Alicia Adamson is an executive leader with 20+ years of experience driving strategy, philanthropy, and engagement to scale mission-driven organizations. As Chief Advancement & External Affairs Officer at the Urban League of Central Carolinas, she leads enterprise-wide efforts across fundraising, marketing, and partnerships to expand impact and strengthen community outcomes. 

Known for her visionary leadership and strategic storytelling, Alicia has successfully led organizations through growth and transformation—raising multimillion-dollar funding, building high-impact partnerships, and aligning boards and executive teams around clear, results-driven strategies. 

She is also the CEO of The ACA Group, a consulting firm focused on helping organizations solve complex challenges and drive meaningful change. Based in Charlotte, Alicia is deeply committed to building equitable communities through collaboration and purpose-driven leadership. 

​

Ask Me About: Supporting the Urban League of Central Carolinas

Julia Allen is a Human Resource Manager on Bank of America’s Global Talent Team, supporting Enterprise Manager Development. With over 25 years of HR experience, she has held roles across employee relations, manager excellence, and opportunity & inclusion.

After starting her career in banking as a teller and rejoining Bank of America in 2015, Julia has built a strong track record of empowering leaders through tools that foster growth and inclusion. She is also passionate about mentoring and coaching through community involvement.

Julia holds degrees from Ohio University and The Ohio State University, along with an HR certification from Villanova University. She lives in Charlotte with her husband and three children.

​

Ask Me About: Breaking Ceilings

Nneka Ayozie is a Learning & Development professional with 12+ years of experience in leadership development, DEI, and social justice education. As a Learning Consultant at TIAA, she partners with leaders to design programs that grow talent and drive organizational excellence.

She also serves as President of the Urban League of Central Carolinas Young Professionals, leading initiatives that advance community impact, professional development, and civic engagement across Charlotte.

Her background spans workforce development, HR, and community engagement, and she is a skilled facilitator who leads conversations on leadership and inclusion.

Outside of work, Nneka enjoys traveling, creating meaningful experiences, and exploring her love for food and culture.

​

Ask Me About: Joining the Urban League of Central Carolinas Young Professionals chapter

Bridget is a Senior Manager at Monitor Institute by Deloitte, specializing in social impact strategy across nonprofit, philanthropic, and corporate sectors. With over a decade of experience, she leads the Corporate Philanthropy practice and advises leaders on addressing complex social challenges.

She serves on the Board of the Urban League of Central Carolinas and holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and UNC.

​

Ask Me About: Funding Your Vision

Kimberly Brice Williams, J.D., CAMS, is a Director and Global Financial Crimes Executive at Bank of America, with over 20 years of experience in financial services, risk, and compliance. She specializes in anti-money laundering (AML), investigations, and regulatory strategy, with deep expertise across brokerage, wealth management, and institutional banking.

In her role, Kimberly leads teams focused on identifying and mitigating financial crime risk, guiding investigative strategy, and enhancing operational efficiency. She is known for her ability to strengthen controls, improve processes, and collaborate across business lines to address complex regulatory challenges.

Kimberly holds a Juris Doctor from Charlotte School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University.

​

Ask Me About: Breaking Ceilings

Kobi is a seasoned attorney with 20+ years of experience defending financial institutions and corporate clients in regulatory investigations and class action litigation. She has deep expertise navigating complex matters involving agencies such as the CFPB, DOJ, FTC, OCC, and state Attorneys General.

​

With a strong background as both in-house counsel (Bank of America and Wells Fargo) and outside counsel, she brings a practical, business-focused approach to resolving high-stakes regulatory, litigation, and reputational challenges.

​

Ask Me About: Leadership Insights from the Top

Sarah Brown is a results-driven HR executive with 20+ years of experience across Fortune 100 organizations, including TIAA, Bank of America, and Citigroup. She specializes in human capital strategy, partnering with executives to build high-performing, future-ready teams.

She currently leads Global Talent Acquisition & Internal Mobility and holds multiple degrees from Cornell University.

​

Ask Me About: Breaking Ceilings

Shakoya Brown is a strategic communicator and educator with a background in public relations, media relations, and storytelling. As an Instructor of Rhetoric and Communication at Johnson C. Smith University, she teaches public speaking, research, and writing while also leading initiatives that strengthen communication skills across campus. 

With experience spanning advertising, client relations, and digital campaigns, Shakoya brings a versatile, media-savvy approach to connecting people and amplifying impactful narratives. Known as a relationship builder and storyteller, she thrives at the intersection of strategy and communication. 

