AMERICAN JOURNEY AWARDS 2025
RONALD H. BROWN
Working together, we see the potential in the world to create more. To turn big ideas into realities. To challenge ourselves to look ahead and make things possible. For us, it’s all about bringing together people who are curious, collaborative and have the drive to make things possible for our clients and communities. Make things possible.
goldmansachs.com/careers
Welcome
Welcome to the 14th annual Ronald H. Brown American Journey Awards! This weekend is a highlight of our year—a time to reconnect, celebrate remarkable leaders, and reaffirm our mission of creating a freer, fairer, and more vibrant world.
Tonight, you’ll meet 20 outstanding Ron Brown Scholar Finalists for the class of 2025, selected from over 4,000 applicants for their academic excellence, leadership, resilience, and character. Tomorrow, they will interview with our dedicated volunteers and alumni—please wish them luck!
This year marks a major milestone: we have now supported over 10,000 young Black leaders through our three cornerstone programs—the Ron Brown Scholarship, the Leaders Network, and the Guided Pathway Support (GPS) Program. When Tony Pilaro and I envisioned this community in 1996, we
dreamed of the millions these leaders would impact. Every dollar donated, mentorship given, and opportunity created magnifies that vision.
Tonight, we honor three exceptional individuals: Dr. Cecilia A. Conrad, Lovette Russell, and Michael Russell, Sr. Each embodies our namesake Ron Brown’s belief in “doing good while doing well.” Dr. Conrad, a leader in philanthropy and economic transformation, has directed over $2.2 billion in grants through Lever for Change. Lovette Russell, a philanthropic powerhouse and community leader, has made an indelible impact in healthcare, education, and fundraising. Michael Russell, Sr., as CEO of H.J. Russell & Company, has led transformative projects, including the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you—our friends, supporters, and champions.
This Program thrives because of your generosity and commitment. The Value of One, the Power of All is more than a motto; it is the force that drives our success. Thank you for being part of the Ron Brown community. It is through one another—through your gifts of time and money, of care and wisdom—that our impact on the world is magnified and deepened. That’s what we mean by “The Value of One, the Power of All”: there is no limit to what we can achieve. Diplomacy is sometimes described as the art of the possible, but community expands the range of the possible, extending our horizons even as it grounds us.
Thank you for being part of the Ron Brown community.
Michael A. Mallory PRESIDENT & CEO, RON BROWN SCHOLAR FUND
One Mission Three Programs
SERVING 2,000 STUDENTS ANNUALLY
Our three initiatives support young people who share Ron Brown’s dedication to individual excellence, leadership and public service:
THE RON BROWN SCHOLAR PROGRAM (RBSP)
Established in 1996, the Ron Brown Scholar Program is a national scholarship for low income African American high school seniors. Ron Brown Scholars receive $40,000 towards attending their college of choice, and are provided mentoring, leadership experiences, and service opportunities through college and beyond. To date, the Program has awarded over $27M in scholarships to 683 Ron Brown Scholars.
RON BROWN – RUTH & NORMAN RALES LEADERS NETWORK
Established in 2011, the Leaders Network is a career development program for Ron Brown Scholars and Captains. Ron Brown Captains are the top 2-3% of scholarship applicants invited to join the network and receive personal and professional development services alongside Ron Brown Scholars. Our Corporate Partners interact with over 1,400 Scholars and Captains through networking activities and serve as a trusted source of job and internship opportunities.
GUIDED PATHWAY SUPPORT PROGRAM (GPS)
Launched in 2016, GPS is a free innovative college access initiative for African American high school juniors and seniors (as well as their parents and counselors). GPS guides and empowers students through every stage of the college application process with its high-tech and high-touch mentorship approach. GPS has helped support over 6,000 students with the information and inspiration they need to make college accessible.
WHO WE ARE
The Ron Brown Scholar Fund is a public 501c3 charity and administers the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP). Established in 1996 by Anthony M. Pilaro to honor the late Secretary of Commerce, RBSP is a college scholarship and leadership program for African American students.
OUR MISSION
The Ron Brown Scholar Program is committed to improving the lives of intellectually gifted, community and public service-minded African Americans by accelerating their progress into impactful leadership roles and opportunities.
