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.

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.

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.

Recognized for delivering strategic solutions that optimize HR processes, enhance employee experiences, and realize organizational growth. Skilled in providing technical guidance and support to project teams throughout implementation and maintenance of HR systems, ensuring successful outcomes.

Cherelle Cortez has over 20 + years of experience in the construction industry and has worn multiple hats focused on the marketplace, workplace, and workforce. As the Vice President of Trade Partner Cherelle Cortez has over 20 + years of experience in the construction industry and has worn multiple hats focused on the marketplace, workplace, and workforce. As the Vice President of Trade Partner Engagement & Development at Layton Construction, she leads the company's strategic partnerships with community advocacy organizations and directs Layton's trade partner engagement & development program.

Proven leader within community and hospital settings over the past 11 years with 6 years in service line leadership and 3.5 years as a senior hospital executive. Currently leading a 60-bed community hospital within the Vanderbilt University Medical Center enterprise.

Stacey Nickens serves as the Vice President of Corporate Communications and Marketing at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA). In this capacity, she acts as the primary spokesperson for both Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) and John C. Tune Airport® (JWN®).

ROLAND’S Photography CEO, creative director and lead photographer, Emanuel O. Roland II, known to most as just Roland, has been an entrepreneur for 20 yrs. A native of Chattanooga, TN, Roland came to Nashville in 1995 to attend TSU. While attending, Roland took a couple of electives in photography and his passion grew from there.

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.