Blanton S. Tolbert,
PhD is a scientist, educator, and leader whose career reflects a deep belief that discovery and human progress are inseparable. He is the Jacob Gershon-Cohen Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studies the molecular mechanisms used by viruses that cause human disease. His research focuses on understanding how viruses interact with the molecules inside our cells to replicate and spread. By examining these processes at the atomic and molecular level, his laboratory works to uncover fundamental principles that could ultimately inform new approaches to antiviral therapies.
But for Tolbert, advancing science has always been about more than solving biological puzzles. Over the course of his career, he has become equally committed to shaping the environments in which science is practiced. Before joining the University of Pennsylvania, he served as the inaugural Vice Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Associate Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he worked to strengthen pathways for scientists from historically underrepresented communities. He has also contributed to national science policy and research strategy through his service as chairperson of the National Institutes of Health Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council. Most recently, he served as the inaugural Vice President of the Center for the Advancement of Science Leadership and Culture at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, where he helped lead national initiatives aimed at strengthening mentorship, supporting scientists at all career stages, and building research cultures where talent from all backgrounds can flourish.
Throughout his work – as a researcher, mentor, and institutional leader – Tolbert strives to inspire the next generation of scientists by demonstrating that excellence in science is not limited to a single path. He believes that science belongs to all people and communities, and that curiosity, creativity, and diverse life experiences strengthen the scientific enterprise and its ability to address complex global challenges. By mentoring young scientists and cultivating environments where individuals feel valued and supported, he hopes to help others see themselves as contributors to discovery. For Tolbert, the promise of science lies not only in what it reveals about the natural world but also in its power to expand opportunity, connect communities, and inspire people everywhere to imagine themselves as part of the pursuit of knowledge.
– JOHN GRIFFIN, JR. –
On November 1, 2023, John Griffin, Jr. founded Unconquerable Security Solutions, PLLC. (USS). USS is led by security experts with 40+ years of experience serving Fortune 500 businesses, government agencies, and individuals in the physical& digital realms. A
Nationally trained, full-spectrum security and cyber expert, John Griffin, Jr., founded AGB (Always Giving Back) Investigative Services, Incorporated on April 13th, 2001. Like USS, AGB offered expertise in all aspects of security, including physical and cyber security. AGB is an award-winning company that meets the rigorous ISO (International Standards Organization) 9001 quality management standards for services. John’s intention is for the organization to be a ministry that assists people in need, as he employs approximately 1,400 security professionals, who provide armed and unarmed security services, cyber security, private investigations, and expert-level training.
John creates professional opportunities for adults, particularly minorities, in underserved areas of Chicago. Like AGB, USS’s fully accredited workforce has extensive experience handling complex and sensitive security.
and investigative projects. An authority in security and risk mitigation, John Griffin Jr. has extensive experience in high-level security prevention and investigations with 21 years of local and national experience. John Griffin Jr. was trained by the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and United States Secret Service in computer forensics. John Griffin Jr. is a certified Forensic Expert Witness and continues to collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Investing in education is part of Griffin’s greater mission to rebuild the fabric of society in inner-city neighborhoods where industry, innovation, and opportunity have become scarce. The AGB Institute is a nonprofit 501(c)3 private school that offers training in a wide range of work-related areas, including security training, workplace safety, business skills, and personal development in Chicago. The Institute is the brainchild of John, who has found success in developing his own employees through continuous training and professional development opportunities.
– TREY WILLIAMS –
Trey Williams is the founder of Hood Honey, a Mt. Pleasant bee farm and urban garden that is transforming the former site of his grandmother’s home at 3410 E. 119th Street into a vital community resource.
Since 2021, he has grown Hood Honey into a seven-lot operation with nine active hives, hands-on classes for youth and adults, and a steady focus on neighborhood health and food access. The mission is straightforward: build Black economic development through farming and beekeeping, turning vacant land into productive places that feed people, teach skills, and restore pride.
Beyond the hives, Trey is deeply committed to his family, local leadership and youth development, serving as a board member for the Maple Heights Boys League.