OUR VISION
The vision of the Ron Brown Scholar Program is to cultivate the next generation of leaders who positively impact their communities and blaze new paths in their chosen careers and professions.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
Anthony M. Pilaro
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS CHAIRMAN EMERITUS RBSF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
In 1996, Anthony (Tony) Pilaro, founded the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP) to honor the late Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown and his legacy of achievement and global leadership. From inception, Tony Pilaro wanted this to be no ordinary scholarship program. He was determined to increase the number of African Americans that could attend college and have the potential to become industry leaders sparking the next generation to achieve even more. As a result of years of community building during their college and postgraduate pursuits, along with formative
influences such as mentoring and conference experiences, each class of Ron Brown Scholar leaders consult and work with one another, ensuring collaboration and continuity. The goal is to keep Ron Brown’s ethic of “doing well by doing good.”
For 28 years, Tony Pilaro’s philanthropy and vision have created a highly successful network concept for emerging young leaders. Tony’s engagement and support in creating a viable model for young people to succeed, and remain committed to giving back, is what makes his vision extraordinary.
The Journey Continues
The Ronald H. Brown American Journey Award was established in 2010 to honor outstanding Americans who exemplify the vision and transformative ideals of Ronald H. Brown (1941-1996). Ronald H. Brown American Journey Awards are granted to individuals who have developed opportunities and fostered the achievements of others. Like the late
Ron Brown, these role models demonstrate through their life experiences the importance of mentoring, service and nurturance of a network of leaders in America. They embody the spirit of the Ron Brown Scholar Program mission and serve as a model to which Scholars should aspire.
In Memoriam
To the all those who lost their lives on St. John’s Mountain in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Ronald H. Brown
Gerald Aldrich
Niksa Antonini
Dragica L. Bebek
Duane Christian
Barry L. Conrad
Paul Cushman III
Adam N. Darling
Ashley J. Davis
Gail E. Dobert
Robert E. Donovan
Claudio Elia
Robert Farrington, Jr.
David Ford
Carol L. Hamilton
Kathryn E. Hoffman
Lee F. Jackson
Stephen C. Kaminski
Kathryn E. Kellogg
Shelly A. Kelly
James M. Lewek
Frank Maier
Charles F. Meissner
William E. Morton
Walter J. Murphy
Nathaniel C. Nash
Lawrence M. Payne
Leonard J. Pieroni
Timothy W. Schafer
John Scoville
I. Donald Terner
Stuart Tholan
Cheryl A. Turnage
Naomi P. Warbasse
Robert A. Whittaker
RON BROWN
RONALD H. BROWN
AMERICAN JOURNEY AWARDS
2025 Program of Events
HOSTED BY
Chaz Beasley • Ron Brown Scholar, 2004
WELCOME:
Chaz Beasley
Ron Brown Scholar, 2004
AMERICAN JOURNEY AWARD FOR EMERGING LEADERSHIP
Jonathan Piper • Ron Brown Scholar 1998
CHRISTOPHER A. PILARO FELLOWSHIP IN THE ARTS AWARD
Caleb Franklin • Ron Brown Scholar, 2001
ROBERT BINSWANGER COMMUNITARIAN AWARD
Brennan Gould • Ron Brown Scholar, 2001
DINNER
2025 RONALD H. BROWN AMERICAN JOURNEY AWARD
HONOREE
Cecilia A. Conrad, Ph.D
CEO, LEVER FOR CHANGE; BOARD DIRECTOR
SENIOR ADVISOR, JOHN D. AND CATHERINE T. MACARTHUR FOUNDATION
HONOREE
Lovette Russell
SENIOR CONSULTANT, COXE CURRY & ASSOCIATES
CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SPELMAN COLLEGE
HONOREE
Michael Russell, Sr. CEO, H. J. RUSSELL & COMPANY
SPECIAL THANKS CLOSING REMARKS
2025 HONOREE
Cecilia Conrad, Ph.D
CEO, LEVER FOR CHANGE; BOARD DIRECTORS-EX OFFICIO, AND SENIOR ADVISOR, COLLABORATIVE PHILANTHROPY AND FELLOWS, MACARTHUR FOUNDATION
Cecilia A. Conrad, Ph.D. is CEO of Lever for Change, a member of the Board of Directors –Ex Officio, and a Senior Advisor at the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Dr. Conrad was formerly a Managing Director at the Foundation, where she led the MacArthur Fellows program and steered the cross-Foundation team that created MacArthur’s 100&Change—an athematic, open call competition that periodically makes a single $100 million grant to help solve a critical problem of our time. She continues to manage the 100&Change competition.
