focused on the growth of businesses owned by people of color. Ascend’s M3 model improves management skills, increases access to money (loans and investments) and grows market access through contracting and supply chain partnerships.
Program Agenda: 9.25.24
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM B REAKFAST, P ROGRAM W ELCOME , O VERVIEW, AND I NTRODUCTIONS
Jennifer Turner, Program Director, Global Supplier Diversity, IBM (Virtual)
Jennifer Turner has been a global supplier diversity advocate since joining IBM building relationships and driving efforts to increase spend with diverse suppliers and representing IBM at conferences. In 2021, she was recognized as a Corporate Buyer of the Year for her efforts. In 2022, Jennifer was named the IBM Global Supplier Diversity Program Director, where she is driving strategic solutions with diverse suppliers to develop their capabilities enhance their market competitiveness, purchase from them to increase their economic strength and cultivate relationships with the businesses to drive new technology, innovation and creativity. Jennifer has also held management roles at various companies.
She is also the recipient of multiple awards including the Black Engineering of the Year Award (BEYA), Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson Woman of Distinction, United States President’s Volunteer Service, Peekskill, New York Living Legend, and John F. Kennedy Journalism Awards among others. Jennifer is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and passionately serves as an Executive Board Member of Women Business Enterprise National Council, Global Supplier Diversity Advisory Council, WEConnect, and Minority Supplier Development China. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communications and Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in General Management with honors from Howard University and a Master's Certification in Project Management from George Washington University both are located in Washington, DC. She is a Girl Scouts Lifetime Member, St. Peter's Episcopal Church Sunday School Director and is a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) advocate. She infuses her talents, leadership and creativity in her local community and at IBM. Jennifer strives to inspire others and to make the world a better place one smile at a time. As a wife and mother of two vibrant daughters, Jennifer brings high energy and a positive attitude to each new challenge.
Matthew Mullens, Supplier Diversity Program Manager, IBM (Virtual)
Matthew currently serves as a Supplier Diversity Manager for IBM Americas. He has a background in consulting, helping clients to develop data-driven insights to meet their needs. Before joining IBM in 2020, Matthew provided market research, ESG consulting, and strategic thinking support to help entrepreneurs grow their small businesses. He also founded his own certified black-owned business. As a consultant, researcher, and founder, Matthew is passionate about sustainable business practices and has experience in various technical and business roles, achieving success in strategic execution and process improvements.
Yolanda Rabun, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Trust and Compliance Officer, IBM
Yolanda Rabun has over 30 years experience in the IBM Legal & Regulatory Affairs Division in the U.S. and internationally. She handled high-stake complex software licensing deals, mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Yolanda served as Chief Legal Officer or Corporate Secretary for newly acquired companies, and Corporate Privacy Officer, and lead counsel for numerous IBM brand organizations including several intrapreneurship projects. Yolanda closed high-profile multi million dollar University AI, Cognitive Computing, and Quantum Intellectual Property licensing deals and oversaw a high performance contracts team for IBM Research. Today, Yolanda Rabun serves a team of IBM professionals and lawyers worldwide, spearheading global compliance programs that help IBM operate and comply with internal policies and external regulatory and legal requirements in the technology industry. Yolanda received a B.A. with Honors from the College of the Holy Cross and her J.D. from Boston College Law School as a Presidential Scholar.
Program Agenda: 9.25.24
Danita Harris, Program Manager, MIEC
Danita is the Program Manager for the Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center helping business owners with management training, securing capital and securing contracts. She worked for companies in multiple sectors including Cox Communications, IBM, Bridgestone, Travelers Insurance, Central Intelligence Agency as well as non-profit organizations. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia and is ISO 9000, Change Management, Agile Performance Management and has her Green Belt in Six Sigma. She also serves on the board for Out of Hand Theater, a non-profit organization that creates a safe space for all people to have conversations about the impact of social justice issues.
Bonita S. Moore, Director of Operations, MIEC
Bonita S. Moore has over 20 years of experience in the field of contract management for small business and educational organizations. As Director of Operations for the Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, a historically black, private liberal arts institution for African American men, Ms. Moore handles all the day-to-day operational aspects of the center.
She has an outstanding record of accomplishment in program management, general accounting, procurement, meeting planning and management and customer service.
Ms. Moore holds a baccalaureate degree in marketing from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia and provides astute knowledge in that field as well as business management.
MUSICAL SELECTION:
Lesh’In Edwards, Senior Music Major, Morehouse College
Lesh’In Edwards, Tenor is a native of Lithonia, Georgia. He is a Senior music major at Morehouse College who, in the short time of his vocal performance studies, has emerged as a promising young tenor with a brilliant and expressive voice. Mr. Edwards is intensely immersed in music at Morehouse and serves as Student Director of the Morehouse Glee Club, 1st tenor section leader, and a member of the Morehouse Quartet.
His singing performances are extensive. His orchestral debut was with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and the Morehouse Glee Club in 2022 with Adrian Dunn’s Requiem from The Unarmed Child. Additionally, in 2022 and 2023 he performed with the Glee Club as a soloist throughout Nigeria and the United States. In the summer of 2023, he sang and represented Morehouse at the annual conference of the National Association of Negro Musicians in Dallas, Texas. Last year he made his symphonic debut as a soloist during the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Christmas with ASO as a guest performer with the glee club. Lesh'In interned with The Atlanta Opera last summer as the production assistant for their summer festival. Also, he is a new cohort member of the Denyce Graves Foundation Shared Voices Program. And most recently he returned from Washington D.C. where he sang as a member of an HBCU quartet representing both Morehouse and the state of Georgia. Lesh’In is also a budding entrepreneur and is an active fellow in the Blackstone LaunchPad.
