Ask JBH with Janice Bryant Howroyd

Harvard professor and leading public health researcher Dr. David R. Williams brings decades of work into sharp focus, challenging how we understand health, equity, and responsibility. Grounded in one of the most comprehensive bodies of research in the field, his work confronts a question many would rather avoid: why do Black Americans experience worse health outcomes, even when income, education, and effort are held constant?What unfolds goes beyond data. It reveals how systems, structures, and everyday experiences quietly shape access to care, opportunity, and ultimately, longevity, often long before a person ever enters a doctor’s office. It also makes something just as important clear: these outcomes are not inevitable, and when we are willing to see clearly, we are better equipped to lead, to change, and to build something better.Because when the problem is this deeply rooted, awareness alone is not enough. Real change demands action.

What if the distance between you and your goal is not the goal, but the way you see it?Dr. Emily Balcetis, Associate Professor of Psychology at NYU and TEDx speaker viewed by millions, studies how perception shapes performance. Her research has been featured in Forbes, Time, and Scientific American.In this Ask JBH episode, she reveals why focus is about perspective, how to turn fear into fuel, and when to look back versus look ahead to stay motivated.

On this episode of Ask JBH, Arian Simone shares a fearless journey shaped by faith, grit, and purpose. From early lessons in entrepreneurship at Florida A&M University to rebuilding her life after homelessness in Los Angeles, she reflects on the moments that clarified her calling.Those experiences led her to found the Fearless Fund, the first venture capital fund built by women of color for women of color, reframing access to capital not as charity, but as strategy. The conversation explores sisterhood, resilience, venture readiness, and what it takes to stay grounded when leadership is tested in both public and private ways.This episode is for anyone figuring out how to keep going when the path forward feels unclear.

Jensine Larsen, award-winning digital entrepreneur, international journalist, and the former founder of World Pulse, recognized the internet's potential as a lifeline long before social platforms were seen as mere tools for influence or profit. She saw it as a space where women without access to traditional power could still be seen, heard, and connected.This episode explores how digital empowerment, citizen journalism, and collaborative leadership can accelerate gender justice when technology is built with intention. We take a closer look at who gets amplified, how inequitable data shapes outcomes, and what responsibility looks like when voices finally have a platform.This conversation dives into the concepts of power, voice, and the quiet revolution that unfolds when people are trusted to speak for themselves. Discover the transformative impact of Jensine's work and the untapped potential of technology to create a more just and inclusive world.

Shaka Senghor joins Ask JBH for a thoughtful exchange about freedom, accountability, and the inner work required to change the direction of your life. A bestselling author and resilience expert, Shaka’s perspective is shaped by lived experience, including a childhood marked by instability and 19 years of incarceration.Author of How to Be Free and Writing My Wrongs, Shaka shares how literacy, journaling, and self-examination helped him rebuild his life from the inside out. Together, the discussion explores the unseen prisons many people live in, including fear, anger, shame, and unresolved pain that quietly shape decisions long after circumstances change.It is a reminder that freedom is an inside job and that every prison has a door.

Pastor Greg Ford, Lead Pastor of One Church, joins Ask JBH for a thoughtful conversation on faith, leadership, and building community in a divided world.From planting a church while working five jobs to leading with humility and courage, Pastor Greg shares how presence, love, and listening shape meaningful leadership. Together, we explore how faith shows up in work, culture, and moments of uncertainty without fear, judgment, or division.This episode challenges us to rethink how faith is lived, not just spoken, in everyday life.

Born in Pondicherry and shaped by a life that spans India, France, and Silicon Valley, Navi Radjou brings a worldview that blends humanistic coaching, ecological thinking, and deep cultural intelligence. A longtime advisor to global leaders and co-author of acclaimed books like Jugaad Innovation, From Smart to Wise, and The Frugal Economy, his work has placed him on the Thinkers50 list of the world’s most influential management thinkers every year since 2021.Our conversation moves through the ideas that define his work: the power of jugaad and resourceful innovation, the rise of the frugal economy, leading wisely in a changing world, and seeing constraints as catalysts rather than limits. Navi shares how his multicultural upbringing shaped his lens on creativity, why optimism is an active practice, and the mindset shifts that help us work, live, and lead with more clarity and compassion.

