GGETTHEGUYSTOGETHERAGAIN ETTHEGUYSTOGETHERAGAIN
HONORING A HISTORIC STAND INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION july 29, 2025
STANDING TOGETHER FOR JUSTICE, EQUITY & HUMAN DIGNITY
We proudly support Cleveland Summit II, honoring the legacy of the historic 1967 Cleveland Summit.
Tuesday,July29,2025|8
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1375EuclidAvenue,Clevel
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MicheleMeyer Chairperson,FritzPolla
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JimmyHasl ChairmanandManagingPartner,H Owner,ClevelandB
PanelDiscus
Rememberingthe1967C Lunch
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LindaAlvar Founder&CE AlvaradoConstruction;Owner
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CynthiaHe President&CEO|LosAngele
PlaybookforaBetterCommun
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For your extraordinary contributions on and off the field
Your leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to advancing opportunities in football and beyond continue to inspire generations.
Thank you for your impact, your vision, and your legacy.
WELCOMEtotheClevelandSummitII:GettheGuysTogether Again! Thankyouforjoiningustocommemoratetheoriginal 1967ClevelandSummit,wherelegendaryfiguresincluding Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Bill Russell, Kareem AbdulJabbar, Curtis McClinton,andJohnWootenunitedin supportofAli’sprincipledstandagainsttheVietnamWar.That momentredefinedwhatitmeantforathletestousetheir platformforpurpose.
Now,nearly60yearslater,ClevelandSummitIIcontinues thatlegacy bringingtogetheranewgenerationofvoicesto confrontthepressingchallengesofourtime:equity,justice, leadership,andcommunityhealing. Today’sprogramisnotjustareflectiononhistory,butacall toaction challengingeachofustocarrythatspiritforward inourschools,communities,anddailylives.
WealsohonorJohnWooten,whoselifelongdedicationto fairnessandopportunitycontinuestoinspiregenerations
Toourprogramspeakers,sponsorsincludingNFL Foundation, Cleveland Browns, Presido Consulting, Everett Glenn,andvolunteers yourcontributionsmakethis possible.Together,weensurethatthelegacyoftheCleveland Summitlivesonasablueprintforthefuture.
Withgratitude, TheClevelandSummitIIProductionTeam
We are honored to support the Cleveland Summit II: Get the Guys Together Again, an important gathering that continues the legacy of athletes using their voices for justice, unity, and change.
Together, we stand committed to advancing meaningful conversations and strengthening communities.
Micheleisaseasonedleaderattheintersectionofsports,social impact,andworkplaceculture.ShemostrecentlyservedasCEOof DressforSuccessWorldwide,wheresheledaglobalmissionto empowerwomenseekingtoentertheworkforce Beforethat,shewas ChiefPeople&CultureOfficeratMajorLeagueBaseballandheld leadershiprolesinorganizationalequityandinclusionattop companiessuchasKPMGandPrudentialFinancial Aformer employmentattorney,Michelebringsdecadesofexperience advancingdignity,equity,andrespectinbothcorporateandsports environments SheservesontheboardoftheLadiesProfessional GolfAssociation,theSportsBusinessJournal's"AllinCouncil,"and sheisthechairoftheFritzPollardAllianceFoundation Pleasejoinme inwelcomingMicheletothestage