Ascend National Cohort Participants (See complete Cohort Participants descriptions on pages 14 - 17)
Eric Elewokor, CEO, Voltican, Inc.
• Dexter Hardy, President, Ntegral, Inc.
• Isabella Pina, Founder/CEO/Chairman, Inspired Solutions, Inc.
• Praveen Kumar, CEO, 2iSolutions, Inc.
• Karl Humphrey, CEO, MAIL CENTERS PLUS, LLC
• Travis Griffin, VP/Co-Founder, Optimized Technical Solutions, Inc.
• Charlene Fitzpatrick, CEO, Human Capital Consultants Consortium, LLC
• Komal Goyal, Managing Partner, 6e Technologies
• Theresa Harrison, Sr. Managing Partner, GEORGE STREET Services, Inc.
• Ian Perkins, CEO, Consec Solutions, Inc.
• Jelani Clark, President / CEO, Trendsic Corporation, Inc.
Darrell McGraw, CEO/President, Q2 Consulting Solutions, LLC
• Cicely Peace-Edouard, Co-Founder & CEO,
• The Simple VUE, LLC
• Jane Shin, CEO, Chosen Industries, LLC
Greg Head, CEO/Senior Partner, SmartThink Marketing Group
• Jandie Turner, CEO, Acuity International, LLC
• Aaron Kelley, CEO, Upslope Advisors
• Nichole Thompson, Founder/CEO, Altum Solutions
• Carolyn Rudd, President/CEO, CRP, Inc.
•
• Akinwande Oshodi, President, The Avery Group, LLC
• Natasha Bryan, CEO, Alpha Ridge, Inc.
•
10:45AM – NOON
Program Agenda: 9.25.24
BRIDGING STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY
This session will discuss creating a cohesive and synergistic relationship between an organization's strategic goals and the technological tools available to enable small businesses to stay competitive, innovate effectively, and respond quickly to market changes.
Yolanda Rabun, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Trust and Compliance Officer, IBM
1:00PM - 3:00PM
UNLOCKING WEALTH CREATION FOR DIVERSE ENTREPRENEURS
This session will also introduce systemic solutions to advancing racial wealth equity by painting a comprehensive picture of the possibilities when we go beyond technical assistance and advocate across all aspects of policy, practice, and programming for entrepreneurship ecosystems.
Dr. LaTanya White, CEO and Founder Concept Creative Group, LLC
Dr. LaTanya White is a trailblazing scholar-practitioner operating at the nexus of global competitiveness, equity, entrepreneurship curriculum design, and the racial wealth gap. With a career marked by coaching and consulting over 1,000 socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, Dr. White is a 2-time author, TEDx Speaker, and the founder of Concept Creative Group, LLC, a firm dedicated to business development, capacity building, and the pioneering concept of Dynastic Wealth™. Driven by her graduate studies at Antioch University’s Graduate School of Leadership and Change, her doctoral research on intergenerational wealth transfer and Black business families has given rise to an evidence-based entrepreneurship training model that has been added to the Congressional Record at the request of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Dynastic Wealth™, as conceptualized by Dr. White, offers a comprehensive approach to entrepreneurship that nurtures both quantitative and qualitative forms of wealth, all through the lens of racial equity. Her groundbreaking model not only informs entrepreneurship education research but calls for a redesign of curricula, ensuring a more equitable approach to fostering entrepreneurial success in marginalized communities. Discover more about Dr. White’s pioneering work in racial equity and entrepreneurship training at https://meetdrwhite.com/research.
3:15PM - 5:00PM
FEDERAL MARKET MASTERY: TURNING OPPORTUNITIES INTO REVENUE
We will discuss how federal buyers and potential teammates find companies like yours and explore how to identify, capture, and maximize profitable opportunities within the federal market.
Neil McDonnell, President/Founder, GovCon Chamber of Commerce
Neil McDonnell brings 20+ years experience as a small business owner and federal contractor, personally winning and supporting numerous government contracts at the US Army, Navy and Air Force, HHS, VA, DOT, DOI, DOE, the Executive Office of the White House and numerous large and small prime contractors.
He currently serves as the Founder and President of the GovCon Chamber of Commerce, an organization dedicated to the success of small businesses nationally. Since 2018, he has hosted more than 400 'live' federal sales training events and over 400 'Set Aside' calls leading to more small business set-asides. His organization has trained tens of thousands of small business government contractors, helping them win well over $3B dollars in federal contracts.
Program Agenda: 9.26.24
Thursday, September 26th
Shirley A. Massey Executive Conference Center
9:00AM – 10:00AM NURTURING THE SOUL OF YOUR BUSINESS: LEADERSHIP, WELLNESS, AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
This interactive workshop will explore the critical connection between leadership wellness and organizational success.
Joy D. Beckwith, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, Carrefour Psychological Health Institute
Dr. Joy Beckwith is a licensed clinical psychologist, television and radio expert, and college professor. Dr. Joy is the founder of Carrefour Psychological Health Institute and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is a graduate of Spelman College and Emory University School of Medicine, where she served as the chief clinician. Dr. Joy has served as a guest columnist for several publications where she writes about mental health and the mind-body connection. She has been featured in Essence, Oprah, Forbes, and Women’s Health magazines. Dr. Joy’s passion for bridging the gap between the mind-body connection has afforded her the opportunity to work with professional athletes, entertainers, high performance executives, and entrepreneurs nationwide. She understands that psychological factors influence personal and professional performance and decisions, and she assists individuals in performing optimally, from the inside out. She previously served as the resident psychology expert of the nationally syndicated radio show “The Nightly Spirit” in 32 states and psychologist for the NBA’s Rookie Transition Program. Currently she is the team psychologist for a sports league in Atlanta, Georgia.
