Rainbow PUSH Annual International Convention Program Book 2018 by captainchicago

June 13, 2018 Hello, Friends: Welcome to the 47th Annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund International Convention – “Make American Fair And Equal: The 2018 Global Agenda”. A President who continues to use his bully pulpit, not in morally uplifting ways, but in racist, misogynistic, anti -immigrant, anti-Muslim, prevaricating, bullying, greedy, narcissistic, negative, profane, angry, blaming, scapegoating, uncivil and possibly illegal and unconstitutional ways means we are living in very difficult and trying times. Everything we’ve fought for over the last 80 years – civil rights, labor rights, women’s rights, educational rights, sexual orientation rights, environmental protections and more - is now under attack by a President and an administration determined to roll back the clock and roll over our hopes and dreams for a better America and world. So the struggle continues. It’s fight-back and fight on time. During our convention, we will present an action agenda. It’s time to put on our thinking caps and marching boots one more time, but it’s also time to address jobs, guns and drugs in our communities. We have to deal with the internal and external causes of violence, but especially the flow of illegal guns responsible for so many deaths of innocent children and young people. This year’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition convention kicks off on Wednesday, June 13 with a focus on business opportunities in private supplier chains and construction jobs headlined with Rev. Al Sharpton as the keynote speaker at the Commonwealth Edison Training Facility. On Wednesday evening, we will be inspired through our Annual Rev. Clay Evans Prayer Service and Gospel Concert with co-hosts Santita Jackson and Deandre Patterson, honoring Archbishop Lucius Hall, Rev. Maceo Woods, Dr. Ludella Evans Reid, Sonya Blakey, Effie Rolfe and featuring Bebe Winans, Charles Jenkins, Sr., Audrey Dubois Harris, Darius Brooks, The Tommies Reunion, Kim Stratton, Rev. Ray Berryhill, Elder Eric Thomas, GMAC & LDR Traditional Choir and Maurice Mahon at the Apostolic Faith Church.

Thursday, June 14th, is our annual Business Breakfast honoring African business leaders and outstanding businessmen and businesswomen in the United States with outstanding business speakers. Later in the morning are the Global and Africa Diaspora Investment Forum, Diversity Panel Discussion and American Airlines Procurement Workshop. At noon the Clergy Luncheon will focus on “The Church, The Vote, The Election: Why the Power of the Church and Community Matter.” In the evening the Labor Achievement Dinner will feature Bishop William Barber as the keynote speaker. On Friday, June 15th, there will be our annual Health Care Breakfast and workshops addressing universal health care and consumer protection. At noon there will be our annual Women’s Luncheon with Georgia’s new Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams as the keynote speaker. Friday evening will feature an allstar panel of former athletes for our Annual Sports & Education event. It is in the spirit of Dr. King - the spirit of lifting up our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters, gay and straight, Muslim, Jew and Christian – that we gather here on the sparkling shores of Lake Michigan to galvanize the progressive rainbow family. We pray that the violence will end in Chicago and across the nation. We pray that others will understand that black lives matter. We pray that the illegal guns and drugs will stop flowing throughout black and brown communities. We welcome our African dignitaries from throughout the continent and all the men and women friends we have in business, education, sports, politics, labor, health care and more. We are deeply grateful that you have chosen to join us in the struggle.

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Founder and President

Welcome to the 47th Annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund International Convention. Over the past year, we have focused on voting rights, fairness in Silicon Valley, and the need for a national urban policy. This year, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition has also attended several shareholders meetings of Fortune 500 companies to ensure that minority and womenâ&#x20AC;?owned businesses get their fair share of supplier and professionalâ&#x20AC;?service contracts. We have also challenged these same companies to diversify their boards and their corporate suites. Over the past year, we have traveled to several major U.S. urban cities and have found record budget deficits, major federal, state and local cutbacks and layoffs, escalating police brutality, and unprecedented violence among our youth. In this convention and the months ahead, we have much work to do, and we hope you leave compelled to expand and even the playing field in all aspects of American life. Sincerely,

Martin L. King Chairman of the Board Rainbow PUSH Coalition

June 13, 2018

July 13 2018

June 13, 2018

About Rainbow PUSH Coalition • In 1997, the Citizenship Education Fund (CEF) established the Wall Street Project with six economic offices focusing on the industries of financial services, commodities, information technology, entertainment, energy, and manufacturing. Research, education, negotiation, demonstration (if necessary), and reconciliation comprise the corporate engagement strategy in which corporations are encouraged to view inclusion as a means of growth and to foster two-way — Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. trade between the mainstreamed and the marginalized. Throughout its history, the organizational philosophy MISSION STATEMENT has been anchored in the beliefs that: Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC) is a multi-racial, multi-issue, • Need is the basis of organization international membership organization, founded by Reverend • Self-interest is the sustaining force Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Our mission is to defend, protect, and • Service is power gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational — Chairman, Board of Trustees - Martin L. King, Esq. playing fields and promoting peace around the world.

RPC2018

Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC) is a progressive organization fighting for social change. As a mighty coalition of conscience workers, women and people of color, we have the power to make the American Dream a reality! “The American Dream is one big tent of many cultures, races and religions. Under that tent, everybody is assured equal protection under the law, equal opportunity, equal access and a fair share. Our struggle demands that we open closed doors, extend the tent and even the playing field.”

THE HISTORY

Rainbow PUSH Coalition is the product of a social justice movement to secure justice for all people, particularly in the United States of America. The Coalition grew out of the Southern Christian Leadership Conferences Operation Breadbasket, founded by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Operation Breadbasket sought to combine theology and social justice while affecting progressive economic, educational, and political policy in America. • In 1966, Dr. King appointed Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., to serve as the first director of Operation Breadbasket in Chicago, IL • In 1971, three years following the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, TN, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. founded Operation P.U.S.H. (People United to Save Humanity, later modified to People United to Serve Humanity) in Chicago, IL, and continued the work of Dr. King • In 1972, the idea of the “Black Expo” (Black Business Exposition) was developed to “showcase” AfricanAmerican businesses • In 1984, the National Rainbow Coalition was formed in Washington, DC, following Reverend Jackson’s first presidential campaign. Rainbows’ focus was to unite progressive people historically locked out of the mainstream of American politics into a “Coalition of Conscience” dedicated to making America more Inclusive • In 1996, the National Rainbow Coalition and Operation P.U.S.H. were merged to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC), with its international headquarters based in Chicago, IL

CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION FUND

Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., to promulgate the democratic principles of civic virtue in order to improve life opportunities for those who are voiceless and forgotten, established the Citizenship Education Fund (CEF) in 1984. CEF seeks to empower citizens through effective public education and research. CEF collects data on non-partisan initiatives by organizing public-awareness campaigns on a variety of public policy issues. The primary programmatic thrust of CEF involves issues related to minority business development, youth, education equity, and electoral participation. To this end, CEF has committed its staff and resources to the following programs and projects: • Wall Street Project • Voter Education • Public Policy Institute

— Chairman, Board of Trustees - William D. Dickerson

PUSH FOR EXCELLENCE, INC.

PUSH for Excellence (PUSH Excel) seeks to encourage students and their parents to strive toward academic excellence. Further, it seeks to make the education and development of America’s youth a shared community function and encourages the entire community to get involved in taking the necessary steps to improve the educational environment that influence our young people’s development: • Juvenile Mentoring and Early Intervention Coalition • Reclaim Our Youth • Historically Black Colleges & Universities College Tour • Scholarship Program • National Oratorical Competition • REEL Basketball League and Mentoring Program

— Board of Trustees - Judge Greg Mathis (Co-Chair) — Pat Harris (Co-Chair) Julianne Malveaux, President

History of Rainbow PUSH Coalition

RPC2018

As we celebrate five decades of service in SCLC/Operation Breakfast, Operation PUSH, Citizenship Education Fund, and Rainbow PUSH Coalition, we want to recognize many of the people who helped us get to this point in history. Please excuse any gaps in the record.

Operation Breadbasket (1966-1971)

A Project of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. (Executive Director, 1966-1971) Rev. Calvin Morris (Associate Director, 1967-1971) Thomas N. Todd (Associate Director, 1969-1971)

Operation P.U.S.H.(1971-1996) People United to Serve Humanity Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Mabry Roby

Rev. Willie T. Barrow

Garland Frazier

Rev. Tyrone Crider

James Felder

Rev. Henry Williamson

Joseph Gardner

Rev. Dr. Janette Wilson, Esq.

Sam Tidmore

Rev. Jimmy Daniels

Vice President

Thomas N. Todd

Executive Director

Rev. Wilfred Reid

Sr. Vice President

Charles Allen

Sr. VP & Executive Director

Executive Vice President Executive Director Executive Director Roland Burris

Executive Director Dr. Charles Warfield

Executive Director

Executive Director Rev. Hycel Taylor

President

Executive Director Executive Director President

Executive National Director President

June Brown, Esq.

Deputy Director & COO

RPC2018

History of Rainbow PUSH Coalition

Citizenship Education Fund (1983-present) Greg Moore Yolanda Caraway Sandra Jackson Rev. Gary Massoni Nancy Ware Ken Roberts Bonita Parker John Mitchell

National Rainbow Coalition (1984-1995)

Founded in December 1984 From the energy of the 1984 Jackson for President Campaign Preston Love Yolanda Caraway Jack Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dell Joe Johnson Frank Watkins Ron Daniels May Louie Angela Jordan Davis Nancy Ware

Rainbow PUSH Coalition (1996-Present)

From the 1996 Merger of the National Rainbow Coalition and Operation P.U.S.H Janice Mathis (Chief of Staff) Ken Roberts (Chief Operating Officer) Bonita Parker (Chief Operating Officer) John Mitchell (Chief of Staff)

Chairmanship of Boards of Trustees Operation P.U.S.H. Rev. Clay Evans Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. Rev. Charles Jenkins

National Rainbow Coalition and Rainbow PUSH Coalition Mario Obledo Rev. Willie T. Barrow Dennis Rivera Rev. Joan Brown Campbell (Vice Chair) Martin L. King, Esq. Citizenship Education Fund Jewell Jackson McCabe Jonathan Jackson Russell Ewert William D. Dickerson

Push For Excellence, Inc.

Pat Harris, (Co-Chair) Judge Greg Mathis, (Co-Chair) Dr. Julianne Malveaux (President)

Staff & Office Listings PRESIDENT’S OFFICE John Mitchell

April M. Branch Alanna Ford Corinne “Betty” Magness David Day Shelley Davis Bryant Ware

Chief of Staff & National Scheduler Executive Assistant & Sponsorship Coordinator Social Media Coordinator Illinois Political Director National Director Corporate Relations Personal Assistant to Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Personal Assistant to Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

RPC2018

John Adams Patricia Velez Dominique Verse

Chief Financial Office Accounting Administrator Staff Accountant

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT Marjorie McKinnonPrice

Jasmine McKinnonPrice Darcelle Chiles

National Director of Human Resources & Payroll/Benefits Administration Human Resources Consultant Human Resources Consultant

MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT Felicia C. Neal Tedra Smith

OFFICE SERVICES Ellen Dickey Johnnie Savory James Stennis Eric Jarmon

FIELD OFFICE

Rev. Cassius Rudolph

IT DEPARTMENT Rose Glenn

National Director of Membership Services

Switchboard Receptionist Information Specialist/Security Custodian

Midwest Field Director

Sandra McKinley Michael Hughes Steve Wheeler V Angela Samuel Calvin Steen Daniel Carmichael Khalia Carmichael Kalyn Jacobs Melanie Brown Randolph Bailey Darius Lawrence William “Ralph” Mote Gwendolyn Rudolph Kiasha WillIams Linda Denard Royal ‘Mickey’ Warren Santita Jackson Sonya Russell Christopher Hodges DeShaun Simpson Christian Bishop

Studio Director Crew Chief ideo Engineer Camera Crew Camera Crew Camera Crew Camera Crew Camera Crew Camera Crew Camera Crew Audio Engineer Audio Engineer Technical Director Editor Technical Director Floor Director Producer CG Operator

PUBLIC POLICY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROJECTS

4915 St. Elmo Avenue, Suite 300 Bethesda, MD 20814 Frank Watkins Public Policy Director James Gomez International Affairs Director Steve Smith Telecommunications Director

SILICON VALLEY PROJECT

141 Industrial Street, Suite 1, San Francisco, CA 9124 Lyle “Butch”Wing Executive Director Dr. Joseph Bryant, Jr. Co-Executive Director & National Director, Sports

PEACHTREE STREET PROJECT

50 Hurt Plaza SE, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA. 30303 Calvin Vismale Executive Director Axel Adams National Director-OTCC Trina Heathington Foreclosure Specialist & Administrative Assistant

AUTOMOTIVE PROJECT IT Consultant

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Reverend Janette Wilson Michelle Chambers Jason Robinson

STUDIO/ PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT

Nat’l Director of PUSH Excel Program Director Director of College Bound Programs

4335 West Fort Street, Suite 2120, Detroit, MI 48209 John Graves Chairman, Automotive Project Alfreda Weathers Executive Assistant

WALL STREET PROJECT

1441 Broadway, Suite 5051, New York, NY 10018 Rebecca Cruz Business Development Director

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

Don Terry National Press Secretary Chinta Strausberg

ITINERARY Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

8:00am - 12:00 pm CONSTRUCTION SUMMIT - SPONSORED BY COMMONWEALTH EDISON Location: Com Ed Training Facility - 3535 South Iron Street, Chicago, Illinois

Find out what it requires to be profitable or develop subcontracts in the construction industry. Led by experts and professionals in this field, learn what construction workforce opportunities exist, along with the supply chain and supplier diversity requirements for the industry. This session will be interactive among participants and include a short panel discussion.

