2023 AYEL Program

BOARDOFDIRECTORS

ChairmanoftheBoard QuentinLRoach Founder BCLAdvisoryTrust

ViceChairman MichaelOSmith GeneralManager

HyattRegencyNewOrleans

Treasurer CurleyMDossman,Jr President GeorgiaPacificFoundation

Secretary

CathleenRichardson

CommunityEducationLeadership

ExecutiveAppleInc

GeneralCounsel

JamesMacHunter,Esq ManagingPartner

SeniorCounselAssociates,LLC

SalvadorDiaz-Verson CEO

Diaz-VersonCapitalInvestments,Inc

CaroleADortch CFO FADConsulting,LLC AaliyahShafiqEly

VPSparklingFlavorsCategory&Brands

Coca-Cola

DrGeorgeFrench ClarkAtlantaUniversity President

Laurence“Larry”OGray President/Founder LaenoLLC

QuinnieJenkins

DirectorofCommunityEngagement

DeltaAirLines

KimberlyJackson

ExecutiveVicePresident AmericanCancerSociety

CharlesJohnson Founder 4kira4moms HealthEquityActivist

EmmanuelLewis President&CEO FutureBeginsNowInc

TonyaLombard

VicePresidentPublicAffairs AT&T

RufusMontgomery

Vice-Chairman HBCUChange

EricNettles

RegionalMajorAccountRepresentative

XeroxBusinessSolutions

MarshaOliver SeniorVice-President

Community&Inclusion PGATOUR

MikePhillips RecordingArtist HiddenBeachRecords

WilliamFPickard,PhD Chairman

GAAManufacturingandSupplyChain Management

CalvinSmyre

ExecutiveVicePresident(Retired)

SynovusFinancialCorporation

HankStewart Co-Founder

TheStewartFoundation

LarryWVincent

AtlantaAreaManager GeorgiaPower

JoyWatson

2022-2023MissNBCAHallofFame

DannyWhite

NorthAmericanEducation

VerticalSalesLeader Honeywell

DrRobertLWright Chairman FEHoldings

Greetings!

TheNationalBlackCollegeAlumniHallofFameFoundation,Inc

I am truly excited to welcome each of you to the 2023 Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute Each of the AYEL Institute Fellows that have been invited to Atlanta for this uniquely exceptional event has demonstrated an aptitude and desire to be impactful to our world The AYEL Institute offers an exceptional opportunity for us to build bridges of understandingbetweenyouasfutureleadersandthegenerationsthathavepavedtheway It is so important to know our past in order to understand the present in order to prepare forthefuture

Importantly, Ambassador Andrew Young is one of America’s greatest leadership treasures He is an exemplar of service, compassion, dedication and sacrifice His overwhelming positive impact has been demonstrated locally, nationally, and globally Ambassador Young and the Board of The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation Inc profoundly understand that our youth must be prepared now for their present and future leadership roles, and are committed to support your continued development Without the gracious support of sponsors and donors, these activities would not be possible I express my profound gratitude to Wells Fargo, Southwest Airlines, and Georgia Pacific Foundation fortheirinvestmentinTheNationalBlackCollegeAlumniHallofFameFoundation,Inc,and TheAndrewYoungEmergingLeadersInstitute

I ask that each and every one of you immerse yourselves in the institutes learning opportunities Takeadvantageofallofthelearningthatispossibleforyouinthesedays–be attentiveandpresent Shareyourexperiences,thoughtsandperspectives–beengagedand courageous And most importantly, I trust you will leave your time at the institute having betterpreparedyourselftogooutandhelpinalltheways youcan

Sincerely,

QuentinL Roach

ChairmanoftheBoard

NationalBlackCollegeAlumniHallofFameFoundation,Inc

2211CascadeRoadAtlantaGA30311 404-524-1106׀wwwnbcahoforg

MailingAddress:POBox42118AtlantaGA30311

ANDREW YOUNG EMERGING LEADERS INITIATIVE

“Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it ”

Leadership is an essential component of sustaining communities and improving the quality of life for cities, states, the nation and the world In this regard, in 2013 the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the Andrew J. Young Foundation, launched the Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute (AYEL) This initiative is designed to expose students to the leadership philosophies, styles, theories and modalities that leaders used to reshape the fabric of the nation during the Civil Rights Movement.