10:15AM – NOON DRIVING GROWTH: CRAFTING ROBUST GROWTH STRATEGIES WHILE NAVIGATING FUNDING PATHWAYS TO OPTIMIZE FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING.
James Young, Visiting Professor, Morehouse College
Over 30 years of extensive consumer goods experience with a focus on Finance, Strategy and Small Business Operations. Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of management from CEOs to line managers in addition to working with cross functional teams from sales to operations. Currently a full time Visiting Professor of Finance at Morehouse College responsible for teaching Corporate Finance, Financial Statement Analysis and Entrepreneurial Finance. He holds an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and BA from Morehouse College.
Mark Steward, CEO, The Legacy Optimizer
Mark Steward, graduate of Morehouse College for his B.A. and Cornell for his M.B.A., is a seasoned finance professional with 15 years of corporate experience working for brands such as JPMorgan, Mars, Nike and Disney just to name a few along with building the Financial Planning & Analysis function for a couple of startups within Software as a Service + Healthcare. He started his own consultant company, The Legacy Optimizer, a couple years back focused on helping small-medium sized businesses build, manage and scale their financial operations to reach their ultimate legacy. Helping diverse business owners create a better future through clarity of their financials. He serves his clients through Consulting, Coaching, Fractional CFO services, and Finance Programming Development.
NOON – 1:15PM
Program Agenda: 9.26.24
WORKING LUNCH: SCALING, GROWING AND EXITING YOUR BUSINESS
Keynote Speaker: Justin Bayless, Managing Principal, Ten Figures
Justin Bayless, Managing Principal, Ten Figures
Justin Bayless is a dynamic force in the business world, known for his best-selling book, “The Journey to Ten Figures,” and his transformative impact on the healthcare industry. As the Founder and President of The Journey Venture Studio, a groundbreaking 501(c)(3) organization, he empowers underrepresented founders to create and lead innovative healthcare companies. Additionally, he is the visionary behind Bayless Ventures and the Managing Principal of Ten Figures, an advisory and asset management firm that turns “dark horses” into “unicorns”. In addition to his business achievements, Justin is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various educational and cultural initiatives and serving on several advisory boards. His numerous accolades reflect his commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and community service.
1:15PM – 2:15PM
SECURING CAPITAL: PATHWAYS TO INNOVATIVE CAPITAL STACKING
We will explore pathways and innovative vehicles to secure capital and drive generational wealth.
Moderator: James Young, Visiting Professor, Morehouse College
Akilah Hicks, Senior Program Officer, Supplier Diversity, LiSC
Akilah Hicks manages the day-to-day development and implementation of partnerships with corporations that seek to diversify their procurement process through LISC forged links with new diverse suppliers. She has over 18 years of service in the public sector, including 8 years as a supply chain and certified diversity, equity & inclusion professional. Prior to joining LISC, Akilah served as the Business Equity Manager at the Port of Houston Authority where she served as the subjectmatter expert and liaison to a network of individuals and local, state, and national organizations regarding small, minority, and woman-owned business enterprise programs.
Kerrington Eubanks, Sr. Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships, Lendistry
Kerrington has 10+ years of experience in banking, supporting consumers and small businesses in Los Angeles County, CA. She was recognized for exceeding her goals at J.P. Morgan Chase, City National Bank, and Citizens Business Bank. At Lendistry, Kerrington is the Sr. Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships, where she discovers and manages partnerships with financial institutions and community-based organizations to deploy capital to underserved and underbanked communities. She works with mission-aligned partners to build solutions for access to capital for business owners who are not eligible for traditional lending.
Rohit Mathur, Rohit Mathur, CEO, Bridge (a Foro Company)
Rohit is the CEO of Bridge and led the ideation, prototyping and creation of the Bridge platform (Bridge Marketplace). He has worked closely with banks and SMEs to understand their pain points and create solutions through Bridge. Bridge has grown from a few states and key banks in 2021 to national coverage with over 75 banks in 2023. He is passionate about working with regional, local and community banks to improve access to capital for underserved communities.
Program Agenda: 9.26.24
1:15PM – 2:15PM SECURING CAPITAL: PATHWAYS TO INNOVATIVE CAPITAL STACKING
Xamayliz Gonzalez, (CSBC), Vice President, Senior Business Consultant, Chase Business Banking
Xamayliz Gonzalez is a highly skilled banking professional with 10 years of experience at JPMorgan Chase. Originally from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Xamayliz now resides in the metro Atlanta area, where she serves as a Senior Business Consultant, helping business owners achieve their financial goals and navigate the complexities of the banking landscape. Recognized as a 30 Under 30 Honoree by the Hispanic Executive Forum, Xamayliz consistently demonstrates exceptional performance and a commitment to excellence. Beyond her professional achievements, she is actively involved in the community, serving as a mentor to young middle school girls in Gwinnett County and contributing her expertise as the co-chair for Adelante Southeast and a Prospera Committee board member. Xamayliz’s goal is to gain a deep understanding of her clients' businesses, allowing her to bring valuable insights and solutions to every interaction.
