Venture Noire looks for high integrity, intellectually curious owners and operators with a hacking mindset for reshaping the future.
The Walton Family Foundation is rooted in several generations of family, where no voice is louder than the next and different opinions are valued.
The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF) exists to relentlessly pursue economic, educational, social, ethnic, and racial equity for all Arkansas.
Entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) experience many of the same challenges faced by Kansas City’s diverse small business community that stifle their effectiveness.
Michael has over 15 years of experience in operationalizing Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) strategies and programs across multiple industries, to include Financial Services, Pharma, Tech, Retail, Energy, and Transportation. Michael has worked in Big 4 consulting within the cyber, IT risk, and the supply chain risk space for over a decade. He has built a reputation as a knowledgeable practitioner in his craft and as a leader that cares who consistently delivers optimal outcomes. Prior to starting his career in the civilian sector, Michael served in the US Army as a commissioned officer where he gained extensive experience in both large and small group leadership and problem solving, tempered with emotional intelligence. Aside from his professional career, Michael is extremely passionate about diversity & inclusion and has continued to be involved in initiatives to support increasing awareness and opportunities for minorities, veterans, and women throughout his career.
Michael has over 15 years of experience in operationalizing Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) strategies and programs across multiple industries, to include Financial Services, Pharma, Tech, Retail, Energy, and Transportation. Michael has worked in Big 4 consulting within the cyber, IT risk, and the supply chain risk space for over a decade. He has built a reputation as a knowledgeable practitioner in his craft and as a leader that cares who consistently delivers optimal outcomes. Prior to starting his career in the civilian sector, Michael served in the US Army as a commissioned officer where he gained extensive experience in both large and small group leadership and problem solving, tempered with emotional intelligence. Aside from his professional career, Michael is extremely passionate about diversity & inclusion and has continued to be involved in initiatives to support increasing awareness and opportunities for minorities, veterans, and women throughout his career.
Mr. Usmani has over 25 years of solutions delivery experience in the public and private sectors. He is a seasoned professional who has worked with Fortune 100 corporations and leading government organizations including the United States and Allied Governments, as well as varied international military organizations.
Ernest Lyles is founder and managing partner of The HiGro Group, a mission-driven private equity firm focused on the lower middle market. Since founding HiGro in 2016, Lyles has invested in six companies, managed two platforms and exited one platform. As founder, Lyles oversees all aspects of the firm, including investment activities, growth initiatives and talent management.
Hardin is the founder of She Knows Now, a platform dedicated to collecting and sharing the insights of confident, driven women who share what they each know for sure. She served on the boards of SoundCtrl, Music Unites, Council of Urban Professionals, and AdColor, and, currently serves on the leadership board of Live in The Grey. She is an avid speaker on Influencer Marketing, Women in Entrepreneurship, Music & Branding, Social Media Marketing, and Music/Tech at conferences such as Social Media Week, Internet Week, SXSW, AdColor and Adweek.
An active-duty Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. His career started in the historic 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. After selection and training for Army Special Operations, he transferred to Psychological Operations, continuing service at Fort Bragg. Chevy is most proud of his three Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals for sustained community and organizational investment and the 2016 Secretary of the Army Diversity and Leadership Award, given to one Army leader yearly for commitment to equal opportunity, Army Values, and professional development.
Entrepreneur, investor, and two-time NBA All-Star and record-holder, over a thirteen-year career, Baron Davis played for the Charlotte Hornets, the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the New York Knicks. As a businessman, Baron was one of the original investors for Vitaminwater and helped launch Thrive Market.Baron is also the founder of several companies, including Sports and Lifestyle in Culture (SLIC), The Black Santa Company, BIG and No Label.
A woman of many talents, Simmons has successfully juggled her career as an actor, shoe designer, entrepreneur, social media influencer, fashion enthusiast, and reality television star. On top of all her professional roles, she is also a mother. Over the years, she appeared on a number of television reality shows and series, such as “Fashion News Live,” “Growing Up Hip Hop,” and “The Real.” She is an entrepreneur and fashion influencer, in addition to being an actress.
Born in Los Angeles, California, raised in Sydney, Australia, returned to the United States and made Brooklyn, NY home for 10 years before moving back to her birth city of Los Angeles. She has traveled the world motivating people to pursue their dreams and reach their goals. From her earliest experiences, surrounded by this rich combination of cultures, lifestyles, and body types, Lewis developed a keen sense of what beauty is and what it is not. Working tirelessly to transform and break traditional molds of the “Americanized” fitness image has been the staple of her brand.
A force to be reckoned with on the gridiron, Marshall played collegiate ball at the University of Central Florida, before being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2006. He went on to have an exemplary NFL career, notching over 900 receptions and over 12,000 career receiving yards in 13 seasons. Marshall and his wife, Michi, cofounded "Project 375," a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness and disorders. Marshall merged his passion for mental health and athletic pedigree to found "House of Athlete" in 2019, a lifestyle wellness brand focused on promoting sustainable fulfillment for athletes everywhere through five pillars: train, fuel, mental fitness, recover and tribe.
Merchandising Leader with powerful record of achievement increasing market share, exceeding sales goals and improving profitability. Accomplished strategist who brings together cross functional teams and interests, designing and implementing highly effective and creative plans. A strategic thinker who sees the big picture and quickly brings together stakeholders to achieve business objectives. Highly developed leadership, communication, planning, analytical, creative, relationship building and people skills.
