Founder/Executive Coordinator, Black History Festivals

Stephen is a Mediapreneur and Communications Consultant. He has over 10+ years’ work experience in community engagements and advocacy working with NGOs and CSOs across Ghana. He has focused his work on issues of communication, education and access to information.

Currently he is the general manager of YALI TV, a fast growing online television channel dedicated to tell the stories and impacts of YALI Alumni and young leaders across Africa. He leads over a 100 YALI TV Correspondents and associates across Africa, and the channel has covered major events on the continent in English, Portuguese and French.

As he continues to develop content best in value-based leadership, Stephen aspires to be a renowned Media Entrepreneur and Development Communication Consultant in Ghana. Steven hopes to transform the socioeconomic fortunes of the continent through a renewed media vision for Africa through leadership, storytelling and peer partnerships.

Global Chair, One Voice Consortium, and Chair, Festival Management Board, Black History Festivals

Robert W. Chiuri is Chairman of Global Standards Resources & Institute (USA) an organization involved in certifications, manufacturing quality audits and management consulting having worked for many international firms in various senior leadership capacities. Dr. Chiuri is a certified global standards lead auditor, for various accredited audit schemes including Quality Management Systems (QMS), Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), International Organization of Standardization (ISO), Global Food Safety Initiative GFSI’s SQF, PrimusGFS and FSSC among others.

Dr. Chiuri completed a doctorate in Business Administration and Global Management through the School of Advanced Studies University of Phoenix, Arizona USA in 2015.

Dr. Chiuri leads several non profit organizations and is in the board of reputable institutions supporting community engagements such as One Voice Consortium with over 120 organizations worldwide which may offer great resource for experiential learning for graduate students. OVC is affiliated to African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI) which is spearheading Diaspora role in leveraging the Africa Continental Free Treaty Agreement (AfCFTA) and increasing exports within Africa.

Dr. Chiuri is currently the Founder President of Global Diaspora One Voice Consortium an umbrella institution that brings together diaspora leaders and their organizations to address cross cutting issues with a vision of enhancing lifestyles and livelihoods. In addition Dr. Chiuri continues to support efforts of facilitating trade and business between Kenya, US and North America through various chapters of African Chamber of Commerce based in Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, Miami, Atlanta and Columbus Ohio.

Most recently Dr. Chiuri has founded with other diaspora leaders the Food Security Consortium FSC with an aim to galvanize support and resources for providing solutions to address food insecurity by enhancing water access, agricultural and livestock systems, value chains, technology transfer, capacity building and other interventions.

President, Columbus Urban League Young Professionals

Keira Chatman is an entrepreneur and community advocate hailing from Columbus, Ohio. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the betterment of her city and its people. With a passion for nonprofit, small businesses and community advocacy, Keira has left an indelible mark on her hometown.

As the Executive Director of the Columbus Fashion Council and Fashion Week Columbus, Keira's leadership has been instrumental in nurturing the local fashion industry. Her tireless efforts have provided educational resources to countless creatives, ensuring the longevity of their businesses. Through her work, she's helped fashion professionals thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

In her role as President of the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals, Keira is a dedicated champion of civic causes. Her mission is to empower and connect black and brown individuals aged 21 to 40. She facilitates networking opportunities that foster collaboration and growth, enriching the lives of many in her community.

Beyond her civic engagement and fashion industry involvement, Keira is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty, and has assisted numerous clients in finding their dream homes. Additionally, she's the owner of Legacy House 614, an event space and Airbnb situated in downtown Columbus. Her entrepreneurial ventures contribute to the city's vibrancy and economic growth.

Columbus City Attorney

Zach Klein was sworn in as Columbus City Attorney on January 1, 2018, after previously serving as a member of Columbus City Council from 2011-2017, including two years as Council President from 2016-2017. He was re-elected to serve a second term as City Attorney beginning in 2022. As City Attorney, Zach is focused on how the law can be applied to promote public safety, encourage economic progress for all, defend the civil rights of all Columbus residents, and protect the most vulnerable among us. Zach is committed to using his office to better serve all who call Columbus home, and has been at the forefront of initiatives to change criminal justice policy, reform drug sentencing laws to focus on treatment instead of incarceration, hold domestic violence offenders accountable, defend the City’s ability to enact commonsense gun safety measures, and take on dangerous drug houses and hubs of violent crime that make us all less safe.

Zach grew up in Belpre, Ohio, along the Ohio River and is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University and Capital University Law School. He began his career in public service as a law clerk for the Ohio Third District Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. He has served in the White House as Deputy Director of Management and Administration in the Office of Vice President Joe Biden, and as the Deputy Chief of Legal Services in the Ohio Attorney General’s office. Zach also has worked as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and has spent time in private practice at the law firm Jones Day and the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Zach was selected as part of the 2023 Rodel Fellowship, the nation’s premier bipartisan leadership development for elected leaders. Zach and his family live in Clintonville.

Mayor, City of Whitehall

Michael T. Bivens received his Bachelor’s Degree from Capital University School of Management with an emphasis on Economics, and his Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School. He has been practicing law in the State of Ohio and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio since 2003.

Michael has been a managing partner of his own law firm, and served as the First African American Elected Official in the City of Whitehall as Whitehall City Attorney. On December 31, 2023 he marked history again by being sworn in as the First African American Mayor for the City of Whitehall. Michael said being the first black mayor of Whitehall isn’t about him; it’s about the next generation. His goal is to help the City grow and encourage more people to move into the City of Opportunity.