2:15PM – 3:45PM PREPARING AND BECOMING A DIVERSE SUPPLIER FOR IBM (IBM MENTORS SHARED)
Session Description: We will explore the end-to-end IBM procurement process and procurement opportunities including IT, Construction, Market Research, Facilities Management and Event Planning Strategy. We will also share roles and responsibilities of the IBM Mentor and share the name of your matched Mentor.
Jennifer Turner, Program Director, Global Supplier Diversity, IBM
Matthew Mullens, Supplier Diversity Program Manager, IBM
4:00PM – 5:30PM ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP CONSULTING (ELC) PROGRAM: DRIVING BUSINESS SUCCESS WITH STUDENT
CONSULTANTS
This session will provide an overview of the ELC program, including the introduction of business leaders, student consultants, and student advisors. We will cover the program structure, roles, and responsibilities, with the goal of defining a business challenge for students to research and develop recommendations by the program's end. Discover how the ELC program combines academic insights with practical business needs, fostering entrepreneurial growth and offering valuable support to businesses.
Audria King, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor, Morehouse College
Dr. Audria Borders King has over 25 years of experience as a successful corporate leader, entrepreneur, and educator. She established Dynamic Borders, LLC, consulting small-to-mid sized businesses and non-profits to develop and implement strategies that drive sustainable continuous improvement utilizing Comprehensive Business Intelligence and data-driven solutions. Dr. King teaches operations management and business policy and strategy as an adjunct professor of management at Morehouse. She graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee, with an MBA, and from Georgia State University with a Doctor of Business Administration.
Program
4:00PM – 5:30PM ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP CONSULTING (ELC) PROGRAM: DRIVING BUSINESS SUCCESS WITH STUDENT CONSULTANTS
Anthony Junior Ph.D., CEO, Strategic Consulting Network
Dr. Anthony V. Junior is an accomplished consultant and program manager with over 20 years of experience working with prominent organizations in the private and public sectors. As the CEO of Strategic Consulting Network, LLC, he leads a team that provides various services. Including strategic planning, program development, project management, diversity and inclusion, and business development. Dr. Junior excels at analyzing and solving complex business problems by applying a systematic approach. His collaborative work with executive leadership teams has led to the successful execution of organizational development initiatives that enhance clients' operational efficiency and performance.
Friday, September 27th
Shirley A. Massey Executive Conference Center
9:00AM - 11:00AM EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORKS FOR DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS
This session will equip participants with the essential strategies and insights for effective 21st-century leadership leveraging interactive discussions, leadership tools and enlightening case studies.
Berkley Baker, Ph.D. Professor, Georgia State University
Dr. Berkley Baker, CEO of CIMI Solutions, boasts 20+ years of expertise in sales, marketing, and leadership development, having advised 100+ executive teams on integrating disruptive technologies and enhancing leadership skills. His roles encompass VP of Sales and Business Development for a healthcare technology firm, strategic consulting for medical device companies, and mentoring over 1,000 leaders across various functions. As a startup coach at Georgia Tech's Advanced Technology Development Center, he has nurtured 60-80 HealthTech startups globally. He is a professor at Georgia State University's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute, holding a doctorate, MBA from Emory University, and a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Military Academy.
11:15AM - 12:30PM STRENGTH IN PARTNERSHIP: LEVERAGING COLLABORATION FOR BUSINESS GROWTH
Our expert panelists will share insights and real-world examples of how businesses have successfully harnessed the power of partnerships to scale operations, enter new markets, and enhance their value propositions. Learn practical strategies for identifying the right partners, fostering strong relationships, and maximizing the benefits of collaboration as a key driver of business growth.
Moderator: Tiffany R. Bussey, DBA, MBA, MSc, PMP
Executive Director, MIEC
Program Agenda: 9.27.24
11:15AM - 12:30PM STRENGTH IN PARTNERSHIP: LEVERAGING
COLLABORATION FOR BUSINESS GROWTH
Ben Skyles, CEO, ProSource360
Ben is the founder and CEO of ProSource360. He is rapidly growing an SBA 8(a) Certified, HUBZone firm that offers management consulting, healthcare solutions, and information technology services to federal agencies and commercial markets. Their work was most recently recognized when the firm was named the winner of the prestigious Supplier of the Year award by the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council. He is an active Morehouse College alumnus and a life member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. As a board advisor to the Morehouse College Entrepreneurship Center, he enjoys seeing scholarships presented to hardworking, deserving students dedicated to innovating the future.
Andy Newton, President, Teya Enterprise
Andy Newton is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in federal government contracting. As Chief Operating Officer at Teya Development Company, LLC, Andy plays a pivotal role in leading the Teya family of companies, which collectively generates approximately $150 million in annual revenue. Teya is an Alaska Native Corporation, owned by the Salamatof Native Association, Inc. (SNAI). The profits generated by Teya provide vital operating capital, helping facilitate SNAI’s mission to preserve and protect its culture and heritage, while promoting pride and educating its youth for the future. With deep expertise in contract negotiation, program management, and risk analysis, Andy has a proven track record of transforming complex challenges into successful business solutions.
12:30PM – 1:30PM WORKING LUNCH: SCALING, GROWING AND EXITING YOUR BUSINESS
Keynote Speaker: Sandra Cepeda, Past President/CEO, Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis Inc.
Sandra Cepeda, Founder, Past President/CEO Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis Inc.
Sandra Cepeda was the founder and President and CEO of Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis, Inc. (CSSA) a small engineering firm in Huntsville, AL. She has 36 years of software and systems engineering experience in the acquisition, development, management, process improvement and sustainment of DoD and NASA systems. She holds a B.S. and M.S. in Computer Engineering from Auburn University. Sandra and Cepeda Systems received numerous awards while she owned CSSA including the 2020 Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership award given by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce for her exceptional corporate management, entrepreneurship, and long-standing service to the Huntsville community.