The AYEL Institute was created to:

Assist students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in developing and/or recognizing and honing their leadership skills, with emphasis on understanding some of the entrepreneurial, social, political, technological, economic, and environmental trends and events that are likely to occur over the next 20 years; and the impact that these trends and events will have on their lives. The AYEL Institute is presented annually, and students are recruited while conduct- ing the Legacy Lecture Series tour on various HBCU campuses across the U S However, the Insti- tute is open to any HBCU student as well as a select number of high school students. This pro- gram connects future leaders with individuals, employers, and mentors who emphasize some of the tools and resources that are needed to succeed and advance in life

Ultimately, the AYEL Institute will:

Prepare students to be leaders and change agents for the world community;

Offer exposure to influential leaders in the public and private sectors of the community; Cultivate a cadre of a new generation of leaders who appreciate their own value and value the views of proven leaders and others around them; Grant students an opportunity to develop and apply leadership skills, exposing them to a series of noted leaders and hands-on experiences, while discovering and/or recognizing their own talents for serving their communities and becoming an effective leader.

-Marian Anderson

Jason Adams, Dillard University

College/University Students

Zamir Anderson, Georgia State University

Jerry Boyce, III, North Carolina A&T State University

Mikel Caldwell, Clark Atlanta University

Cameron Cannon, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Carys Carr, Howard University

Olivia Dyer, Grambling State University

Jackeima Flemming, University of the Virgin Islands

Lauren Forney, Spelman College

Corey Greene, Kentucky State University

Cymoine Holmes, Dillard University

Janiah Lee, Virginia State University

Dylan Lefernink, Florida A&M University

D'Mya McCray, Texas Southern University

Sanya Murchison, Howard University

Vierra Queen, Spelman College

Donovan Ruble, Dillard University

Nicholas Spry, Florida A&M University

Faith Thorpe, North Carolina A&T State University

YuKwon Toney, Florida A&M University

Joy Watson, Virginia State University

High School Students

TylerHope,EastsideHighSchool

MilesJohnson,UrbanPrepBronzeville

BenjaminJones,JonesboroHighSchool

SeraiahKornegay

Ihaveaboutconcludedthatwealthisastateofmind,andthatanyonecanacquirea wealthystateofmindbythinkingrichthoughts

AYEL 2023 Schedule AYEL 2023 Schedule

Sunday, June 4, 2023

Sunday, June 4, 2023

AYEL STUDENT ARRIVAL/REGISTRATION HOTEL CHECK-IN

Students will check-in hotel room and registration.

Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm Location: Grand Staircase

SESSION ONE: Welcome Dinner /Ice Breaker

Time: 6:00pm –7:45pm Location: Highland 3

Students will be welcomed to AYEL Institute and be provided with expectations Also, participate in an ice-breaking and bonding session that will set the stage for the rest of the Institute, including introductory exchanges, and receiving assignments for upcoming sessions

Facilitators: Dr Joshua W Murfree, Chief Operations Officer, Fulton-Dekalb Hospital Authority

Introduction of Group Activity

Time: 7:45pm – 8:00pm

Location: Highland 3

Groups will outline a plan of action and present it in an enactment, in which all members of your group must participate

During this current administration, a number of social and civic issues have become abundantly clear in today’s society due to the media, however we have chosen the topic Black in America.

Facilitators: Jewana Helmstetter, Program Director, AYEL, HBCU Queens Competition

Monday, June 5, 2023

Monday, June 5, 2023

SESSION TWO: "Civil Rights & Legacy Leadership Breakfast”

Time: 8:30am- 10:30am

Location: Highland 1&2

This discussion explores leadership during the Civil Rights Era and how to leave a legacy of leadership to future generations

Keynote: Dr Wes Bellamy, Executive Director of John Mercer Langston Institute for African American Political Leadership

SESSION THREE: “Entrepreneurship- A Young Start At Ownership”

Time: 10:45am –11:45am

Location: Highland 3

This session seeks to present entrepreneurship as an option following students’ educational tenure.