Kelley Cornish’s journey is one of purpose, faith, and service. From her roots in Aiken, South Carolina, where family and faith shaped her early values, to her role now as President and CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation, Kelley has carried a through line of integrity and impact.We talk about how her foundation’s mission of financial inclusion, education, and community transformation guides her work, and how the lessons of education, exposure, and experience continue to shape her leadership. Kelley also shares what it means to make history as the first woman to serve as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at Wiley University, and how she is helping others build legacies of their own.This episode is a reminder that true leadership begins with knowing who you are and serving from that place. Learn more about the Foundation’s work at TDJFoundation.org.

Comedian, actress, writer, and disability advocate Maysoon Zayid brings laughter, honesty, and heart to every stage she steps on. From co-founding the New York Arab American Comedy Festival to delivering one of the most-viewed TED Talks of all time, Maysoon has built a career on turning challenge into charm and advocacy into art.In this conversation, she shares how humor became her superpower, the lessons her parents taught her about joy and grit, and why she created Shiny Misfits, a graphic novel that gives kids a hero who looks and lives like them. With her trademark wit, Maysoon reminds us that inclusion isn’t charity, it’s common sense.Watch to hear how this unstoppable force proves her mantra true: If I can can, you can can.

Sarah Kunst has never been afraid to take a leap. From building her career at Apple and Chanel to stepping boldly into venture capital when very few women of color were in the room, she’s been rewriting the playbook for what leadership and ownership look like. Today, as Managing Director at Cleo Capital and a trusted voice in business media, Sarah is investing in the next generation of founders while using her platform to open doors for others.In this Ask JBH episode, the focus is on money: earning it, negotiating for it, and making it work for you. Sarah shares the lessons learned early on, the instincts that led her into Bitcoin before most of the world knew its name, and what she looks for when deciding who and what to bet on. There’s also honesty about risk, resilience, and the courage it takes to speak truth in an industry that doesn’t always welcome it.This episode offers more than investing tips. It’s about agency, ownership, and the kind of vision that makes change possible.

Dr. Sandro Galea is one of the world’s leading voices on public health. As the founding dean of the new School of Public Health at Washington University, he’s shaping how we think about health not just as individual wellness, but as the conditions we create together.A physician, scientist, and author of more than 20 books, Dr. Galea’s work reminds us that health is deeply connected to justice, equity, and hope. In this conversation, we talk about the shift from treating illness to addressing root causes, building trust in a world of skepticism, and what it takes to create healthier communities for the next generation.

Panache Desai joins Ask JBH with a radical reminder: you are already whole. From his grandmother’s meditation room to London’s East End, Panache’s journey shows us that crisis can be a calling, struggle can be a teacher, and wholeness is our birthright. In this conversation, he shares how to befriend your ego, honor your feelings without fixing yourself, and remember your worth in a world obsessed with comparison. This episode is an invitation to return to authenticity and discover the power of being enough.

Chris Denson is an award-winning innovation advocate, bestselling author, and former comedian who blends humor with sharp business insight. From the White House to Fortune 500 companies, he’s helped leaders break rules, spark creativity, and turn bold ideas into reality. He’s the author of Crushing the Box and host of the Innovation Crush podcast, and he returns to Ask JBH to share fresh lessons on creativity, leadership, and reimagining what’s possible.

Change doesn’t have to feel like struggle. It can feel like strategy. In this Ask JBH episode, we sit down with Katy Milkman, a Wharton professor and author of the bestselling book How to Change, whose work is transforming the way people approach habits, discipline, and growth.From procrastination to purpose, Katy brings fresh insight into how small choices and smart design can unlock real transformation. Her approach of pairing joy with effort and aligning timing with intention helps millions stick to the goals that matter most.This is a conversation for anyone ready to shift from wishing to doing. Come for the science, stay for the clarity, and walk away with tools that respect where you are and support where you're headed.

Jack Kornfield is one of the most influential figures in bringing Buddhist mindfulness to the Western world. A former monk trained in Thailand, India, and Burma, he later co-founded both the Insight Meditation Society and Spirit Rock Center. With a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and decades of teaching under his belt, Jack brings ancient wisdom into real, modern life. He’s the author of beloved books like After the Ecstasy, the Laundry, and No Time Like the Present. In this conversation, we explore how to stay grounded through it all, from embracing acceptance and taking action to practicing forgiveness and emotional healing. Jack shares guidance to help us stay present, awake, and open-hearted, even in the face of global uncertainty.