Micheleisasought-afterspeaker.Inadditiontohavingservedasa Yahoo!FinanceNewsContributor,shehasbeenfeaturedintopmedia outletsincludingtheNewYorkTimes,USAToday,TheEconomist, Forbes,Fortune,BusinessInsider,CNN,TheWallStreetJournal,Savoy Magazine,BlackEnterprise,TheTamronHallShow,COREMagazine, WorkingMotherMagazine,DiversityWomanMagazine,Quartz,Inc., andmore.MicheleisafrequentguestlectureratRutgersUniversity SchoolofBusiness Sheisalsotherecipientofnumerousawards, includingBusinessInsider's"38PowerPlayersofConsulting,”Black Enterprise's"PortraitsofPower,”TheNetworkJournal's"25Influential BlackWomeninBusiness,”CoreMagazine's“100MostInfluential BlacksToday,”ACCFoundation’s“GlobalWomeninLaw&Leadership,” DressforSuccessPhoenix’s“WomenofImpact,”andAssociationof BlackWomenAttorneys’“WomenofPower”
JamesA “Jimmy”HaslamIIIservesaschiefexecutiveofficerof PilotCompany.HeadquarteredinKnoxville,Tennessee,the companyhasgrowntobecomeoneoftheleadingsuppliersof fuelandthelargestoperatoroftravelcentersinNorthAmerica. AnativeofKnoxville,JimmybeganhiscareeratPilotCorporation in1976.Pilotopeneditsfirsttravelcenterin1981,andby1996–thesameyearJimmywasnamedpresidentandchiefexecutive officer–thecompanyoperated96travelcentersand50 conveniencestores,anditstotalgallonsaleshadreached1.2 billion Today,PilotCompanyoperatesanetworkofmorethan 900retailandfuelinglocationsandisoneofthetop10privately heldcompaniesintheUnitedStatesandemploysmorethan 28,000teammembers.InOctober2017,WarrenBuffet’s BerkshireHathawaymadeasignificantminorityinvestmentin PilotFlyingJ
InOctober2012,JimmyandDeeHaslamacquiredprimary ownershipoftheClevelandBrowns Tohelpfurtheradvancethe NFL,Jimmyisamemberoftheleague’sbusinessventures,media, andHallofFamecommitteesandchairstheinvestment committee
JimmywasinductedintotheJuniorAchievementofEast TennesseeBusinessHallofFamein2007,andin2010,hewas namedarecipientoftheErnst&YoungEntrepreneuroftheYear awardfortheSoutheastregion.HereceivedtheDistinguished AlumniAwardin2011fromtheUTCollegeofBusiness Administration,nowcalledtheHaslamCollegeofBusinessin honorofhisfather In2013,theUniversityofTennessee recognizedJimmywiththeDistinguishedAlumnusAward.Heis theco-founderoftheHaslamScholarsProgramforpremierhonor studentsattheUniversityofTennessee
Thispanelrevisitsthathistoricmoment, exploringitsimpactonthecivilrights movement,theroleofathletesas advocatesforjustice,andtheenduring lessonsitoffersfortoday’sstrugglesfor equityandequality.Panelistswillreflect onthecourage,unity,andvisionthat definedtheSummitanddiscusshowits legacycontinuestoinspirenew generations.
ProfessorNJeremiDuruisoneofthenation’sleadingauthorities onsportslaw,teachingcoursesinsportslawandcivilprocedure atAmericanUniversity’sWashingtonCollegeofLawHeiscoauthorofSportsLawandRegulation:CasesandMaterials(5th ed.)andTheBusinessofSportsAgents(3rded.),andsoleauthor ofAdvancingtheBall:Race,Reformation,andtheQuestforEqual CoachingOpportunityintheNFLDuruisdeeplyengagedinthe sportslawcommunity,servingontheboardsoftheSports LawyersAssociation,theFritzPollardAlliance,theNationalSports LawInstitute,andtheLawInSportEditorialBoardHehasalso contributedtotheNCAA’sCommitteesonCompetitive Safeguards,theU.SAnti-DopingAgency’sReviewBoard,andthe U.SOlympicandParalympicCommittee’sRacialandSocial JusticeExpertAdvisoryTeam.