1:30PM – 2:30PM
Program Agenda: 9.27.24
ASCEND NATIONAL COHORT ALUMNI PANEL - COHORT EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS LEARNED
This session is an opportunity to hear and learn from four Ascend National Cohort Alumni.
Moderator: Danita Harris, Program Manager, MIEC
Tracey Grace, President & CEO, IBEX Experts
Tracey Grace is the Founder & CEO of IBEX IT Business Experts. A fast-growing technology, software development, and training firm based in Sandy Springs, GA. With over a decade of experience in Federal government contracting and strategic partnerships, Tracey has led IBEX to secure multimillion dollar contracts with agencies such as the CDC, NASA, and the Department of Defense. She is also an advocate for supplier diversity and developed an intelligent supplier software solution, Certifiably Diverse that is used by enterprises to discover innovative small and diverse businesses around the globe. Tracey serves on several boards and actively contributes to the Greater North Fulton business and non-profit community.
Charles Weems, CEO, WDS
Charles E. Weems III established Weems Design Studio (WDS), offering expertise in web design and software engineering to small firms in 2006. Today, WDS has grown to a staff of 100+ employees, gross over $20M in revenue, and expanded its services to include data analytics, bioinformatics, and health science. Currently, WDS has $300M+ in BPA contracts with government agencies across the civilian landscape for projects through 2027. He received his BS in Computer Science and Mathematics from Grambling State University. Mr. Weems has received many accolades from industry professionals for his expertise in software engineering and leadership such as Class II Awardee with the GMSDC (Nominated Nationally as well), Small Contractor of the Year for USDA for work with software modernization, and soon to launch his first consumer application, Archymedes (a digital tool to tackle minority access to capital). He has been featured in Black Enterprises Magazine, The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and TVOne online, and Inc. 5000 Ranking.
Stacey Mollison, President & CEO, Libra Management
Stacey Mollison is President/CEO of Libra Management Group (LIBRA) a global strategic sourcing and management consulting firm. LIBRA is an SBA certified 8(a) minority woman owned small business, established in 2006 with Headquarters in Decatur in Metro Atlanta, and satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and Guyana, South America. LIBRA’s core competencies are professional, scientific & technical support services inclusive of project and program management, laboratory support, logistics, conference management, real estate and construction, facilities support, manpower & staffing, emergency preparedness, training, and IT solutions to include cyber security and data analytics. Libra also provides global sourcing and procurement services of commodities/products in the healthcare, safety and emergency preparedness, ICT, energy, and construction sectors.
Program Agenda: 9.27.24
1:30PM – 2:30PM ASCEND NATIONAL COHORT ALUMNI PANEL - COHORT EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS LEARNED
Magha Devan, Partner, Entellimetrix, LLC
Magha is the Co-Founder of Entellimetrix and plays a vital role in acquiring and managing client engagements as well as creating a world class data analytics consulting team. With over 20 years of IT Consulting industry experience, Magha has an MBA degree from The J. Mack Robinson School of Business at Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from National Institute of Technology – India. In 2020, he received a certification on “Building a Successful Diverse Business” from Tuck Executive Education at Dartmouth and “Accelerating Growth Activator’s Program” from Morehouse College.
2:30PM - 2:45PM ASCEND NATIONAL - DATA ANALYTICS COLLECTOR
This is an overview of the data analytic tool that will be used to collect your experiences and to gather feedback for each Ascend National Cohort workshop. (Note: The Morehouse Hub Program Team will also administer a survey after each 3-day Onsite Residential (Opening and Closing) as well as a Post Evaluation at the end of the
Ascend National Cohort Participants
VOLTICAN, INC.
WWW.VOLTICAN.COM
Our focus areas include Big Data and Data Analytics, ERP System Design & Implementation, Cloud Implementation/Migration and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) and IT Staff Augmentation.
NTEGRAL, INC.
WWW.NTEGRAL.COM
We are an IT and Management Consulting Services organization that specializes in delivering value through deployment and migration of cloud solutions accelerators with ease of procurement thru enterprise cloud marketplaces. We help our customers innovate faster, capitalize on the power of AI and optimize their cloud investment.
INSPIRED SOLUTIONS, INC.
WWW.INSPIRED-US.COM
Inspired Solutions is a Solutions Provider that supports our clients from procurement through to delivery. We are an IT-Telecommunication VAR, Logistics Management, and Professional Services Solutions Provider. As a VAR, Inspired Solutions simplifies your procurement with our Value-Added-Reseller (VAR) services, providing a one-stop solution for all IT and non-IT projects. We have relationships with over 250 manufacturers to ensure competitive pricing and timely delivery. We procure products and materials in four (4) main areas: IT hardware & software, Inside Plant, Outside Plant, and Construction. We provide strategic procurement consolidation and order management so your projects stay on track and within budget, delivering a seamless procurement experience.
2ISOLUTIONS, INC.
WWW.2ISOLUTIONS.COM
2iSolutions, is a SAP Partner authorized to sell and service SAP Solutions in Canada, USA, Europe and India. We started operations in 2005 and have completed numerous ECC, BI Enterprise Portals and Big Data Projects. We have been providing consulting and training services within across globe to our esteemed clients. We provide High Quality, Low Cost, On Time and In Budget Solutions to SAP customers by using our onsite, offsite and offshore delivery model established by us. We have perfected knowledge management, training and transitions practices to ensure smooth deliveries to our esteemed customers.