Dr. David Eagleman, Stanford neuroscientist, bestselling author, and host of The Brain on PBS, joins this episode to break down the science behind how the brain rewires itself throughout life. From sensory perception to daily habits, this conversation explores how people can expand their thinking, shift perspective, and tap into unrealized potential.With over 120 academic publications, bestselling books like Livewired and Incognito, and experience advising shows like Westworld, Dr. Eagleman brings science to life in ways that empower change. He shares how understanding the brain’s plasticity can reshape how people grow, connect, and thrive.For anyone ready to change their mind, this episode is a masterclass in what’s possible.

From cattle rancher to business psychologist, Dr. Camille Preston’s unconventional journey led her to help leaders optimize their potential in today’s hyper-connected world. As the founder of AIM Leadership and author of Rewired, she tackles technology overwhelm and champions authentic leadership.In this conversation, we explore the hidden costs of being "overwired," practical strategies for digital wellness, and her insights on female leadership, including the unique strengths women often undervalue. Whether you're battling tech overload or seeking to lead more authentically, this episode is packed with wisdom you can apply right away.

Minda Harts, CEO of The Memo LLC and bestselling author of The Memo and Right Within, is rewriting the playbook for workplace equity. A leading advocate for women of color, she helps organizations build real trust and inclusion through her Seven Trust Languages framework. Her insights on self-advocacy and authentic leadership have empowered professionals to reclaim their power and thrive in spaces not built with them in mind. This conversation will challenge, inspire, and transform your perspective on the workplace.

Ask JBH welcomes Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a former Harvard professor behind the university's most popular course on Positive Psychology. His bestsellers Happier and The Joy of Leadership have transformed how we understand fulfillment. We explore the surprising relationship between happiness and difficult emotions, why embracing failure fuels growth, and how self-discipline actually increases joy. Tal shares universal truths about happiness that transcend cultural boundaries, while offering clear strategies for finding meaning in our hyperconnected world. This conversation will transform how you approach success and struggle on your journey to a more purposeful life. 

America's favorite financial educator, Tiffany Aliche, aka The Budgetnista, joins Ask JBH with her expertise on personal finance and wealth building. Her NYT bestseller Get Good with Money has helped millions of women transform their relationship with money. Creator of the Live Richer Movement, she's guided over two million women to save and manage hundreds of millions of dollars collectively. A former teacher with a Master's in Education, Tiffany made history as the driving force behind The Budgetnista Law (A1414), making financial education mandatory for New Jersey middle schoolers. As the first Black woman to grace the cover of Money Magazine solo, she continues to share practical strategies that empower people to take control of their financial futures.

Joining Ask JBH, bestselling author Gretchen Rubin brings her insights on happiness and human nature. Her books, including The Happiness Project, The Four Tendencies, and the recent release Secrets of Adulthood, have sold millions of copies worldwide. Host of the popular Happier podcast and creator of the award-winning Happier app, Gretchen brings research-backed strategies to help people build meaningful lives. A former lawyer who clerked for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, she now dedicates herself to exploring what truly makes us happy.

We sit down with Dr. Pamela Gurley, whose remarkable journey from Army veteran to federal executive to literacy champion exemplifies courage in action. After reaching the heights of government service at the Department of Defense and State Department, Dr. Gurley boldly stepped away in 2020 to pursue her passion. Her book "I Am Not A Stereotype: I Am H.E.R." challenges societal boxes, while her Brown Girl and Brown Boy Literacy Foundation is transforming representation in children's literature across America. Join us as Dr. Gurley shares how finding her authentic voice is creating ripples of change for the next generation of readers.

Dr. Jen Douglas, former Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford School of Medicine and mental wellness expert, pulls back the curtain on perfectionism in this revealing conversation. Beyond the organized, high-achieving face we recognize, Dr. Douglas uncovers perfectionism's surprising hidden masks - from procrastination to relationship struggles.Through her 15+ years of experience, she explains why seemingly successful people feel overwhelmed and offers practical strategies for breaking free. Whether you're battling burnout or wondering why 'doing your best' never feels good enough, this episode provides transformative tools for building a life you truly love.