Speaker: T.K. Peterson, Co-founder, The Gathering Spot

BREAK Time: 11:45am –11:55am

SESSION FOUR “Financial Literacy: Protecting Your Assets Luncheon" Time: 12:00pm –1:30pm Location: Highland 1&2

Understanding the principles, sociology, and psychology of finance, including use of credit cards, credit scores, and financial health and how they impact your overall life.

Panelist: Lance Triggs, President Program Operations, Operation HOPE Kimberly Lawson, America’s Financial Wellbeing Coach-Small Business, Operation HOPE

SESSION FIVE: “Ethics in Leadership”

Time: 1:45pm –2:45pm

Location: Highland 3

Leaders can use their position of influence for both good & evil. This session deals with the ethics and morality of effective leadership

Panelist: Todd A. Gray, MBA – Director, Supplier Diversity NFS, Kaiser Permanente Otis Threatt, Partner, Lieneur, Inc

Monday, June 5, 2023 continued

Monday, June 5, 2023 continued

SESSION:Practice Group Projects Time: 2:45pm –4:45pm Location: Highland 3

DINNER: Time: 6:00pm –8:00pm Location: Botica

Botica 1820 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Meet in lobby at 5:30pm

SESSION:Practice Group Projects Time: 8:00pm –9:00pm Location: Highland 3

Tuesday Tuesday, June 6, 2023 , June 6, 2023

SESSION SIX “Emerging Leaders – To Be Young, Gifted and Black” Breakfast

Time: 8:30am – 10:00am Location: Highland 1&2

The session is designed to explore the concept of leadership, outlining leadership principles, theories, and practicalities

Moderator: Erika Y. Mitchell, Atlanta Women In Sports, Atlanta Board of Education

Panelist: Travis Jackson, Founder, HBCU Pridenation

Keagan Dunn, PGA Associate, Golf Instructor, Former SEC student-athlete Keon Mitchell, Actor

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 continued

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 continued

SESSION SEVEN: “Mental Health Wellness” Time: 10:15am- 11:15am

Location: Highland 3

This session will focus on the mental health and wellbeing of individuals; the benefits of a healthy lifestyle

Panelist: Dr. Sharon Harley, Founder, The Harley Institute

Eric Nettles, National HBCU Account Executive, Xerox Business Solutions Southeast

Thomas W. Dortch, III, Founder, Prime Theory Wellness

BREAK Time: 11:15am –11:20am

SESSION EIGHT “From One Leader to Our Future Leaders Luncheon" Time: 11:30am –1:30pm

Location: Highland 1&2

Ambassador Young will have a candid conversation with students about leadership, politics, business, and basic philosophy of living.

Ambassador Andrew J. Young, Founder, Andrew Young Foundation

SESSION: Practice Group Projects Time: 1:30pm – 2:30pm Location: Highland 3

SESSION NINE: ““Civic Engagement and Voting” Time: 2:45pm - 4:15pm Location: Highland 3

This session will focus on the importance of civic participation If you don’t vote, you don’t count

Panelist: Mary-Pat Hector, CEO, Rise

Jasmine Cobble, Mayor City of Stonecrest

Jared Sawyer, Jr., President, You Power Purpose (YPP)

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 continued

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 continued

SESSION TEN: AYEL Student Presentations.