His work in urban agriculture and community wellness is supported by partnerships with the St. Luke’s Foundation and Thea Bowman and has been recognized through prestigious grants from the USDA and SARE
– DAVID WASHINGTON –
Today, Washington manages his Family Office while leading Washington Global Management and the visionary 7 Hills Development Group, a community-focused development initiative dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth and innovation. Through his work, he advocates for business ownership, strategic partnerships, and wealth creation as tools to uplift communities and strengthen economic independence across the global African Diaspora.
Known for his dynamic energy and ability to inspire others, Washington is committed to helping individuals and organizations thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. His philosophy blends entrepreneurship with wellness and personal development. A licensed massage therapist, master chef, and clean-eating advocate, he also embraces meditation and yoga as tools for balance and clarity.
A devoted father of three and proud grandfather of four granddaughters, Washington believes his greatest legacy will be the opportunities he helps create for future generations.
– CAMERON REDDEN, ED –
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) appointed Cameron Redden, Ed.D., as Chief Administrative Officer of the Brunswick University Center in September 2025, marking a major milestone in the College’s commitment to expanding high-quality educational services and strengthening community access. In this role, Redden provides strategic leadership that advances Tri-C’s mission through innovative partnerships, operational excellence, and a vision for Brunswick as a regional hub of opportunity. Redden is recognized as a strategic partner to the College’s CEO & President, advancing initiatives that elevate student success, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and uphold Tri-C’s commitment to equity and community impact. His leadership reflects a deep dedication to building systems and structures that expand pathways for learners of all ages. Prior to this appointment, Redden served in several key roles at Tri-C, including Executive Director of Presidential Initiatives & Strategic Management, Executive Director of Ohio Options for Adults, and Project Director of TRIO Student Support Services.
– FURNEY BROWN –
Furney Brown is a cybersecurity professional with over 30 years of experience in IT security compliance, risk management, security framework implementation, management consulting, and project management. His goal is to align technology strategies with business objectives while helping organizations build resilience, achieve long-term success, and develop strategic solutions that strengthen security and ensure compliance.
He has successfully led numerous IT security projects across the US, partnering with prominent large consulting organizations such as KPMG, Deloitte, and Cap Gemini Sogeti. Additionally, he is the former leader of the public sector practice for a prominent US management consulting firm in addition to working with global IT consulting leaders.
He holds multiple certifications in security operations and various technical areas. Throughout his career, he has managed large-scale security and compliance initiatives, driving improvements in control design and effectiveness while ensuring adherence to industry regulations.
Furney’s expertise spans cybersecurity, IT security compliance, network design, business process improvement, technical infrastructure, application control security, IT general controls, IT strategic planning, and IT governance. He has extensive experience in the assessment of technology risk and evaluation of IT controls in support of IT security regulatory compliance engagements and in working with various IT security control frameworks.
Furney specializes in assessing technology risks and guiding organizations in meeting regulatory compliance requirements, such as HIPAA/HITECH, Sarbanes-Oxley, and FERPA. His expertise extends to working with industry frameworks like NIST 800, ISO 27001/27002, and COBIT.
– SILVESTER HENDERSON –
Professor Silvester Henderson is a nationally distinguished educator, conductor, entrepreneur, and cultural leader whose career spans more than four decades. He is renowned for his transformative impact on gospel music, higher education, and community empowerment. He has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Gospel Music Legacy Award (2023), the A2MEND Educational Leadership Award (2020), and the Albert Nelson Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award (2019).
Henderson serves on the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC), where he helps guide statewide academic policy for the nation’s largest higher education system.
At the University of California, Berkeley, Henderson was appointed the formal Director of the Young Inspiration Gospel Choir, leading the ensemble to international acclaim. At Los Medanos College (LMC), he founded and directed the Los Medanos College Gospel Choir.
The only gospel choral program in the California Community College system. He was named Professor of the Year by the LMC Academic Senate (2012–2013).
For over 35 years, Henderson has served as the Minister of Music at Palma Ceia Baptist Church in Hayward, California, one of the nation’s most prominent. mega congregations.