Lara Love Hardin knows firsthand that a single choice can either define us or transform us. Her remarkable journey from incarceration to literary leadership not only rewrote her own story but also opened doors for countless others. Today, as President and founder of True Literary Agency and author of "The Many Lives of Mama Love," she champions both storytelling and second chances. Through her advocacy for prison reform and dedication to helping writers find their voices, Lara demonstrates that our most challenging chapters often hold the key to our greatest purpose.

Dr. Chris Palmer challenges everything we thought we knew about mental health. As a Harvard psychiatrist and pioneer in psychiatric medicine, he presents a revolutionary understanding: mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain. His groundbreaking research reveals the profound connection between the brain's energy and mental well-being, offering new hope for conditions ranging from anxiety to schizophrenia. Through his work at Harvard Medical School and his book "Brain Energy," Dr. Palmer demonstrates how understanding the relationship between physical and mental health could transform treatment as we know it.

Dr. Marcus Collins bridges two worlds - from leading strategy at Wieden+Kennedy to teaching at Michigan's Ross School of Business. More than a marketing expert, he's a cultural translator who understands what makes ideas spread and people move. His book "For The Culture" explores how culture shapes not just what we buy, but who we become. From Apple to Beyoncé, his journey reveals the true power of cultural understanding in business and life.

Stephanie Chung is a trailblazing executive who has shattered glass ceilings in aviation. As the former Chief Growth Officer at Wheels Up and President of JetSuite, she transformed these companies with innovative strategies that redefined private aviation. A neuroscience expert in sales and leadership, Stephanie's groundbreaking work has reached audiences in 60 languages worldwide. She serves on the boards of organizations including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the National Business Aviation Association, bringing her expertise to causes that make a difference. As a dynamic speaker and author, she doesn't just share success strategies – she creates blueprints for breakthrough leadership that resonate far beyond the boardroom.

Bola Sokunbi is a powerhouse in personal finance who's transforming how women think about money. As the founder of Clever Girl Finance, one of America's largest financial education platforms for women, Bola has turned her passion for financial literacy into a movement. A 5x bestselling author and award-winning financial instructor, she's not your typical money expert. Her fresh, relatable approach to finance has caught the attention of major media outlets, from Good Morning America to Forbes, and earned her recognition as one of Money's Most Influential Women. Get ready for game-changing financial wisdom from the woman who's making money talk both accessible and actionable!

Dr. Raquel Martin is a trailblazing expert in Black Mental Health and Liberation Psychology. Blending clinical psychology with social advocacy, she is renowned for her innovative approach to mental health and social justice. Known for her ability to make complex concepts accessible, she provides actionable resources that empower both individuals and communities. Her unique perspective at the intersection of psychology and activism has established her as a thought leader, helping audiences feel seen, heard, and motivated to make a difference. Join Dr. Martin as she shares insights that bridge the gap between mental health, social justice, and personal empowerment.

Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon is the award-winning Inc5000 CEO of Incredible One Enterprises, LLC - a business transformation company. She is a renowned expert in coaching entrepreneurs and established the Move to Millions movement, which aims to normalize wealth and financial legacy through entrepreneurship, particularly for service-based entrepreneurs. Her approach merges spiritual principles, strategic business growth, and wealth development to build sustainable, lucrative companies.

Adam Smiley Poswolsky is an internationally renowned keynote speaker, workplace belonging and future of work expert, and bestselling author of three books that have been translated into multiple languages, including The Quarter-Life Breakthrough and Friendship in the Age of Loneliness.

J.R. Martinez is an Army veteran, burn survivor, actor, motivational speaker, New York Times best-selling author, and Dancing with the Stars season 13 winner. He has traveled the world speaking with troops at various bases and serving as the keynote speaker for numerous major corporate events, non-profits, Universities, and Fortune 500 companies. J.R. devotes himself to spreading his message of resilience and optimism.

Join Alisa Childers—a wife, mom, author, blogger, speaker, and worship leader—as she shares insights from her journey. Formerly part of the award-winning CCM recording group ZOEgirl, Alisa is now a sought-after speaker at apologetics and Christian worldview conferences, including reThink. Don't miss her latest book, "The Deconstruction of Christianity." More results

Samuel Dixon is a full-ride Honors Cheatham-White Scholar Junior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He is the Co-Founder and President of the NCAT Crypto Club and Aggie DAO. He is studying user experience design and blockchain technology with a minor in finance. 