Judging: Sandrilla Washington, Educator Christopher L Johnson, Founding Partner, Peach Firm, LLC

Time: 4:30pm - 6:00pm Location: Highland 3

Farewell Young Leaders”

Featured Speaker from the Board of Directors of The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc encourage Fellows to put principles they have learned during the Institute into practice, as well as take what they have learned and share with their peers

Presentation of Certificates to AYEL

SESSION: Dinner

Buckhead Pizza

3324 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30326

*meet in lobby at 5:45pm

Time: 6:00pm –8:00pm Location: Buckhead Pizza

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

DEPARTURE

Time: 6:00am –9:00am

AmbassadorAndrewJ.Young

AmbassadorAndrewJ.Young

Andrew J. Young has earned worldwide recognition as a pioneer in and champion of civil and human rights. Ambassador Young’s lifelong dedication to service is illustrated by his extensive leadership experience of over sixty-five years, serving as a member of Congress, African American U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mayor of Atlanta, and ordained minister, among other positions.

During the 1960s, Young was a key strategist and negotiator during civil rights campaigns that led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Appointed as an Ambassador to the United Nations in 1977, Young negotiated an end to white-minority rule in Namibia and Zimbabwe and brought President Carter's emphasis on human rights to international diplomacy efforts. As two-term Mayor of Atlanta, Young brought in over 1,100 businesses, over 70 billion in foreign direct investments and generated over a million jobs

Ambassador Young has received honorary degrees from more than 100 universities and colleges in the U S and abroad and has received various awards, including an Emmy Lifetime Achievement award in 2011 and the Dan Sweat Award in 2017. His portrait also became part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.

Ambassador Young also serves on a number of boards, including, but not limited to, the Martin Luther King Center for Non-Violent Social Change, Morehouse College, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State and Americas Mart In 2003, he and his wife Carolyn McClain Young founded the Andrew J. Young Foundation to support and promote education, health, leadership and human rights in the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean. Young currently serves as the Chairman of the Andrew J Young Foundation

In 2012, Young retired from GoodWorks International, LLC, after well over a decade of facilitating sustainable economic development in the business sectors of the Caribbean and Africa Young was born in 1932 in New Orleans, and he currently lives in Atlanta with his wife, Carolyn McClain. He is also a father of three daughters and one son, a grandfather of nine and a great grandfather of one

Dr. Wes Bellamy

Dr. Wes Bellamy, Author of “When White Supremacy Knocks, Fight Back! How White People can use their Privilege and How Black People can use their Power,” is the former Vice-Mayor of Charlottesville,Virginia,andtheyoungestpersoneverelectedtotheposition.Hecurrentlyserves as the Political Science Department Chairman at Virginia State University, the national CoChairmanofthenewlydeveloped OurBlackParty–apolitical platformfocusedonadvancingthe needs of Black people in America, and one of the Global thought leaders of the Millennial Generation. Dr. Bellamy is the National Public Policy Chairman of the 100 Black Men of America. He is the youngest individual ever elected to the Charlottesville City Council post, and he came intothenationalspotlightafterhelpingtoleadtheefforttoremovestatuesofRobertE.Leeand StonewallJacksonfromCityParks.In2019,Dr.Bellamywrote“Monumental:ItWasNeverAbout a Statue”, about his experience as serving as the only Black person on the Charlottesville city council while fighting against white supremacy.He developed a comprehensive plan, the “Equity Package,” which included nearly $4 million in aid for marginalized communities, and pushed it through city council. He is the founder of the Black Millennial Political Convention, a Convention focusedonbringingtogetherAfricanAmericanmillennialsfromacrossthecountrytocollectively usetheirpowertocreatechange.HehasbeenfeaturedintheNewYorkTimes.WashingtonPost, USA Today, Huffington Post, and has made appearances, on CNN, MSNBC, PBS News Hour, NPR, andOnOnewithAngelaRye.

Jazzmin Cobble

Mrs.JazzminCobblewassworn-inasthesecondMayorofStonecrestonJune17,2022. Mrs.JazzminCobbleishonoredandexcitedtoserveastheMayorfortheCityofStonecrest.Asa fellow resident, shehasavested interest inseeing that each generation inthe City ofStonecrest hastherepresentation,resources,andservicestoenjoyaqualityoflife.Ensuringthatthecitycan directly providethesesimpleyetnecessaryelementstoitsresidents isoftheutmostimportance toher.JazzminholdsaBachelorofArtsinPsychologyfromherbelovedalmamater,AlbanyState University and holds a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Government and NonprofitManagementfromDeVryUniversity.Jazzminhasalsoearnedvariouscertificationsfrom theStateofGeorgiainprocurementandfiscalmanagement.ShehasworkedinStategovernment for 12+ years through the Departments of Human Resources, Community Health, Public Health andAuditsandAccounts.

