Isaac Addae is an assistant professor of management in the College of Business at Tennessee State University who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in business administration with a concentration in management. His research interests include: entrepreneurship (opportunity recognition, social networks), social enterprises, strategy, international business, and technology management.

Jacky Akbari is a nationally recognized leader with a track record of achievement in strategy consulting. Recognized for her expertise and influence, Jacky develops and executes mission critical strategy impacting transformational growth for leading organizations, including top tier universities, innovative business start-ups and Fortune 500 companies. As Founder and Managing Principal of Worthington Advisory, she provides vision at the business consulting firm.

Jim Clayton III co-founded InfoWorks in January 1997, and serves as Chairman and CEO. Under Jim’s leadership, InfoWorks has built a reputation for outstanding client service, employee satisfaction, and sustainable profitable growth. During InfoWorks’ 20 years in business, Jim has balanced company growth with employee and client satisfaction in a controlled manner that has purposely avoided layoffs and maintained its strong cash position.

Don Hardin is the President and Owner of the Don Hardin Group. His company has provided project and construction management to Nashville and the surrounding area for over 19 years.

Bill McClesky is the founder and CEO of Mitech Partners, LLC a technology company located in Nashville. Mitech Partners helps IT Consultants and Tech Sales Professionals earn money on business telecom/cable services. McClesky has gained over 300 clients like Zaxby’s and Comfort Suites in only a year for his company.

Thomas Okokhere, began his career at Hoskins and Associates in 2011 as a staff auditor, where he has had the opportunity to collaborate with clients representing various industries, including for profit and not-for-profit organizations. He has a successful record of providing valued-added services to our clients, including providing strategic direction and operational efficiency that enhances business development and profitability.

Charles Avent Jr. has been with HCA Healthcare for eight years. He currently serves as a Program Manager for Acquisitions, New Construction, and Divestitures for Information Technology Group. He currently sits on Rocketown Board of Directors and Middle Tennessee State University College of Economics and Finance Advisory board. Charles is an alumnus of Middle Tennessee State University and a member of Nashville Emerging Leaders Class of 2016. He is a active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Kimberly Powell is the Secretary for the Board of Directors for the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce. She is also a branch manager at Regions Bank.

Dewayne Scott is Co-Founder of SRS INC a Construction Management & federal Disaster Response firm based out of Gallatin, Tennessee started in 2001 and founder of TDS & Associates LLC a business consulting/real estate investing firm that he started in 1999. Dewayne entered the arena of entrepreneurship after a 15-year career in corporate management with Kroger Company. The combination of his corporate and entrepreneurial track record affords him a unique perspective on business. He has and continues to mentor many companies.

Davita Taylor is the Chief Procurement Officer of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. Prior to this position, she worked as a Finance Officer at the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.

Emanuel Reed is a Nashville native, Tennessee State University graduate, and entrepreneur who is involved in the creation of multiple companies with two other business partners. Reed is one of the founders of Slim and Husky’s Pizza Beeria and The Green Truck Movers.

Susan Vanderbilt is the Executive Director and Owner of Entree Savvy, LCC. She has been nominated for the 2019 Best in Service & Philanthropy Power Moves Award, named to 100 Leading Women 2018 by NashvilleBusiness.net, been awarded as a 2017 Nashville Business Journal Woman of Influence, a 2016 Nashville Black Chamber Rising Star, is a member of the SBA Emerging Leaders Class of 2017, and she is a 2018 ATHENA International Leadership Award Nominee.

Carolyn Waller has served as President of the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce since 2013, where she is committed to the mission of furthering the vision of empowerment, education and economic development in our community. Carolyn Waller is currently an Affiliate Broker, Accredited Buyer Representative and Relocation Specialist with Zeitlin |Sotheby’s International Realty. Prior to her Real Estate Career, Carolyn worked for 25 years in the commercial insurance industry as a Marketing and Underwriting Specialist for Aetna Casualty and Surety, CNA Commercial, Harleysville Mutual, and Trinity Universal.