Hisscholarshipandteachingexploretheintersectionofsports, race,andgenderInternationally,hehastaughtasaFulbright FellowinBrazil,aParsonsVisitorinAustralia,andaVisiting ProfessorinChinaInpractice,hehasrepresentedprofessionals intheNFL,NBA,andMLB,aswellascollegiateathletesinhighprofilecases
DuruholdsdegreesfromBrownUniversityandHarvard University,whereheearnedbothaJ.D.andaMaster’sinPublic Policy
nFlint,Michigan,hasdedicatedhislife’sworkto hip,andcommunityempowerment With nceguidingandinspiringyoungpeople,hehas dvocateforacademicexcellenceandsocial ughouthiscareer,Fredhasusedhisplatformto otonlytopursuehigherlearningbutalsoto pandserviceasessentialpartsofpersonal unityleader,Fredhasconsistentlyspokenout andopportunity,championinginitiativesthat atepathwaysforsuccess.Longbeforecallsfor nbecamenationalconversations,hewas hegrassrootsleveltobuildbridges,mentor strengthenthefabricofhiscommunity measurednotonlyintheprogramshehas inthecountlessliveshehastouched His ftingothershasinspiredgenerationstodream andcontributetothewell-beingofsociety. Today,Fredcontinuestoserveasanagentofprogress,modeling integrity,resilience,andanunwaveringbeliefinthepowerof educationandcommunitytotransformlives
KimBrown,daughterofNFLHallofFamerandci Brown,hasdedicatedherlifetohonoringandad father’spowerfullegacyofleadership,socialjus communityempowerment Raisedinanenvironm activismandaccountabilitywereatthecentero carriesforwardtheprinciplesherfatherembodie equity,respect,andhumandignity
Withadeepunderstandingofthesacrificesanddeterminationthat fueledthecivilrightsmovement,Kimrecognizestheimportanceof continuingthatworkforfuturegenerations Sheusesherplatform toadvocateforopportunitiesthatupliftunderservedcommunities, strengthenfamilies,andpromotepathwaysforyoungpeopleto thrive
Kimhasbeenanactivevoiceinpreservingherfather’simpact, ensuringthathiscontributionsasbothagroundbreakingathlete andoutspokenleaderremainrelevantintoday’sconversations aboutrace,justice,andequality Sheiscommittedtohighlighting theintersectionofsports,culture,andactivism showinghow athletesandleadersalikecanusetheirinfluenceforsocialgood. Throughherwork,KimBrownensuresthatJimBrown’slegacyisnot onlyrememberedbutactivelycarriedforward,inspiringothersto standforjusticeandcreatelastingchange.
ChairmanandCEOofFraserNet,Inc.,a 8yearsagotoleadaglobalnetworkingand movementforpeopleofAfricandescent BorninBrooklyn,NY,hespent15yearsasanorphanandfoster childbeforerisingtoleadershiproleswithProcter&Gamble,United Way,andFordMotorCompany In1987,helaunchedFraserNetto empowerindividualsandcommunitiesthroughnetworking, businessdevelopment,andtraining
Dr Fraserisabestsellingauthorofsixbooks,includingSuccess RunsinOurRace,Click,andMissionUnstoppable,co-authoredwith LesBrown HehasbeenrecognizedbyUpscaleMagazineasoneof the“Top50PowerBrokersinBlackAmerica”andbyBlack Enterpriseas“BlackAmerica’s#1Networker.”Hehasreceivedover 350awardsandcitations,includinginductionintotheMinority BusinessHallofFame,threehonorarydoctorates,andtwo PresidentialLifetimeAchievementAwards(Obama,2016;Biden, 2023)
Acommittedcommunityleader,Dr Fraserco-foundedtwocharter schoolsinCleveland,Ohio,servingnearly300inner-cityBlack childrenannually HealsolaunchedFraserNationandWINDS: WealthBuildingCenterstoadvancefinancialliteracyand generationalwealthforpeopleofAfricandescent Heisthefounder oftheBlackBusinessLegacyHallofFame,Museum&Metaverse,a projectcelebratingandpreservingBlackentrepreneurialheritage.
Dr.Marguerite(Margo)McClintonStoglinisaSeniorVicePresident, PhilanthropicStrategistwiththeNationalConsultingandAdvisory PracticegroupatBankofAmericaPrivateBank BasedinDallas, MargoworkswiththePhilanthropicSolutionsteamproviding customconsultingservicestobothgrantmakingandoperating nonprofits Herareasoffocusincludesoundgovernance,strategic planning,donorrelationshipcultivationandstewardship,and communicatingimpact Herareasofexpertiseincludeeducation, socialservices,andthefaith-basedcommunities
Margohasservedinseveralkeyroleswithinstitutionsincluding WashingtonUniversityinSt.Louis,WashingtonandLee University,andPaulQuinnCollege Foradecade,Margomanaged herownconsultingfirmprovidingstrategicguidancetoboth nonprofitandfor-profitorganizations.Shealsohassignificant boardexperience,currentlyservingwithagubernatorial appointmentonastatewidecommission Sheenjoyspartnering withkeystakeholderstoprovidetheresourcesneededtoserve allcommunities
ShereceivedherundergraduatedegreefromEmoryUniversity wheresheplayedvarsitytennisandwasontheNational Championshipteam Shehastwomaster’sdegrees Thefirstisin educationisfromHarvardUniversity,andthesecondinbusiness fromtheUniversityofTexasatDallas Shealsoreceivedher doctoratefromFloridaStateUniversity Sheismarriedwithtwo childrenandadog
wasbornandraisedinPittsburgh, catedinthePittsburghPublicSchool StateUniversitythentransferredand eUniversity HereceivedhisJDdegree fromHowardUniversitySchoolofLawin1964 Hewasinprivate practiceuntil1967,whenhebecameanAssistantUnitedStates Attorney
In1968,then-MayorCarlB StokesappointedhimChief ProsecutorfortheCityofCleveland In1971,hewasoneofthe foundersofthefirstBlackincorporatedlawfirmintheStateof Ohio,Gaines,Rogers,HortonandForbes Hewasthefirmlitigator andhandledavarietyofcivilandcriminalcases
Hehasrepresentedmanywellknownathletes,entertainersand celebrities.HeisacertifiedLaborArbitrator..HewasGeneral CounselfortheClevelandRegionalTransitAuthority Healso servedasaCommissionerontheOhioTurnpikeCommissionand wasaCommissioneronthePublicUtilitiesCommissionofOhio (PUCO) Heisretiredfromthepracticeoflaw Helivesandplays golfinFlorida.Hehasthreeadultchildrenandonegrandchild.