WEDNESDAY

Moderator: Panelists:

Courtney Q. Jones, President, Dearborn Realtist Board (DRB), Reverend Al Sharpton, Founder and President and CEO, National Action Network The Honorable Karen Weaver, Mayor of Flint (MI), Clinical Psychologist, and Small Business Owner

Special Presentation: Don Biernacki, Senior Vice President of Construction, Midwest Construction

11:00 am – 11:30 am RAINBOW PUSH COALITION ANNUAL CONVENTION PRESS CONFERENCE “ REBUILDING AMERICA” Location: Com Ed Training Facility - 3535 South Iron Street, Chicago, Illinois 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm CONVENTION REGISTRATION OPENS AT THE HYATT REGENCY HOTEL Location: 151 East Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm ANNUAL REVEREND CLAY EVANS PRAYER SERVICE & GOSPEL CONCERT Location: Apostolic Faith Church – 3823 Indiana Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

WEDNESDAY

Come out and fellowship at the opening gospel concert for the 2018 Rainbow PUSH Coalition Annual Convention. Hear from stellar national and local artists. Transportation will be available from Rainbow PUSH National Headquarters, 930 East 50 th Street, Chicago at 4:30 pm..

Co-Hosts:

Santita Jackson & Deandre Patterson

Honorees:

Religious Community Service Award: Pam Morris, WON Gospel Show HOst Trailblazer Award: Archbishop Lucius Hall, First Spiritual Churches of Truth, Inc. Trailblazer Award: Reverend Maceo Woods, Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church Religious Community Service Award: Dr. Ludella Evans Reid, LDR Traditional Gospel Choir Religious Community Service Award: Sonya Blakely, iHeart Radio Religious Community Service Award: Effie Rolfe, Moody Bible Institute

Artists:

Bebe Winans, Grammy-award Winning Artist Charles Jenkins, Sr., Pastor, Fellowship Church Chicago Darius Brooks, Director, Mass Choir Audrey Dubois-Harris, Classical Artist Kim Stratton, Famed Gospel Singer The Tommies Reunion Choir Also featuring: Elder Eric Thomas, Reverend Ray Berryhill, Maurice Mahon, Christopher Hodges, GMAC & LDR Traditional Choir

ITINERARY Thursday, June 14, 2018

Thursday, June 14, 2018

7:00 am - 7:00 pm CONVENTION REGISTRATION OPENS AT THE HYATT REGENCY HOTEL Location: Hyatt Regency, Grand Ballroom Foyer 8:30 am – 10:00 am BUSINESS BREAKFAST Location: Hyatt Regency, Grand Ballroom

THURSDAY

Hear from leading senior executives and founders about the current state of business for African Americans and other people of color. Participate in a celebration of national and international leaders who are changing the landscape of business and empowering communities of color.

Panelists:

Shannon Brown, Senior Vice President, Air, Ground, and Frieght Services, FedEx Services The Honorable Michael W. Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer John Rogers, Chairman, CEO, and Chief Investment Officer, Ariel Investments Luke Visconti, Founder and CEO, DiversityInc

Honorees:

Africa Leadership Award: Leadership in Business: Leadership in Business: Leadership in Business: Leadership in Business: Outstanding Woman in Business:

Samba Bathily, Founder, Africa Development Solution Jim Blair, President & CEO, F.H. Paschen Elzie Higginbottom, CEO, East Lake Management Larry Huggins, President & CEO, Rite Way Construction Otis Reems, CEO, Big O Movers Patricia Brown-Holmes, Founding Partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP Equity Partner

10:00 am – 12:00 pm GLOBAL AND AFRICA DIASPORA FORUM PART I Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room K/L

Panelists will discuss Africa’s continuing business opportunities in oil, gas, natural resources, energy, health care, telecommunications, technology, entertainment, construction, financial services, and tourism in their respective countries and sectors.

Convener:

Dr. Ewa Ewa, Financial Officer, State of Illinois

Moderator:

Oliver Kamanzi, President and CEO, Africa Global Chamber of Commerce

Panelists:

Samba Bathily, Founder, Africa Development Solution The Honorable Emanuel A.K. Bush, Parliament & Former Minister of Energy and Petroleum - Ghana Cynthia D. DiBartolo, Esq., CEO, Tigress Financial Partners, Inc. Daryl Swanepoel, Convener, ANC Progressive Business Forum – South Africa

Thursday, June 14, 2018

11:00 am – 11:30 am CONVENTION PRESS CONFERENCE “INTERNATIONAL DAY” Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room A/B 11:00 am – 12:00 pm AMERICAN AIRLINES PROCUREMENT WORKSHOP Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room G/H

Panelists will learn details for how to do business with the airlines and become part of the company’s supplier diversity and supply chain.

Speaker:

Wendy Webster, Director, Purchasing, Strategy and Support, American Airlines

THURSDAY

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm 1000 CHURCHES CONNECTED CLERGY LUNCHEON SPONSORED BY WELLS FARGO GOOGLE AND IMPACT TELEVISION Location: Hyatt Regency, Grand Ballroom Theme: “The Church, the Vote, this Election: Why the Power of the Church and Community Matters” Speaker:

Reverend Dr. S. Todd Yeary, Senior Pastor, Douglas Memorial Community Church

Moderators:

Bishop Henry Williamson, Sr., 52nd Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Founder of the, One Church – One School Reverend Cassius Rudolph, National Field Director, Rainbow PUSH Coalition

Panelists:

Barbara Arnwine, Founder and President, Transformative Justice Coalition Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP Winford Rice, Jr., MDiv, Th.M., Associate Pastor, Ebenezer Baptists Church Rev. Dr. Gerald Dew, Director, Southside Center for Urban Leadership & Pastor, Antioch Baptist Church

Sponsor Remarks:

Legacy In Truth Honorees:

Maurice Coleman, Senior Vice President, Community Development Banking, GCB Georgette Dixon, Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Chris Genteel, Head of Diversity Markets and Supplier Diversity, Google Lewis Gibbs, Vice President, Impact Television

Reverend Dr. Ray Berryhill, Senior Pastor, Resurrected Life Church International Reverend Doctor Sally Dycke, Active Bishop, North District United Methodist Church Dr. Grace Kim, Professor, University of Illinois-College of Medicine Reverend J. Martin Lee, Director of Congregational Development and Redevelopment, United Methodist Church Bishop Horace Smith, Sr., Pastor, Apostolic Faith Church Bishop Teresa Snorton, 59th Bishop of the CME Church, Presider – 11th Episcopal District

Thursday, June 14, 2018

2:00 pm – 2:45 pm – SPONSORED BY GOOGLE FAITH TECH CONNECTED CHURCH DIGITAL PROGRAM Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room C/D

Participants will hear from Google , whose leaders will conduct a “hands on” training for Pastors and faith leaders who are interested in participating in Rainbow PUSH’s the Faith Tech Connected Digital Program.

Facilitators:

Phifer Turner, Accounts Strategist, Google; Aneta Lee, Digital Inclusion Specialist, Google

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm HOW TO STRENGTHEN DIVERSITY, CYBERSECURITY AND PRIVACY IN BUSINESS Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room G/H

THURSDAY

Panelists with expertise in cybersecurity will discuss cyber-crimes, including election tampering, data theft, state sponsored attacks, and privacy violations. Panelists will also discuss the increasing opportunities in these fields for African Americans and other people of color.

Moderator:

Michael Powell, CEO and President, The Syber Technology Group

Panelists:

Dennis Gilbert, Vice President, Corporate and Information Security, Com Ed Natnael Habtesion, Senior Direction, Information Security Program Office, Discover Financial Services Dr. DeAndre Redd, Forensic Data Scientist

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm AFRICA AND GLOBAL DIASPORA FORUM PART II Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room K/L

Convener:

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Ewa Ewa, Financial Officer, State of Illinois The Honorable Robert K. Scott, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs – U.S. State Department

Moderator:

Matilda Arhin, President Ghana International Chamber of Commerce

Panelists:

Ron Busby, Sr., President and CEO, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. The Honorable Phumzile Mazibuko, South Africa Consul General, Chicago The Honorable. Sambady Badibanga Ntita, Former Prime Minister – DR Congo Ismael Roig, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Archer Daniels Midland

Thursday, June 14, 2018

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, EQUALITY IN TECH: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room G/H

Panelists will discuss how issues of privacy and data breaches affect the industry and communities of color. They will also share how the tech industry is responding to issues of racial equality and equity in the U.S. and abroad.

Moderator:

Tricia “CK” Hoffler, Partner, Edmond, Lindsay & Hoffler, LLP,

Speakers:

Fabian Elliot, CEO and Founder, Black Tech Mecca Molly Ford, Senior Director, Global Equality Programs, Salesforce Janaye Ingram, Director, National Partnerships, Airbnb Vickey Montgomery, Head of Industry, Auto and Real Estate, Google

THURSDAY

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm INNOCENCE NETWORK SUMMIT DERAILING THE PRISON PIPELINE THROUGH THE INNOCENCE PROJECT Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room I/J

Panelists will discuss the processes to free the staggering number of innocent people who remain incarcerated and the efforts to bring system reform to the unjust criminal justice system.

Moderator:

Minister William Hall, Senior Pastor, St. James Community Church

Speakers:

Amy P. Campanelli, Public Defender, Cook County Dr. Willie Wilson, Founder and CEO, Omar Medical Supplies and Willie Wilson Productions

Panelists:

Ken Barry, Chief Paralegal (Survivor) Kevin Betton, Assistant Fire Chief, City of Chicago Marcus Lyons, (Survivor) Johnnie Savory, Paralegal, Rainbow PUSH Coalition (Survivor) Daniel Taylor, (Survivor)

Honorees:

The Honorable Dorothy Brown, Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court Standish Willis, Esq., The Law Office of Standish E. Willis, Ltd.

Thursday, June 14, 2018

5:00 pm - 6:15 pm MILLENIALS IN CORPORATE TECHNOLOGY AND FINANCE SPONSORED BY WELLS FARGO, GOOGLE AND BANK OF AMERICA Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room G/H

This panel discussion will create awareness of the careers in finance and technology targeted to women, people of color, and veterans. The session will also include a workshop on financial literacy.

Moderator:

THURSDAY

Sponsor Remarks:

Reverend Cassius Rudolph, National Field Director, Rainbow PUSH Coalition Maurice Coleman, Senior Vice President, Community Development Banking, GCB, Bank of America Joel M. Coleman, Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Clearing services, LLC Aneta Lee, Digital Inclusion Specialist, Google

LABOR ACHIEVEMENT DINNER: POVERTY, WORK, JUSTICE, AND BIG BOX SCHEMES 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm RECEPTION 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm LABOR ACHIEVEMENT DINNER AND PROGRAM Location: Hyatt Regency, Grand Ballroom Join an evening of celebration of America’s labor leaders and hear their opinions on the future of poverty and workforce equality.

Panel:

Clayola Brown, President, A. Philip Randolph Institute William Lucy, Former AFSCME Secretary -Treasurer. AFSCME/CBTU (Retired) Robert G. Reiter, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer, Chicago Federation of Teachers

Keynote Speaker:

Reverend William Barber, President, Repairers of the Breech

Honorees:

Addie Wyatt Award: Building Trades Award: International Humanitarian Award: Legacy Award: Overcomer Award:

Susan Hurley, Executive Director, Jobs with Justice Dr. Ludella Evans Reid, LDR Traditional Gospel Choir Tim Puntillo, President and CEO, Bulley and Andrews Robert G. Reiter, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer, Chicago Federation of Teachers James Thindwa, Civic Engagement Coordinator, American Federation of Teachers

8:00 pm – 12:00 am RAINBOW PUSH COALITION / YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORKING EVENT Location: Per.so.na Chicago Ultra Lounge, 408 S. Wells Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607 Spend an evening with RPC millennial attendees to network and socialize at the after party. Must show conference badge.

ITINERARY Friday, June 15, 2018

Friday, June 15, 2018

7:00 am – 7:00 pm CONVENTION REGISTRATION OPENS AT THE HYATT REGENCY HOTEL Location: Hyatt Regency, Grand Ballroom Foyer 8:30 am – 10:00 am HEALTHCARE BREAKFAST Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room E/F

Hear from leading senior executives and founders about the current state of health care in the U.S. and across the globe.

“Mastering Provider Care / Opening The Doors To Healthcare” – 8:30am – 9:00am Bernice Mills-Thomas; RN, MSM, MPH, MBA, President / CEO Near North Health Chuck Beeman President / CEO Wellcare / Harmony Dr. Derek J. Robinson Vice President / BlueCross BlueShield

Conversation Two: Speakers:

“Repairing Disparities / Despondent Health Care” – 9:00am – 9:30am Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, MD, MPH, Senior Consultant Strategy & Growth, Health Outcome, American Medical Association (AMA) Dr. Robert Winn MD, MHP, Assoc. Vice Chancellor, Community-Based Practice, Director of the University of Illinois Cancer Center / Professor of Medicine, Div. of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep & Allergy Jack D. Lynch Director of Community Affairs, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network Renee Mahaffey Harris, CHES, Chief Operating Officer Center for Closing the Health Gap Cincinnati, Ohio

Conversation Three: Speakers:

“Healthcare & Economics / Healthcare On The Front Line” – 9:30am – 10:00am Dr. David Ansell, MD, MPH, Sen. V.P. Community Health Equity, Assoc. Provost for Community Affairs, Rush University Medical Center / Rush University Darlene Hightower, JD, Associate V.P. / Community Engagement, Rush University Medical Center Abraham Morgan, Pharm D. / APhA, Board Chairman, Mount Sinai Hospital & Health Systems Phillip Burton, President, National Association of Health Service Executives

FRIDAY

Conversation One: Speakers:

10:00 am - 10:30 am CONVENTION PRESS CONFERENCE - “WOMEN STANDING UP” Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room A/B

Friday, June 15, 2018

10:15 am – 11:30 am WHY BLACK MEDIA MATTERS Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room G/H

Panelists will discuss the state of black media, particularly in the areas of ownership of print, broadcast, and digital assets. Panelists will also share why black media matters in the age of Trump.

