UNCF Legacy Brunch 2024 Program Journal

December 15, 2024 Los Angeles

PROGRAM WELCOME REMARKS | DR. VEDA RAMSAY-STAMPS Regional Development Director, UNCF - Los Angeles GREETINGS | JOHN & DELILAH HARRIS EMCEE | THANDO DLOMO HONOREE PRESENTATION AUSTIN CLEMENTS Managing Partner at Slauson & Co NATALIE WHITE VP of Community Relations & Social Impact, LA Sparks TELEBAH WOODS SVP National Strategic Relations, Bank of America DR. CHEYENNE BRYANT NAACP President & Psychology Expert KRISTEN LEE Marketing Director, Ebony Magazine DR. WILLIAM SYMS VP of Student Services, Enrollment Management & Equity Initiative WLA Community College UNCF LOS ANGELES TEAM INTRODUCTIONS | DR. VEDA RAMSAY-STAMPS UNCF TESTIMONY | JARED GRIMES VP of Asset Management , JP Morgan Chase AMI RECOGNITION | MONICA SUDDUTH Vice President, UNCF - Western Region PUTTING CONTEST WINNER(S) ANNOUNCED / CLOSING REMARKS | THANDO DLOMO MUSIC PERFORMANCE: INNER CITY YOUTH ORCHESTRA LOS ANGELES

It is my honor and privilege to welcome you to the Inaugural UNCF Legacy Brunch. where we come together to celebrate excellence, honor achievement, and reaffirm our commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Today, we recognize six extraordinary honorees whose unwavering dedication to building wealth and breaking barriers serves as an inspiration to us all. Their contributions not only uplift our communities but also light the path for countless students to achieve their dreams.

As we reflect on the achievements of today’s honorees, let us also renew our commitment to supporting the mission of UNCF. Your generosity helps provide scholarships, fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and empower students to transform their futures.

Together, we are shaping a brighter tomorrow.

I also invite you to mark your calendars for the Mayor’s Masked Ball on Saturday, February 8, 2025. This signature event is another opportunity to support UNCF while celebrating the enduring legacy of education, equity, and opportunity.

Thank you for joining us today and for your continued support of UNCF. A Mind is A Terrible Thing to Waste.... But a Wonderful Thing to Invest In. With gratitude,

Dr. Veda Ramsay-Stamps Regional Development Director, UNCF - Los Angeles

THANDO DLOMO MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST, ACTOR AND EMMY AWARD WINNING PRODUCER

Thando Dlomo is a multimedia journalist, actor and Emmy Award winning producer. She appeared in Sony’s historical drama, The Woman King, in her acting debut. Thando’s experience as a graduate of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in her native South Africa is featured in the documentary Oprah’s Daughters. She is an undergrad graduate of an HBCU, Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. And holds a Masters Degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California. Thando attributes education as the ultimate equalizer.

We are the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA), the largest majority Black orchestra in America. Founded in 2009, ICYOLA is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that transforms the lives and minds of young people in Inner City Los Angeles through high quality music education.

We teach inner-city youth the great music of the world, and provide opportunities for them to perform that music in the most magnificent settings of our community. We prepare our members for advanced study and high caliber success in music and otherwise. We instill the ancillary benefits that music instruction provides: problem-solving skills, critical thinking, self-reliance, self-confidence, self-discipline, and the crystallization and pursuit of meaningful purpose.

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE UNCF INTER-ALUMNI COUNCIL? JOIN TODAY AND STAY UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST HBCU ALUMNI NEWS AND INFORMATION Engage in networking opportunities with a professional network of HBCU alumni Volunteer as a mentor of local high school students and students attending HBCUs Raise funds in support of your alma mater and the nation's HBCUs Participate in career pathways programs and special events in support of HBCUs

FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW.UNCF.ORG/LOSANGELES SCAN QR CODE TO JOIN THE IAC DIRECTORY https://bit.ly/3TYPonI

AUSTIN CLEMENTS MANAGING PARTNER SLAUSON & CO

Austin Clements is a Managing Partner at Slauson & Co., a Los Angeles based early-stage venture capital firm rooted in economic inclusion. There he focuses on investing in tech tools that empower small business owners.

Within the firm, he also developed an accelerator called Friends & Family, to provide capital, guidance, and resources to entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journey.

Clements was previously at venture capital firm TenOneTen Ventures, after beginning his career in investment management with AllianceBernstein. He also founded Pi Digital Media, a firm that developed web and mobile applications for small businesses across the country.

Clements was the founding Chair of PledgeLA, a city-wide initiative created

by Annenberg Foundation and the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office to promote diversity in the tech community. He is currently a trustee for Knight Foundation in Miami. He previously served on the board of Library Foundation of Los Angeles where he served on the investment committee and HBCUvc where he helped create programs to create pathways for underrepresented professionals to find roles in venture capital. Clements is a Kauffman Fellow who received his MBA from NYU Stern and his BA from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.

NATALIE WHITE Founder/CEO – Natalie White Basketball, LLC and A10TION FOUNDATION INC. Vice President, Community Relations & Social Impact – Los Angeles Sparks

Founder/CEO, Natalie White Basketball, LLC & A10TION Foundation, Inc. Vice President, Community Relations & Social Impact, Los Angeles Sparks Natalie White is an award-winning sports executive with over 16 years of WNBA business experience. As Vice President of Community Relations & Social Impact for the Los Angeles Sparks, she leads initiatives that foster strategic partnerships and empower youth through programs like JR Sparks Basketball. Under her leadership, the Sparks have earned multiple accolades, including WNBA Franchise of the Year honors and recognition for ticket sales, marketing, and community engagement.