SincebeingdraftedbytheClevelandBrownsinthefifthroundof the1959NFLDraft,JohnWootenhasbeenarespectedpresence inprofessionalfootball Heenjoyedadecade-longplayingcareer asastandoutguardfortheBrownsbeforeretiringin1969
Transitioningseamlesslyfromthefieldtothefrontoffice,Wooten wentontoholdexecutiverolesinplayerpersonnelandscouting withtheDallasCowboys,PhiladelphiaEagles,andBaltimore Ravens,wherehiseyefortalentandleadershiphelpedshape competitiverosters
Wootenisperhapsmostwidelyrecognizedforhislastingimpact ondiversityandinclusionintheNFL FormerchairmanoftheFritz PollardAlliance,hehadbeenadrivingforceinensuringfair opportunitiesforminoritycandidatesincoachingandexecutive positions.Hisadvocacywasinstrumentalinthecreationand adoptionofthelandmark“RooneyRule,”whichrequiresteamsto interviewminoritycandidatesforheadcoachingandsenior operationsroles.
Oftenreferredtoas“TheGodfather”ofNFLdiversityefforts, Wooten’slegacyspansplayer,scout,executive,andmentor.A longtimecontributortofootballeducationprograms,hecontinues toshareinvaluableknowledgeandperspective,influencing generationsofleadersinthegame
This powerful panel explores how the principle of human dignity can serve as a unifying force in addressing inequality, strengthening democracy, and uplifting our communities. Leaders from diverse fields will share strategies for fostering inclusion, healing division, and inspiring action at the local and national levels.
Dr JosephBryant,Jr isanationallyrecognizedvisionary,strategist, consultant,author,andspiritualadvisorwithmorethantwodecades ofimpactinsports,ministry,andcommunityleadership Since1999, hehasservedasatrustedadvisorand“ThePlayersPastor,” providinglifecoaching,careercounseling,andbusiness developmentsupporttoprofessionalathletesandtheirfamilies, helpingthemdevelopawinninggameplanforbothsportsandlife.
HeisthefounderofPROSPEAKSportsManagementandSpeaker Bureau,anetworkdedicatedtohelpingathletesfindandfulfilltheir purposeonandoffthefield,andCEOofJBMConsulting,wherehe hascollaboratedwithorganizationsincludingtheNFLandNBA.Dr. BryantalsoservesasExecutiveDirectorofTheKING Movement,a nationalmen’sorganizationfoundedbyNBAanalystChris Broussard.