Moderator:

Mark Thompson, Radio Personality and Activist

Panelists:

Edwin Eisendrath, CEO, Chicago Sun Times Dorothy Leavell, Publisher and Editor, Chicago Crusader and Gary Newspapers; Chairman, National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA) Suzanne McBride, Chair, Columbia College’s Communication Department

FRIDAY

10:15 am – 11:30 am NELSON MANDELA CENTENARY FORUM COMMEMORATING MADIBA’S 100 YEAR BIRTHDAY Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room K/L

Participants at this special forum will reflect on Madiba’s life and global legacy, as well as influence. Discussions will include: Mandela’s dream of eradicating poverty and inequality, and his dismantling of structural racism. The panel will end with a reflection on how his life was used to promote peace, reconciliation, and unity.

Moderator:

Santita Jackson, Journalist and Political Commentator

Panelists:

Dr. Djibril Diallo, President and CEO, African Renaissance and Diaspora Network, Inc. The Honorable Ayanda Dlodlo, Minister of Public Services and Administration, The Republic of South Africa Danny Glover, Actor and Activist Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., President and Founder, Rainbow PUSH Coalition

11:45 am – 2:00 pm WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP LUNCH – SPONSORED BY NIELSEN AND COCA COLA Location: Hyatt Regency, Grand Ballroom Theme: “Women Standing Up - A Salute to the Most Influential Women in the Community and Across the Globe” Mistress of Ceremonies: Speakers:

Val Warner, Co-Host, Windy City Live, ABC TV Stacy Abrams, Democratic Candidate for the Governor of Georgia Lori George Billingsley, Vice President, Community Relations from Coca-Cola Cheryl Grace, Senior V.P., U.S. Strategic Community Alliances & Consumer Engagement, Nielsen The Honorable Ayanda Dlodlo, Minister of Public Services & Administration Republic of South Africa

Friday, June 15, 2018

FRIDAY

Honorees:

Zenani Mandela, Daughter of Winnie and Nelson Mandela South African Diplomat and former Ambassador to for South Africa to Argentina Zindziswa Mandela, Daughter of Winnie and Nelson Mandela, South African Diplomat and former Ambassador to Denmark Yvonne Staples, Community Icon, Member and Manager of Famed Gospel Group, The Staple Singers Linda Brown Thompson, Civil Rights Activist /Center of the Brown vs. Board of the Education Case Stacey Abrams, Democratic: Nominee for Governor of Georgia and former House Democratic leader Dr. Rita Samuels, Civil Rights Activist, Consultant to White House Staff, First Black woman to serve on Georgia Governor staff, Chairman of the Georgia Commission on Women Gurnell Sims, Oldest PUSH member, founder and first Chairman of the Breadbasket Usher board and Co-coordinator of each of the Family Affairs Jerline Lambert, First Black Property Manager, Business woman and owner of Lambert Realty Dr. Zenobia Sowell, Dental Mission Leader and Volunteer, Dental provider for the Illinois Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped Dorothy Leavell, Publisher and Editor, Chicago Crusader and Gary Newspapers; Chairman, National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA) Michelle Chambers - Program Coordinator, PUSH Excel, Proponent of Children Oratorical Society Peggy Montes, Founder and Owner of Bronzeville Children’s Museum, Children’s literacy advocate.

1:30 pm – 4:00 pm ROBOTICS DEMONSTRATION AND CONSTRUCTION IMMERSION DEMONSTRATION Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room I/J Students will provide robotics demonstrations and construction. Must be pre-registered to compete.

1:30 pm – 4:00 pm PUSH EXCEL NATIONAL ORATORICAL COMPETITION Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room K/L

Students will compete in an inspirational speech and oratorical contest. Must be pre-registered to compete.

Friday, June 15, 2018

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm EDUCATIONAL PLENARY: STATE OF EDUCATION IN AMERICA Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room A/B

Panelists will share the current state of education and debate the resources available to teachers to ensure quality learning and classroom experiences.

Speaker:

Tanya Clay House, Co-Founder, Clay House Consulting, Inc.

Moderator:

Dr. Jo Ann Roberts, Founder and President- J. Roberts and Associates

Panelists:

David A. Sanders, Interim President, Malcolm X College – City Colleges of Chicago Lesli Baskerville, President, National Association of Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) Ralph Martier, Executive Director, Central for Tax and Budget Accountability (CTBA) Stacey Davis Gates, Political and Legislative Director, Chicago Teachers Union

FRIDAY

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm BUSINESS OF SPORTS PANEL: AFTER THE CHEERING STOPS Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room C/D

Panel will feature former pro-athletes and athletic league decision makers to share stories of life beyond the playing field.

Moderator:

Adrienne Lawrence, Attorney and Sports Analyst; Host, Madden 18

Panelists:

Ray Austin, Former NFL Player and Founder, Digital Football Engagement Bill Cartwright, 5x NBA Champion; Director of Diversity, University of San Francisco Charles Johnson, 4x All Star and World Series Champion, Coach/Advisor, MLB Elite Development Program Isaac Jones, Former NFL Player, Senior Wealth Management Advisor Dr. Richard Lapchick, Director of Sports Ethics and Diversity, University of Central Florida Scott Rochelle, CEO, NBA Retired Players Association Rob Vaka, Former NFL Player, Technology Entrepreneur; and Player Development Director Nicole Watson, Spokeswoman and Advisor, Next College Student Athlete, National Recruitment Program

Friday, June 15, 2018

3:00 pm – 5:30 pm MILLENIAL VOTE MATTERS ROUNDTABLE AND MIDTERM ELECTION FOCUS Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room G/H

Panel One: “#Gen Z and Millennials Rising: Power Mapping and Power Building” – Gen Z and millennials are

FRIDAY

finding creative ways to amass and appropriate power. Join this power packed Roundtable discussion regarding best strategies and tactics for mobilizing the Youth and Millennial Vote in 2018.

Moderator:

Breon Wells, President & Founder, The Daniel Initiative

Conveners:

Barbara R. Arnwine, Founder and President, Transformative Justice Coalition and Reverend Cassius L. Rudolph, M.A., National Field Director, Rainbow PUSH Coalition

Advisor:

Brian McCoy

Panelists:

Rasheed Atwater, CEO, Saginaw Improvement Association, Millennial Votes Matter Leader Darius Ballinger, Founder, Chasing23, Millennial Votes Matter Leader Waikinya Clanton, Associate Director of Community Engagement, Democratic National Convention Deana Simone Ingram, President, Metropolitan Board, Chicago Urban League Austin Victoria Turk, 2018 Tuskegee Graduate, Millennial Votes Matter Leader

Panel Two: “The Importance of Midterm Elections” – This panel discussion will focus on the importance of registering and voting in the midterms and what you need to know about running a campaign and getting elected.

Moderator:

Art Norman

Panelists:

The Honorable Jackie Collins, State Senator, Illinois The Honorable Tammi Davis, State Senator, Indiana The Honorable Ian Conyers, State Senator, Michigan The Honorable Mary Flowers, State Senator, Illinois The Honorable Vincent Hughes, State Senator, Pennsylvania The Honorable Maria Chappelle-Nadal, State Senator, Missouri The Honorable Ako Abdul-Sahad, State Senator, Iowa The Honorable Lena Taylor, State Senator. Wisconsin Tammi Davis, Director of Compliance and Policy Engagement, City of Gary

Friday, June 15, 2018

5:00 pm—9:00 pm INDEPENDENT MUSIC SEMINAR BREAKING INTO THE MUSIC AND FILM INDUSTRIES Location: Hyatt Regency, Columbus Hall Room K/L

FRIDAY

This discussion will discuss the importance of making, holding, and investing earnings made from music and/or film. Learn the trade secrets from distinguished panelists that have been successful in their own music or film careers.

Moderators:

Jesse Jones and Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.

Panelists:

John Monopoly; D-BrookZ Exclusive; Hearon Trackzel, Mary Datcher, Ramonski Luv, Simeon Henderson, Will Spears, Henry Knox, Chris Gotti, Ralph “Wildstyle” Lerverston, George Daniels, Lonnie Deadwyler, James Hunt

Honorees:

CEO of the Decade:

Dwayne Holmes, President, Jaguar Entertainment Innovator Tech / Music: Chris Gotti for his music platform Media / Marketing Maverick Award: Mary Datcher for being IMS Woman of the Decade Music Icon Award: Johnnie Pilgrim for his commitment to music in the community and worldwide Radio Trailblazer Award: Ramonski Luv, The Al Capone of the Microphone Vanguard Award: George Daniels, The Father of Urban Music Chicago

Friday, June 15, 2018 RAINBOW PUSH COALITION SPORTS AND EDUCATION GALA “LIFE BEYOND THE PLAYING FIELD” 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm RECEPTION 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm RPC SPORTS AND EDUCATIONAL GALA DINNER Location: Hyatt Regency, Grand Ballroom

Join an evening of celebration of student athletes and coaches who promote the power of sports and education that encourages, equips, and empowers the next generation. Special guests and honorees include professional men and women athletes from college, sports teams, and national programs that epitomize the successful winning in sports and life.

Mistress of Ceremonies:

FRIDAY

Keynote Speaker:

Nicole Watson, Award-winning media specialist with Turner (TNT & TBS), BET, HBO, CBS, and ESPN. National Spokeswoman for Next College Student Athlete. Reporter, Producer and Motivational Speaker. Dr. Katrice Albert, Executive Vice President of Inclusion and Human Resources, NCAA

Fireside Chat:

Gabby Williams, Player, WNBA Chicago Sky Cheyenne Parker, Player, WNBA Chicago Sky

Sports Honorees:

Rainbow PUSH Service Award:

Education Honorees:

Spencer Haywood Lifetime Achievement Award: Educational Leadership Award: Outstanding Achievement Award: Outstanding Achievement Award: Outstanding Achievement Award: Overcomers Award: International Humanitarian Award:

Global Leadership Award:

Richard Lapchick, Founder and Director, Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports Bill Cartwright, 5x NBA Champion, Director of Diversity, University of San Francisco Michael Sorrell, President, Paul Quinn College Dr. Janice Jackson, CEO, Chicago Public Schools Dr. Beverly Wade Hogan, President, Tougaloo College Tanya Clay-House, Principal, COO. Clay House Consulting Inc Mr. Nathaniel Rouse, Principal, Oak Park River Forest Dr. Djibril Diallo, President & CEO, African Renaissance & Diaspora Network, Former Regional Director – West and Central Africa UNAIDS The Honorable Momodou Malcolm Jallow, Member of Parliament, Sweden

ITINERARY Saturday, June 16, 2018

Saturday, June 16, 2018 8:00 am – 9:45 am LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST AND RALLY Location: Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters, 930 E. 50th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60615

The leadership breakfast will bring elected officials together to discuss pending anti-lynching bill in U.S. Congress, voter registration, midterm elections, and other issues impacting voters.

Invited:

The Honorable Danny Davis (D-IL) The Honorable Robin Kelly (D-IL) The Honorable Bobby Rush (D-IL)

SATURDAY

10:00 am – 11:30 pm RAINBOW PUSH COALITION SATURDAY MORNING BROADCAST Location: Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters, 930 E. 50th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60615 Come hear featured musical selections and a discussion of the 2018 Global Agenda.

Lifetime Achievement: The Honorable Danny Davis (D-IL) Keynote Speaker:

Bryan Stevenson, Executive Director, Equal Justice Institute

Trailblazer for Justice: Bryan Stevenson, Executive Director, Equal Justice Institute

11:30 am - 12:00 pm CONVENTION PRESS CONFERENCE - “JUSTICE DAY” Location: Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters, 930 E. 50th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60615 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm L.O.V.E. (Love Over Violence Every Time) FEST Location: Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters, 930 E. 50th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60615 – Drexel Boulevard

The annual celebration of love over violence every fest (L.O.V.E. FEST) in an event focused on building bridges.

Featured Performers: Chi Lites, featuring Marshall Thompson Terrance Smith Oakdale Christian Academy Airin B Opal Staples Janet Sutton & the Voices of Acme Maurice Mahon

Kinsmen Kevin Cardell Johari McGee Elder Thomas Singers Chris Hodges Public Announcement The Independents

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Stacey Abrams,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Democratic Candidate for the Governor of Georgia

Democratic candidate for Governor of Georgia and former House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams received degrees from Spelman College, the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, and Yale Law School. As co-founder of NOW Account – a financial services firm that helps small businesses grow – Stacey has helped create and retain thousands of jobs in Georgia. Dedicated to civic engagement, she founded the New Georgia Project, which submitted more than more than 200,000 registrations from voters of color between 2014 and 2016. Under the pen name Selena Montgomery, Stacey is the award-winning author of eight romantic suspense novels, which have sold more than 100,000 copies. And through her various business ventures, Stacey has helped employ even more Georgians, including hundreds of young people starting out. And as House Minority Leader, she has worked strategically to recruit, train, elect, and defend Democrats to prevent a Republican supermajority in the House, and has worked across the aisle on behalf of all Georgians. During her tenure, she has stopped legislation to raise taxes on the poor and middle class and to roll back reproductive healthcare. She has brokered compromises that led to progress on transportation, infrastructure, and education. Most recently, she passed legislation to improve the welfare of grandparents and other kin raising children and secured increased funding to support these families. Stacey and her five siblings grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi with three tenets: go to school, go to church, and take care of each other. Despite struggling to make ends meet for their family, her parents made service a way of life for their children – if someone was less fortunate, it was their job to serve that person. This ethic led the family to Georgia. Stacey’s parents attended Emory University to pursue graduate studies in Divinity and become United Methodist ministers. Stacey and her younger siblings attended DeKalb County Schools, and she graduated from Avondale High School.