Before joining the Foundation in January 2013, Dr. Conrad had a distinguished career
as both a professor and an administrator at Pomona College in Claremont, CA. She held the Stedman Sumner Chair in Economics and is currently a Professor of Economics, Emerita. She served as Associate Dean of the College (2004-2007), as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College (2009-2012), and as Acting President (Fall 2012). From 20072009, she was interim Vice President and Dean of the Faculty at Scripps College.
As Associate Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Pomona, Dr. Conrad championed the College’s summer undergraduate research program and expanded it to the arts and humanities, led conversations
regarding the value and assessment of a liberal arts college education, nurtured collaborations between the arts and the sciences, and worked with academic departments to improve the campus climate for diversity.
As a member of the faculty, Dr. Conrad contributed to the curriculum of several interdisciplinary programs and, in 2002, was recognized as California’s Carnegie Professor of the Year, a prestigious national award that recognizes faculty members for their achievement as undergraduate professors. Dr. Conrad’s academic research focuses on the effects of race and gender on economic status. Her work has appeared in both academic
CECILIA CONRAD, PH.D
journals and nonacademic publications including The American Prospect and Black Enterprise.
Before joining the faculty at Pomona College, Dr. Conrad served on the faculties of Barnard College and Duke University. She was also an economist at the Federal Trade Commission and a visiting scholar at The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.
Dr. Conrad is a member of the board of trustees of Bryn Mawr College, The Poetry Foundation, the National Academy of Social Insurance, IES Study Abroad, and the African Center for Economic Transformation. She is a member of the TIAA Board of Governors and of the 2021-2023 Generosity Commission.
Dr. Conrad received the National Urban League’s Women of Power Award in 2008 and the National Economic Association’s Samuel Z. Westerfield award in 2018. She has honorary doctorates from Claremont Graduate University and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Dr. Conrad received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley College where she received the 2023 Alumnae Achievement Award and her Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University.
2025 HONOREE
Lovette Russell
SENIOR CONSULTANT, COXE CURRY & ASSOCIATES & CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, SPELMAN COLLEGE
A graduate of Spelman College, Lovette is an active alumna and is Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees. She also chairs the Hughes Spalding Hospital Community Foundation and is a member of Buckhead Cascade City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Many organizations have honored Lovette for her service and impact. Having chaired or co-chaired many of the city’s leading events— including the Mayor’s Masked Ball, the Atlanta History Center’s Swan House Ball, Zoo Atlanta’s The Beastly Feast, Park Pride’s 25th Anniversary Gala, and the inaugural Grady Hospital Gala— she was named the 2012 Volunteer Fundraiser
of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. That same year, she received the 11Alive Boisfeuillet Jones Community Service Award and was named the Mary Caan Volunteer of the Year by the Lupus Foundation. Both the YWCA of Greater Atlanta and Atlanta Woman Magazine recognized her as a Woman of Achievement. Lovette received the Trailblazer Award from the NAACP in 2013. In 2017, she was honored by the naming of the emergency department at Hughes Spalding Hospital as the Lovette Twyman Russell Emergency Department. Most recently, she was honored at the Atlanta History Center’s 35th annual Swan House Ball and by Children’s Healthcare of
Atlanta at their 2023 Hope & Will Ball. An experienced triathlete, Lovette has completed several triathlon events, in addition to the Honolulu Marathon, and has trained groups of women and inner-city children to compete in triathlons. She and her husband, Michael Russell, CEO of H. J. Russell & Company, are the proud parents of two children—Michael, director of partnership sales at Fenway Sports Management, and Benjamin, who completed his master’s at the University of South Carolina and is now an assistant project manager at McKenney’s, Inc.
LOVETTE RUSSELL
2025 HONOREE
Michael Russell, Sr.
CEO, H. J. RUSSELL & COMPANY
Michael Russell has served as chief executive officer of H. J. Russell & Company in Atlanta, Georgia, since 2003. H. J. Russell & Company, founded over 60 years ago, is a vertically integrated service provider specializing in construction and program management services. The company has extensive experience in building and renovating projects in diverse market segments including mission critical data center, public assembly, multi-family residential, sports facilities , student housing and healthcare.
Prior to becoming chief executive officer, Mr. Russell, who joined the company in 1990, served in various executive roles, most recently
as executive vice president responsible for the management and strategic direction of the construction and program management divisions.
Mr. Russell is a member of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He is also vice chairman of Concessions International, an innovator in the airport food and beverage concessions industry. He is actively involved in the strategic direction and growth initiatives of Concessions. The Russell Companies, which consists of H. J. Russell & Company and Concessions International, employs more than 2,000 individuals with operations in 10 major cities including Atlanta,
location of its headquarters; Dallas; Boston; Miami; Seattle; Denver; and the US Virgin Islands.