Thomas W. Dortch, III

ThomasW.Dortch,IIIisVicePresidentofT.W.D.,Inc.wherehecoordinatesitsbusinessinterests buthasafocusonsmallbusinessdevelopment.Withoverfifteenyearsofexperience,hehasbeen abletodevelopseveralcompaniesandcontinuestocreateopportunitiesinthisrole.Hecontinues to evolve and seek opportunities to empower others. Mr. Dortch is also co-owner of JLQ marketingandbrandingfirmaswellasownerofThePrimeTheoryCompanywhichisacompany focusedoncreatingwealththroughhealthyliving.

Thomas W. Dortch, III has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida A&M University. He began his professional career as an assistant event coordinator with The National BlackCollegeAlumniHallofFameFoundation.

Mr. Dortch is certified as a personal trainer and nutrition specialist. He has been able to assist numerousclientsinreachingtheirhealthgoals.Mr.Dortchispassionateabouthelpingthosethat are less fortunate or have battled with several mental, physical or health issues, especially addiction.ThroughThePrimeTheoryCompany,hehopestofurtherhisreachandempowerthese groupsinneed.

Keagan Dunn

KeaganDunnisagolfinstructorthatflourishesintheartofinfluence,andthrivesonsolvingthe problems of others. Her collegiate experiences includes 4 years as a SEC student-athlete, Customer-Service Associate, Executive Sales Representative, and Sales and Marketing specialist. Her experiences in the realms of golf, marketing, and athletics has left her with many positive attributessuchascuriosityandphilomathy.

Keagan Dunn has played golf since she was 5 years old. In 2011, she won The Junior Masters Championship,thenwentontoplayontheMillCreekVarsityWomen'sGolfteam.Mostrecently, she graduated from a D1, SEC collegiate golf program. Post graduation, her career as a playing professional has begun, and she continually balances golf instruction with my personal preparation for LPGA Q-school. Her roots in the game of golf allow her to make calculated recommendations,initiatedata-drivendiscussions,andresolveanyissuesthatliveontheroadto optimum performance. She believes that golf instruction is intertwined with exceptional understanding when it comes to social intelligence and interpersonal relationships. These qualitiesallowhertofuelclientdiscussionswithexcitement,analytics,andunderstanding.

Todd A. Gray

MostwhoknowhimwouldcallToddGrayachampionofthepeople.Throughouthiscareerhe's led and managed supplier diversity for a variety of fortune 500 companies ranging from Healthcare, Banking, to Retail Pharmacy, endeavoring to provide diverse suppliers and small businessesbetterandincreasedopportunities.ThroughhiscurrentpositionasDirector,Supplier Diversity NFS for Kaiser Permanente, he has what he calls "an opportunity to take it to the next level in positively impacting communities and promoting economic growth." Driven by a desire "to help others achieve success social and economic equity and improve their overall quality of life," Todd Gray takes great pride in his career as a Diversity & Inclusion professional and possessesanunwaveringcommitmenttoservice.

Gray has a unique ability to craft innovative solutions and show capacity to scale for diverse suppliers,creatingoutputsthataremutuallybeneficialforbusinessandcommunity.

While not a simple task by any means, Gray remains energetic and ever-vigilant saying, "Challenges create opportunity and by capitalizing on those opportunities we can help our communitiesthrive."

Dr. Sharon Harley

Dr. Harley is the founder of The Harley Institute which specializes in Preventive and Wellness Health with the goal of decreasing the incidence of age related diseases, thereby improving the qualityoflifeforall.