The Honorable Ako Abdul-Samad, State Representative, Iowa

As National & International Motivational Systemic Speaker, Activist, Author, Photographer, Business Owner and Counselor, Ako Abdul-Samad has impacted the lives of thousands of individuals and families for over five decades. He is serving his sixth term in the House of Representatives and serves on the following Committees: Administration and Regulation Appropriations Subcommittee, Environmental Protection, Human Resources, International Relations, and Public Safety Committees. Ako is a member of the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus. Ako was elected and served on the Des Moines School Board and held office as the Vice President of the Des Moines Area School Board. As the CEO & Founder of Creative Visions Human Development Institute in Des Moines, Iowa, Ako Abdul-Samad established this non-profit organization in 1996. Serving as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ako established and directed business functions that include Employment Assistance, Support Services, Healthcare Management, Community Development, Advocacy, and consultancy on Culture & Diversity Education.

Dr. Katrice Albert,

Executive Vice President of Inclusion and Human Resources, NCAA

Katrice A. Albert is the NCAA’s executive vice president of inclusion and human resources where she leads efforts to enhance diversity, inclusion, leadership development, education, and community engagement. She is also responsible for leading national office employee relations, performance management, professional development, and compensation and benefits programs. She earned a doctoral degree in counseling psychology at Auburn University and completed her clinical internship at the Center for Multicultural Training in Psychology at Bostin Medical Center. She holds a masters degree in counseling psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Dr. David Ansell, MD, MPH,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Sen. V.P. Community Health Equity, Assoc. Provost for Community Affairs, Rush University Medical Center / Rush University

As Rush’s first leader of community health equity, a role he assumed in October of 2016, Dr. Ansell is leading Rush’s strategy to be a catalyst for community health and economic vitality on Chicago’s West Side. He previously was Rush’s senior vice president, system integration. Ansell joined Rush in 2005 as the Medical Center’s first chief medical officer (CMO) — a position he held until 2014 — as well as the associate dean and senior vice president for clinical affairs and the Michael E. Kelly MD Presidential Professor at Rush Medical College. While Ansell was CMO, Rush was consistently among the top performing academic medical centers in the US with regard to quality and safety. He also served on the inaugural system board of the Cook County Health and Hospital System and served on a number of national committees within the CMO group of the Association of Academic Medical Centers. In 2002, during his ten-year tenure as chairperson of the Department of Internal Medicine at Chicago’s Mount Sinai Hospital, Ansell cofounded the Sinai Urban Health Institute, which conducts health inequity research, develops innovative community health interventions, delivers community health worker training and consultation, and provides a broad scope of evaluation services. After joining Rush, Ansell helped establish, in 2007, the not-for-profit Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Taskforce, which focuses on ameliorating the higher breast cancer mortality rate among black women. He currently is the chair of board of the taskforce. He also contributed to the 2015 creation of the Center for Community Health Equity, a Chicago-based educational and research center jointly run by Rush University and DePaul University. Ansell earned a BA from Franklin and Marshall College in 1974 and, in 1978, his MD from SUNY Upstate Medical University. In 1991, he received a Masters of Public Health degree from the University of Illinois School of Public Health.

Matilda Arhin, President,

Ghana International Chamber of Commerce

Matilda Arhin is an international business consultant and executive coach. Working with both private and public entities, she has experience in foreign relations, trade negotiations, diasporic engagement, and economic affairs. She is the founder of Ghana International Chamber of Commerce. She completed her education in executive business management in Switzerland at Feusi.

Barbara Arnwine,

Founder and President, Transformative Justice Coalition

Barbara R. Arnwine, Esq, president & founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition, is internationally renowned for contributions on critical justice issues including the passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1991 and the 2006 reauthorization of provisions of the Voting Rights Act. Currently, she also serves as Co-Chair and Facilitator of the National Commission for Voter Justice, the Millennial Votes Matters Convenings and the Voting Rights Alliance. She was the head of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law from February, 1989 until June, 2015 and holds the honorific title of President Emeritus. She has served as the Charles Hamilton Chair for the North Carolina Central University School of Law from 2016-2017 and has also taught at Columbia University School of Law. She also created the legendary Voting Rights “Map of Shame” in 2011, which exposed the new modern wave of voter suppression in the states. Her groundbreaking civil rights and human rights advocacy has been honored with many prestigious awards. She is the radio host of Igniting Change and is a regular presence in the national media, and is often quoted in the press. A graduate of Scripps College and Duke University School of Law, she continues to champion civil rights and racial justice issues nationally and internationally in the areas of housing and lending, community development, employment, voting, education, and environmental justice.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

The Honorable Jackie Collins,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

State Senator, Illinois (D-IL)

A former journalist and Emmy award-nominated editor at CBS-TV, State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins has used her experience and communication skills in support of a progressive agenda to create economic and social welfare policies that reduce inequality, expand opportunity and strengthen communities. Collins has used her role as chairperson of the Senate Financial Institutions Committee to ensure the passage of legislation that protects Illinois consumers and their families. She has played a key role in addressing predatory lending and high foreclosure rates in Chicago through legislation that protects homebuyers and homeowners with subprime mortgages. Long before the national recession, she warned her colleagues and constituents about the dangers of predatory lending. Collins has advanced legislation to teach financial literacy in schools and laws that keep homeowners in their homes during tough times and strengthen renters’ rights. For her work on financial literacy, Collins received the 2009 Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award. Her numerous other honors include the Egretha Award from AWBC magazine in 2011, the Neighborhood Hero Award for Auburn Gresham from the Neighborhood Housing Service, a Lifetime Achievement Award for commitment to financial issues from the Illinois state treasurer and the Blue Bow Award from Children’s Home + Aid for promoting policies that prevent child abuse. Born in McComb, Miss., Collins moved as a child to the South Side neighborhood of Englewood. She majored in journalism at Northwestern University and is a graduate of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and Harvard Divinity School.

Darius Ballinger,

Founder, Chasing23, Millennial Votes Matter Leader

Darius Ballinger is the founder and president of Chasing23 Youth Empowerment Group a mentoring organization for black males. Chasing23 recruit, match, and support mentoring relationship for middleaged and high school aged students who have been identified at-risk. Chasing23 was recently awarded the university of Chicago community programs associate award for its work. Darius recently attend the Obama’s Foundation Global Summit as a participant for his community work. Through his involvement with Chicago votes Darius has been able to register voters who in other terms would be disconnected from the political process, young people and citizens with criminal records. After years of not completing high school Darius earned his GED and completed his general studies at Kennedy-King College. During his time at Kennedy-King Darius served as president of student government and national spokesmen. Darius is currently attending UIC pursuing his bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship with a minor in urban planning. Darius was born on the south side of Chicago. Raised by a single mother with 2. He became a high school dropout at 18. Became a father at 19. Convicted felon at 21. In his young 27-year journey, Darius has authentically overcame obstacles from expulsions, arrests, addictions, and more. Most important to Darius is his role as a husband, father, and believer.

Reverend William Barber, President, Repairers of the Breech

The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is co-author, with Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, of The Third Reconstruction: How a Moral Movement Is Overcoming the Politics of Fear and Division and the 2015-2016 recipient of the Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship. He is filing regular dispatches from the southern movement for racial justice for The Nation. Rev. Barber is the architect of the Forward Together Moral Monday Movement, president of the North Carolina NAACP and pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Goldsboro. He is also president of Repairers of the Breach. He is the 2015-2016 recipient of the Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Lezli Baskerville, J.D.,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

President and CEO, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO)

Lezli Baskerville, J.D. is the fifth and first female President & CEO of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), the umbrella membership association for the presidents and chancellors of the nation’s 120 historically and predominately black colleges and universities. She is a seasoned lawyer, government relations and equity professional, association and small business senior executive, who is a recognized expert on equal educational and employment opportunity, education access, affirmative action and diversity issues. She is published in the field. Prior to ascending to the helm of NAFEO, Ms. Baskerville served as Vice President for Government Relations for The College Board. In that capacity, Baskerville was responsible for shaping and advancing the legislative agenda of The College Board, providing leadership to The Board’s Upward Bound program and Educational Opportunity Center. She also shaped and directed the preparation of the Board’s Supreme Court amicus curiae brief in Gratz v. Bollinger. For ten years prior to joining The College Board, Attorney Baskerville managed a successful private legal and legislative services collective⎯The Baskerville Group⎯that provided legal and government relations representation, advocacy and diversity services to higher education institutions and associations, municipalities, elected officials, non-profit associations, small businesses and corporations.

Samba Bathily,

Founder, Africa Development Solutions

Samba Bathily is a Mali born, global African entrepreneur and Pioneer in sustainable clean energy and solar solutions. He is the Founder of Africa Development Solutions (ADS) as well as the Co-founder and CEO of Solektra, the company driving the Akon Lighting Africa Initiative. Recognized as one of the influential leaders driving growth in Africa, Samba is one of the key enablers setting up sustainable development ventures. With a global network and acute business acumen, he has a particular “forte” in establishing strategic and innovative financial structuring. To provide a formal framework for private and public partnerships, Samba launched the ADS Group in 2004, drawing in companies such as Huawei and Samsung. Under this umbrella there is a dynamic group active in the sectors of project financing, renewable energy and access to water, new technologies and communications, infrastructures construction and real estate, education and youth employment, automobile and logistics, processing industries and franchising, bringing together 18 subsidiaries operating in a total of 17 African countries. In 2014, Samba co-founded Solektra International, with international music star Akon and youth leader Thione Niang. Solektra International has launched Akon Lighting Africa, an initiative that promotes awareness and usage of innovative solar solutions to provide villages throughout Africa with access to clean electricity. Samba is founder and President of the non-profit “Fondation Volontaires d’Afrique” which aims to develop youth employment in Africa by helping young people through scholarships to launch their projects and become entrepreneurs.

Chuck Beeman,

State President and CEO, Wellcare / Harmony

Chuck Beeman is the state president for Illinois. In this role, he has responsibility for the overall strategy and operations of Harmony Health Plan, as well as its Medicare Advantage plans.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Lori George Billingsley,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Vice President, Community Relations, Coca Cola Company

Lori George Billingsley has 29 years of public relations experience in developing and implementing breakthrough programs that meet organizational goals, target audience needs and produce results. Currently, she is the Vice President of Community Relations for Coca-Cola North America (CCNA). In this role, she oversees community giving, engagement and volunteerism for The Coca-Cola Company’s (TCCC) North America operating unit. She has been in the Public Affairs and Communications (PAC) department of TCCC for the past 13 years in a variety of positions: Director of Community and Multicultural Communications and Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President of CCNA PAC, Director of Regional Communications, Director of Issues Communications and Director of Shareowner Affairs. She received her Bachelor of Arts in public relations at Howard University and her Master of Arts in public communications at American University, both in Washington, D.C. Lori also is an ordained minister.

Clayola Brown,

President, A. Philip Randolph Institute

Clayola Brown began serving as National President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, located in Washington, D.C., in August 2004-- the first female to serve in that role. Ms. Brown’s lifelong commitment to labor activism began in her hometown of Charlestown, South Carolina, where she—alongside her activist mother—campaigned to organize the Manhattan Shirt Factory. She eventually became Education Director for the newly merged Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union; was appointed Civil Rights Director and served as Manager for the Laundry Division affiliate for more than 13 years. In 1991, she was elected International Vice President and continues to serve in that capacity. Clayola is also the Civil Rights Director under the repositioned union Workers United, an SEIU affiliate. She has served as a member of the General Executive Board of Workers United since its formation in March 2009. In 1995, she was elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council, where she served for 10 years. Ms. Brown is now, and has been, a Director of the Amalgamated Bank for 20 years, the most senior sitting Bank Director. Ms. Brown is a graduate of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. She has done post-graduate work at American University in Washington, D.C., Queens College and York University in New York City and is a lecturer at Cornell University.

The Honorable Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County

Dorothy Brown was elected as the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, in 2000, and has been reelected to four additional terms in Office. As the official keeper of records for all judicial matters brought into one of the largest unified court systems in the world; Clerk Brown is responsible for managing an annual operating budget of more than $100 million and has a workforce of 1,700 employees. Clerk Brown has brought revolutionary changes to the operations of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office through her focus on improving services within five strategic areas: 21st Century Technology, Operational Efficiency, Customer Service, Employee Training and Development, and Financial Accountability. Clerk Brown has implemented a host of innovative programs, which have streamlined processes, enhanced customer service, saved millions of dollars for taxpayers, and increased revenue for Cook County administration. Major projects and services developed under Clerk Brown’s leadership include but are not limited to: Electronic Filing (E-Filing), an Online Traffic Ticket Payment System, Mortgage Surplus Search, SmartForms (Online Order of Protection service), Smart Kiosks (court information terminals), and IDMS (Imaging Document Management System), installation of Digital Access Terminals, and now the new Mobile App, Court Clerk Mobile Connect offers a variety of features that users can access including options to search the court’s electronic docket for civil and traffic cases. All of these “Green Court”/E-Court initiatives improve accuracy, save time for court users, cut costs for the court system, and conserve energy. Clerk Brown has transformed the Clerk’s Office and diligently keeps it in pace with the rapidly changing needs and expectations of court users. She places professionalism over politics in her administration, and has leveraged her experience and leadership skills into making the Clerk’s Office a model of excellence in governmental service. Clerk Brown says she consistently seeks to deliver new and enhanced services at the Clerk’s Office because the citizens of Cook County deserve the best and “it’s the right thing to do.”