 

Ask Me About: Breaking Ceilings

Tara L. Butler is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Strategies Advisor at Bank of America Private Bank in Charlotte. She helps high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners navigate wealth planning, including cash flow, estate planning, risk management, and philanthropy, with expertise in executive compensation, retirement, and business succession.

Since joining the firm in 1999, Tara has advanced through roles in trust, investment, and planning. She takes a collaborative approach, working with clients and their advisors to implement strategies and adapt to changing financial landscapes.

Tara holds a finance degree from University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is a CFP® professional, CEPA®, and board member of the Financial Planning Association of Charlotte.

​​

Ask Me About: Pathways to Wealth

Meredith Dean is a digital branding strategist, content creator, and CEO of The Dean’s List, where she has helped 500+ global clients elevate their personal brands. Recognized as one of Axios’ Most Influential Women in Charlotte, she operates at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and digital influence.

With a background in broadcast journalism (CNN, CBS, Fox), she is now a sought-after creator and community builder, partnering with major brands while empowering the next generation through mentorship and curated experiences.

​

​Ask Me About: Building Brands & Movements that Last

Kendi Deveaux is a Charlotte native and a 2023 graduate of Howard University, where she developed a strong foundation in leadership, service, and professional excellence. She currently works as an Area Business Associate at Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical company, where she contributes to advancing healthcare solutions and drives sales initiatives to support business growth. Passionate about both professional and personal development, she enjoys staying active, exploring new travel destinations, and spending quality time with friends and family in her free time.

Ask Me About: Leveraging Multigenerational Teams

Larri Diggs-Jones is a seasoned healthcare and life sciences leader with over 20 years of experience across clinical practice, pharmaceutical sales, medical devices, and biotechnology. She began her career in the Charlotte area, building a strong clinical foundation in cardiovascular, nephrology, and home health settings.

She later transitioned into the commercial side of healthcare, where she has held roles ranging from sales representative to global director. Known for driving growth and developing high-performing teams, Larri is a consistent top performer and recent recipient of multiple honors, including Coach of the Year, Team Excellence, and the Chairman’s Award.

Larri also serves as President of the National Sales Network (NSN) Charlotte Chapter, where she is committed to empowering sales professionals and strengthening the local business community.

​

Ask Me About: Leveraging Multigenerational Teams

Kimelyn Harris is Head of Business Growth Philanthropy for the Wells Fargo Foundation, where she leads initiatives that expand access to capital, networks, and knowledge for growth-ready businesses. Her work focuses on advancing economic mobility, supporting entrepreneurs, and strengthening communities.

With more than 20 years of leadership experience at Bank of America, Kimelyn has driven large-scale strategies focused on economic opportunity, social equality, and community impact. She brings a cross-sector perspective shaped by experience in philanthropy, risk, operations, and community development.

Based in Charlotte, Kimelyn also serves on the Board of Advisors for Crittenton, supporting programs that uplift families and communities.

​

Ask Me About: Pitching and Funding Your Vision

Dr. Charlitta Hatch is a nationally recognized business and civic leader with 20+ years of experience driving transformational change across organizations like IBM, Accenture, and Slalom. She currently serves as Deputy CIO and Chief Data & Analytics Officer for the City of Charlotte, where she leads strategy, data governance, AI enablement, and innovation to advance smart, equitable city solutions. 

A scholar-practitioner, Dr. Hatch holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from UNC Charlotte and serves as an adjunct professor, teaching courses on race, education, and the Black experience. She is also a sought-after thought leader and community advocate, having held numerous nonprofit leadership roles, including President of the Junior League of Charlotte. 

Based in Charlotte, she is passionate about shaping more inclusive systems and empowering the next generation of leaders. 

​

Ask Me About: Intelligent Blueprints

Johnathan Hill is a Data Program Manager at Bank of America, leading CSR and ESG data transformation efforts that enhance reporting accuracy, analytics, and technology capabilities. With experience across risk, data governance, and enterprise technology, he brings a strong perspective on data-driven impact.

A dedicated advocate for inclusion, he serves as an enterprise tri-chair for the Black Professional Group and has been recognized with the bank’s Diversity & Inclusion Award. He also contributes to several community boards across the Charlotte region.

​

Ask Me About: Leadership Insights from the Top

Gabrielle Jones serves as the Associate Director of Construction Finance at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, bringing a strong background in public administration, nonprofit leadership, and higher education. With experience spanning human resources, finance, process improvement, and technology, Gabrielle is passionate about the professional development of young professionals, ensuring they have the tools and resources to succeed.

She currently serves as the Leadership, Training, and Development Chair for the National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP), where she leads impactful programs that empower movement leaders across the country. In addition, she is an active member of the Urban League Young Professionals of the Central Carolinas, where she continues to support initiatives focused on economic empowerment, civic engagement, and leadership development.