Mr. Russell’s civic involvement includes serving on the boards of the Georgia Research Alliance and NACD. He is on the executive committee of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, The Atlanta Committee for Progress and is a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club, AEC Unites, and 100 Black Men of Atlanta.
Mr. Russell received his BS degree in civil engineering from the University of Virginia and his MBA from Georgia State University.
MICHAEL RUSSELL
AMERICAN JOURNEY AWARDS
Previous Honorees
AMB. LINDA
SHEILA JOHNSON
MR. EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON
2016
MR. KENNETH I. CHENAULT
2014
MR. THOMAS HALE BOGGS, JR. (1940–2014)
2011
MR. JULIAN BOND (1940–2015)
2011
DR. WANDA M. AUSTIN
2013
MR. EARL G. GRAVES, SR. (1935-2020)
2013
MRS. C. SYLVIA & MR. EDDIE C. BROWN
2011
MR. NORMAN R. RALES (1923–2012)
2010
DR. REGINA M. BENJAMIN
2012
MR. ANTHONY M. PILARO
2012
MRS. MONA K. SUTPHEN
2010
MR. AARON S. WILLIAMS
2010
Chaz Beasley
Strong communities are built upon the idea that every person’s success is linked to everyone’s success. Without a thriving, supportive community, Chaz Beasley would not be the person he is today.
Born and raised in the foothills of North Carolina, Chaz Beasley grew up in a low-income, single parent home. Despite the challenges of poverty, he had the consistent support of his family, church, and teachers who invested in him as a child. His quality public school education pushed him to reach his potential, preparing him to graduate from Harvard with honors.
After graduation, Chaz worked to reform the
housing industry during the toughest days of the recent economic crisis, pushing to end the irresponsible lending practices that caused hardworking Americans to lose their homes. His desire to change the way our nation’s laws impact economic growth encouraged him to attend law school at Georgetown.
As a law student, Chaz translated his legal training into action through his work in the Supreme Court of North Carolina and the United States Senate. He spent his spare time coaching youth basketball at a small grade school.
Following law school, Chaz returned home to
North Carolina, settling in Mecklenburg County. His work as an attorney in the financial industry has allowed him to hone his knowledge of how a healthy financial system provides the means to create (and sustain) jobs. He recognizes the importance of building the community that supports him, having been elected as a State Representative in the NC House for two terms and serving on multiple civic boards, including the State Board of Community Colleges. Currently, Chaz lives in Mecklenburg County with his wife, Lindsay, their daughter, Ava, and their two dogs, Kennedy and Dexter.
CHAZ BEASLEY
AWARD FOR EMERGING LEADERSHIP
Jon Piper
RBS 1998
After earning a BS in Chemistry in 2002 and a MS, ABT in Computer Science from Wake Forest University, Jon has worked in the field of image processing for more than a decade. He joined MIM Software in 2005 as a Research Engineer where he is now the Chief Scientific Officer. Jon has played an integral role in the creation and implementation of novel products and algorithms in radiology, radiation oncology, and urology. He has traveled the world collaborating with leading physicians and researchers in medicine and computer science. He has authored various patents and scientific manuscripts and frequently presents his work at professional society meetings.
JON PIPER
THE CHRISTOPHER A. PILARO FELLOWSHIP IN THE ARTS AWARD
The Christopher A. Pilaro Fellowship in the Arts Award was created to honor the memory of treasured friend, Christopher Pilaro, who passed away in 2017.
If a man’s character and value is judged by his
humility, passion, and kindness towards others, it is obvious to all who knew Chris Pilaro that he was an extraordinary man. Chris was deeply invested in the RBSP mission, offering creative ideas and assistance for growing the Program. His giving nature, his capacity to translate needs into ideas, his enthusiasm for the Scholars, and his ability to envision the next steps needed for growth were indispensable. In the documentary film career he pursued since the mid-1990s, Chris focused on funding disparities in Amer-
ican schools, and health and environmental issues, and building practices across the nation. Through freelance photography, Chris used a second visual medium to call attention to some of the critical issues facing our society.
To honor his memory, and in tribute to Chris for his commitment to the arts, the Program created the Christopher A. Pilaro Fellowship in the Arts Award. The fellowship is granted annually to a Scholar who demonstrates the dedication to the arts exemplified by Chris.
