DIANE LINSTON
Diane Linston, is one of the most influential fashion designers and entrepreneurs in Cleveland Ohio. She is the only African-American female with a clothing manufacturing company. The 1500 sq foot manufacturing company is located at 36th Payne Ave.
Her collection, The N.G.U. Design (Never Give Up) is shown in more than 10 stores around the world and on Amazon.com
Her designs have graced the pages of renowned fashion publications and have been worn by influential celebrities and style icons.
She also created a new line of hospital gowns that will change the way we wear hospital gowns.
In May 2024, Cleveland Fashions & Styles will return to Chanel 3 in Cleveland, Ohio, showcasing local talent in Cleveland. Linston will be the host of the show.
ADRIAN HARPOOL
Adrian Harpool is a trusted advisor to corporate, institutional, government, and political leaders delivering effective strategies for addressing complex communications, public relations, and marketing challenges. He has crafted the launch of consumer brands, paved the way for large-scale real estate projects, and executed creative campaigns for causes and candidates transforming the physical, economic, social, and political landscapes of communities nationwide.
In recent years, Harpool has been a valuable resource to policymakers and political figures. He orchestrated the election of Adrienne Jones as Maryland’s first Black (and woman) speaker of the General Assembly. Harpool serves as a senior adviser to the campaign for Maryland Governor Wes Moore, only the third Black person to serve as a governor in the nation’s history.
NIYIA WHITSETT
Niyia Whitsett is a shining example of a multifaceted entrepreneur who has dedicated her life to healing, creativity, and empowerment. Her journey has led her to become the owner and director of Self-Approved Herbal Spa, where she channels her gift for soothing the soul to impact women and men of all ages. Through her message of “Heal Your Emotions, Heal Your Life!”, she empowers individuals to transcend their emotional barriers and facilitate positive transformation.
Whitsett creates safe spaces for those seeking emotional and holistic enhancement and has founded a community of women from all walks of life with one mission: to embrace each other. Her work is guided by God yearly and each year has its theme, making her an inspiration to all who seek to live a life of fulfillment and purpose.
ANTHONY GADDY
Anthony Gaddy is a co-founder and President/CEO of the Upstate New York Black Chamber of Commerce, the upstate New York affiliate for U.S. Black Chambers, which recognized the organization as its 2023 USBC Chamber of the Year for their outstanding work on behalf of Black Businesses throughout upstate New York.
Founded in February 2019, the upstate New York Black Chamber of Commerce is based in Albany and represents the upstate New York region including the Capital Region, Central New York, Western New York, and the Hudson Valley Region on behalf of Black Businesses and Underserved Communities. USNYBCC has been a fierce advocate for the certification of MWBEs and has worked with the NYS Division of Minority Women Business Development to support their tremendous improvements in the certification process and to assist Members and even nonmembers to become MWBE-certified.