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Shannon Brown,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Senior Vice President, Air, Ground, and Freight Services and Chief Diversity Officer, FedEx Services

Shannon A. Brown is the Senior Vice President of Air Ground & Freight Service and Chief Diversity Officer at FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company. In this role, he is responsible for all FedEx Express U.S. domestic hub, ramp and freight pickup and delivery operations. As Chief Diversity Officer, he also leads the company’s strategic direction for Diversity & Inclusion. He previously served as the Senior Vice President/Chief Human Resources and Diversity Officer of FedEx Express. During his tenure in Human Resources, FedEx was ranked on Fortune magazine’s list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies,” Black Enterprise magazine’s “Best Companies for Diversity,” and the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index where the company achieved a 100% score. Brown began his career at FedEx in 1978 as a Package Handler at the Memphis World Hub. As he advanced in his career, he continued to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and a strong commitment to service. He has attained many honors, including multiple FedEx Five Star Awards and the CEO Five Star Award. Known for being a champion for community outreach, he serves on the Central Board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis and is a past Board Chairman of United Way of the Mid-South. He has been named to Black Enterprise magazine’s lists of “100 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America” and “Top Executives in Corporate Diversity,” as well as Savoy magazine’s “Top 100 Most Influential Executives in Corporate America.” Brown is a recipient of the NationalLouis University Distinguished Alumni Award and was inducted into the Memphis City Schools’ Alumni Hall of Fame. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from National-Louis University in Chicago and a master’s degree from the University of Denver.

Philip Burton,

Managing Director, The Exeter Group

Philip Burton is a healthcare leadership and business development consultant with extensive experience aligning organizational development, sales operations and talent management. With close to 20 years of healthcare experience, he has developed a passion for leadership diversity and cultural competency of healthcare organizations. Mr. Burton has partnered with healthcare leaders across pharmaceutical, medical devices, integrated health systems, physician groups and healthcare consulting organizations. As the current President of the Chicago-Midwest Chapter of NAHSE, Mr. Burton is committed to the mission “promoting the advancement and develop of Black healthcare leaders and elevating the quality of healthcare services rendered to minority and underserved communities ”. He is a natural connector of people, ideas, actions and is a visionary leader who leverages resources to drive change. His areas of expertise include: business development, leadership development, human capital strategy, diversity strategy and cultural competency. Mr. Burton is the Managing Director for The Exeter Group, a healthcare consulting firm focused on organizational development and talent acquisition services. He is also the Founder of Healthcare Business Development Partners, a boutique business development firm designed to help healthcare start-ups navigate relationships, secure funding and achieve organizational goals.

Ron Busby,

President and CEO, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC)

As President/CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), Ron Busby, Sr. brings business management skills as well as a lifetime of community development experience to the organization. Mr. Busby is a former successful business owner himself, and he has been recognized as one of the nation’s best CEOs. Ron grew his first company, USA Superclean, from $150,000 annualized revenue, to over $15 million in only 10 years. Early on in his career, USA Superclean was recognized as the largest Black-owned janitorial firm in the country. Mr. Busby has also started and grown two other janitorial firms, both resulting in over $4 million in annualized revenue. Currently, Ron serves on the Pfizer Small Business Council, National Newspapers Publishers Association Foundation Board of Directors, and White House African American Leadership Council. He has also formerly served on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Council on Underserved Communities. Trained by some of the country’s leading corporate executives, Ron developed his skills at some of the nation’s largest corporations including; Exxon, Xerox, IBM, and Coca-Cola USA. While in corporate America, he was recognized as National Sales Person of the Year. Ron also has chamber experience as he was previously the President of the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce for five years. A native of Oakland, CA; and graduate with honors from both Florida A&M and Clark Atlanta University, Ron has dedicated himself to the empowerment of the Black community. Ron is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Ron has two sons and currently lives in the Washington, DC area.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

The Honorable Emanuel A.K. Buah,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Parliament & Former Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Ghana

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah is a Ghanaian politician, and a native of Ellembele in the Western Region of Ghana. He is the Member of Parliament for Ellemebele District. He served as the Minister of Energy and Petroleum, supervising 8 major Sector Agencies, including Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Ghana National Gas Company, National Petroleum Authority, Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation and Tema Oil Refinery. He has served the government of Ghana in various capacities and held several management positions, locally, nationally and internationally. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah's journey to eminence began in November 2010, when he was made the Deputy Minister of Energy. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has a deep appreciation of local community needs and national development expectations, with regards to energy; and he’s constantly exploring and developing innovative initiatives to meet them. He was the key architect for the TEN and OCTP projects, which provide gas for Ghana's energy Security. His outstanding leadership skill has also ensured the enactment of the Local Content Legislation, with an Exploration and Production (E and P) Bill also receiving Cabinet approval. He holds academic qualifications in Law and Management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the University of Maryland, Ghana and USA respectively. His experience in various management positions has deepened his expertise in Project Management, Finance, Marketing/Investment and International Relations. When he’s off professional duties, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and community.

Amy Campanelli,

Public Defender, Cook County, Chicago

Amy P. Campanelli was sworn in as the tenth Public Defender of Cook County on April 1, 2015. Ms. Campanelli’s appointment was the culmination of 27 years of representing the indigent accused. Ms. Campanelli started as an Assistant Public Defender in November 1987 assigned to the Juvenile Division. Three years later she moved to the Felony Trial Division. In 1998, Ms. Campanelli temporarily left the Office, but continued to take criminal cases in private practice. Five years later, in 2003, she returned to the Office as an Attorney Supervisor assigned to the Felony Trial Division. Ms. Campanelli became the Chief Public Defender of the Bridgeview Courthouse in 2008. She became the Capital Case Coordinator for the Office in 2010. While coordinating all death penalty litigation resources in the Office, she oversaw a budget of over $2.75 million annually, organized jury focus groups, and spearheaded a two-day capital litigation conference with experts from around the globe. After the death penalty was abolished in Illinois, she served as Deputy Chief of the Homicide Task Force and Deputy Chief of the Felony Trial Division. In 2012, Ms. Campanelli became the Deputy Public Defender in charge of all five Suburban districts in Cook County, a position she held until her appointment as the Public Defender. Ms. Campanelli received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana and her Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Ms. Campanelli is a lifelong member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She is married to Patrick Campanelli, and they have three children: Paul, Annabelle, and Emily. Ms. Campanelli is the second female to serve as the Public Defender.

The Honorable Maria Chappelle-Nadal, State Senator, Missouri

Senator Chappelle-Nadal is a Democratic legislator from University City, representing District 14 in the Missouri Senate and currently serving as Minority Caucus Whip. After serving in the House of Representatives for three terms, she was elected to the Senate in 2010, and won her re-election in 2014. Senator Chappelle-Nadal is a graduate of Georgia State University, holding a B.A. dual degree in Political Science and Sociology. Before her election into the Missouri legislature, Senator Chappelle-Nadal worked as Director of Communications, Director of Boards and Commissions and Missouri’s Senior Advocate for former Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Waikinya Clanton,

Associate Director of Community Engagement, Democratic National Convention

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Ms. Waikinya J.S. Clanton, MBA is the DNC’s chief liaison for both African-American and Women constituencies. She previously served as the National Executive Director for the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL). She also began her political career in the office of Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS). Founder of women’s networking organization Power of the PUMP, Waikinya has been featured in Black Enterprise, Essence, and Huffington Post, among others. She is a proud alum of Tougaloo College and was recently appointed by the 26th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to serve as a member of the National Social Action Commission.

Joel Coleman,

Senior Vice President, Regional Manager -Gateway, Private Client Group

Joel Coleman is a Regional Manager for the Gateway Region, which includes Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri and Souther Illinois. As Regional Manager one of Joel’s primary roles is to help attract, retain and develop Next Generation Talent. Joel aslo works closely with the Regional Team and field leadership to execute on firm priorities while supporting Financial Advisors in growing their practice and helping serve clients. Joel got his strart in the Investment Industry as a Stockbroker in 1988 and became a manager in 1997. Prior to his Regional Manager role Joel served as the Manager for the Downtown Denver location for Wells Fargo Advisors and prior to joining Wells Fargo in 2012, Joel spent several years in leadership at Morgan Stanley in the Denver metro area. Joel is a graduate of Colorado Tech University with a BA in Management. Joel, his wife Tina, along with 2 of their 3 children relocated to St Louis in 2017.

Maurice Coleman,

Senior Vice President and Senior Client Manager, Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Commercial Banking, Community Development Banking

Maurice Coleman is a Senior Vice President and Senior Client Manager for the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Commercial Banking team focused on Community Development Banking (CDB). He is responsible for delivering both debt and tax credit equity financing for affordable housing, retail, charter school and community development real estate projects in the metro New York and New Jersey markets. Mr. Coleman joined the Bank of Boston in 1999, where he served as an Investment Officer with the Bank of Boston Development Company (BBDC) and later, Fleet Development Ventures (FDV), a $250 million private equity and mezzanine finance boutique focused on investing direct equity in women and/or minority owned companies operating in emerging markets nationally. Throughout his career, Maurice has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognition including the Crain’s New York Business Journal Rising Stars Award, the Urban Financial Services Coalition Executive of the Year Award, the Black Enterprise “Lincoln Motor Company” Award, the Network Journal Achievement Award, the Boston Herald Most Influential in Business Award, the Boston Chamber of Commerce Ten Outstanding Young Leaders (TOYL) Award, the Bank of America Merrill Lynch “Spirit of Excellence” and “Diverse Leaders” Award. Mr. Coleman serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of three national Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) -- the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) New York, TruFund Financial Services, and the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ). Maurice received his B.A. in History and Economics from Columbia University, MPA from the School of International and Public at Columbia University with a concentration in Public Finance, and he completed the Management Leadership Program at Columbia Business School.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

The Honorable Ian Conyers, State Senator, Michigan

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Ian Conyers is a Democratic member of the Michigan State Senate, representing District 4. He was first elected to the chamber in a special election on November 8, 2016. Conyers is a 2018 Democratic candidate seeking election to the U.S. House to represent the 13th Congressional District of Michigan.[1] Conyers is also a 2018 Democratic special election candidate seeking election to the U.S. House to represent the 13th Congressional District of Michigan.

The Honorable Danny Davis (D-IL)

Danny K. Davis was chosen by the people of the 7th Congressional District of Illinois as their Representative in Congress on November 5, 1996. He has been re-elected by large majorities to succeeding Congresses. In the 111th Congress, Representative Davis serves on the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Congressman Davis a Member of the Congressional Black Caucus, CoChairman of the Community Health Centers Caucus, Co-Chairman of the Congressional Sugar Caucus, the Progressive Caucus, the India Caucus, the Steel Caucus, the Art Caucus and the Hellenic Caucus to name a few. Congressman Davis has distinguished himself as an articulate voice for his constituents and as an effective legislator able to move major bills to passage despite his relative lack of seniority. Prior to his election to the Congress he served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners having been elected in November 1990 and reelected in November 1994. Previously, he served for eleven years as a member of the Chicago City Council as Alderman of the 29th Ward.

Tammi Davis,

Director of Compliance and Policy Engagement, City of Gary/Gary Sanitary District

She is the Director of Compliance and Policy Engagement for the City of Gary/Gary Sanitary District where she is directly responsible for ensuring that local residents and businesses are provided employment and contracting opportunities on economic development projects. Throughout the years, Tammi has served in numerous leadership roles within the NAACP at the local, state, regional and national levels. She organized the first Indiana NAACP Legislative Day at the Indiana Statehouse, which remains an annual event. Her servant leadership is exampled through her active participation, both past and present, on numerous boards and committees. Tammi was a voting member of the Indiana Democrat State Central Committee and Rules Committee and served as the President of the Indiana Democrat African-American Caucus (IDAAC), a constituency caucus of the Indiana Democratic Party. IDAAC’S mission is to increase the inclusion and engagement of African-Americans within the political process and the Democratic Party. In 2012, she was both a Congressional District Delegate for the Indiana Democrat State Convention and a National Delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She is a former Congressional District Intern to Congressman Pete Visclosky. Most recently, Tammi chaired a local public hearing to discuss Voting Rights discrimination in Indiana as a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ Indiana Advisory Committee. Additional leadership and engagement activities include serving as a member of the Hoosier Women Forward advisory board, Congressional District Coordinator for the Indiana Federation of Democratic Women, an equity advisory board member for the Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Coalition, national board member for the American Contract Compliance Association, state board of directors for the Indiana Plan for Equal Employment Opportunity, a Graduate of the FBI Citizen’s Academy.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Djibril Diallo, Director,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Regional Support Team for West and Central Africa, UNAIDS

With over 30 years’ experience in international relations and diplomacy, Djibril Diallo has spearheaded initiatives for global advocacy of HIV. Mr Diallo has helped to advance the corporate policy on shared responsibility and global solidarity and UNAIDS’ vision of getting to zero and has worked closely with senior management to provide support in the political mobilization of prominent personalities, political leaders, civil society organizations and the media. He led the innovative Protect the Goal campaign to promote AIDS awareness and prevention around major sporting tournaments. Prior to joining UNAIDS, Mr Diallo served as the Director of the United Nations New York Office of Sports for Development and Peace from 2004 to 2008, as the Director of the Communications Office of the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme from 1995 to 2005 and as a Special Adviser to the Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund for nine years. A citizen of Senegal, Mr. Diallo earned a PhD in linguistics and communication from the University of London.