From2014–2023,Dr BryantwasExecutiveDirectorofRev Jesse Jackson’sRainbowPUSHWestCoast/SiliconValleyDiversity ProjectandNationalSportsDirectorforRainbowPUSH,wherehe createdinitiativessuchasFAITHTECHandSPORTSTECH.His leadershipinbridgingfaith,technology,andsportshasearned nationalrecognition,includingbeingnamedoneofGlobalDiversity Magazine’s“Top10ChampionsofDiversity.”Dr.Bryantlivesinthe BayAreawithhiswife,Kelly,andtheirtwochildren
CurtisSymondsisapioneeringmediaexecutive,cabletelevision innovator,andchampionforunderrepresentedvoices.Withoverfour decadesofleadership,hehasshapedthegrowthofmajornetworks likeESPNandBETandcontinueshislegacyasCo-Founderand PresidentofHBCUGO,thepremierfree-streamingplatformfor HBCUsports,entertainment,andeducation
Underhisleadership,HBCUGOhasbecometheleadingmedia providerforthenation’s107HBCUs,securingnationaldistribution andsyndicationthathaselevatedHBCUathleticstomainstream audiences.HismissionremainstogiveHBCUstudent-athletes, alumni,andfansunprecedentedvisibilityandrecognition
BeforeHBCUGO,SymondswasakeyarchitectofBET’srise,serving asExecutiveVicePresidentofAffiliateDistributionandMarketing (1988–2001)andleadingBETActionPay-Per-View,BET International,andBETonJazz Hisworkexpandedthenetwork’s footprintandrevenue,pavingthewayforitshistoricViacom acquisition Earlier,hehelpedbuildESPNintoasportsmedia powerhousethroughaffiliatesalesandmarketing
AproudCentralStateUniversitygraduate,Symondshasalsoledthe T.HowardFoundation,supportedNAMIC,coachedyouthbasketball, andservedasCOOoftheWNBA’sWashingtonMystics His trailblazingimpacthasearnedhimnumerousindustryhonors, includinginductionintotheBroadcasting&CableHallofFame.
EtanThomashasembodiedtheroleofthe“ActivistAthlete” throughoutandbeyondhis11-yearNBAcareer.BorninHarlem andraisedinTulsa,Thomasgrewupsurroundedbybookson politicsandthecivilrightsmovement.Hewasgreatlyinfluenced byhismother,DeborahThomas,aschoolteacherwhoinstilledin himthevalueofcriticalthinkingandsocialresponsibility Thomas istheauthorofseveralacclaimedworks.Hislatest,WeMatter: AthletesandActivism(2018),weavestogetherhisreflectionswith interviewsfromathletes,activists,scholars,mediavoices,and familiesaffectedbypolicebrutality.Thebookwasrecognizedby BookAuthorityasoneofthetoptenactivismbooksofalltime andtiedforBestNon-Fictionatthe2018African-American LiteraryAwards.HisearlierworksincludeMoreThanAnAthlete (2005),acollectionofpoetry,Fatherhood:RisingtotheUltimate Challenge(2012),andVoicesoftheFuture(2013).
Afearlessadvocate,ThomashasreceivedtheNBAPlayers AssociationCommunityContributionAward(2010)andtheDr MartinLutherKingJr.FoundationLegacyAward(2009).Beyond writingandspeaking,heisaseniorwriterforBasketball Newscom,hostsTheRematchpodcast,andcontributesregularly tonationalmediaoutlets.
TroyVincentistheExecutiveVi OperationsattheNationalFoot inthe1992NFLDraftbytheMiamiDolphins,hewentontoplay 15seasonsintheleague VincenthasbeennominatedforthePro FootballHallofFameandisamemberofthePhiladelphiaEagles HallofFame,thePennsylvaniaSportsHallofFame,theUniversity ofWisconsinHallofFame,andthePennsburyHighSchoolHallof Fame
InhiscurrentNFLleadershiprole,Vincentoverseesgame integrity,accountability,playerprotection,development,and growth Hisapproachemphasizesclarity,consistency,and credibilitytopreservefootball’svaluesandenhanceitsrolein society.Heviewsthegameasaunifyingforce,stating,“Football transcendsrace,age,genderandotherelementsofsocietyand createscommunitybybringingpeopletogetheracrossourgreat nation” Beyondfootball,Vincentisanationaladvocateagainstdomestic violence,sexualassault,andchildabuse ThroughhisLeadership intheOverViolenceinitiative,helendshisvoiceandplatformto fightinjustice.Heistheonlyplayertohavereceivedallfourmajor NFLhumanitarianhonorsandhasalsoearnedtheNational JeffersonAwardforPublicService.