MAIL CENTERS PLUS, LLC
WWW.MCPBPO.COM
MCP is a business process outsourcing (BPO) firm. We provide document management, facility logistics, front-office, back-office and professional services, allowing our clients to allocate workforce resources toward core business functions. Together with our services partners, we boost productivity and improve the overall workspace experience in today’s post-pandemic economy.
OPTIMIZED TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
WWW.OPTECHS-INC.COM
OTS is a Certified 8(a) Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) specializing in multi-cloud architecture and DevSecOps solutions, Oracle ERP support, Microsoft 365 managed services, and agile-focused software development. Our core team has over 30 years of experience delivering mission-critical program success for multiple Federal, State, and local government agencies and commercial partners.
Ascend National Cohort Participants
HUMAN CAPITAL CONSULTANTS CONSORTIUM, LLC (H3C)
WWW.H3CLLC.COM
Human Capital Consultants Consortium (H3C) is a small, disadvantaged woman and black-owned human capital strategic consulting firm. Since its inception in June 2016, it has provided various high-impact solutions to various clients. Our core centers of excellence include Experiential Training, Learning, & Development; Curriculum Architecture, Workforce Compliance & Third-Party Investigations; Team Effectiveness & Organizational Development; and our Proprietary DICE (Diversity, Inclusion, Culture and Equity) program. We are industry agnostic with clients across industries, including government.
6E TECHNOLOGIES
WWW.6ETECH.COM
We are a systems integrator that helps organizations implement Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) & automate the processes to improve efficiency. We specialize in gathering client requirements about their processes, re-engineer them and fit them to the client’s preferred system. We do end-to-end integration work including requirements gathering, system design & implementation, documentation, testing, and training for our clients. We have in-depth knowledge of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) packages such as Oracle EBS, to ensure that the client Business Processes map to the system processes.
GEORGE STREET SERVICES, INC.
WWW.GEORGESTREETINC.COM
GEORGE STREET Services, Inc. (GEORGE STREET) is a small woman-owned business that provides services to private and public organizations. The core capabilities of GEORGE STREET are Software/Cloud/Mobile Development, Managed Services, Transformation and Digital Services, Cyber Security Solutions and Services, and Administrative Services
GEORGE STREET has a Facility Clearance and customers are mainly government clients.
CONSEC SOLUTIONS, INC.
WWW.CONSECSOLUTIONS.COM
ConSec specializes in acquisition support, program/project management, information technology consulting, business operation improvement and staff augmentation services.
THE AVERY GROUP, LLC
WWW.THEAVERYGROUPLLC.COM/
The Avery Group, LLC is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business based in Atlanta, Georgia, that focuses on improving an organization's Governance Risk and Compliance posture. Our expertise in Program Management, Financial Management, Information Technology, and Workforce Development helps us understand our clients' challenges and enables us to develop solutions to address those challenges. Our mission is to break barriers to accelerate success for our clients, communities, and nation. We do so by championing innovation and diversity of thought to provide measured results and create an impact on the organizations we serve.
Ascend National Cohort Participants
Q2 CONSULTING SOLUTIONS, LLC
WWW.Q2CONSULTS.COM
Q2 Consulting Solutions (Q2) is an SBA Certified 8(a) small business that delivers quantitative, quality, world-class IT management consulting services to government and commercial clients. Our vision is to be a value-driven, trusted partner in delivering industry-leading consulting services to our clients. We specialize in full-scale information technology solutions to include Project Management Solutions, Platform Integration Solutions, Enterprise Applications Solutions, Strategic Planning Solutions, Data Management Solutions, Service Desk Support, Cyber Solutions, and Low-Code/No-Code Development.
TRENDSIC CORPORATION, INC.
WWW.TRENDSIC.COM
Trendsic aims to be a catalyst for innovation and business development. We provide custom software consulting and from-the-ground-up software development and technology management services to commercial, non-profit and government organizations nationwide. Our senior consultants build enterprise web & mobile applications, modernize outdated IT solutions, and implement business automation to help clients attract new business, decrease costs, and create new software products then bring them to market.
THE SIMPLE VUE, LLC
WWW.THESIMPLEVUE.COM
At The Simple VUE, we're your premier partner for advanced IT and analytics solutions. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to human-centric design principles, ensuring that every solution we deliver is not just powerful, but also invaluable, intuitive, and seamlessly integrated within your organization. With our tailored services, we empower organizations to extract insights and make informed decisions.
SMARTTHINK MARKETING GROUP
WWW.SMARTTHINKINC.COM
SmartThink is an innovative marketing strategy and research consultancy located in Atlanta, GA. Our experiences span a wide variety of categories and brands including automotive, banking and finance, consumer packaged goods, health and beauty, fashion, food and beverage, entertainment, retail, technology and utilities. We conduct market research using a wide variety of qualitative and quantitative research techniques, leverage product innovation to help clients create new products, brands and services, and develop award-winning communications for brands and services.
CHOSEN INDUSTRIES, LLC
WWW.CHOSENINDUSTRIES.COM
Chosen Industries is a commercial construction and facilities maintenance firm that services both the commercial and federal sectors. In addition, Chosen Industries actively manages 1500 acres of commercial real estate assets across the Southeastern United States. In the product space, we offer workspace solutions and industrial racking.