Ayanda Dlodlo,

Minister of Public Services and Administration, The Republic of South Africa

Ms Ayanda Dlodlo was appointed as Minister of Public Service and Administration on 27 February 2018. Ms Ayanda Dlodlo was the Minister of Home Affairs of the Republic of South Africa from 17 October 2017 until 26 February 2018. She is a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and a Member of Parliament. Ms Dlodlo holds a number of postgraduate qualifications in Management Development; Business Management and Executive Development Programmes. Ms Dlodlo left South Africa in 1980, when she was only 18 years old, to join Umkhonto weSizwe in Angola. After serving in various camps in Angola and receiving training in Moscow, Dlodlo went to England to study Marine and Shipping Management. She returned to South Africa in 1994. Ms Dlodlo has worked for Telkom, Portnet and Sanlam in various portfolios such as human resources, transport, strategic information and industrial relations. She is also a former secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association. Ms Ayanda Dlodlo served as the Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration of the Republic of South Africa; a position she was first appointed to on 1 November 2010, and re-appointed to on 26 May 2014 until 30 March 2017. She was the Minister of Communications of the Republic of South Africa from 31 March 2017 to 16 October 2017.

Reverend Dr. Gerald Dew,

Director, Southside Center for Urban Leadership, and Pastor, Antioch Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Gerald M. Dew is the pastor of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago. He is married to the lovely Marva Dew and is the father of Reverend Samuel and Eboni Dew. Pastor Dew serves his congregation as a prolific preacher, visionary teacher, and fearless leader. He is a strong believer in the power of God’s word and God’s people. Pastor Dew serves as Affiliate Professor of Ministry at Northern.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Cynthia DiBartolo, Esq.,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

CEO, Tigress Financial Partners, Inc.

Ms. Cynthia DiBartolo, Esq. is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tigress Financial Partners. She guides the overall strategy and direction of the firm parlaying her extensive corporate and securities experience into a new generation of financial services firms. Cynthia has 35 years of accomplishment-laden practice working in finance aligned with Fortune 500 companies, driving achievements in revenue growth, brand expansion and new offerings. Her ability to set the overall vision and strategy for a company propelled her career at Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney, Citigroup and Bear Stearns. After battling head and neck cancer in 2009, she founded Tigress Financial Partners, a woman owned and operated Financial Services Firm. Tigress is a fully licensed investment bank, broker dealer and registered investment advisor. Tigress offers Proprietary Research, Investment Banking, Sales & Trading, Asset Management and Wealth Management services. Cynthia was profiled by Forbes in their CEO Series entitled “A Tigress in a Shark Tank”. Forbes described Cynthia as "one tenacious Tigress…her father’s words inspired her to pick herself up from tragedy and start a business. Both the woman and her story are unique, amazing and forcibly inspiring.” Cynthia serves as Chairperson of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce representing more than 30,000 businesses and is a former Business Leader to the White House Business Council for the Obama Administration, as well as to the Senior Advisor to Global Innovation Initiative, United Nations, for Project Service

China.

Georgette Dixon,

Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo

Georgette “Gigi” Dixon is a Senior Vice President and Director of Strategic Partnerships for Wells Fargo, where she and her team are responsible for managing a portfolio of 15 national nonprofit relationships that deliver advocacy, programs, and services for low- to moderate- income communities and diverse groups. Since joining Wells Fargo in 1994, Georgette served as marketing manager for Wholesale Banking, Small Business Banking, Commercial Banking, and as Director of Emerging (multicultural) Markets. She served on the Corporate Diversity Council for 6 years. In 2005, Georgette was recognized as one of U.S. Banker magazine’s Most Powerful Women to Watch. She currently serves as a Trustee for the NAACP Foundation, Chair of the Opera Carolina board of advisors, Ambassador for the Women’s Intercultural Exchange and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the Charlotte Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

Edwin Eisendrath, CEO, Chicago Sun Times

Edwin Eisendrath is a creative leader who gets things done. He has successfully innovated across the public, private, and independent sectors to create value — social value as well as economic. He led the effort to save the Chicago Sun-Times from being purchased by the parent company of the Chicago Tribune and is now CEO of Sun-Times Media, which includes the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Reader. Eisendrath brings to that role a lifetime of civic engagement, a deep understanding of the city and a passion to deliver news that matters to the people of Chicago and Illinois. Prior to taking the helm at the Sun-Times, Edwin was managing partner of StrateSphere LLC, a firm that specializes in design and implementation of complex and fit-for-purpose public private partnerships in the areas of education, innovation and economic transformation. He previously led international consulting engagements for Huron Consulting Group, focusing on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). That practice took on transformational engagements in the Middle East using novel tools, such as offset credits from military contractors. Across four continents he has helped clients achieve diverse missions: a national library, an international bank, major research universities and governments. Previously, Eisendrath was the Federal Administrative Receiver who led the turnaround of several troubled public housing authorities, including the nation’s worst in Chicago. He has served as regional administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as a Chicago alderman and as a teacher in Chicago’s schools. Eisendrath also is a member of the Writers Guild of America.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Dr. Ewa Ewa,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Financial Officer, State of Illinois

Dr. Ewa I. Ewa received his formal education at the University of Illinois in Chicago where he received a Masters degree in Urban Planning and Policy (MUPP) and a Ph. D in public Policy Analysis. He has served as the President of the Nigeria National Alliance; President of the Nigerian American Forum; Member, and Chairman of the Continental Africa Chamber of Commerce; appointed by the Mayor of Chicago as Commissioner and Chairman, Board of Directors Marquette Park Service Area; Chairman Nigeria American Professionals Association; Member Board of Directors African International House; Co-founder and Board member African Global Chamber of Commerce; Serves as an election judge in Cook County. Dr. Ewa has served in various high level positions in Government and in 2005 was appointed by Illinois State Governor as Chief Financial and State Procurement Officer, Historic Preservation Agency, and currently serves in that capacity with the Illinois Human Rights and Torture Inquiry and Relief Commissions. In November 2014, Dr. Ewa was selected by President Barack Obama to be his liaison to People of African Descent (Goodwill Ambassador) on his immigration policy. He is an author of several articles in planning and policy analysis, political and economic development issues.

Molly Q. Ford,

Director of Global Equality Programs, Salesforce

Molly Q. Ford is the director of global equality programs at Salesforce. Salesforce has been called the World's Most Innovative Company by Forbes, and one of Fortune'sBest Companies to Work for nine years in a row. In her role, Ford is responsible for shaping and sharing the company's core value of Equality and evangelizing the Salesforce culture. Salesforce works together with their entire Ohana - employees, customers, partners, community organizations and the tech industry - to build a path forward to Equality for all. Ford is responsible for founding the inaugural Dreamforce Women's Summit which took place in 2015 and has evolved into the Dreamforce Equality Summit. Hosting keynotes from trailblazers such as Billie Jean King, Bernard J. Tyson, and Natalie Portman, and Taraji P. Henson the Equality summit aims to showcase the voices of diverse thought leaders on one of the largest stages at Dreamforce. With more than fifteen years of PR experience, she was responsible for building awareness for Salesforce Service Cloud, the world's #1 customer service and support solution. Prior to joining Salesforce, she held positions at major technology companies including Cisco, Check Point Software, IBM and UMAX. Ford earned a BS in public relations from San Jose State University. @salesforce

The Honorable Michael W. Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer

Michael Frerichs was elected Illinois State Treasurer in November 2014. In Illinois, the Treasurer’s office predates the state’s incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 chose to make it an elected office. Frerichs is the 74th person to serve in this role. In Illinois, the Treasurer is the state’s Chief Investment Officer and Frerichs is a Certified Public Finance Officer. The office invests money on behalf of the state and local units of government. Mike also believes in providing individuals with the tools so that they can invest in themselves. He does this by encouraging savings plans for college and trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, removing barriers to a secure retirement, and protecting residents from predatory companies. The Treasurer’s Office actively manages approximately $28 billion. The investment approach is cautious to ensure the preservation of principal. The investment returns are significant: For every $1 spent to run the office, Mike nets $28 for the state’s residents. Since taking office, Mike has made significant strides in the fight for consumers by making sure Illinois residents get what is owed to them through the Unclaimed Property Program. A record-breaking $159 million in forgotten cash and stock was returned to individuals, employers, and non-profits in Fiscal Year 2017. By making changes to the Bright Start and Bright Directions College Savings Programs, Mike has lowered fees and provided more investment options, making college more affordable for families saving for their child’s future. Under Mike’s leadership, Illinois now leads a multi-state alliance that allows parents of children with blindness or a disability to save for their child without jeopardizing their federal disability benefits. He was elected to the Champaign County Board and elected Champaign County Auditor. He also served as a volunteer firefighter. In 2006, Mike was elected Illinois State Senator representing East Central Illinois. As chairman of the Higher Education Committee, Mike championed efforts to make college more affordable. He also served as chairman of the Agriculture and Conservation Committee. Frerichs currently serves as Vice Chairman of National Association of State Treasurer’s Legislative Committee as well as Trustee on the Illinois State Board of Investment. Mike lives in Champaign with his young daughter, Ella.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

The Honorable Bridget Gainer,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Cook County Commissioner, 10th District, Founder, Cause the Effect Chicago, Founder, Cook County Land Bank Bridget Gainer is Cook County Commissioner for the 10th District, representing the North Lakefront and portions of the Northwest side. Commissioner Gainer comes to Cook County Government with 20 years of experience in the non-profit, public and private sectors, a career that has provided a strong foundation in finance, human services and the workings of local government. Commissioner Gainer created the Cook County Land Bank, the region’s most comprehensive response to reduce the amount and impact of vacant land and abandoned buildings throughout Cook County. Bringing together realtors, private developers, civic and social leaders, Commissioner Gainer’s work to create the Cook County Land Bank has been noted in the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Crain’s Chicago Business. Commissioner Gainer has devoted special interest to the women and children in the County’s criminal justice system. She eliminated the practice of separating new mothers awaiting trial from their newborns, led the fight to ban shackling pregnant detainees during delivery, created the first citizen advisory Board for the Juvenile Detention Center and continues to lead the fight to reduce the number of non-violent offenders in County Jail. Bridget Gainer founded Cause the Effect Chicago, formerly Off the Sidelines Chicago, to bring civically-engaged women together to turn their ideas into action. The locally-focused organization has built a community of more than 3,500 women from across Chicago who are motivated to effect change on the issues that matter to them. She lives in Chicago, IL with her husband and three children.

Stacy Davis Gates,

Political and Legislative Director, Chicago Teachers Union

Stacy Davis Gates has served as the Political and Legislative Director for the Chicago Teachers Union for the past six years. While at the CTU, Ms. Davis Gates has been the architect of bold political and legislative campaigns for the schools and city that all Chicagoans deserve. In 2015, she raised resources for a coordinated challenge to Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his rubber-stamp City Council and coordinated a collaborative effort to pass a voter referendum for an elected school board in 37 out of Chicago's 50 wards. Most recently, she has led campaigns to pass statewide legislation for an elected school board, strengthen charter operator regulations, and fund public education through an elimination of tax breaks and slush funds for the 1%. In 2017, Ms. Davis Gates was elected Chair of United Working Families, an independent political organization by and for working class people and our movements. She also serves as a board member for ACRE, The Action Center on Race & the Economy, a nexus for organizations working at the intersection of racial justice and Wall Street accountability. Ms. Davis Gates is currently on leave from the classroom, where she taught high school social studies for over a decade. She attended Saint Mary’s College, the University of Notre Dame, and Concordia University. Ms. Davis Gates lives on the southside with her husband and three children.

Danny Glover,

Actor, Producer, and Humanitarian

Danny Glover is an actor, producer and humanitarian who has been a commanding presence on screen, stage and television for more than 35 years. Glover has gained respect for his wide-reaching community activism and philanthropic efforts, with a particular emphasis on advocacy for economic justice, and access to health care and education programs in the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. He currently serves as UNICEF Ambassador and Ambassador for the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Cheryl Grace,

Senior Vice President, U.S. Strategic Community Alliances and Consumer Engagement, Nielsen

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Cheryl Grace is Senior Vice President of U.S. Strategic Community Alliances and Consumer Engagement for Nielsen, the global company that measures what consumers watch and what consumers buy. She is a highly accomplished thought leader and the visionary behind Nielsen’s African-American Consumer Report. This award-winning report led to the company’s historic creation of Nielsen’s Diversity Insights Series. Each report focuses on the rapidly growing Hispanic, African-American or Asian consumer base. Known for her engaging and refreshing perspective about why we buy what we buy Cheryl is a much sought after speaker.

William Hall,

Senior Pastor, St. James Church of Chicago

William Emmanuel Hall serves as the Senior Pastor of St. James Church in Chicago, IL. Early in life, William made a commitment to serve, uplift, and advocate for the poor. No matter if it was organizing food baskets at Holy Angels Church or marching for justice in the streets, William lives and loves out loud. William has traveled across the world in numerous delegations to work on human rights and social service projects. Recently, William worked as the National Field Coordinator for Rev. Jesse Jackson Jr. and the Rainbow Push Coalition. In his role as National Field Coordinator, William was instrumental in the development of key partnerships that furthered the preservation of human rights and human dignity. In 2011, William founded the Acts of Love Foundation (formally known as Communigize). Acts of Love is a human rights and social service foundation that is committed to providing resources to young people in the poorest communities across the world. Acts of Love distributes complimentary books and builds mini libraries through its Love Knowledge Initiative in homes, shelters, barbershops and daycares in some of the most poverty-stricken communities across the country. Acts of Love brings love to young people one block at a time. To date, Acts of Love has given away over 200,000 books in 15 cities.