Michael has also served as a Pastor, and is a Veteran having served in the United States Marine Corps during operation Desert Storm.

He has been married to his best friend Joy for over twenty-five years. They have two children, Mikayla Bivens, a graduate of Hampton University, and Michael Justin currently a senior at North Carolina A&T State University.

Founder & CEO, National Center for Urban Solutions

John H. Gregory, known as “The Solutions Man”, is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and author. He is the CEO of the National Center for Urban Solutions, founder of the Academy for Urban Scholars High School (Columbus and Youngstown locations) and the founder of the National African American Male Wellness Walk Initiative.

Gregory’s advocacy been recognized for his varied innovative and creative projects, which have generated immeasurable impact. His solutions have led to over 8,000 women being removed from public assistance through workforce training and employment, thousands of African American men employed and hundreds of urban youth obtaining their high school diplomas.

He has been invited to The White House to share his innovative solutions on subjects of urban issues. Forming partnerships with corporate and community organizations, he’s created opportunities for increased employment, health, and workforce opportunities for all people.

Gregory received recognition from President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton, and numerous other honors including the Business First Health Hero Award, Governor’s Excellence Award for Public Service, Best Practice Model for the Department of Labor and Housing Urban Development, and Franklin County Substance Abuse Prevention Award.

Gregory resides in Columbus, Ohio with his wife and five children.

Chief Operating Officer, Future Ready Five

Dr. Vanisa Turney, Ed.D., a seasoned educator and strategic leader, brings 20 years of experience in P-12 education and college-level instruction. With degrees in middle childhood education and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, she holds licenses in administration and curriculum development. Dr. Turney specializes in math and STEM education, utilizing her expertise to enhance student outcomes.

As Chief Operating Officer of Future Ready Five, Dr. Turney leverages her skills in strategic planning to advance the organization's kindergarten readiness goals. Committed to educational equity, she advocates for the right to education, particularly in low-income districts. Dr. Turney's roots in Dayton, Ohio, fuel her mission to eliminate poverty through education, aligning with Future Ready Five's strategic plan to impact Columbus positively. Her transformative leadership aims to ensure early learners' success, fostering a culture of equity and opportunity for all.

Senior Sustainability Specialist, Bread Financial

Paulette Burks is an experienced corporate social responsibility leader from the Central Ohio community - from working for two national non-profits to serving as the Community Affairs & Philanthropy Specialist for a well-known bag brand; she is now continuing her servant leadership as the Senior Sustainability Specialist at Bread Financial!

As a dedicated member of her community, Paulette served as the 2017 – 2019 Marketing Co-Chair for the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals Board and a graduate of the YWCA Leadership for Social Change Program. She currently serves on the African American Advisory Council for Lifeline of Ohio, and the North Central Regional Board for Canine Companions, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In April 2019 Paulette earned a Master of Public Administration from Wright State University.

Councilmember, City of Columbus

Shayla Favor has served on Columbus City Council since 2019 when she was first appointed to fill a vacancy. She was re-elected in 2023. Favor is intentional that everything she legislates and advocates for is filtered through an equity lens in order to address disparities and combat racism through policy. During her tenure, Favor has created the Columbus Youth Council, spearheaded the effort to amplify and fund Deliver Black Dreams and expanded the City’s effort to protect immigrant and refugee families through the Columbus Families Together Fund. As the chair of the Housing Committee, Favor has lead the Housing for All legislative package to strengthen homeownership, protect renters, and expand affordable housing options.

In March 2023, Council announced an 18-month plan to take on 12 housing initiatives to foster equitable and sustainable solutions to the current housing crisis. In 2023, City Council invested $21.5 million towards affordable housing and distributed $93 million in emergency rental assistance. Looking ahead to this year, Favor hopes to further initiatives to address the root causes of the housing crisis. She will chair the Housing, Homelessness, and Building committee and vice-chair both the Public Safety & Criminal Justice and Health, Human Services, and Equity committees.

In addition to serving on Council, Favor serves on the Executive Board of the John Mercer Langston Bar Association, whose purpose is to be a facilitator of excellence within the legal profession while encouraging community service for those in need. Favor also serves on the Executive Board for the annual design conference, Creative Control Fest. Prior to joining Council, Favor served as an Assistant City Attorney in Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein’s office. Favor lives on the Near-Eastside of Columbus with her husband Corey and their pups, Hudson and Arizona.

Assistant Director of Housing Strategies, The City of Columbus Department of Development

As the Assistant Director of Housing Strategies for the City of Columbus, Erin Prosser brings nearly two decades of public- and private-sector experience leading the planning, development and engagement for numerous high-profile projects. She most recently served as the director of community development in the Department of Planning, Architecture and Real Estate at The Ohio State University, where she oversaw the revitalization of Weinland Park – including the addition of nearly 500 affordable housing units – and the 7.5-acre redevelopment of the 15th Avenue and High Street intersection. Prior to her time with the university, she worked as a planner at MKSK Studios, a multi-disciplinary design and planning firm, and served as a planner for Franklin County’s Economic and Planning Department. She holds a master’s degree in city and regional planning from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Bowling Green State University.