Gabrielle is dedicated to advancing equitable opportunities and fostering the next generation of leaders through mentorship, strategic programming, and community engagement.

​

Ask Me About: Pitching Your Vision

Patrick Leak is an experienced financial services leader serving as a Credit and Fulfillment Executive at Bank of America. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in underwriting, credit strategy, and operational execution, driving efficient and client-focused financial solutions. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Patrick brings deep expertise in managing complex lending processes and delivering results within large-scale financial institutions. 

​

Ask Me About: Bank of America's commitment to Supporting Our Communities

Porché Maloney-Witherspoon is a human resources and brand development professional with nearly a decade of experience across Fortune 500 organizations. She specializes in advancing underrepresented talent and creating pathways into corporate America, earning recognition from companies like American Express and GE Healthcare.

Beyond her corporate work, Porché is a real estate investor and co-founder of a company dedicated to helping young professionals build wealth through financial education, homeownership, and equity-building strategies.

​

​Ask Me About: Leveraging Multigenerational Teams

Alaria Mapp is a Senior Network Pricing Consultant at Optum Rx with a background in finance and consulting. She previously worked at Deloitte, supporting clients across financial services, retail, and global consumer industries, and began her career at General Electric through its Financial Management Program.

 

After experiencing a layoff despite being a top performer, Alaria successfully pivoted into the healthcare industry—an unfamiliar space at the time—by leaning into her transferable skills and growth mindset. Since then, she has expanded her expertise, applied cross-industry insights, and earned a promotion in her current role.

 

Alaria holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from North Carolina A&T State University.  Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, staying active on her fitness journey, and spending time with her dog, Koda.

​

​Ask Me About: Pivoting With Purpose

Jason Mitchell is a Brooklyn native with a strong background in business strategy and data-driven operations. He holds a BBA in Marketing from Temple University and an MBA in Data Intelligence and Finance from Saint Joseph’s University.

He currently serves as a Process Lead for a global supply chain logistics provider, leading post-merger integration and driving operational alignment. Jason is the Immediate Past Policy & Procedures Chair for the National Urban League Young Professionals and former President of NExT Philadelphia, where he also served on the Urban League of Philadelphia Board of Directors.

A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Jason lives in Charlotte with his wife and two daughters.

​

​Ask Me About: Leadership Insights from the Top

Diamond Nurse is a marketing and social media strategist and entrepreneur with 15+ years of experience in digital strategy, integrated marketing, CRM, and strategic planning. She has led successful campaigns for businesses of all sizes and provides social media coaching and courses.

A natural connector, Diamond thrives at the intersection of entrepreneurship, empowerment, and social impact—known for aligning people, brands, and opportunities. She is passionate about helping clients save time, maximize ROI, and navigate the ever-evolving social media landscape.

Diamond also speaks on entrepreneurship, social media, digital marketing, leadership, and motherhood. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, traveling, working out, reading, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

​Ask Me About: Building Brands That Last

Timothy is a Brooklyn native and strategic thinker with 25+ years of experience in data analysis, driving adoption, building business cases, and relationship management.

He currently serves as a Digital Channel Manager at Bank of America, where he leads innovative payment initiatives through a critical path pipeline. Since joining in 2011 through a consumer MBA rotational program, he has held multiple project management roles across four lines of business.

Outside of work, Timothy is a published author, career coach, and co-owner of a professional networking group. He also hosts events, supports local charities, and facilitates Christian business seminars.

He holds an MBA from Howard University School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from Nyack College. He lives in Charlotte with his wife and daughters and enjoys family time, fitness, reading, and travel.

​

​Ask Me About: Blueprints for Advocacy

Calista, known as the “Talent Fairy Godmother,” brings nearly 20 years of experience in talent consulting, workforce and leadership development, and recruitment. An international speaker, she has supported organizations like Amazon, Wells Fargo, the Department of Defense, and Coca-Cola—helping increase diverse talent representation by up to 600% with a 99% placement rate.

A proud Bennett College graduate and Barber-Scotia College board member, she is committed to advancing opportunity and leadership development. She is the co-creator of Goals to Greatness and author of Networking 101, empowering professionals to build meaningful connections.

​Ask Me About: Pivoting With Purpose

Ohavia Phillips-Reed is an electrifying emcee, in-arena host for the Charlotte Hornets, and award-winning entrepreneur making waves in sports, media, and entertainment. From major stages like the ACC Championships and NAACP National Convention to curated cultural events, she brings unmatched energy and impact.

As the founder of The cOHllab and a two-time author, she champions creatives and entrepreneurs while building platforms rooted in storytelling, empowerment, and community.