AtDr.Harley’sInstitute youwillbeindulgedinthemostadvanced,therapeutic andbeautifying, custom designed spa services. Your experience will be relaxing and rejuvenating to your mind, body,andspirit.

Dr.HarleyisapioneerintheAnti-Agingfieldwithafellowshipinfunctionalintegrativemedicine. SheisaBoardCertifiedphysicianandoneofAtlanta'stopdoctors.DrHarleyhasenthusiastically servedtheMetroAtlantacommunityover30years.ShefoundedtheHarleyInstituteasameans ofimprovinghealthcareforbothmenandwomenwithafocusonhormonebalancing,anti-aging, weightmanagement,andaestheticswithemphasisontreating the"WholePerson."

Herapproachischangingthelivesofthousandsofmenandwomen.Hertechniqueinvolvesusing subcutaneous,bio-identicalhormonepellets.

Mary-Pat Hector

Mary-Pat Hector is an experienced, effective community organizer, strategist, activist and founder who serves asRise’s CEO.Anative ofAtlanta, Georgia, Mary-Pat isaproud graduate of SpelmanCollegeandacurrentgraduatestudentatGeorgiaStateUniversity.

Before joining national leadership, Mary-Pat made significant impact as the Georgia State Director of Rise where she helped mobilize over 100,000 college students and young people to get out the vote as well as trained and hired students to organize campaigns focused on eliminatingtuitionandfees;expandingfinancialaid;endingstudenthunger;andprotectingthose experiencinghomelessness.

Travis Jackson

TravisJacksonisa2011graduateofNorthCarolinaAgriculturalandTechnicalStateUniversity, whereheobtainedhisBachelorofScienceDegreeinJournalismandMassCommunicationwitha concentrationinPublicRelations Traviswasrecentlyhonoredasoneofthe“Top30Under30” African-AmericanentrepreneursinCharlottebytheCharlotte-MecklenburgBlackChamberof Commerceandhasreceivednumeroushonorssuchasthe“EmergingLeaderoftheYear”bythe NationalBlackCollegeAlumniHallofFameand"HBCUTop30Under30"byHBCUBuzz

Christopher L. Johnson

ChristopherL.JohnsonservesasManagingPartnerdirectingallaspectsofThePeachFirm,which specializes in Personal Injury, Insurance Litigation, Human Resources, Contract Negotiations, Crisis Management, and Real Estate. In this capacity, he drives operational excellence that contributestothefirm’sgrowth,competitivenessandperformanceregionallyandnationally. Christopherbringsawealthofknowledge,havingworkedforSenatorJohnMcCaininWashington D.C.andObamaforAmericaacrossthecountry.Healsohasextensiveexperienceindiverseareas oflaw,policy,andbusiness,whichincludesbutisnotlimitedto:insurance,corporateoperations matters (including mergers and acquisitions), healthcare, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.Healsohasformidableexperienceincomplextortlitigation,withanimpeccabletrial practice record, Christopher practiced in law firms where he focused on insurance defense, securities,medicalmalpractice,workerscompensation,franchise,employment,andinternational licensing.

erly Lawson

Mitchell

ed to the Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education, Erika Mitchell has established one of Atlanta’s most influential Public Servants When it comes to serving her ,MitchellisanactiveBoardMemberandastrongbelieverinparentandcommunity t WithinMitchell’sfirstterminoffice,shedevelopedthefirstelectronicnewsletter rict,establishedcommunitypartnershipsandshealsowrotethefirstschooldistrict’s MinorSexTrafficking,TraumaInformedPractices,RestorativeJusticePracticepolicies rrently serves on the Atlanta Board of Education’s Policy Review Committee, Equity Audit Committee and the Boards of Director for the Atlanta BeltLine Mitchell is ntheGeorgiaStatewideHumanTraffickingTaskforceWorkgroupandwasappointed ofAtlanta’sMayorBottomstoserveontheAtlanta2020CensusCommittee Mitchell lected member of the National School Boards Association’s Council of Urban Boards n’sSteeringCommitteeandiscurrentlyservingasViceChair2021-2023 Mitchellalso serves as the elected Secretary on the National Black Council of School Board Members, where shechairsPolicy&ResolutionCommitteeforbothCouncils

