Dr. Randal D. Pinkett
Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO, BCT Partners
Dr. Randal Pinkett has established himself as an entrepreneur, innovator, speaker, author, media personality, and DEI expert who is leading the way in business, technology,y and equity for all. He is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of BCT Partners, a global, multimillion-dollar research, training, consulting, technology, and data analytics firm whose mission is to leverage diversity, insights, and innovation to transform lives, accelerate equity, and create lasting change. The company has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms, Ernst & Young as EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Manage HR Magazine as a Top 10 Firm for Diversity & Inclusion, the Black Enterprise BE100s list of the nation’s largest Black-owned businesses, and the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
Dr. Pinkett is an expert in several areas relating to emerging technologies, “big data” analytics, social innovation, culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and is a regular contributor on MSNBC, CNN, and Fox Business News. An international public speaker, he is the author or co-author of several books, including Black Faces in High Places, Black Faces in White Places, Data-Driven DEI, Campus CEO, and No-Money Down CEO. He holds five degrees, including a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University, an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Oxford in England, and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering, MBA, and Ph.D. from MIT.
and captain of the Rutgers men’s track and field team; and he was the winner of NBC’s hit reality television show, “The Apprentice.”
Damon Williams
Comedian
Damon Williams, the legendary comedian, actor, writer, and producer, is a native of Chicago who has been a household name in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. Williams’s journey to stardom began as a young entrepreneur, owning a Subway sandwich shop in the early ’90s. However, he caught the comedy bug, and since then, he hasn’t looked back.
Over the years, Williams has worked with some of the most iconic stars in show business, too many to mention. He has performed stand-up comedy on several networks, including numerous television appearances. Williams’s reputation as a highly sought-after comedian led to him earning the opening spot on the legendary Kings of Comedy Tour and touring the US on the Royal Comedy Tour.
For eight years, Williams sat in The Funny Chair on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, contributing his unique sense of humor to the program. In addition, Williams recently executive produced and hosted his own eight-episode series, Laugh Tonight with Damon Williams, which is now streaming on UrbanflixTV and TUBI.
You can catch Damon each Wednesday on the nationally syndicated DL Hughley Radio Show “That’s What I Think with Damon Williams”
Williams has also ventured into acting, with memorable cameo roles and even a leading man role in the film Heaven on Seven, which is now streaming on Tubi and other platforms. His humor is not only highly sought after as a performer but also as a writer and on-air contributor to the SHERRI.
J. David Washington
Real Estate Developer
J. David Washington is a native Floridian who spent his early years between Miami and New York. After graduating from Miami Central High School, he served honorably in the U.S. Air Force. Following his military service, J. David pursued a degree in International Business at the Lubin School of Business at Pace University in New York.
Over his extensive 42-year career, J. David has established himself as a leading expert in business development, sales, marketing, consultancy, entrepreneurship, corporate training, global trading, private wealth coaching, and international project management. His exceptional business acumen has allowed him to collaborate with prestigious brands and Fortune 50 companies, including Goldman Sachs, Fidelity Investments, Citibank, AT&T, Chubb, Mellon Bank, Verizon, and Nabisco Brands.
Currently, J. David manages his Family Office and leads 7 Hills Development Group, a transformative real estate development management and community engagement organization. This initiative focuses on empowering communities through advocacy for sustainable business development and impactful community engagement that results in innovation, self-sustainability, and resilience.
J. David is dedicated to promoting intergenerational wealth creation and wellness. He is a licensed masseuse, master chef, and advocate for clean eating. An urban lifestyle yoga enthusiast, he values the healing benefits of meditation and self-care. He is a proud father of three adult children and a grandfather to four beautiful granddaughters, who enrich his life with joy and purpose.
Dr. Olon Fredeerick Dotson
Professor and Chair, Department of Architecture, Ball State University
Dr. Olon Frederick Dotson serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Architecture at the Ball State University, College of Architecture and Planning in Muncie, Indiana. Mr. Dotson has possessed a life-long interest in Architecture and Environmental Design. He attended Tuskegee Institute (University) in Alabama, where he received a B.A. in Architectural Science, and Ball State University, where he acquired a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design. After working with HNTB Architects in Phoenix, Arizona, he attended Columbia University in New York, where he completed the Master of Science in Real Estate Development Program. Upon returning to Indianapolis and working under the direct supervision of his uncle, the late Clyde E. Woods, and as a Construction Manager at Powers Management, Mr. Dotson was inspired to broaden his perspective, which led to the co-founding of his company, ARMONICS, Inc., in 1994 with architect Russell Lewis.