THE CHRISTOPHER A. PILARO FELLOWSHIP IN THE ARTS AWARD
Previous Recipients
THE CHRISTOPHER A. PILARO FELLOWSHIP IN THE ARTS AWARD
Caleb Franklin
Caleb is Founder and CEO of HeyHey! Global and Matter. Matter creates high-quality television and movie programmes for popular OTT services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, etc. Caleb spent ten years working with the Creative Artists Agency before starting HeyHey (CAA).
During his time with CAA, Caleb represented the company’s clients in the media, entertainment, technology, and sports industries on a global scale. Caleb was on the founding teams of CAA’s operations in India and the Middle East and led several of the Agency’s foreign efforts.
Currently based out of HeyHey’s Mumbai office, Caleb is developing a unique platform for fan-celebrity engagement that features some of India’s top performers. HeyHey also has operations in Japan and draws some of the top local and international talent in sports, media, literature, and the arts.
CALEB FRANKLIN
RBS 2001
THE ROBERT BINSWANGER COMMUNITARIAN AWARD
A treasured friend, Dr. Robert B. Binswanger passed away on March 16, 2019. A US Army veteran, civil rights activist, educator and public servant, Robert shared the Ron Brown Scholar Program’s unwavering faith in The Value of One, The Power of All.
Robert’s devotion to our community exemplified the ethic of service that defines the Ron Brown Scholar family. Robert volunteered on our National Selection Committee for nearly 20 years, getting to know almost every one of the 465 Ron Brown Scholars along the way. His impact was especially strong on Scholars who attended Dartmouth, where he taught for decades. He worked tirelessly to help Scholars reach their full potential. Robert cherished those around him and was in turn, cherished by those who knew him.
The Robert Binswanger Communitarian Award established in spring of 2019 in memory of Dr. Robert B. Binswanger and will be given annually to a Scholar who exhibits the values of the life of Robert Binswanger; an extraordinary commitment to public service and improving the minds and the lives of those around them. Scholars will also demonstrate a strong commitment to the Ron Brown Scholar community and mentorship of others within the community.
THE ROBERT BINSWANGER COMMUNITARIAN AWARD
Previous Recipients
CARMELLE T. NORICE, MD-PHD • RBS 1997 2024
JULIAN D. MILLER RBS 2003 2023
ERROL C. SAUNDERS, II EDD • RBS 2002
BRENNAN GOULD
THE ROBERT BINSWANGER COMMUNITARIAN AWARD
Brennan Gould
Brennan Gould is President and CEO of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation. The Foundation is a community-centered, equity-forward organization with a mission to drive positive, sustainable change in Charlottesville and its surrounding communities. As president, her primary responsibility is to oversee all aspects of the Foundation’s strategy, vision and operations. The Foundation manages nearly $300 million in assets and distributes over $25 million in grants annually.
Prior to becoming president, Brennan served as director of the Foundation’s grantmaking programs. As director, she oversaw community investments in the areas of rural food insecurity, maternal and infant health disparities, education, community redevelopment, and greenway trail networks. Brennan has been with the Foundation since 2010.
Brennan gained national recognition for
her work to create the Foundation’s Heal Charlottesville Fund. Formed immediately after the August 2017 white supremacist violence in Charlottesville, the Fund was the primary provider of financial assistance to survivors devastated by the acts of terror. The Fund also made grants to initiatives advancing racial equity and seeking to build power among black and brown communities. In 2018, the Council on Foundations selected Brennan to receive its Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking in recognition of her work on the Heal Charlottesville Fund.
Under her leadership, the Foundation has grown its influence in the Central Virginia region and mobilized philanthropy to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Foundation was awarded the 2020 Truist Promise Award from Philanthropy Southeast for its innovative response.
Brennan has also evolved the Foundation toward a more proactive and aligned organization that better leverages its capital and capabilities for lasting and transformative change. She has strengthened operations, built internal infrastructure, reshaped organizational culture, and launched new partnerships to further enhance the foundation’s community leadership and impact.
Brennan serves on the Board of Directors of the Council on Foundations. She is a former cochair of the University of Virginia’s President’s Council on University-Community Partnerships and continues to serve as a member of the Council.
Drawing on nearly 15 years of executive leadership and management experience, Brennan consults with organizations for strategic planning, organizational development, and executive coaching.
A native of Iowa, Brennan holds a degree in philosophy from the University of Iowa and is a distinguished 2001 Ron Brown Scholar, Davidson Fellow Laureate and graduate of the Council on Foundations Career Pathways Program. Brennan and her husband, Andre, live in Charlottesville with their five young children.