Aleesha Barlow created Tell Somebody, Inc., an organization that works toward ending child abuse and silenced abuse of any kind. The Tell Somebody movement is about bringing awareness to parents that sexual abuse can and does happen. "I am a survivor of child abuse. I was molested by my maternal grandfather and at age 6, I told my aunt that her father was touching me inappropriately. She told my mother, and they confronted my grandfather. He admitted it. I was told to keep it a secret from the police and my own father, with the promise the abuse would stop. Unfortunately he continued, and I never spoke up again. After 20 years, my father asked me if I had ever been molested in my life, I told him yes. I felt all the weight, burden and shame I had been carrying all those years, immediately lifted off my shoulders and I want all survivors to feel that! You are not alone. Don’t take it to the grave, Tell Somebody. It’s time to heal!" —Aleesha Barlow

Patrice Gordon is an established executive coach and personal development advocate, specializing in Women’s Development Programs and Reverse Mentoring. She spearheaded the development of reverse mentoring at Virgin Atlantic, with the initial focus being on how race and ethnicity impact development in the workplace. 

Dr. John Demartini is an internationally published author, a global educator and the founder of the Demartini Method, a revolutionary tool in modern psychology. He is also the author of over 40 self-development books and manuscripts such as the bestseller ‘The Breakthrough Experience®’ which has been translated into over 36 languages.

Efram “LoveLogiq” Bryant is an R&B singer, songwriter, poet, MC, & social activist. His love of music extends to all genres, particularly Soul/Neo-Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop, and jazz. LovelLogiq has performed with world-renowned musicians recreating songs from legends such as Gil Scot Heron, Earth Wind & Fire, and Al Green. He has written for major R&B artists such as Noel Gourdin and has been featured as a vocalist in the hit FOX TV series “Empire.”

Irina Tishchenko Lujan has worked with Universal Aid for Children of Ukraine since 1999. She served as their Scholarship Program director in Odessa for ten years before moving to the United States. Irina facilitates correspondence between the UAC Ukraine team, the children in Odessa, and their staff and sponsors in the U.S. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbryanthowroyd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaniceBryantHowroyd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicebryanthowroyd/

Marty Neumeier is someone who literally wrote the book on branding, in fact, he’s written numerous books about it. He is an author, designer, and brand adviser whose mission is to bring the principles and processes of design to business. He has worked closely with innovative companies such as Apple, Netscape, Sun Microsystems, HP, Adobe, Google, and Microsoft to help advance their brands and cultures. Today he serves as Director of Transformation for Liquid Agency in Silicon Valley, and travels extensively as a workshop leader and speaker on the topics of design, brand, and innovation.

Ed Wiley III spent more than 30 years as a journalist, working as a newspaper and magazine reporter, congressional press secretary, communications manager, and most recently as the Managing Editor at BET News. In 2006, he moved to North Carolina, and two years later returned to his love for cooking. He and his wife, Yalem, opened their first restaurant in Raleigh, NC. Wiley attributes much of what her learned in the kitchen to his father, the legendary saxophonist Ed Wiley Jr., who developed his culinary chops cooking for bandmates on the Chitlin’ Circuit during the days when many of the restaurants were segregated. The Prime Smokehouse: Barbecue & Beyond, which moved to Rocky Mount, NC, in 2013, has been ranked No. 1 on most online social media outlets in the city since it was established. In fact, Yelp recently named Prime the Top Dining Destination for Travelers to North Carolina, and the restaurant has been featured in various publications and television programs.

Laura Cathcart Robbins is the best-selling author of her memoir, Stash, My Life In Hiding, and host of the popular podcast, The Only One In The Room. She has been active for many years as a speaker and school trustee and is credited for creating The Buckley School’s nationally recognized committee on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. Her recent articles on the subjects of race, recovery, and divorce have garnered her worldwide acclaim. She is a 2022 TEDx Speaker, and LA Moth StorySlam winner. Currently, she sits on the advisory boards of the San Diego Writer’s Festival and the Outliers HQ podcast Festival.