SonaliservesasClevelandStateUniversity’sVicePresidentfor LegalAffairsandCompliance,GeneralCounsel,andBoardSecretary SheadvisestheBoardofTrusteesandPresidentonawiderangeof issuesincludingcontracts,partnerships,employment,student conduct,realproperty,construction,ethics,andcompliance She overseestheOfficeofUniversityComplianceandtheOfficeof InstitutionalEquity,andservesastheUniversity’sChiefEthics OfficerandaLeaderinResidenceattheCollegeofLaw
SonalijoinedCSUin1996asalecturerintheCollegeofLawand becameAssistantUniversityLegalCounselin1997 Shewasnamed GeneralCounselin2004andhastwiceservedasBoardSecretary. ShealsoservesasTreasurerandSecretaryoftheEuclidAvenue DevelopmentCorporation,CSU’snonprofitrealestateaffiliate Activenationally,sheisamemberofNACUA,aformerboardmember, andrecipientofNACUA’sDistinguishedServiceAward Her professionalhonorsincludeinductionintotheCSULawHallofFame, theShakerHeightsHighSchoolHallofFame,theNAACPCleveland Chapter’sCommunityServiceAward,andrecognitionbyCrain’s ClevelandBusinessasaNotableGeneralCounsel.
SonaliholdsdegreesfromBostonUniversity,HarvardUniversity,and GeorgetownUniversityLawCenter.
KellenWinslowSr isrecognizedasoneofthemostinfluential tightendsinNFLhistory,redefiningthepositionwithhissize, speed,andversatility Drafted13thoverallin1979,heplayedhis entirenine-yearcareerwiththeSanDiegoChargers Afive-time ProBowlselectionandthree-timeconsensusAll-Pro(1980–1982),Winslowrecorded541receptions,6,741yards,and45 touchdowns.Hislegendaryperformanceinthe1981AFC DivisionalPlayoffagainstMiami,wherehecaught13passesfor 166yardsandblockedapotentialgame-winningfieldgoal, remainsoneofthemostcelebratedmomentsinNFLhistory.
Beyondthefield,Winslowhasbeencommittedtoleadership, education,andcommunityservice Followinghisretirementin 1987,hebecameanadvocateforplayerdevelopmentandwelfare, workingwithprogramsthatprepareathletesforlifeafterfootball. Hehasalsobeenactiveininitiativespromotingeducationand opportunityforyouth,mentoringthenextgenerationofathletes andleaders.Winslow’sdedicationtocommunityempowerment reflectsthesameresilienceandvisionthatdefinedhisplaying career.
AsbothaHallofFameathleteandcommunityadvocate,Winslow continuestobecelebratedforhisenduringimpactonthegame andsociety
This panel builds on that charge, bringing together athletes, advocates, and community leaders to explore how we create lasting change where it matters most: at home. From economic opportunity and youth development to public safety and equity in education, panelists will share real strategies and personal commitments that strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods. This is not just a discussion—it’s a call to action rooted in dignity, unity, and the belief that better is possible when we build it together
sonandeighthwiththe ClevelandBrownsandHaslamSportsGroup(HSG).Hejoinedthe Brownsin2014asvicepresidentofcommunicationsandwas promotedtoseniorvicepresidentin2017 Inthisrole,heoversees theorganization’soverallcommunicationsstrategy,directingboth businessandfootballcommunications,whilealsoadvisingHSG’s otherproperties,includingMajorLeagueSoccer’sColumbusCrew.He servesontheClevelandBrownsFoundationboardandleadsthe team’ssocialjusticeinitiatives
BeforeCleveland,John-Baptistespent17yearswiththeNewYork Giants,risingfromaninterntovicepresidentofcommunications He managedday-to-daymediaoperationsandlogistics,guiding coverageforthreeSuperBowlappearances,includingtwo championships(XLII,XLVI) HealsoassistedtheNFL’spublic relationsteamat10additionalSuperBowlsandoneProBowl In 2001,hewaspartoftheGiantsPRstaffhonoredwiththePete RozelleAwardbytheProFootballWritersAssociation AgraduateoftheUniversityofMassachusetts-Amherstwitha degreeinsportsmanagement,John-Baptistewasrecognizedwith theHaroldJ VanderZwaagDistinguishedAlumnusAwardin2015 A nativeofSt.Croix,U.S.VirginIslands,heandhiswife,Mashawn,have twosons,MilesandMason
