"Meet Eric J. Rodriguez, an INROADS alumnus, keynote speaker, and founder of a human-centered innovation firm. His journey from a curious young boy in Ecuador to global leadership roles at Intel reflects the transformative power of education and technology. A first-generation college graduate with a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston and an MBA from Loyola University New Orleans, Eric has led innovation initiatives across multiple continents. Today, he empowers organizations and students to embrace the future of work through his ACT Framework™ (Adapt, Connect, Translate), with a mission rooted in using technology to uplift humanity across engineering, HR, and strategy.

"

Meet Jevon Wooden, a certified coach, motivational speaker, and founder of BrightMind Consulting Group. As an Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient, Jevon brings a unique blend of resilience, emotional intelligence, and leadership insight to his work. Through personalized coaching and engaging keynotes, he inspires individuals and teams to unlock their potential and lead with confidence.

Meet Craig Preston, a seasoned technology leader and educator with more than 30 years of experience delivering over 150 digital projects—from e-learning platforms to e-commerce solutions. With academic training from MIT, UC Berkeley, and La Sorbonne, Craig bridges the technical and business worlds, providing professional training programs that help people and organizations adapt, grow, and innovate.

Meet Robert Joseph, a data scientist, educator, and co-founder of Team MindShift, a workforce transformation company helping people thrive in the digital economy. With over 20 years as a university professor, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and tech leader at Stanley Black & Decker, Robert has influenced over 6,000 students. He holds degrees from MIT and Carnegie Mellon and views his greatest accomplishment as being the proud father of two sons.

Meet Lan Phan, a Stanford and Harvard-trained expert in global peak performance and personal growth. As the author of Do This Daily: Secrets for Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life, Lan shares her proven strategies for achieving excellence in work and life. Her insights have been featured in Entrepreneur, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Money Magazine. Lan is on a mission to help people unlock their full potential and lead fulfilling, purpose-driven lives. 

Meet MJ Pittman, a devoted family man, entrepreneur, and proud TRIO alum with a passion for financial empowerment. After graduating at the top of his high school class, MJ earned his engineering degree from Southern Methodist University, where he became one of the youngest mutual fund brokers in the country at just 21. Since then, he has helped thousands manage tens of millions of dollars and now brings his expertise to life through Simple Money Academy—his dynamic platform delivering engaging personal finance workshops to communities nationwide.

Meet Heather Fleischmann, a forward-thinking IT leader and Senior Manager at Constellation, leads the company’s Digital Transformation Office. With 16 years of experience in both public and private sectors, Heather drives innovation and AI strategy—including the launch of internal GenAI initiatives and responsible AI policy. She holds advanced degrees in Business & Technology Management and Computer Information Systems, and enjoys life on the Chesapeake Bay with her husband and Labradoodle.

Naysha Conway-Hart supports and strengthens relationships with the business, community partners and industry leaders to address workforce needs and build family sustaining career opportunities for underrepresented and underserved individuals.

Naysha previously worked in the nonprofit serving youth with disabilities for over seventeen years with a strong focus on partnership development and expansion throughout the Maryland regions.  Most recently, she spearheaded many initiatives to improve outcomes for Maryland’s public schools' students with disabilities through youth internships in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties.

Naysha graduated from University of Maryland Baltimore County with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.  Outside of Constellation’s DEI and Workforce Development team. Naysha is a board member for Howard County Government’s Commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities. She is a mother, a wife, and an only child. She stands on going above standards and making a major impact on all the individuals we serve.

Meet Montez Jones, the dynamic owner of Tez Jones Training Solutions, a firm dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through innovative leadership development and training programs. With a deep passion for cultivating talent, Montez has spent 26 years in the US Air Force and 2 years in the US Army Corps of Engineers honing his expertise in leadership strategies, coaching, and organizational development. His engaging speaking style and commitment to fostering meaningful discussions have made him a sought-after speaker and facilitator at conferences and workshops nationwide.   

Meet Lawrence Ellis, founder of Nevora, an AI transformation agency helping businesses and individuals harness the power of cutting-edge technology to work smarter—not harder. As a tech strategist and educator, Lawrence specializes in making AI simple, practical, and accessible, especially for students eager to get ahead in school and in life. His mission is to equip the next generation to not only understand the future—but lead it.

Meet Joy B. Webb, a philanthropic advisor and community catalyst with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of corporate giving and grassroots impact. Joy helps emerging leaders and giving circles center equity, amplify community voice, and build collective power—making philanthropy more inclusive and transformative.