Finalists
Abdelrahman Abdu
DENVER, CO
Kennedi Jackson
BATON ROUGE, LA
Oriana Dunker
BOSTON, MA
Robell Ephrem
SUGAR LAND, TX
Piou
Adjato
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA
Iman Babiker IRVINE, CA
Layla Cranston KANSAS CITY, MO
Ramse
Jefferson
RAYMOND, MS
Caleb Joel CHARLOTTE, NC
Bethany Lloyd
LEAGUE CITY, TX
Hollis Mason
MABLETON, GA
Samantha Nmezi
NEWARK, NJ
Olawande Oluwaji
LYNCHBURG, VA
Janet Omoruyi
STATEN ISLAND, NY
Hisham
Osman
QUEENS, NY
Mia Osita
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
Rainey Reese
CHICAGO, IL
Chase Washington
LAKEWOOD, WA
Shenard
Williams
FORT MYERS, FL
Rehanna Yakubu
MOORESVILLE, NC
2025Boards&Committees
Board of Trustees
Samuel Z. Alemayehu (RBS 2004)
CO-FOUNDER AND GENERAL PARTNER, C1 VENTURES (C1V)
Patrick Baker
MANAGER/PRODUCER
Douglas C. Boggs
PARTNER, DLA PIPER LLP (US)
Peter A. Boyce, II (RBS 2008)
FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER, STELLATION
CAPITAL
Dr. L.D. Britt
BRICKHOUSE PROFESSOR AND CHAIRMAN,
DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY, EASTERN VIRGINIA
MEDICAL SCHOOL
Terri Dean
CHIEF OF STAFF, REGION 3, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Ambassador Diana Dougan
CHAIRMAN, CYBER CENTURY FORUM
Jonathan Greenblatt CEO, ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE
Dane E. Holmes
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, KKR
Michelle C. Ifill Esq.
EXECUTIVE COACH AND CONSULTANT, MCIFILL CONSULTING, LLC
Kani Keita (RBS 2008)
VICE PRESIDENT, TPG CAPITAL
Michael A. Mallory
PRESIDENT & CEO, RON BROWN SCHOLAR FUND
Gavin McFarland
PHILANTHROPIST
Andrew C. Pilaro
CHAIRMAN, CAP PROPERTIES LTD
Anthony M. Pilaro
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS RBSF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Brian Siegel PRINCIPAL, DELOITTE
Mary Snitch
SENIOR MANAGER, GLOBAL S&T INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT, LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
Aaron Williams
SENIOR ADVISOR—EMERITUS, INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, RTI INTERNATIONAL
Michael Winger
PRESIDENT, MONUMENTAL BASKETBALL
Emeritus
Jack Leslie
SENIOR ADVISOR AND FORMER CHAIRMAN, WEBER SHANDWICK
Thaderine D. MacFarlane
PHILANTHROPIST
Jonathan Mariner
FORMER CORPORATE EXECUTIVE
Marva A. Smalls
EVP, GLOBAL HEAD OF INCLUSION, PARAMOUNT
EVP, PUBLIC AFFAIRS, KIDS & FAMILY
ENTERTAINMENT BRANDS, PARAMOUNT
Kathy Thornton-Bias
PRESIDENT AND CEO, BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER MILWAUKEE
Michael Treisman
GENERAL COUNSEL, GLOBAL CAPITAL MARKETS, BAIN CAPITAL
Tom Werner
CHAIRMAN, BOSTON RED SOX
PARTNER AND CO-FOUNDER, CARSEY-WERNER LLC
Advisory Board
Karla Aghedo (RBS 2001)
FOUNDER AND CEO, THE AGHEDO FIRM & HOUSTON
WELLNESS WORKSHOPS FOR WOMEN (H3W)
Max Aronin
HEAD OF CLOUD SOLUTIONS, SERVICENOW
Marcus Banks
BASKETBALL STRATEGY AND TEAM COUNSEL, LA CLIPPERS
Joel Bervell, MD (RBC, 2013)
SCIENCE COMMUNICATOR & SOCIAL MEDIA MEDICAL EDUCATOR
Michael Billings (RBS 1997)
GLOBAL INVESTOR
Matthew D. Cutts
HEAD OF US POLICY & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, DENTONS US LLP
Elizabeth Boggs Davidsen
VP, OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT POLICY, U.S
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION (DFC)
Chris Foley, PhD
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT, PLUS DELTA PARTNERS
Dana Goldsmith