– TERRY MOORE –
A veteran NCAA official with 30 years of experience, Terry Moore is an internationally recognized sports official and referee instructor. From 2007 to the present, he has selected and trained referee candidates at the national and international level who represent the USA in FIBA worldwide competitions. He has also conducted certifying and recertification clinics every four years, assigned referees to USA National Team Tryouts and Friendly Games between other countries, and presented clinics on New Rules and Interpretations for National Federation teams, coaches, and players.
Since 2007, he has been a Replay Center Coordinator for the Southeastern Conference, collaborating with officials on interpretation, application, and adjudication of rules during all monitor reviews for SEC conference and tournament games. He has also consulted on critical plays submitted by officials or members of the Southeastern Conference Academic Consortium.
In 2004, he established the first Prostate Cancer Walk/Run in Spartanburg, SC, a 3-mile event to bring awareness of the disease affecting Black men.
From 1996 to 2000, he was on the Human Relations Board of Spartanburg, where he helped develop strategies and policies for creating a homogenous and diverse community. For the Spartanburg Parks and Recreation, he was on the Special Events Advisory Board, which selects and manages concerts, festivals, and community events.
Over the years, Terry has earned officiating assignments in 17 NCAA tournaments and 2 regional finals. In 2016, he was the special Assistant to the South Korean Basketball League, where he helped them convert their professional league to FIBA guidelines, as well as implement new FIBA Rules and Interpretation provisions for the entire league. That year, he was also honored to be a referee instructor and replay official at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Terry’s interests, besides sports, include photography, golfing, and calligraphy.
– AKIL HAMEED –
Akil Hameed is the Founder and CEO of FASS Real Estate Services, a leading real estate firm in Northeast Ohio that manages over $80 million in commercial, mixed-use, and residential assets. With more than two decades of experience in real estate, Hameed has become a force for inclusive community development and strategic growth. Under his leadership, FASS launched a real estate development division in 2021, partnering with both local and national developers to bring transformative, mid-sized projects to the region. Hameed leads a diverse team of over 20 professionals, driving marketing strategies and community engagement that have solidified FASS’s reputation for innovation and equity.
In 2023, he landed the Property Management & Leasing contract at the Historic Shaker Square, a city-owned redevelopment project costing over $12 million in acquisition and $6 million in capital investments. In this role, Hameed oversees nearly 70 retail and office businesses and manages an annual $5 million budget.
A graduate of Florida A&M University, he has earned prestigious positions, including Past President of the Akron-Cleveland Association of Realtors, Leadership Cleveland Class of 2023, 2012 Graduate of Project REAP, Past National REAP Board Member, and Chair of the 2025 NAR Diversity Committee. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., initiated in Spring 1999 into the Beta Nu Chapter at FAMU, and is currently an active member of the Delta Alpha Lambda Chapter in Cleveland, Ohio.
– LUKE FEDLAM –
Luke Fedlam is a nationally recognized leader in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) advocacy, education, and athlete representation. A partner at Amundsen Davis and Co-Chair of the firm’s Entertainment, Sports & Media Law Practice Group, Luke has been deeply involved in NIL since its inception, working to ensure athletes, institutions, and policymakers understand both the opportunities and the risks in this evolving landscape.
He has educated student-athletes, coaches, and administrators at more than 40 colleges and universities nationwide on NIL rights, contract literacy, compliance, and long-term brand strategy. His work also includes collaboration with attorneys from the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the legal, tax, and intellectual property dimensions of NIL. At the high school level, he has partnered with the National Federation of High Schools and multiple state athletic associations to provide practical guidance and guardrails for young athletes.
Luke has served as an Adjunct Professor of Sports Law at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and successfully represented a high school athlete in challenging the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s prohibition on NIL. He also represents numerous professional athletes across sports, including NBA lottery picks and first-round NFL selections, helping structure endorsement and business strategies that protect and build long-term value.
A graduate of Wake Forest University and the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Luke lives in Columbus with his wife and two kids. An active Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Luke also serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Columbus Clippers minor league baseball team.