Keon Mitchell

Keon Rahzeem Mitchell was born on December 30, 1991 in Atlanta, GA After graduating from SouthwestDekalbHighSchool,KeonenrolledatNorthCarolinaAgriculturalandTechnicalState University,graduatingwithhiscomputersciencedegree Whilethere,duringhissenioryear,he made a decision to pursue an acting career, a dream he always wanted to chase He signed up forhisfirstactingclasseveratNCATpriortograduatingwhichledhimtopursuingactingclasses inRaleigh,NCwherehewasabletomaintainhiscorporatecareerasaBusinessSystemsAnalyst aswell

AftermovingbacktoAtlanta,GAin2018,Keonwasaffordedtheopportunitytogetbackonthe stage work with major studios "Head over Heals", a dramedy play create by Lolita Snipes gave Keon a chance to tackle the stage in front of 600 audience members as Kirk, a young man who didnotnotperceptionofhowrelationshipsshouldworkandlaterchangeddirectionsforbetter, which starred key players such as Q Parker from the awarding music group 112, singer Tamika Scott from SWV, Dottie Peoples, comedian Tony Baker, and many other familiar stars Later in 2020, he portrayed an insinuation of James Baldwin in Jordan Peele's, JJ Abraham's, and Meisha Green's "Love Craft Country" on Home Box Office (HBO) starring Jonathan Majors, JourneySmollet,MichaelK Williams,CourtneyB Vance,andmanymoreextraordinarytalent In due time, he was later seen on Tyler Perry's "Sistas" as Officer Avery Harper working with KJ Smith,DevaleEllisandEbonyObsidian

America’sFinancialWellbeingCoach-SmallBusiness,OperationHOPE

Dr. Joshua W. Murfree

Dr. Murfree was appointed as the Interim Athletics Director at Fort Valley State University on September 23, 2013. Dr. Murfree has experience in the past in such a prestigious role within Athletics as his drive has been one that truly focuses on the student-athlete and getting them successfully to the next level. Dr. Murfree was appointed to the permanent position as the DirectorofAthleticsonDecember23,2013.Hisplanistobuildacomprehensive,competitiveand self-sustained athletic program where student athletes are placed in the best position to learn, succeed, achieve and win! He lives by the aforementioned mantra as so described. To learn, succeed, win and achieve is summarized in being excellent and graduating from the University. Dr.Murfreeservedasthe14thSuperintendentofSchoolsinAlbany,Georgia[DoughertyCounty]. OnbeingchosentotakeonthehighestroleofleadershipinthesysteminJune,2010,Dr.Murfree wasted no time outlining new directions for the system with the desire to improve community collaborative efforts and parental involvement that is leading to a reduction in dropouts and improvement in promotion and performance for all students. His vision still remains as “EducationalAchievement:BeyondAllExpectations.”

Eric Nettles

EricNettlesisanativeofMontgomeryAlabama,andproudfathertofourbeautifulchildren.Eric hasbeenblessedwithmanyGod-giventalentsofwhichsingingistheonethatheismostknown for.HehastraveledwithmanyinfluentialstarssuchasPattiLaBelle,VanessaBellArmstrong,and DonnieMcClurkinjusttonameafew.Erichasnotonlyshowcasedhistalentswithinthecityand around the world, but he uses his passion for music to uplift the community and gives other upcoming artists an opportunity to showcase their own talents. Although he has been blessed withsuchagift,themaingoalEricstrivestoachieveistostaycommittedtofulfillingandserving otherswithinhiscommunityandaroundtheworld.

Amightysurvivorwithpowerfulstoriestoshare,Mr.Nettlesissubmittedtothecalltobealight to others, especially men, as he empowers and uplifts them by being transparent through his own testimony of mental illness. His ultimate goal is to empower and uplift anyone that he encounters. His life’s journey has given him great insight on the importance of mental health, therapy, self-care, and self-awareness. Mr. Nettles will continue to share his stories and testimonytomotivateandinspireotherstoalwaysKeepPushing.