​

Ask Me About: Building Brands & Movements that Last

​

Jacqueline Sellman has lived in Charlotte for the better part of 20 years. Prior to moving to Charlotte. She grew up in Washington, DC and the Maryland suburbs and graduated with an accounting undergraduate degree fr Florida A&M University and a masters in human resource management from the University of Maryland-University College. Jacqueline was also recently initiated into Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., a black business and professional sorority. 

​

Jacqueline is a certified HR professional with over 25 years of experience in industries like manufacturing, banking, education, and the healthcare sectors. Her expertise includes employment/staffing, employee relations, employee retention, career counseling, and career coaching.

 

Ask Me About: Pivoting with Purpose 

​

Kopper Thatch, MHA, is a healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience across clinical, payer, and provider settings. She specializes in managed care, focusing on population health, community partnerships, and member engagement to drive sustainable health outcomes.

She earned her Master of Healthcare Administration from Florida A&M University and serves as Vice President of the Charlotte Area FAMU National Alumni Association. Passionate about health equity and financial literacy, Kopper is committed to improving access and promoting whole-person wellness. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cycling, traveling, and spending time with family.

 

Ask Me About: Pivoting with Purpose 

​

Elijah Strickland is a Senior Vice President, Treasury Management Advisor at Pinnacle Financial Partners with 14 years of banking experience. In his role, he partners with large and medium sized businesses, and community organizations to design strategic banking and treasury solutions that help optimize cash flow, implement payment solutions, and protect their businesses from fraud.  Beyond his professional work, Elijah serves on multiple boards and participates in programs focused on economic development, financial literacy, and leadership development in the Charlotte community. Elijah is passionate about helping businesses grow, supporting the next generation of leaders, and creating meaningful impact through both his professional work and community engagement.

​

Ask Me About: Pitching Your Vision 

​

Dr. George Talbert is a sales and leadership behavioralist, life coach, and trusted sales executive who develops leaders through coaching, reflection, and experiential learning. He is an Assistant Professor of Marketing and Sales at Elon University’s Love School of Business.

With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare and biotechnology sales leadership, Dr. Talbert brings a practical, real-world perspective to his work. He is known for translating theory into action and helping individuals perform, lead, and grow in high-stakes environments.

​

​Ask Me About: Leveraging Multigenerational Teams

Aleka C. Thrash is a marketing strategist, brand builder, and community-centered storyteller with over 20 years of experience helping organizations and leaders elevate their visibility and build meaningful connections. She serves as a Public Information Specialist for the City of Charlotte, leading strategic marketing initiatives for regional transportation programs and partnerships. Aleka is also the Owner and Chief Experience Officer of ACTPhotoMedia, a creative agency focused on brand strategy and multimedia storytelling.

She is a Leadership Charlotte Class 47 participant, Assistant Production Director at Elevating Church University City, and Vice President of Programming for the American Marketing Association Charlotte Chapter. A 40 Under 40 and 50 Most Influential Women honoree, Aleka is known for blending strategy, creativity, and purpose to move people and ideas forward.

​

​Ask Me About: Building Brands & Movement that Last

Yameen Thomas is a community architect and cultural operator known for turning ideas into movements. He is the co-founder of RnBrew, a fast-growing brand reimagining daytime culture through coffee, cocktails, music, and community.

With a background in corporate leadership and brand strategy, he also produces signature experiences like Colours, building platforms that foster connection and cultural impact.

​

Ask Me About: Building Brands & Movements that Last

Anthony Trotman is a nationally respected executive with 30+ years of experience in healthcare, human services, and public sector transformation. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Katie Blessing Foundation and CEO of Trotman Strategic Solutions, advising organizations on strategy, service delivery, and systems change.

A former Deputy County Manager for Mecklenburg County, he has led large-scale operations, advanced access to care, and driven impactful community initiatives. He serves on multiple boards focused on health equity and economic opportunity.

​

Ask Me About: Leadership Insights from the Top

Alexanderia “Alex” Wallace is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at TIAA, where she leads external partnerships that strengthen the brand, position TIAA as an employer of choice, and expand access to diverse talent. Since joining in 2022, she has driven impactful partnerships and programs aligned to strategic priorities.

She also serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for the Urban League of Central Carolinas Young Professionals, supporting initiatives that advance community impact and professional development.

Previously, she worked in corporate social responsibility and sustainability, leading community development initiatives through grants and programming.

Based in Charlotte, Alex is passionate about community building, hosting local meetups, and mentoring. She holds a B.S. in International Business (Marketing) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

​

Ask Me About: All Things Propel Conference and Funding Your Vision