OUR TEAM

Venture Noire looks for high integrity, intellectually curious owners and operators with a hacking mindset for reshaping the future.

SUPPORTERs

The Walton Family Foundation is rooted in several generations of family, where no voice is louder than the next and different opinions are valued.

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The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF) exists to relentlessly pursue economic, educational, social, ethnic, and racial equity for all Arkansas.

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Entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) experience many of the same challenges faced by Kansas City’s diverse small business community that stifle their effectiveness.

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VENTURE NOIRE BOARD MEMBERS

Gary Coichy

Gary Coichy

Board Member

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 Clark

Michael Clark

Board Memeber

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.

Omar Usmani

Omar Usmani

Venture Noire Board Member

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.

Gordon Ebanks

Gordon Ebanks

Venture Noire Board Member

Gordon Ebanks is serial entrepreneur with a senior executive Fortune 50 Enterprise technology background. A Strategic thinker always looking to the future.

Jeff Johnson

Jeff Johnson

Venture Noire Board Member

Jeff is a community impact architect supporting brands and organizations to harness culture and equity towards transformative social impact driven by market growth.

Keenan Beasley
Jeff Johnson
Jocelyn Tragesser
Shaheen Lokhandwala
Myron Branford
TEAM BIOS

VENTURE NOIRE MEMBERS

Ernest Lyles

Ernest Lyles

Venture Noire Member

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.

Laura Stylez

Laura Stylez

Venture Noire Member

Laura Stylez is an American radio personality. She hosts the Hot 97 morning show, Ebro In The Morning.

Sharifa Murdock

Sharifa Murdock

Venture Noire Member

Founding Partner of Liberty Fairs, Sharifa Murdock, is a veteran fashion industry professional with a concentration on cultivating relationships and elevating new brands in the men’s and women’s fashion space through showcase.

Tue Le

Tue Le

Venture Noire Member

Experienced business executive, marketer, brand builder, and organizational, commercial and operational leader with over 15 years of experience building growth in corporate, startup, and non-profit environments.

Tiffany Hardin

Tiffany Hardin

Venture Noire Member

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.

Lt Col. Chaveso Cook, Ph.D

Lt Col. Chaveso Cook, Ph.D

Venture Noire Member

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.

Baron Davis

Baron Davis

Venture Noire Member

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.

Angela Simmons

Angela Simmons

Venture Noire Member

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.

Lita Lewis

Lita Lewis

Venture Noire Member

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.

Brandon Marshall

Brandon Marshall

Venture Noire Member

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.

Mike Rashid King

Mike Rashid King

Venture Noire Member

An American entrepreneur, fitness & lifestyle enthusiast, professional boxer, and thought leader. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mike began boxing as an amateur at age 12, pushing himself for greatness through discipline and dedication.

Jessica Phillips

Jessica Phillips

Venture Noire Member

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.

VENTURE NOIRE Team

Keenan Beasley
Jeff Johnson
Jocelyn Tragesser
Shaheen Lokhandwala
Myron Branford
TEAM BIOS

Keenan Beasley

Keenan Beasley

President

Keenan Beasley is a proud #girldad, successful entrepreneur, industry disrupter and visionary who embraces and utilizes technology to tell stories and influence consumers in dynamic ways. Keenan’s expertise in blending tech, art and creativity has changed the marketing landscape and opened the door to modern strategies and fresh approaches.Keenan is the founder & CEO of Sunday II Sunday, an active haircare brand at the intersection of health and beauty. Keenan’s non-profit arm, Venture Noire, mentors and develops diverse entrepreneurs and provides them with access to critical resources to help close the quality of life gap for underserved Americans.

Vondell Brown

Vondell Brown

Chief Operating Officer

Vondell Brown is a servant leader, distinguished retired Army veteran, and devoted family man who has over 25 years of leadership at all levels. He brings to the Venture Noire team a wealth of knowledge and experience in the non-profit space.

Stephanie Ogbogu

Stephanie Ogbogu

Head of Content & Social

Highly motivated multitasker with over 15 years of experience in the digital space. Her expertise ranges from marketing and branding to various aspects of audience growth and editorial.

Myron Branford

Myron Branford

Creative Director

Having accrued many years of experience in design of all shapes and sizes, I have discovered and cultivated a passion that stretches across various media. Prior to joining Venture Noire, I’ve had the privilege of working with such brands and companies as Adidas, Emporio Armani, Burberry, Zodiac, Michele, DKNY, Mary Kay, Marc Jacobs, Diesel, AT&T, Karl Lagerfeld and Michael Kors. From packaging and retail websites to print ads, catalogs and consumer brochures, my experience has allowed for an expansive, diverse portfolio of work I’m very proud of.

Jocelyn Tragesser

Jocelyn Tragesser

Chief of Staff

Jocelyn received her Bachelor’s degree from Mount Saint Mary’s University where she majored in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. She has supported CEO’s in healthcare and in tech by implementing practical, long-term solutions to internal processes. At Venture Noire, Jocelyn works to manage projects which include but are not limited to identifying and improving operational deficiencies.