BydayEricservesasaNationalHBCUAccountExecutiveforXeroxBusinessSolutionsSoutheast. Where he strives for excellence as a top million dollar sales producer. Eric’s motto is “We are strongertogetherthanapart,andalwaysdothingswithexcellenceandintegrity."

T.K. Peterson

Co-FounderandCFOofTheGatheringSpot.Intruestartupfashion,TKoverseesthedaytoday finances, operations, and key back of the house functions. Raised in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, TK attended Georgetown University and graduated with a double major in Finance and Accounting. After graduating, he lived in DC and worked in the financial sector during this time he and his Co-Founder conceived the concept behind The Gathering Spot before moving to Atlantatoopentheclub.HecurrentlyresidesinAtlantaandenjoyssoccer,musicandfood.

Jared Sawyer, Jr.

Jared Sawyer Jr. boasts a successful career as a minister, author, consultant, commentator and speaker. Jared garners thousands in attendance at his renowned annual youth and young adult conferences. Jared has sold thousands of his three published books. A YouTube Sensation with millions of hits, Jared has been known as the "voice of today's generation". Jared has also successfully served corporate companies, small business, nonprofit organizations and various professionals. Building brands, increasing visibility, and negotiating deals in the marketplace are amongJared'smanystrengths.

Otis Threatt

As a partner, Otis is responsible for the sales and delivery of Lieneur's consulting operational value realization work with complex clients. He focuses on shaping and driving specialized business cases to drive significant, value led and transformation in the areas of business development, community engagement, event management and fundraising with Lieneur's clients. This requires building trusted client and advisor relationships with clients by understandingtheclient'sneeds,shapingthe 'right' solutions, and bringing the best of Lieneur to address the client's most critical business issuesandtheopportunityforgrowthintheirindustry.

Lance Triggs

A commitment to building communities, families, and individual lives is the hallmark of the life and37-yearcareerofLanceW.Triggs.CurrentlythePresidentofProgramOperationsDivisionfor OperationHOPE,thenation’sleadingfinancialempowermentnon-profitorganization,Mr.Triggs is a seasoned and tested executive, with a solid track record of success in managing complex operations and projects, developing a national non-profit organization from the ground up, and leadinglargeteamsinmajornationalandglobalinitiatives.

Under Triggs’ leadership, HOPE has surpassed over 4.5 million client services and successfully committed over $2.3 billion in investments by improving the financial wellbeing in the lives of individuals, families and businesses. This is achieved through the over 200 HOPE Inside Network Hubsservingover1,000locationsin35statesacrosstheUnitedStatesintheformofyouthand adult financial literacy money, credit and foreclosure prevention management counseling, small business technical assistance, digital empowerment initiatives, mortgage and business lending capitaltofirsttimehomebuyersandentrepreneurs.

Sandrilla Washington

Sandrilla Washington is a consultant and technologist with over 10 years of practical experience utilizing Oracle and SQL Server. Sandrilla has consulted for many fortune 500 companies government agencies, and taught courses nation-wide. Through her instructional experience usingtheseproductsinbothsmallandlargeorganizations,Sandrilladelightsstudentsbybringing 'real world' examples to the classroom. She enjoys preparing students so they can immediately be productive when they return to their work environment. She has served with the American Diabetes Association, Museum of Contemporary Art Atlanta, and the Atlanta Beltline. She received a bachelor of science degree from The University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa and a master'sdegreefromTeacher'sCollege-ColumbiaUniversity.

Georgia Pacific Foundation

Southwest Airlines

Wells Fargo

The Andrew J. Young Foundation

2023 Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute Staff

Jewana Helmstetter

Alisia Crowell Jeniece Stewart-Dortch

Merral Jackson ProgramDirector AYEL,HBCUQueensCompetition ExecutiveDirector NBCAHOF RetiredBoyScoutsofAmerica EventsConsultant Experienced OperationsManager MarketingDirector