Meet Elexxus Welch, a cutting-edge marketing strategist, immersive event producer, and co-founder of SPILL IT Card Game. Originally from Milwaukee and now earning her Master’s in Marketing Technology at Goldsmiths, University of London, Elexxus fuses creativity with operational rigor. Her background includes management consulting and product innovation for Fortune 500 companies, and she brings her passion for authentic connection into every campaign, activation, and experience she creates.

Meet Brandy Pitts, the creative force behind Built by Brandy and co-founder of SPILL IT. A business and accounting consultant with deep roots in South Georgia and a home base in Atlanta, Brandy blends backend structure with bold brand vision. Her experience in finance and operations at a Top 10 global accounting firm informs her work with entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and growing brands—creating unforgettable experiences that balance business acumen with creative impact.

Meet Nadia Batchelor, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Jefferies Wealth Management, and founder of Inspired by Nadia, LLC. A Harvard MBA and Wharton graduate, Nadia has built a career at the intersection of finance, leadership, and inclusion. She coaches high-achievers to reach their full potential and serves as Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees at CentraState Healthcare System.

Meet Lindsay Benitez, a credentialed coach, trainer, and founder of Lindsay B Coaching, LLC. With 15 years of HR leadership experience across marketing, advertising, and entertainment, Lindsay specializes in empowering leaders to show up with authenticity, confidence, and purpose. She delivers impactful coaching and inclusive leadership programs that equip professionals to thrive in today’s diverse and evolving workplace.

Meet Stephanie Tran, a Recruiter at SiteOne Landscape Supply who specializes in discovering and engaging top emerging talent. She is passionate about creating meaningful candidate experiences and helping individuals find opportunities where they can thrive.

Meet Michele Posehn, Senior Manager of Analytics, Partnerships, and Initiatives at SiteOne Landscape Supply. Since 2018, she has led national internship and partnership programs, launched award-winning initiatives and driven significant growth—all while championing diversity and innovation in recruitment. 

Meet Myky Truong, Senior Recruiter at SiteOne Landscape Supply. She leads strategic partnerships with student organizations and professional groups, focusing on building inclusive early-career pipelines and fostering community and cultural awareness within the company.

Meet Cassandra Whitlow, a Certified Recruiting Consultant, Career Coach, and Author dedicated to helping individuals unlock their professional potential. From her beginnings in AmeriCorps National Service to her work in IT at IBM and now as a Talent Acquisition Consultant for AAA, Cassandra’s 15+ year career spans Fortune 500 recruitment, mentorship, and career education. She's led workshops with Microsoft, LinkedIn, Duke, and more, and is a frequent guest on TV and radio, known for her approachable and inspiring guidance. Her book Career Headstart: Plan Ahead to Get Ahead equips readers with the tools to thrive in their job search and career path. She currently resides in Charlotte, NC, and volunteers with organizations supporting underserved communities.

Meet Pam Richardson, a Fortune 500 executive turned educational innovator committed to driving measurable impact in student and talent development. As the architect of the acclaimed “College-Ready” program, Pam blends corporate leadership experience with evidence-based strategies to prepare students for academic and professional success. Her award-winning research and analytical frameworks are used across industries and institutions to guide student achievement and influence global education reform. Passionate about bridging the gap between high school preparation and college success, Pam is on a mission to help the next generation thrive.

Meet Sydney Hill, a second-year Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing at Florida A&M University. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Sydney currently serves as a Marketing Intern for FAMU Athletics, where she blends creativity and strategy to elevate fan engagement. Passionate about community service, she also leads campus initiatives that give back to the Tallahassee community. Sydney aspires to build a career that unites her love for sports and service to drive both impact and innovation. 

Meet Kristen A. Vaughn, an upcoming sophomore in Kennesaw State University’s 5-year Architecture BA program. A proud College Links alum of three years, Kristen is now continuing her journey through the INROADS internship program. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball and studying Korean—with hopes of studying abroad next summer!

Meet Drew Quinonez, a rising junior from Northern Virginia studying Finance with a minor in Business at Sewanee: The University of the South. A proud Deloitte Foundation HACU and Posse Scholar, Drew is deeply engaged on campus as a resident assistant and a campus ambassador for Free The Facts, a national public policy organization. His leadership extends beyond the classroom, having served as a Freeman Asia Intern Fellow in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This summer, Drew is gaining valuable industry experience as an INROADS intern with Huntington Ingalls Industries in their Newport News Shipbuilding Division.