A former collegiate standout at Florida A&M University (FAMU), White held the NCAA Division-I career steals record (624) and was named the 1995 MEAC Player of the Year. Her athletic excellence earned her induction into both the FAMU and MEAC Halls of Fame.

Through Natalie White Basketball and A10TION Foundation, she has positively impacted over 2,500 student-athletes, promoting academics and athletics as tools for empowerment. A passionate advocate for women’s leadership and equality, Natalie is a dedicated advocate for women’s leadership, youth development, and equity in sports.

TELEBAH WOODS SVP NATIONAL STRATEGIC RELATIONS BANK OF AMERICA

Telebah Woods is an accomplished financial executive and community advocate who serves as Senior Vice President of National Strategic Relations at Bank of America. In her role, she drives strategic partnerships and initiatives that align the bank's commitment to fostering economic opportunity and community development across the nation.

With over 20 years of experience in the financial sector, Telebah has held leadership positions in corporate strategy, diversity and inclusion, and community investment. Her ability to bridge business objectives with community impact has earned her widespread recognition for creating meaningful change and fostering long-term partnerships.

Telebah is passionate about advancing opportunities for underserved communities, particularly in education and workforce development.

She is a sought-after speaker and mentor who dedicates her time to empowering women and young professionals to excel in their careers.

A proud graduate of an HBCU, Telebah holds a degree in Business Administration and is actively involved in initiatives that support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Her unwavering dedication to building bridges between communities and institutions makes her a visionary leader and an advocate for a brighter future.

DR. CHEYENNE BRYANT NAACP PRESIDENT & PSYCHOLOGY EXPERT

Dr. Cheyenne Bryant is a renowned Psychology Expert, Life Coach, and the Teen Mom Life Coach and Co-Producer of MTV’s award-nominated “Best Unscripted Reality Show.” She is the President of NAACP Branch #1069, Founder of the Dr. Bryant Institute and Foundation, and author of the award-winning book Mental Detox.

Dedicated to empowering others, Dr. Bryant shares her expertise on leading healthier, happier lives through her private practice, workshops, and speaking engagements. A graduate of Cal State Northridge, University of Phoenix, and Argosy University, her journey into psychology was inspired by her own path to healing and self-discovery.

An active community leader, Dr. Bryant provides resources and mentorship to at-risk youth and underserved communities through her foundation. Her institute offers life coaching, corporate workshops, and a hybrid certification program for aspiring coaches and therapists, all aimed at creating lasting impact and transformation.

KRISTEN LEE MARKETING DIRECTOR EBONY MAGAZINE

As Marketing Director for EBONY, Kristen Lee is a dynamic leader committed to amplifying cultural narratives and empowering communities. With a passion for celebrating Black excellence and progress, she develops innovative campaigns and collaborations that honor EBONY’s rich legacy while inspiring future generations.

Kristen excels at building impactful partnerships with visionary brands, creating meaningful connections that enhance storytelling and drive engagement. Her strategic approach combines compelling content and transformative initiatives, positioning EBONY as a catalyst for change and celebration.

Through her work, Kristen ensures that the achievements and contributions of the Black community are not only highlighted but celebrated on a global scale. Her dedication to empowering voices and elevating narratives underscores her belief in the power of storytelling to inspire, unite, and create lasting impact.

DR. WILLIAM SYMS VP OF STUDENT SERVICES, ENROLLMENT MGMT & EQUITY INITIATIVES WLA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Dr. William Syms is a dedicated advocate for equity and community engagement with extensive experience in higher education and social justice leadership. As Vice President of Student Services, Equity Initiatives, and Enrollment Management at West Los Angeles College, he champions systemic access, support, and opportunities for all students.

His leadership focuses on closing equity gaps and increasing student success through data-driven practices and innovative programs like Umoja, Unidos, Rising Scholars, and emerging AANHPI initiatives.

Previously, Dr. Syms managed instructional and student services programming at Pasadena City College, achieving significant growth in completion rates and dual enrollment. His leadership at Sierra College enhanced retention and persistence for disproportionately impacted students while expanding grant-funded categorical programs. His scholarship includes revising Guided Pathways and Student Equity plans to promote inclusivity.

Dr. Syms holds degrees from Clark Atlanta University, California State University Northridge, and the University of Southern California. Beyond his professional work, he and his wife, Shauna, are raising two children, August and Ellington, and actively support local community efforts.

Committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, Dr. Syms exemplifies collaborative, action-oriented leadership that empowers students and transforms educational institutions. .

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2025

SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER

MAYOR’S MASKED

#UNCFGALALA25

EMCEE

DR. DAWNN LEWIS AWARD-WINNING SONGWRITER, FILM, TELEVISION & STAGE ACTOR, WRITER/ PRODUCER

5:00 PM VIP Reception 6:00 PM Dinner & Program 8:00 PM Live Entertainment & Dancing

CELEBRATING 80 YEARS OF UNCF SUPPORTING HBCUS AND STUDENTS IN NEED

FEATURING

JOHNNY GILL

9:00 PM - MIDNIGHT

LIVE IN CONCERT

FOR SPONSORSHIP | TICKETS : UNCF.ORG/LA