Renee Mahaffey Harris,

CHES, Chief Operating Officer Center for Closing the Health Gap Cincinnati, Ohio

Renee Mahaffey Harris has been with the Center for Closing the Health Gap since 2008 first serving as Executive Director and now as Chief Operating Officer. As a committed advocate for the most vulnerable populations in our region, she remains at the forefront of the issue of health disparities as we look to improve the quality of life for our communities. Under her leadership, the Center for Closing the Health Gap helped steer the creation of the Food Desert Task Force of which she currently chairs, successfully implemented Health and Wellness education series, and launched groundbreaking community based health initiatives in the Greater Cincinnati region. Prior to joining the Health Gap, Harris held extensive executive leadership roles in the private sector including her tenure as Vice President of Community Relations with PNC Bank and as Director of the Greater Cincinnati Local Initiative Support Corporation. Harris has had roles in the public sector working with Former Congressman Charles Luken and Former Ohio Secretary of State Sherrod Brown. Harris’ dedication to the community extends far beyond her work advocating for the marginalized and disenfranchised. She is currently a member of the Ohio Statewide Health Disparities Collaborative, the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Council, and sits on the board of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. She has previously served on the boards of the Greater Cincinnati Urban League and the YWCA.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Tricia “CK” Hoffler,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Partner, Edmond, Lindsay & Hoffler, LLP

Tricia “CK” Hoffler is a named partner with Edmond, Lindsay & Hoffler LLP, an Atlanta-based law firm that generally specializes in representing plaintiffs in medical malpractice, wrongful death catastrophic personal injury, and commercial litigation. Ms. Hoffler is licensed in 5 states including Georgia, Florida, Virginia, DC and Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Edmond, Lindsay & Hoffler, Ms. Hoffler was a partner at Willie Gary’s office in Stuart, Florida and ran his commercial litigation practice. To date, Ms. Hoffler has tried and/or settled cases totaling over $800,000 million dollars. Ms. Hoffler was educated in some of the finest schools in Switzerland (College du Leman, University of Geneva), Canada (Branksome Hall) and the United States. She received her law degree from Georgetown University and her undergraduate degree from Smith College. She has been counsel to Reverend Jackson and related organizations for the past 29 years. She speaks French fluently and is proficient in Spanish and Portuguese.

The Honorable Vincent Hughes, State Senator, Pennsylvania

Senator Vincent J. Hughes is a leading progressive voice on local, state, and national issues. He was elected by his colleagues in 2010 to be the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He has been a member of the Pennsylvania Senate for over 20 years, first elected to represent the 7th Senatorial District in 1994. Senator Hughes served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1987 to 1994. During that time, he was the chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus from 1991 to 1994. As a key member of the Democratic leadership team in the Senate, Senator Hughes has been a champion on major policy issues such as expanding healthcare for low-income workers, raising the minimum wage, defending the right to vote, fighting for increased funding for public education, and rebuilding PA’s distressed communities. As Democratic Chairman of Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Hughes also plays a major role in developing Pennsylvania’s annual budget of over $30 billion and guiding the state’s spending priorities. Senator Hughes was a leader in the fight for the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Pennsylvania. The centerpiece and final part of this struggle was the successful implementation of Medicaid Expansion, which is providing health insurance to over 500,000 low income working people who previously could not afford to purchase coverage on their own. Senator Hughes has recently received national attention for his bold proposal for universal voter registration. Under his legislation, all eligible individuals who interact with state government—such as getting a driver’s license, access social services, or obtain a hunting permit— would automatically be added to the voter rolls This unique bill goes further than any other legislation in the country to expand the right to vote and increase voter participation.

Janaye Ingram,

Director of National Partnerships, Airbnb

Janaye Ingram has been called an impressive leader who plays in an important part in out progress toward the mountaintop and the messenger has been former First Lady Michelle Obama. She is the Director of National Partnerships for Airbnb, a home sharing platform that connects travelrs with unique homes and experiences around the world while creating economic development and entreprenuership opportunities for hosts and communities. She is also one of the founders and national organizers of the Women’s March, and planned the Women’s March on Washigton. Prior to her role at Airbnb, Janaye served as the National Executive Director for the civil rights organization, National Action Network.Janaye holds a B.A. in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University, a Master of Science in Nonprofot Management from the New School University, and a Leadership Certificate from the University of Kansas.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Santita Jackson,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

American Singer and Political Commentator The host of the top-rated “Santita Jackson Show” on Chicago’s WVON-AM, the nation’s leading urban talk radio station, she tackles topics of political, social, cultural and religious import five days a week. She is also the Executive Producer, Writer and co-host of the nationally-syndicated KEEP HOPE ALIVE with REV. JESSE JACKSON radio show. A writer, she is a founding contributor to theGrio, the MSNBC website dedicated to African American news and opinion. Commencing her music career, Santita spent more than five years touring with the legendary Roberta Flack, as well as training with and joining the renowned OPERA EBONY Company. Radio talk show host, network television commentator, writer, television and radio show producer, and acclaimed singer — Santita Jackson has a career that is vast in range and depth. It is her hope that she can use these gifts to bless and serve.

Derrick Johnson,

President and CEO, NAACP

On October 21, 2017, the executive committee of the NAACP National Board of Directors elected Derrick Johnson President and CEO. Derrick Johnson formerly served as vice chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors as well as state president for the Mississippi State Conference NAACP. Born in Detroit, Mr. Johnson attended Tougaloo College in Jackson, MS. He then continued onto Houston, TX to receive his JD from the South Texas College of Law. In later years, Mr. Johnson furthered his training through fellowships with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the George Washington University School of Political Management, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Johnson founded One Voice Inc. to improve the quality of life for African Americans through civic engagement training and initiatives. One Voice has spawned an annual Black Leadership Summit and the Mississippi Black Leadership Institute, a nine month training program for community leaders.

Olivier Kamanzi,

President and CEO, Africa Global Chamber of Commerce

Olivier Kamanzi is Capital markets expert, International Financial Sector Development Consultant, and Philanthropist. Currently, he is President & CEO of Africa Global Chamber of Commerce headquartered in Chicago. He is Founder and CEO of Globrock Financial Group Inc., a global management Consulting and investment advisory with its headquarters in Chicago and its subsidiaries both in US and Africa. He is former Deputy CEO of Capital Market Authority of Rwanda, former Senior Investment Specialist of Citigroup (Citibank) and Executive employee at JPMorgan Chase. He is Founder and Chairman of The Olivier Kamanzi Foundation – a public charitable organization. Also, he is President of the Board of Directors of Saint Sabina Academy an affiliate to Saint Sabina Catholic Church based in Chicago – United States. Mr. Kamanzi assisted in the establishment of the Rwandan capital markets industry and the creation of the Rwanda Capital Market Authority and Rwanda Stock Exchange. He initiated different policies including the East Africa Regional Financial Market Infrastructure Development and Regional Capital Markets harmonization and integration. Mr. Kamanzi is current Doctorate Candidate in Philosophy Organizational Leadership and Entrepreneurship with specialization in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He holds MBA in Finance from Ashford University, the Forbes School of Business in Iowa and a bachelor degree in Business Administration from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. His hobbies are running, reading, and serving the community by mentoring youth, providing financial literacy classes, and he teaches Stock Market Program to 8th Grade. He appeared in various radios, TV, and written media including WVON Radio, CNBC Africa, Reuters, etc. and produced multiples articles on financial and leadership matters.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

The Honorable Robin Kelly (D-IL)

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has dedicated her career to public service as an advocate for Illinois families. Since being elected to serve the 2nd Congressional District in 2013, she has worked to expand economic opportunity, community wellness, and public safety across the state, championing numerous initiatives to generate job growth, reduce health disparities, and end gun violence. Congresswoman Kelly is a Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee (the main investigative body of the House), and serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Information Technology, where she has focused her efforts on improving cyber-security, strengthening IT-infrastructure, and encouraging new and emerging technologies. Kelly also serves on the Oversight Committee's Subcommittee on Health Care, Benefits, and Administrative Rules. As the senior Illinois representative on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Congresswoman has laid out a forward-thinking foreign policy vision for the United States and has been an outspoken proponent of diplomacy, international human rights and the need for clear and thoughtful American leadership abroad. A staunch champion of common sense gun reforms and responsible community policing, Representative Kelly is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, was tapped to sit on the House Task Force on Community-Police Relations, and is the author of The 2014 Kelly Report on Gun Violence in America, the first-ever Congressional analysis of the nation's gun violence epidemic that offers a blueprint for ending the crisis. Committed to improving the health and wellness of vulnerable communities across the country, the Congresswoman serves as the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, and Co-Chairs the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls. She also CoChairs the House Democratic Budget Group and Congressional Diversifying Technology Caucus. Prior to her election to Congress, Kelly was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, served as Chief Administrative Officer of Cook County (the second largest county in the United States) and was Chief of Staff to Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias becoming the first African American woman to serve as Chief of Staff to an elected constitutional statewide officeholder. The daughter of a small business owner and postal worker, Congresswoman Kelly moved to Illinois after high school to attend Bradley University in Peoria, where she earned her B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in counseling. She later received a Ph.D. in political science from Northern Illinois University. She lives in Matteson with her husband, Dr. Nathaniel Horn, and has two adult children, Kelly and Ryan.

Dorothy R. Leavell,

Chairman, National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

Dorothy R. Leavell was elected Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a Black newspaper trade organization on June 23, 2017. She previously served as president of NNPA and the NNPA Foundation from June 1995 to 1999 simultaneously. The Association has a combined readership of more than 15 million readers. During her tenure, she increased the visibility and international stature of the organization. Mrs. Leavell led a controversial 20-member delegation to Nigeria to investigate the Nigerian political crisis. As a media advocate, she also was a staunch and visible supporter for the controversial and delayed confirmation of Alexis Herman as U.S. Secretary of Labor. In 1997 she attended the swearing in ceremony on May 9th. A member of the NNPA for more than 49 years, Mrs. Leavell has served in various other capacities including assistant secretary, a member of the board of directors, and as treasurer, a post she held for 11 years. She has been featured in articles and on television programs discussing such topics as women in business; the strength of the Black Press; cultural diversity and its impact on business; and several human and civil rights issues.

William Lucy,

Former AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer, AFSCME/CBTU (Retired)

For over four decades, William (Bill) Lucy has been at the forefront of the labor movement in American and around the world. As International Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) for nearly 40 years, Lucy helped the union grow from 200,000 to over 1.4 million members in 3,500 local unions nationwide. He also helped define the role of African Americans in the labor unions when he co-founded the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) in 1972. Along the way, he has stood alongside the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in civil rights struggles and Nelson Mandela in opposition to apartheid. Lucy co-founded the Free South Africa Movement, a grassroots campaign that sparked widespread opposition to apartheid across the United States. Throughout the 1990s Lucy continued to move through the upper ranks of international labor. In November of 1994 he was elected president of Public Services International (PSI), the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest union federation. The first African American to hold this position, Lucy oversaw 10 million members from over 100 nations.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Phumzile Mazibuko,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Consul General, South African Consulate, Chicago

Ms Phumzile Mazibuko Consul General, South African Consulate in Chicago. As of January 2018, Ms Phumzile Mazibuko is the Consul General of South Africa in Chicago, where she is responsible for the overall management of the Consulate General. The Consul General is keen to promote trade and investments, enhance people to people cooperation in the field of arts, culture, education, and effectively render consular services to South Africans in 14 states in the Midwest region of the United States. The Consul General’s consular jurisdiction includes the following states, Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Indiana, Oklahoma, Ohio, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas and Arkansas. Ms Mazibuko has served in different capacities within both the national and provincial government in South Africa. Ms Mazibuko is a career diplomat having served in the South African High Commission in New Delhi, India. She is a graduate of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), formerly known as the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Humanitarian Law & Refugee Law.

Vickey Montgomery,

Head of Real Estate and Third Party Auto Verticals, Google

Vickey Montgomery is Head of Industry for Google’s Real Estate and Third Party Auto verticals. She is responsible for leading teams that create digital media strategies that drive revenue for their clients. Vickey started her career at Google in sales 12 years ago in Consumer Packaged Goods where she collaborated with clients like PepsiCo and Kellogg’s to build their brands on YouTube. Based on her success in the US, she helped launch YouTube advertising in the Middle East and North Africa. Prior to Google, Vickey was an ad executive at HAVAS and JWT where she helped manage and grow brands like Procter & Gamble, Nabisco and Bayer. Vickey is a graduate of Springfield College and has a BS in English. She currently lives in Chicago and enjoys music, international travel and photography.

H.E. Samy Badibanga Ntita,

Former Premier Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Mr. Badibanga is former Premier Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2016 to 2017. He has been in DRC politics for 7 years and he is Elected National Deputy since 2011. Prior entering into politics he has served 30 years in the private sector and Mining specifically. He is former Country Representative of BHP Billiton. During his tenure as Premier Minister, he initiated the1st free health care for women and children in 2017. He served as Special Advisor to Étienne Tshisekedi the late leading opposition charismatic icon for DRC. He promoted and achieved the tax revenue collection of 93% within 3 months. He initiated the “Espoir project” to raise awareness and funding of the poor, victims of wars, and many other lives in DRC.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Robert G. Reiter, Jr.,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Secretary-Treasurer, Chicago Federation of Teachers

Bob Reiter is the President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, the third largest central labor council of the national AFL-CIO. He previously served two terms as Secretary-Treasurer of the CFL from July 2010 to May 2018. Bob’s appreciation for the history of labor informs his understanding of the need to reposition the labor movement in light of its history. He is a third-generation member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150. Throughout his career, he has worked as a labor attorney, an organizer, a negotiator and a lobbyist. Bob’s role as President allows him to be the voice of every CFL-affiliated union, representing the interests of labor throughout Chicago and Cook County. Bob holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in political science from Eastern Illinois University, and a Juris Doctor degree from IIT Chicago -Kent College of Law.