Ascend National Cohort Participants
ACUITY INTERNATIONAL, LLC
WWW.ACUITYEVENTS.NET AND WWW.ACUITYSPORTS.COM
Acuity International, LLC (dba Acuity Events and Acuity Sports), is a full service conference, meetings and events planning & consulting business with over 20 years of experience serving associations, nonprofits and commercial clients. We specialize in delivering in-person and virtual events to meet the specific needs of the client ensuring all outcomes meet or exceed the customer or audience expectations. Our team of highly trained professionals design the perfect event for your audience; deliver exceptional events and delight the end client and all who attend the event. Our sports brand, Acuity Sports, produces world class golf events.
UPSLOPE ADVISORS
WWW.UPSLOPEADVISORS.COM
UpSlope Advisors is a certified 8(a) professional engineering services firm committed to delivering mission-critical technical, intelligence, and programmatic solutions to the federal government. Currently, we are proud to offer our services directly to the NGA, NECC, NSF, and SBA, as a prime contractor and to NGA, and DOJ as a subcontractor. Our qualifications are further bolstered by a Top Secret Facility Clearance (FCL), a General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), and participation in the 8(a) STARS III program.
ALTUM SOLUTIONS
WWW.ALTUMSOLUTIONS.NET
Altum Solutions, established in 2017 and based in Richmond, VA, is a global IT and management consulting firm specializing in digital transformation. We combine creativity, technology, and strategic insight to solve complex business challenges and drive innovation. Partnering with industry leaders like Microsoft and VMEDu, we deliver comprehensive solutions in digital transformation such as: Program Management support, UI/UX, web design, data analytics, and IT role-based certification training.
CRP, INC.
WWW.CRPCORP.COM
CRP is one of the leading minority-women owned professional services firms in the Washington, DC area. We have a stellar reputation for delivering high-quality results with the highest degree of technical excellence that exceeds our clients' expectations. Our core competencies include: research/evalution; survey research; meeting logistics/conference management support; staff augmentation; program management; policy assessment and analysis; and training & technical assistance. CRP has served as a trusted solutions provider to more than 13 federal agencies, 6 District of Columbia entities since its inception in 1988.
ALPHA RIDGE, INC.
WWW.ALPHARIDGE.COM
AlphaRidge is a leading provider of IT and cybersecurity solutions, dedicated to delivering best-in-class technology to both large enterprises and growing organizations. Since our founding in 2012, we have been headquartered in New York, seamlessly integrating compliance and technology, particularly in highly regulated sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government.
As part of the Ascend National Cohort Program at Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneur Center, Business Owners are paired with an IBM Mentor. The mentor relationship will begin in October and continue throughout the course of the program until March 2024. The Mentor has committed to participating in at least four meetings throughout this time. Below is a summary of roles and responsibilities followed by the list of assigned Mentors.
Roles and Responsibilities
Business Owner Mentor
Own and drive the mentoring process
• Define and share personal goal(s) of mentoring experience
• Schedule mentoring sessions and have a prepared agenda/objectives for
• each session
• mentor regularly on development progress
Be open to appreciative and constructive feedback from mentor and update
• Follow-up and be accountable
Be coachable and open to think differently
• Complete Mentoring Program Assessment Survey
• Facilitate and conduct four 45-minute sessions (October – March) with the
• Ascend Cohort Business Executive Leader over the course of the six-month program
• Share expertise, insights, and feedback
Discuss Business Owner’s goals, aspirations, and growth opportunities
• Provide a safe environment for Business Owner to take risks, share ideas,
• reveal challenges, etc.
• of view
Challenge Business Owner to think differently and broaden his/her point
• Follow-up and hold Business Owner accountable
Open doors to provide networking opportunities
• Provide tips to help the business navigate through the procurement process
•
• Complete Mentoring Program Assessment Survey
IBM Mentorship
Below is a list of the IBM Mentors. The IBM Supplier Diversity Team will send a virtual introduction in October. Mentees should assume responsibility for initiating and scheduling their meetings.
IBM MENTOR
Marielli Felix Carvalho
Rahul Akhouri
Jackie Turner
Bradena Fowler
Lawrence Carr
Matthew Timmerman
Ryan Dubose
George K. Watts
Virginia Elizabeth Cambero Torres
Leonardo Dilser
Bridgid Shaw
IBM MENTOR TITLE
Senior Procurement Professional - Facilities Sourcing Solutions
Procurement Professional - IBM Research Labs Focal
Strategic Sourcing Manager - SoftLayer Procurement
Facilities Sourcing Solutions
Capture Manager - DHS & IRS
Deal Lead, Federal Civilian
Director - NA Indirect Procurement
Global Procurement Acquisitions and Divestitures
Procurement Professional - US SW Sourcing
Latin America Procurement Leader
Procurement Tribe Chapter Lead for Staff Augmentation and IT Managed Services
Entrepreneurial Leadership Consulting (ELC) Fellowship Program
Supported by the Center of Black Entrepreneurship (CBE), the Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC) crafted the Entrepreneurial Leadership Consulting (ELC) Fellowship to enrich the entrepreneurial ecosystem and meet the diverse needs of our scholars. This initiative enhances career readiness and post-graduation preparedness by offering measurable benefits that include advanced opportunity, recognition, exposure to business problem-solving frameworks, increased social capital in entrepreneurial ventures, and the cultivation of entrepreneurial self-identity.
The ELC serves as a vital link between Morehouse's co-curricular activities and active community business engagement, enabling students to act as consultants. Each ELC Fellow, supported by a Student Business Advisor (SBA) with considerable consulting expertise, tackles real-world challenges presented by participating small businesses. From September to March, students invest approximately 80 hours in program activities, culminating in the presentation of potential solutions to these business challenges.