Jenny Just is a visionary, powerhouse, and one of the few self-made female billionaires in the United States. From her days of cutting her teeth on the trading floor in Chicago to now running a fintech empire, she has started and/or turned around more than 15 operating companies and made 100s of private investments, including in such companies as Webull, Stash, QuantumScape, and Thrasio. Jenny co-founded PEAK6 in 1997 with $1.5M in seed capital as a proprietary options trading firm. Since then, she has grown the firm into a multibillion-dollar financial services and technology firm housing the next generation of products and service brands — including PEAK6 Capital Management, PEAK6 Strategic Capital, Apex Fintech Solutions, PEAK6 InsurTech, Evil Geniuses. Poker Power, and Zogo. With a true knack for unearthing talent and opportunities, Jenny looks for underfunded sectors to transform limited access opportunities into high-growth businesses. Her passion specifically lies in finding opportunities for women to succeed at every table — from the classroom, to the conference room, to the poker room, to the board room. Which is why she launched Poker Power in 2020, a woman-led company that teaches poker to all who identify as female, and by extension, teaches women strategic thinking, capital allocation, and decision-making skills. Additionally, Jenny has created programs to help women advance their careers in trading, fintech, and technology. She founded the Women’s Trading Experience and Women’s Technology Experience programs for PEAK6 employees in order to create a path for more women in fintech.

Haile Thomas is a 22yr old international speaker, wellness & compassion activist, content creator, writer, co-founder of wellness teahouse, Matcha Thomas, and the non-profit HAPPY (Healthy, Active, Positive, Purposeful, Youth). Haile founded HAPPY when she was 12 years old to redefine youth empowerment through free holistic wellness education and plant-based nutrition in at-risk communities. In 2017, she became the youngest graduate from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition as a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (at age 16). In 2020, at 19, Haile published her debut self-help cookbook, “Living Lively,” with HarperCollins.

Kate is Co-founder, Chair, and previous CEO of Applied, the essential platform for de-biased recruiting. Applied uses behavioral and data science to help organizations find the best person for the job regardless of their background. Through this platform, Kate aims to make hiring smart, fair, and easy. It also cares about being able to prove impact, so it publishes the results of its experiments and research that inform its product design. Prior to founding Applied, Kate was Principal Advisor and Head of Growth and Equality at the Behavioural Insights Team and has previously worked for UNESCO in South East Asia, and for the Australian Treasury. She is also a former member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Action Committee on Behavioural Science. Kate holds a Master in Public Policy degree from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a Bachelor in Economic and Social Sciences from the University of Sydney. She is a Trustee at the Blueprint for Better Business.

Considered one of the top voices in AI and the future of work, Ian Beacraft is a trusted advisor to the world’s most innovative companies. The founder and Chief Futurist of Signal and Cipher, Ian leads a strategic foresight and development agency guiding companies through the rapidly changing technology landscape to find meaningful routes to innovation that impact the bottom line, inspire cultural change, and create new products and services.

Jaylen Bledsoe is the Chairman of the Bledsoe Collective and Managing Director of Flare Partners. Jaylen has served on AT&T’s Supplier Diversity Board, advised White House officials in President Obama’s Administration on economic policies impacting small businesses, and has served on various non-profit organization boards. He’s also received awards for leading the Bledsoe Collective, such as the Business Journal's Top 40 under 40. In addition, he has spoken to audiences at institutions such as the White House, Stanford University, Facebook, Google, and many more.

Daniel was most recently an Entrepreneur in Resident at MIT designX, where he co-founded a marketplace platform. He was an associate at Summit Partners, where he helped manage the firm’s due diligence process to raise investment funds. Previously, he was a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs, where he supported senior management in supervising the New England Private Wealth Management business. He received a dual Masters in Business Administration from the Wharton School and Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University.

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CliniSpan Health, Dezbee McDaniel has been a career entrepreneur. He is an alum of Venture for America, a prestigious entrepreneurial fellowship, where he worked with different technology startups across many functions of business such as sales, marketing, and operations. Dezbee has founded and/or grown startups from inception as well as consulted with early stage startup companies over the years.

Dr. Opal Lee is known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” At 90 years of age, she started a walking campaign from Fort Worth, TX to Washington, DC to bring awareness to the need for celebrating Juneteenth nationally. Ms. Opal was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her work to bring awareness to the contributions and struggles of African Americans in the United States, as well as her mission to create a more equitable society for humanity.