AndreBustamentecurrentlyservesasExecuti ofColdfallCorporation,awaste-to-energycom advancingsustainablesolutions.Inthisrole,he leadershipandbusinessexpertisetosupporti approachesthataddressbothenvironmentala needs
Previously,AndrewasPresidentofTheCall&P historicpublicationservingOhio’sBlackcommunity.Underhis leadership,thepapercontinueditslegacyofamplifyingAfrican Americanvoicesandaddressingissuesofequity,justice,and empowermentacrossthestate.HealsoservedasProgram DirectorfortheClevelandEntrepreneurialAcademy,wherehe mentoredandguidedyoungpeopleinbuildingbusinessskillsand pursuingcareeropportunities
AndrestudiedaccountingatBostonUniversityandhas experienceasapropertymanager,overseeingseveralprivate properties Hiscommunityinvolvementincludesservingon boardssuchasJobCorps,ClevelandPublicSchoolsEducation Committee,AfricanAmericanSolarVillage,PeaceintheHood,and theYouthDevelopmentCouncil
Asought-afterspeaker,Andrefrequentlyaddressesissues impactingtheBlackcommunity,particularlyintheareasof economicsandsocialdevelopment Deeplycommittedtofamily, Andreismarried,thefatherofadaughter,andtheproud grandfatheroftwograndsons
JimRooney,oneofDanandPatriciaRooney’sninechildren,has carriedforwardhisfamily’slegacyofleadershipinbothbusinessand communityservice Havingworkedcloselywithhisfather,thelate AmbassadorDanRooney,Jimgainedfirsthandexperiencein diplomacyandorganizationalleadership.Heassistedhisfatherin buildingrelationshipsattheStateDepartmentandtheWhiteHouse duringDan’stenureasUS AmbassadortoIreland,whilealso contributingtothefamily’sfootballenterpriseandsupportingthe establishmentoftheRooneyRule,alandmarkpolicypromoting diversityintheNFL.
Beyondhisfamily’slegacy,Jimhasbuiltadistinguishedcareerasan author,businessowner,consultant,facilitator,andnationalspeaker Heisco-partnerofRooneyConsulting,wherehehelpsorganizations enhanceculture,strengthenteams,andgrowstrategically Jimalso foundedFirstLinkResearchandAnalytics,agloballeaderin developingbusinessanalysisfortechnologytransition.
Hisworkhasspannedacademic,corporate,andgovernmentsectors, advisingtheUS federalgovernment,foreigngovernments,and institutions HeservesontheboardsoftheJewishHealthcare Foundation,TheAmericanIrelandFunds,andGilmourAcademy
VanessaWhitingisanaccomplishedattorney, communityleaderwhohasdedicatedhercareertocreating opportunityanddrivingpositivechange Shecurrentlyservesas PresidentofAESManagement,wheresheownsandoperates fifteenPopeyesLouisianaKitchenrestaurantsthroughoutthe ClevelandandAkronareas.Underherleadership,these businesseshavenotonlythrivedbuthavealsobecomevehicles forempowerment,asVanessaisdeeplycommittedtohiring individualswhoareoftenoverlookedandgivingthemmeaningful opportunitiestogrowandsucceed
Alongsideherentrepreneurialwork,Vanessahasbuiltahighly respectedcareerinlaw Shefoundedherownfirmandhasbeen practicingformorethan30years,earningrecognitionasoneof Cleveland’stopattorneys Herexpertiseandcommitmentto economicandcommunitydevelopmentledNorthernOhioLiveto honorherasoneoftheregion’stop100lawyers,atestamentto herlastingimpact
Beyondherprofessionalaccomplishments,Vanessaisguidedby herfaithandisanavidchurchgoer Sheisalsoadevotedmother ofthree,balancingfamily,career,andcommunityservicewith grace Herjourneyreflectsalifelongcommitmenttoexcellence, empowerment,andservicetoothers
Mark Rosenberger and Ideastream Public Media Team
Linda Alvarado
Founder & CEO, Alvarado Construction; Owner Colorado Rockies
Cynthia Heard
President & CEO | Los Angeles Urban League
Felicia Davis
Dwight James III
Jasmine Juanita
Cory Taylor
FeaturelengthdocumentaryGetTheGuysTogetheristheinspiringlifestoryofJohn Wooten:formerfootballplayerofthelegendary1964ClevelandBrowns championshipteamandbehind-the-scenesNFLinnovator
Johnhasdedicatedhislifetobuildingwinningteamsonandoffthefield,recruiting thebestfromotherwiseoverlookedplaces.Everstrivingtofightforhumandignity, hiseffortshaverevolutionizedfootballandmadetheNFLthemostdiverse professionalsportsleagueofalltime.
GGETTHEGUYSTOGETHERAGAIN ETTHEGUYSTOGETHERAGAIN see you next year!