John Rogers,

Chairman, CEO and Chief Investment Officer, Ariel Investments

In 1983, John founded Ariel Investments to employ a patient, value strategy in small and medium-size companies. He is a member of the board of directors of Exelon, McDonald’s and The New York Times Company. He also serves as trustee to the University of Chicago, Rush University Medical Center and is a life trustee of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Nationally, John is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a director of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. In 2008, he was awarded Princeton University’s highest honor, the Woodrow Wilson Award, presented each year to the alumnus whose career embodies a commitment to national service. Following the election of President Barack Obama, John served as co-chair for the Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009, and more recently, he joined the Barack Obama Foundation’s Board of Directors. In 2013, John was featured alongside legendary investors Warren Buffett, Sir John Templeton and Benjamin Graham in the distinguished book: The World’s 99 Greatest Investors by Magnus Angenfelt. John received an AB in economics from Princeton University, where he was also captain of the varsity basketball team.

Ismael Roig,

Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Archer Daniels Midland Company

Ismael Roig Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Archer Daniels Midland Company Ismael Roig is senior vice president and chief strategy officer for Archer Daniels Midland Company, and a member of the company’s Executive Council. As such, he advances the implementation of ADM’s corporate strategy, supervises the process of corporate strategic and resource allocation planning, manages ADM’s corporate mergers & acquisitions and business development activities, oversees the company’s efforts to improve the efficiency and environmental footprint of its operations, and leads corporate communications. Roig previously served as president, Asia-Pacific. Before that, he was the company’s vice president, Planning and Business Development. Roig holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the Cranfield Institute of Technology, also in the United Kingdom. He holds an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and holds a Chartered Financial Analyst® credential.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Daryl Swamepoel,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Convener, ANC Progressive Business Forum, The Republic of South Africa

Daryl Swamepoel is currently the ANC’s National Coordinator: Corporate Liaison and is the Convenor of the ANC’s Progressive Business Forum, of which he was a founding member in 2006. He is also the Editor of the Progressive Leader and Business Update magazines. He joined the Office of the Treasurer General in 2005. In 2006/7 he was the Head of the Environmental Affairs and Tourism Ministry. He rejoined the full-time complement of the ANC’s Headquarters at Chief Albert Luthuli House in September 2007. He is a member of the professional accounting body, the Institute of Accounting and Commerce. This is a recognised professional body by the Companies Act. He is also a member of the UK based Institute of Financial Accountants and the Institute of Directors. Daryl was elected Member of the Gauteng Legislature (MPL) in 1994. He was subsequently redeployed to the National Parliament as MP in 1996 where he served until 1999. In Gauteng he served on the Economic Affairs & Finance Standing Committees and the Rules Committee and was prior to his redeployment to the National Parliament, the Leader of the Official Opposition in the Legislature. In the National Assembly he served on the Communications, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Portfolio Committee. He again served in the fourth Parliament as a Member and served on the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Trade & Industry. Subsequent to the general election of May 2014, the ANC redeployed him the its headquarters to focus on his work as National Coordinator: Corporate Liaison and Convenor of the ANC Progressive Business Forum. He served in a number of executive positions in the New National Party before its merger with the ANC, including the positions of National Media Director, Gauteng Provincial Leader and Secretary General. As Secretary General of the New National Party he played a leading role as the NNP’s coordinator in the negotiating process, which led to the merger with the ANC.

Robert Scott,

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Robert Scott, a member of the Foreign Service, is currently the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs covering West African Affairs and Economic and Regional Affairs. Previously he served as the Director for Economic and Regional Affairs in the Department of State’s Africa Bureau, the Deputy Chief of Mission in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, and as the Deputy Office Director for West African Affairs. Other overseas tours include Ukraine, Germany, France, Ghana, and domestic assignments working on climate change and European security issues. Mr. Scott joined the Foreign Service in 1994. He received a B.A. from Lawrence University, and has an M.A. in International Relations from American University.

Reverend Al Sharpton,

Founder and President, National Action Network

Internationally renowned civil rights leader, activist, and founder and President of National Action Network (NAN), the Rev. Al Sharpton has dedicated his life to the fight for justice and equality. For decades, he has turned the power of dissent and protest into tangible legislation impacting the lives of ordinary people. As President Barack Obama himself once stated, Rev. Sharpton is a “voice for the voiceless” and a “champion for the downtrodden”. As head of NAN, which currently operates over 100 chapters across the country including a Washington, D.C. bureau and headquarters in Harlem, NY, Rev. Sharpton has taken the teachings of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and applied them to a modern civil rights agenda. He has been a tireless advocate for everything from police reform and accountability to protection of voting rights and education equality. A recent extensive Vanity Fair profile described him as “arguably the country’s most influential civil rights leader”. In March 2016, Rev. Sharpton was honored with the “Mandela Legacy Hope, Success & Empowerment Award” in recognition of his long history of achievements in advancing civil rights causes around the world. Connecting the dots between domestic challenges in a global context, Rev. Sharpton often addresses international audiences and issues impacting people around the globe. In 2015, he delivered a resounding speech on civil rights, race relations and more at the prestigious Oxford Union in England. At the end of his speech, he received a 10-minute standing ovation.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Bryan Stevenson,

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Founder and Executive Director, Equal Justice Initiative

BRYAN STEVENSON is the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama. Mr. Stevenson is a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer who has dedicated his career to helping the poor, the incarcerated and the condemned. Under his leadership, EJI has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill and aiding children prosecuted as adults. Mr. Stevenson has successfully argued several cases in the United States Supreme Court and recently won an historic ruling that mandatory lifewithout-parole sentences for all children 17 or younger are unconstitutional. Mr. Stevenson and his staff have won reversals, relief or release for over 125 wrongly condemned prisoners on death row. Mr. Stevenson has initiated major new antipoverty and anti-discrimination efforts that challenge the legacy of racial inequality in America, including major projects to educate communities about slavery, lynching and racial segregation. Mr. Stevenson is also a Professor of Law at the New York University School of Law. Mr. Stevenson’s work fighting poverty and challenging racial discrimination in the criminal justice system has won him numerous awards including the prestigious MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Prize, the National Medal of Liberty from the American Civil Liberties Union after he was nominated by United States Supreme Court Justice John Stevens, the Public Interest Lawyer of the Year by the National Association of Public Interest Lawyers, and the Olaf Palme Prize in Stockholm, Sweden for international human rights. The American Bar Association has honored Mr. Stevenson with its John Minor Public Service and Professionalism Award. In 2002, he received the Alabama State Bar Commissioners Award. In 2003, the SALT Human Rights Award was presented to Mr. Stevenson by the Society of American Law Teachers. In 2004, he received the Award for Courageous Advocacyfrom the American College of Trial Lawyers and also the Lawyer for the People Award from the National Lawyers Guild. In 2006 New York University presented Mr. Stevenson with its Distinguished Teaching Award. Mr. Stevenson won the Gruber Foundation International Justice Prize and has been awarded the NAACP William Robert Ming Advocacy Award, the National Legal Aid & Defender Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the Ford Foundation Visionaries Award and the Roosevelt Institute Franklin D. Roosevelt Freedom from Fear Award. In 2012, Mr. Stevenson received the American Psychiatric Association Human Rights Award, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Fred L. Shuttlesworth Award, and the Smithsonian Magazine American Ingenuity Award in Social Progress. Mr. Stevenson was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Science in 2014 and most recently won the Lannan Foundation Prize for Human and Civil Rights. Mr. Stevenson has received 29 honorary doctoral degrees including degrees from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Oxford University. He is the author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Just Mercy, which was named by Time Magazine as one of the 10 Best Books of Nonfiction for 2014 and has been awarded several honors including the Carnegie Medal by the American Library Association for the best nonfiction book of 2014 and a 2015 NAACP Image Award.

The Honorable Lena Taylor, State Senator. Wisconsin

A life-long Milwaukee resident, Senator Lena Taylor still lives on the block she grew up on. She is serving her fourth term in the Wisconsin State Senate, representing the 4th Senate District, which includes the Village of Shorewood, portions of Wauwatosa, Glendale, and the north & northwestern portions of the City of Milwaukee. First elected in a special election to the Wisconsin Assembly in 2003, Lena Taylor fights unrelentingly for her constituents’ rights. Taylor has been elected to the State Senate since 2004. Senator Taylor is the thousandth senator in the state of Wisconsin, twentieth woman, fifth African-American, and only the second AfricanAmerican woman to serve in the State Senate. Taylor gives back to the community through membership on several boards and commissions. Senator Taylor’s dedicated efforts to serve her community and state have been recognized by both local and national organizations.

Austin Victoria Turk,

2018 Tuskegee Graduate, Millennial Votes Matter Leader

Austin Victoria Turk s a recent graduate of Tuskegee University from Mobile, Al. She received her B.S. degree in Political Science with a minor in History May 2018. While at Tuskegee, Austin served as the President of the Student Government Association (SGA), she also held a variety of other leadership roles. Austin served as the 2014-2015 Freshman Class Vice President, 2015-2016 Sophomore Class President, 2015-2016 Tuskegee NAACP Political Action/Awareness Committee Co-Chair, 2015-2016 Tiger P.A.W.S. Mentoring Program Coordinator, 2016-2017 Tiger P.A.W.S. Mentoring Program Coordinator, 2016-2017 Student Government Association Vice President, and member of the Honors Program. Austin is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society, and Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society. Austin has interned with the U.S. Department of Energy and Mobile Gas: A Sempra Company. Austin is a 2014 J.L. Bedsole Scholar and has been selected as a 2017-2018 ambassador for the Transformative Justice 82 Coalition.

This section only reflects biographies received before 6/11/18

Luke Visconti,

Founder and CEO, DiversityInc

SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES

Luke Visconti has positioned himself as an expert on diversity management. Luke is the founder and CEO of DiversityInc, which he launched as a website in 1997 and went on to become the leading print and online publication focused on issues of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. He further grew the company into a successful benchmarking consulting business and produces diversity conference events, including the coveted annual DiversityInc Top 50 competition, now in its 16th year. In 2016, the competition welcomed more than 1,800 participants. Using the data collected from the DiversityInc Top 50 survey, Luke created DiversityInc’s Consulting and Benchmarking practice, which currently boasts over 70 corporate clients, many among the Fortune 500. A longtime philanthropist, Luke Visconti founded the DiversityInc Foundation in 2006, which provides scholarships at Rutgers University, New Jersey City University and Bennett College. Luke holds or has held board seats at all three institutions.

Standish Willis

Attorney, The Law Office of Standish E. Willis

Activist/Attorney Stan Willis is a lifelong Chicagoan, rooted in the working class West Side, from which he has developed strong connections with numerous justice-seeking communities across the city, this nation, and internationally. His dedication to both teaching and social justice activism began long before he became a trial lawyer specializing in Civil Rights, Police Brutality and Misconduct, and Criminal Defense work. Soon after honorable discharge from the Air Force as a young G.I., Stan began working for the Chicago Transit Authority as a bus driver where he helped organize several wildcat strikes including the largest one in Chicago’s history, that disrupted travel city-wide at the time of the Democratic National Convention, but helped win concessions from the union and City of Chicago to begin dismantling the blatantly racist policies and practices impacting black drivers. Stan was enrolled at Crane Junior College while still with the CTA, as the nation became immersed in the Civil Rights movement. An active student leader, he led a march while carrying a coffin, in protest of the murders of Black college students by South Carolina National Guards at Orangeburg, South Carolina. Stan’s leadership continued in the academic arena where he became editor of the college yearbook, founded the Afro-American History Club, and was elected President of Student Government at Crane College. In this capacity, he led the student movement to name the new campus after Malcolm X. After completing his Associate’s degree, Stan transferred to the University of Chicago, earning his B.A. and a Master’s degree in Latin American Studies. A strong desire to directly impact the practical needs and working class struggles of marginalized communities at home and abroad led Stan to further study, in Master’s level Economics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and finally to the law – earning the Jurist Doctorate from Chicago Kent.

Dr. Sheridan Todd Yeary,

Senior Pastor, Douglas Memorial Community Church

Dr. Sheridan Todd Yeary is the Senior Pastor of the Douglas Memorial Community Church in Baltimore, Maryland. He also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of DMCC’s two community development corporations – Camp Farthest Out, Inc. and Douglas Village, Inc. Dr. Yeary is the former Associate Director of the Center for Black Studies at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. A third-generation preacher/pastor, Dr. Yeary serves the faith community of Douglas Memorial as the fifth pastor in its 90-year history. Dr. Yeary is often sought after to offer commentary, public testimony, and insight on a variety of public policy and leadership concerns, and has presented in a variety of forums, including the Faith Leaders Round Table at the Congressional Black Caucus (2011, 2012), the Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture Series on Racial Reconciliation at Hamline University (2003-2004), the Brown v. Board of Education Summit at College of DuPage (2005), and the African American Family Summit at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln (2002-2006). Dr. Yeary’s presentation on the role of religion in promoting diversity at the spring 2006 convening of the Oxford Roundtable at the University of Oxford in England was later published in the Oxford Round Table’s Forum on Public Policy journal. Currently, Dr. Yeary holds an adjunct faculty appointment in the College of Public Affairs at the University of Baltimore, teaching courses that explore faith and public policy and the legal construction of race. Dr. Yeary holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from National-Louis University, a Master of Divinity Degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, the Graduate Certificate in African Studies from Northwestern University, and the Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) in the area of Religion in Society and Personality from Northwestern. Dr. Yeary is a member of the 2012 class of the Board of Preachers of the Martin Luther King, Jr. College of Preachers and Laity of Morehouse College. Dr. Yeary’s travels and research are centered in Ghana, West Africa, focusing on the relationship between traditional African values and the African American experience.

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