ENTREPRENEUR
Anthonie Goudemond
MENTOR, COACH, ADVISOR AND BUSINESS LEADER
Jonice Gray
PARTNER, PAUL HASTINGS LLP
Lynne Hale
VP, PUBLICITY AND COMMUNICATIONS, LUCASFILM LTD. (RETIRED)
Azadeh Hardiman
BUSINESS LEADER, LEVEL20, PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE
Morgan Harper (RBS 2001)
DIRECTOR OF POLICY & ADVOCACY, AMERICAN ECONOMIC LIBERTIES PROJECT
Judith Harrison
CHIEF DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION OFFICER, WEBER SHANDWICK
Ritza Y. Hendricks
FOUNDER AND CHIEF CONTENT PRODUCER, R.Y.INK! LLC
Ann D. Horner
RETIRED BUSINESS EXECUTIVE
Tracey Brown James
MANAGING PARTNER, THE COCHRAN FIRM
Stephan Johnson (RBC, 2011)
VP, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, GOLDMAN SACHS
Robert Kabera (RBS 2007)
PRESIDENT OF AREBAK, LLC
Calvin C. LaRoche
CO-FOUNDER, DC VENTURES & ASSOCIATES, LLC
Greg Lorjuste
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & PROTOCOL, STATE OF MARYLAND, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Jermaine Lowery
VP, FINANCIAL ADVISOR, WEALTH MANAGEMENT, MORGAN STANLEY
Sharon Brickhouse Martin
VP, HEALTH SERVICES INTEGRATION, VHC HEALTH
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, BRICKHOUSE MARTIN
HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING
Ethan Monreal-Jackson (RBS 2008)
FOUNDER, GENERAL PARTNER, NEWTYPE VENTURES
Lesia Bates Moss
PRESIDENT/CEO, BATES CONSULTING GROUP
Cynthia R. Murray
PRESIDENT, CYNTHIA MURRAY ENTERPRISES, LLC
Ria Nickens
VICE PRESIDENT, DODGE & COX
Dr. Carmelle Norice, MD-PhD (RBS 1997)
CLINICAL DIRECTOR, INFECTIOUS DISEASES
CLINICAL RESEARCH, MERCK RESEARCH LABORATORIES
Chandler Nutall
PROGRAM ASSISTANT, THE VOLCKER ALLIANCE
Kaja Orkand
MANAGER, ORION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC
Jonathan Piper (RBS 1998)
CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER, MIM SOFTWARE
Joshua B. Rales
PRESIDENT, THE NORMAN R. AND RUTH RALES FOUNDATION
Eileen Cassidy Rivera
VP OF COMMUNICATIONS, MAXIMUS CORPORATION
M. Michelle Robinson, PhD (RBS 1997)
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF AMERICAN STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
Georgina Sanger
SVP-STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, EVERFI, INC
Elsie Wilson Thompson ATTORNEY
Dr. Michael A. Williams
CHIEF MEDICAL INFORMATION OFFICER, UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA HEALTH SYSTEM
Tyrone “Woody” Woodyard
VP, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS, LOCKHEED MARTIN
Danielle Purfey Wright
MANAGING DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF GLOBAL TALENT BRAND AND I&D, ACCENTURE
2025Selection Committee
National
Douglas C. Boggs
Elizabeth Boggs Davidsen
Terri Dean
Anthonie Goudemond
Ann Horner
Tracey Brown James
Mina Malik
Gavin McFarland
Jon Piper (RBS 1998)
M. Michelle Robinson (RBS 1997)
Thomas Snitch
Woody Woodyard
Regional
Lawrie Balfour
Evelyn Boatwright
Janice Burnham
Blakely Calhoun
Jessie Carr
Randi Carr
Julie I. Caruccio
Regina Dimond
Anthonie Goudemond
Vanessa M. Evans-Grevious
Valerie Gregory
Cindy Hamady
Ritza Hendricks
Ann Horner
Christopher Hunter
Anita Karadia
Barbara Kessler
Timothy Kimble
Lisa Lampe
Phyllis K. Leffler
Peppy Linden
Paul Mack
Michael Mallory
Anita McGinty
Lynn Mills
Kathie Morris
Cynthia Murray
Amy Nolasco
Michelle Packer
Stephen Plaskon
Nicole Robinson
Charlene Sedgwick
Elsie Wilson Thompson
Randy Tripp, Jr.