Xavier Scott is an Information Systems Major at Kennesaw State University and an IT Intern at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.

He enjoys: Weightlifting, watching/playing sports

His Mission: Is to serve others by leveraging my leadership skills and passion for business and technology. He aspires to make a positive impact on people's lives by providing innovative solutions and creating opportunities for growth. Through his endeavors, he aims to inspire others to lead, to give back, and to build a better future for our communities and beyond.

Meet Ammar Iftikhar, a finance professional with a strong background in equity analysis and corporate finance. He has interned at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and UPS Capital, where he gained hands-on experience in FP&A and banking. Currently, Ammar serves as a Manager on the Culture and People Strategy team at Peachtree Restaurant Partners, a restaurant-focused private equity group.

Meet Lenford “Lenny” Rowe, a strategic marketer and brand builder with a track record of success across sales, supply chain, and marketing at Fortune 500 companies like PepsiCo and Nestlé. He’s passionate about leveraging storytelling, data, and cultural insight to grow meaningful brands, and brings a collaborative, community-driven mindset to every team he joins.

Meet Darien Wright, Chief Financial and Operating Officer at the National Geographic Society, where he leads finance, technology, and operations while serving as a key liaison to The Walt Disney Company. With over 25 years of experience across Fortune 500 companies, private equity, and Big 4 accounting, Darien is also a member of the NAMI National Board’s Finance & Audit Committee and a proud INROADS alum from the Class of 1992.

"Meet Krystal C. Johnson, an entertainment executive and JD/MBA who specializes in aligning business strategy with creative vision. With over 15 years of experience at companies like Discovery, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. Discovery, Krystal has negotiated high-profile deals for projects including The Night Agent and And Just Like That. A proud HBCU graduate, she brings deep expertise in media law, brand growth, and intellectual property to every conversation—championing underrepresented voices and unlocking opportunities across the entertainment landscape. 

"

Meet Michael Daniels. He is the Director of Strategy and Growth at Carelon, a subsidiary of Elevance Health. In his role, Michael focuses on new program development and optimization, driving innovation in whole health care by leveraging emerging technologies such as agentic AI. 

With a career background spanning finance and technology, he brings a cross-disciplinary perspective to advancing health solutions. Michael holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. 

He is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and an INROADS alum, class of 2008. Michael currently resides in Midtown Atlanta with his wife who is also an INROADS alum.

Meet Robert Joseph, a data scientist, educator, and co-founder of Team MindShift, a workforce transformation company helping people thrive in the digital economy. With over 20 years as a university professor, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and tech leader at Stanley Black & Decker, Robert has influenced over 6,000 students. He holds degrees from MIT and Carnegie Mellon and views his greatest accomplishment as being the proud father of two sons.

Meet Craig Preston, a seasoned technology leader and educator with more than 30 years of experience delivering over 150 digital projects—from e-learning platforms to e-commerce solutions. With academic training from MIT, UC Berkeley, and La Sorbonne, Craig bridges the technical and business worlds, providing professional training programs that help people and organizations adapt, grow, and innovate.

Meet Jevon Wooden, a certified coach, motivational speaker, and founder of BrightMind Consulting Group. As an Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient, Jevon brings a unique blend of resilience, emotional intelligence, and leadership insight to his work. Through personalized coaching and engaging keynotes, he inspires individuals and teams to unlock their potential and lead with confidence.

"Meet Krystal C. Johnson, an entertainment executive and JD/MBA who specializes in aligning business strategy with creative vision. With over 15 years of experience at companies like Discovery, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. Discovery, Krystal has negotiated high-profile deals for projects including The Night Agent and And Just Like That. A proud HBCU graduate, she brings deep expertise in media law, brand growth, and intellectual property to every conversation—championing underrepresented voices and unlocking opportunities across the entertainment landscape. 

"

Meet Israel Oyedare, a leadership strategist, learning designer, and youth development expert driving impact across Africa. As the longtime leader of the TYIL team, Israel has developed leadership programs in Nigeria, Tanzania, and The Gambia. He successfully defended his dissertation and earned a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, with award-winning research on youth, social change, and followership recognized by the International Leadership Association and Virginia Tech.