ARMONICS has earned national and international recognition for its progressive and innovative approach to urban revitalization initiatives. ARMONICS guided strategies in cities throughout the United States, including, but not limited to Springfield, Illinois; Nashville, Tennessee; Norfolk, Virginia; and Muncie, Indiana. While working in Muncie, Olon Dotson began to teach at the Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning.
He chose to become more philosophical and reflective for the health and vitality of American cities and completed a Ph.D. in American Studies at the Purdue University, College of Liberal Arts.
Jay Richardson
Motivational Speaker, Host, Philantropist
Renowned speaker and 7-year NFL veteran (retired), Jay Richardson, drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2007, is not just a seasoned athlete but a captivating storyteller who draws from a life rich in diverse experiences. Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Jay began his journey as a standout two-sport athlete at Dublin Scioto High School, setting the stage for an extraordinary career.
A vital part of the 2002 National Championship football team at The Ohio State University, Jay continued to excel, earning All Big10 Honors in his senior year. Armed with a B.A. in History and a minor in Communications, he transitioned seamlessly into the world of television. Currently serving as a television personality and sports broadcasting analyst for the Sinclair Broadcast Group on ABC6 and Fox28, Jay co-anchors the Emmy-nominated ‘The Football Fever’ and hosts ‘First Scores.’
Beyond the spotlight, Jay is deeply committed to community service. He sits on the Ohio State Sports Medicine Advisory Board and co-founded the Jay Richardson Foundation, recipient of the NFL Unsung Athletes Award at the 2011 Super Bowl. This foundation is dedicated to providing life skills to high school students and education to sports parents.
As a speaker, Jay Richardson seamlessly weaves his journey from the football field to the broadcast studio and entrepreneur in the real estate industry, offering audiences unique insights on resilience, effective influence, navigating change, and fostering community. His talks are not just motivational but grounded in real-world experiences, making them both relatable and impactful.
Michael J. Houser, Sr.
Councilman, Cuyahoga County
Michael J. Houser Sr.. is a dedicated public servant, community leader, and advocate committed to advancing equity, transparency, and opportunity in Cuyahoga County. As a Cuyahoga County Councilman, he works tirelessly to implement policies that strengthen neighborhoods, support economic development, and empower residents.
Houser serves as the Chair of the Community Development and Housing Committee, where he leads efforts to expand housing opportunities, promote responsible development, and foster community growth. He is also playing a key role in spearheading the County’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention, working to develop comprehensive strategies to address public safety and reduce violence in communities most impacted by crime.
In addition to his legislative role, Houser is the Executive Director of the Bond Accountability Commission (BAC), an independent nonprofit overseeing the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s school construction and renovation projects. Through this work, he ensures taxpayer dollars are used responsibly while improving educational environments for Cleveland’s youth.
A strong advocate for reentry housing and workforce development, Houser is committed to breaking down barriers for returning citizens and expanding economic opportunities. He leads the Your Voice Matters youth summit, which engages young people in civic leadership, advocacy, and public service.
Oye Owolewa (D.D.C.)
United States Representative, District of Columbia
United States Representative Oye Owolewa (D-D.C.) is a dedicated public servant and community advocate committed to uplifting the voices of underserved communities. Elected in 2020 as the U.S. Representative for the District of Columbia, Rep. Owolewa made history as the first Nigerian American elected to Congress. His leadership is rooted in a passion for equity, social justice, and empowering marginalized populations.
Born to Nigerian immigrant parents, Rep. Owolewa grew up in Massachusetts before moving to Washington, D.C., where he earned his Doctorate in Pharmacy from Northeastern University. His background in healthcare has fueled his advocacy for accessible and affordable healthcare, mental health resources, and economic empowerment.
Prior to his role in Congress, Rep. Owolewa actively served his community through various grassroots initiatives. He worked closely with local organizations to provide educational support, mentorship, and resources for D.C. residents. His focus on youth engagement and civic education has inspired young leaders to become active participants in their communities.
In Congress, Rep. Owolewa continues to champion policies that promote racial and economic equity, expand mental health support, and address systemic injustices. He is a strong advocate for D.C. statehood, ensuring that residents of the nation’s capital have full representation in Congress. His legislative priorities include economic development, healthcare awareness, and youth empowerment, aiming to create opportunities and resources for all D.C. residents.