2025 Leaders Network Fellows
Linda Brunner
SVP, HEAD OF IT DIGITAL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE; CHAIR, DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION COUNCIL USA, SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS
Jay Cunningham, PhD (RON BROWN CAPTAIN 2016) RESPONSIBLE AI RESEARCH SCIENTIST
Diarra Lamar, MD, MBA (RBS 1997)
PARTNER, STRATEGY &
2025 Sponsors
Founders Circle
Anthony M. Pilaro
Ambassador Diana L. Dougan
Phyllis and Melvyn Leffler
S. Sonjia Smith
Joshua B. Rales and Susan Weissman
Endowed Scholarships
Boggs Family and Friends inMemoryof
Thomas Hales Boggs, Jr.
Ann D. Horner
Jonathan Piper (RBS 1998)
Individual Scholarships
Anthony and Laurel Bennett
Brown Advisory
Stephen and Mary Anne Burns
Jonice Gray
Kani Keita (RBS 2008)
Donald and Mary-Mac Laing
Ethan Monreal-Jackson (RBS 2008)
Norman H. and Ruth Rales Foundation
The Pilaro Family inHonorofR.KenlyWebster
Susan and Vince Pilato
Ron Brown Scholar Alumni Association
Bowdy Train and Georgina Sanger
The Webster Family in Honor of R. Kenly Webster
Platinum Level
Apex Clean Energy
Dodge & Cox
Goldman Sachs
Jane Street
Latham & Watkins LLP
Jonathan Mariner
Morgan Stanley
Andrew and Charlotte Pilaro
Plume Design
Siemens Healthineers
Diamond Level
Capital One
Cornerstone Research
General Catalyst
PepsiCo Foundation
Silver Lake
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, LLP
Gold Level
The Cochran Firm
Roland and Gayle Driver
Ann D. Horner
Wake Forest University School of Business
Silver Level
Boggs Family
Epsilon Zeta Boule, Loudon County
H.J. Russell & Company
Carmelle Norice, MD-PhD (RBS 1997)
Bronze Level
Michael Billings (RBS 1997)
Carnegie Mellon University
Terri P. Dean
Dr. Gayle DiLalla and John Fuscoe
Lynne Hale
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Johns Hopkins University & Medicine
Lesia Bates Moss
Squire Patton Boggs LLP
Aaron and Michael Williams
Elsie Wilson Thompson
ACCELERATING THE SHIFT TO CLEAN ENERGY THROUGH OUR PROJECTS
AND OUR PEOPLE
Apex Clean Energy Is a Proud Scholarship Sponsor of the Ron Brown Scholar Program
Connect with Apex
Learn about our work, follow us on social, and check out our career opportunities.
RON BROWN SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Simply put, we cannot provide the first-rate investment performance, strategic advice and personalized service that our clients deserve without a long-term commitment to investing in our colleagues. We know that bringing diverse experiences, backgrounds and thinking is essential to serving our clients and to raising the future for all of our stakeholders.
Your brilliance shines here
RONALD H. BROWN AMERICAN JOURNEY AWARDS 2025
dodgeandcox.com/careers
THE EPSILON ZETA BOULE FOUNDATION
is proud to support the Ron Brown Scholars Program and its scholars who embody excellence in education, service and leadership.
Work where your mind matters.
Apply to Jane Street today
Jane Street works di erently. We are a quantitative trading rm active on more than 200 trading venues across 45 countries. As a liquidity provider and market maker, we help form the backbone of global markets. Our approach is rooted in technology and rigorous quantitative analysis, but our success is driven by our people. We are always recruiting top candidates and we invest heavily in teaching and training. The environment at Jane Street is open, informal, intellectual, and fun. People grow into long careers at Jane Street because there are always new and interesting problems to solve, systems to build, and theories to test. More than twenty years after our founding, it still feels like we’re just getting started.
Come work with us.
Johns Hopkins proudly supports the Ronald H. Brown Scholar Program’s American Journey Awards and its dedication to mentoring and providing professional development opportunities for young African American high school and college students.
For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. Congratulations, Ron Brown Finalists!
When our health is at risk, we rely on physicians to make the best possible decisions – from quick, early diagnoses to the most effective treatments and follow-ups. By constantly bringing breakthrough innovations to market, we help healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care, leading to the best possible outcome for patients.
Our portfolio of is at the center of clinical decision-making and treatment pathways. Patient-centered innovation has been and always will be at the core of our company. We aspire to create better outcomes and experiences for patients no matter where they live or what they are facing.
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THANK YOU TO OUR
2025Partners