Program Outcomes:
• Teamwork and Collaboration
Strategic Problem-Solving Skills
• Data Collection and Analysis Techniques
• Professional Communication and Presentation Skills
• Practical Consulting Experience
• Valuable Professional Relationships and References
• This comprehensive approach not only prepares students for future career challenges but also strengthens the bridge between academic learning and practical business application, fostering a new generation of entrepreneurial leaders.
Entrepreneurial Leadership Consulting (ELC) Student Fellows
STUDENT NAME
Jimmy Capela
India Easton
Winston Gillum
Chase Woodard
David Gethers
Lorenzo Lugo
Farra Muhammad
Quincy Box
Amir Johnson
Miles Mayfield
Tyrone Baines III
Deondray Epps II
Jordan Goings
Leah Arnold
Nasir Barnes
Damian Covington Jr.
Wendell Robinson
Noel Boadi
Daine Grey
Courtney Melvin
Myles Tucker
Price Aristilde
Wisdom Purcell
Stephen Singleton
Paul Simon
INSTITUTION
Morehouse College
Spelman College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Spelman College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Spelman College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Spelman College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
Morehouse College
CLASSIFICATION
MAJOR
Applied Physics
Computer Science
Business Administration
Business Administration
Applied Physics/Engineering
Business Administration
Comparative Women Studies
Business Administration
Biology
Business Administration
Business Administration
Business Administration
Psychology
Economics
Computer Science
Business Administration
Business Administration
Computer Science
Kinesiology
Environmental Studies
Economics
Business Administration
Business Administration
Communications
Biology
Entrepreneurial Leadership Consulting Student Business Advisors (SBA)
Audria King, Ph.D.
Dr. Audria Borders King has over 25 years of experience as a successful corporate leader, entrepreneur, and educator. She established Dynamic Borders, LLC, consulting small-to-mid sized businesses and non-profits to develop and implement strategies that drive sustainable continuous improvement utilizing Comprehensive Business Intelligence and data-driven solutions. Dr. King teaches operations management and business policy and strategy as an adjunct professor of management at Morehouse. She graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee, with an MBA, and from Georgia State University with a Doctor of Business Administration.
Anthony Junior Ph.D.
Dr. Anthony V. Junior is an accomplished consultant and program manager with over 20 years of experience working with prominent organizations in the private and public sectors. As the CEO of Strategic Consulting Network, LLC, he leads a team that provides various services. Including strategic planning, program development, project management, diversity and inclusion, and business development. Dr. Junior excels at analyzing and solving complex business problems by applying a systematic approach. His collaborative work with executive leadership teams has led to the successful execution of organizational development initiatives that enhance clients' operational efficiency and performance.
Eberechukwu Ebere (Ebe) ‘06
Ebe is a seasoned management consultant and certified Project Manager with over a decade of experience in project finance, strategic advisory, and capital project execution. Currently, he serves as a Project Manager for technology infrastructure delivery at QTS data centers, overseeing the deployment of IT infrastructure across new sites. His career spans leadership roles at PwC and various firms, where he delivered high-impact solutions for complex projects across the energy, transportation, and infrastructure sectors. Ebe is a proud 2006 alumnus of Morehouse College, and is honored to be a part of the 2024 - 2025 cohort of the Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC) Entrepreneurial Leadership Consulting (ELC) Program.
Chudi Amu ‘06
Chudi Amu has worked across a wide range of industries as an advisor, leader, coach, and investor. Chudi started his career in investment banking with Deutsche Bank in NYC then spent several years at a middle-market private equity firm in Nigeria. He has also worked as a management consultant with Bain & Co. and is currently working in finance with a global data-center provider. Chudi is a proud graduate of Morehouse College (2006) and Kellogg/Northwestern University (2013).
Entrepreneurial Leadership Consulting
Student Business Advisors (SBA)
Nkosi Leary ‘18
Nkosi A. Leary is a seasoned consultant, educator, and veteran entrepreneur dedicated to leadership development and strategic organizational growth. As a Doctor of Business Administration candidate with an MBA and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Nkosi combines academic excellence with extensive experience from his service in the United States Marine Corps. He founded Kumasi Solutions, a consulting firm that empowers veteran entrepreneurs and enhances business strategies. As an adjunct professor at Morehouse College, he teaches a course on entrepreneurship, inspiring future business leaders. Nkosi's approach is grounded in his military background, scholarly research, and hands-on business expertise, making him a sought-after advisor in veteran transition, leadership, and organizational development.
Mark Steward ‘06
Mark Steward, graduate of Morehouse College for his B.A. and Cornell for his M.B.A., is a seasoned finance professional with 15 years of corporate experience working for brands such as JPMorgan, Mars, Nike and Disney just to name a few along with building the Financial Planning & Analysis function for a couple of startups within Software as a Service + Healthcare. He started his own consultant company, The Legacy Optimizer, a couple years back focused on helping small-medium sized businesses build, manage and scale their financial operations to reach their ultimate legacy. Helping diverse business owners create a better future through clarity of their financials. He serves his clients through Consulting, Coaching, Fractional CFO services, and Finance Programming Development.
Derek Stanley ‘00
Derek is a senior executive within Accenture's North American Song Commerce practice, also serving as Practice Delivery Lead. He has worked over 25 years in technology; from development, testing and deployment, to influencing, driving and leading full business strategy and enterprise implementations for global companies. Transforming businesses through successful delivery has been a constant during his career. Derek's technical experience, strong business acumen, and executive delivery discipline makes him a valuable Implementation Lead who has shown the ability to sustain and grow programs amidst complex client environments. Based out of the Atlanta office, Derek holds a degree in Mathematics from Morehouse College.