With a steadfast commitment to service, Rep. Owolewa remains dedicated to improving the lives of his constituents and building a more inclusive and just society for all.
Bradley Scott Jackson, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Chief Medical Officer and Plan Performance Medical Director, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield
Dr. Jackson is the Chief Medical Officer and Plan Performance Medical Director with Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield-Ohio Medicaid Plan and previously served as the Plan Performance Medical Director for Amerigroup, Maryland Plan, a Government Business Division of Anthem Insurance. He was a co-founder and President of Premier Pediatric Group, Inc. in Mason, Ohio for 15 years and is board-certified in General Pediatrics as a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has held positions as a Volunteer Assistant Professor of Pediatrics with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Assistant Medical Director with Bethesda Group Practice (currently TriHealth Physicians) in Cincinnati, Ohio. He served as the President of the Medical Staff of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center from 1999-2000. He is a past President of the Cincinnati Medical Association, local chapter of the National Medical Association. He has also served as a Board of Trustees member (Region IV) with the National Medical Association.
He has served on several advisory boards, including the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, and as a senior physician with Village Life Outreach Project on medical mission trips to Tanzania, Africa; South Africa; and Nicaragua with Crossroads Church. He was also featured in the “Top Doctors” Edition of the Cincinnati Magazine in 2005. He was honored by the Health Improvement Collaborative as a Volunteer Leadership Award recipient in 2006 and by the Cincinnati Business Courier as a Health Care Heroes Finalist for Community Outreach and Provider Awards in 2007 and 2008.
Mordecai Cargill
Co-Founder & CCO, ThirdSpace Action Lab and ThirdSpace Reading Room
Mordecai is a Co-Founder + Chief Creative Officer of ThirdSpace Action Lab and ThirdSpace Reading Room. In this role, Mordecai provides leadership to TSAL’s Space Activation Team + community collaboration practice.
Key responsibilities include (but are not limited to): Research, Analysis & Evaluation; Narrative Analysis + Community Engagement Strategy Design; and Creative Direction & Brand Management.
Prior to launching TSAL in 2018, Mordecai served as the Director of Strategy, Research & Impact at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP), a community development funding intermediary committed to fostering inclusive neighborhoods of choice and opportunity throughout the city of Cleveland. Mordecai provided oversight and analysis for the implementation of the Cleveland Neighborhood Progress 2017-2021 Strategic Plan, focused primarily on 3 key areas of activity: Program Design and Evaluation; Research and Thought Leadership; and Partnership and Resource Development.
Mordecai earned his BA in African American Studies from Yale University, with a concentration on Black Culture in the 20th Century. He was awarded the William Pickens Prize for his Senior Thesis entitled, “The Black Arts Iconography of John Coltrane.” Mordecai is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Delta Alpha Lambda Chapter).
Andre Barry
Musician
André Berry moved from Cleveland, Ohio to Los Angeles in 1985 to pursue a career playing Bass Guitar. Upon seeing the level of musicianship he would have to compete with, he enrolled into Los Angeles City College as there was a reputation there of having a strong Music Education program focused on Jazz & Classical Music. He took all the available music courses over a period of 4 years, culminating in a crossroads: In order to get a degree to teach music he would have had to take all the necessary curriculum courses such as English, Biology, History etc, and at the same time he got asked to go on the road with The Busboys of Eddie Murphy’s 48 hours fame. He chose the latter and thus began his journey as a road musician.
“My objective today is to get my own project off the ground. We have begun playing and just got booked to play the Blue Jay Jazz Festival in Lake Arrowhead, CA, and The Juneteenth Celebration in Murrietta , CA so we’re excited! We have about 87 songs together and have begun work on a new CD of original music. This projeck called “DAP – The Digital Audio Projekt” is special because we’re a trio and we incorporate multitasking of playing samples, loops, and backing tracks along with regular electric instrumentation and also including Midi controlled electronic instruments, so we incorporate awesome sounds, like Timpanis, and orchecstral sounds along with Hip Hop Samples with regular old singing and playing.
“All ‘n’ all my journey has been…I’ll say interesting. I am blessed. Things come to me out of nowhere and I am blessed with every new phone call. It’s exactly like the call I got from Bilal Akram. He was the star of stars when we were coming up…just the most popular dude imaginable, so to get a call from him was a real honor.”
The wonderful thing was the fact that the conversation was like we hadn’t missed a beat. He was down to Earth, real and easy to talk to. My kinda dude!”