Meet Rashidah Jones, a barrier-breaking leader, BIPOC coach, and Senior Program Manager at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, where she leads the Young CEOs program to empower youth in entrepreneurship. With a background in social work, media, marketing, and nonprofit leadership, she blends empathy, cultural competence, and strategy to create inclusive, data-informed programs that support marginalized communities. Rashidah’s work centers on breaking systemic barriers, promoting equity, and guiding individuals—especially those from BIPOC backgrounds—toward lasting success.

Meet Phyllis Carter, a seasoned Chief Financial Officer and Board Director with over 25 years of experience leading transformational growth across corporate, nonprofit, and higher education sectors. An INROADS alum and financial expert, Phyllis has partnered with major organizations like AT&T, Oracle PeopleSoft, and Sony Music, as well as universities and research institutions. She is passionate about equity, mentorship, and social impact, actively advising female founders and supporting entrepreneurship through programs like How Women Lead and the BIG IdeaBounce® competition.

Meet Paige Malcolm, a Software Engineer at MetLife, Inc., where she builds scalable internal tools that support development teams across the organization. She is a Fall 2024 graduate of Georgia State University with a degree in Computer Science. While in college, Paige co-founded Skincentric, a personalized skin analysis and routine tracking app that earned her a spot in the university’s prestigious Mainstreet Entrepreneurship Seed Fund Cohort 4. Passionate about giving back, she now mentors young women pursuing careers in tech and entrepreneurship.

Meet Cathy Saint Louis, a 2006 graduate of Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business, where she earned a BBA in Finance & Investments with a minor in Industrial & Organizational Psychology. She launched her career as part of Credit Suisse’s 2006 Investment Banking Analyst class after interning with JPMorgan Chase in the Finance & Risk Management Division as a rising junior. Cathy is also a proud INROADS alumna, Class of 2004.

Meet Sonia Oblitey, a visionary brand strategist known as the “Brand Day Dreamer” for her ability to reimagine futures and unlock the potential of brands and teams alike. With over 20 years of experience in global brand marketing, Sonia blends innovation, strategic foresight, and her signature “Lift as You Climb” leadership philosophy to deliver bold, measurable impact. Her reputation as a creative powerhouse and compassionate leader makes her a sought-after expert in building brands that resonate and endure.

Meet Dr. Rita Green, a proud INROADS alumna and the founder of GRADES LLC (GReen ADult Education Services), a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations educate, inspire, and empower communities in financial capability, homeownership, entrepreneurship, and community development. With over 20 years of experience as a college educator, Dr. Green is also a certified personal and family finance educator and an accredited financial counselor. Her leadership extends nationally, having served on the IRS Taxpayer Advocacy Panel and the Community Development Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Meet Elexxus Welch, a cutting-edge marketing strategist, immersive event producer, and co-founder of SPILL IT Card Game. Originally from Milwaukee and now earning her Master’s in Marketing Technology at Goldsmiths, University of London, Elexxus fuses creativity with operational rigor. Her background includes management consulting and product innovation for Fortune 500 companies, and she brings her passion for authentic connection into every campaign, activation, and experience she creates.

Meet Brandy Pitts, the creative force behind Built by Brandy and co-founder of SPILL IT. A business and accounting consultant with deep roots in South Georgia and a home base in Atlanta, Brandy blends backend structure with bold brand vision. Her experience in finance and operations at a Top 10 global accounting firm informs her work with entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and growing brands—creating unforgettable experiences that balance business acumen with creative impact.

Meet Kokui Adesokan, a keynote speaker, tech leader, and entrepreneur empowering first-gen professionals, women, and underrepresented communities to thrive in technical spaces. From not speaking English as an immigrant to leading multimillion-dollar programs in FinTech, Aerospace, and Renewable Energy, Kokui brings real-world insight to every talk. Through her platform, Lead With Kokui, she speaks on leadership, career reinvention, and imposter syndrome—while also running a mission-driven business supporting African artisans.

Meet Autumn Green, founder of My Stewardship Journey and a passionate financial coach helping young adults break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Drawing on her lived experience and career in education leadership, Autumn helps clients shift their mindset, build healthy money habits, and pursue financial independence through budgeting, debt reduction, and wealth-building strategies.

Meet Lan Phan, a Stanford and Harvard-trained expert in global peak performance and personal growth. As the author of Do This Daily: Secrets for Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life, Lan shares her proven strategies for achieving excellence in work and life. Her insights have been featured in Entrepreneur, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Money Magazine. Lan is on a mission to help people unlock their full potential and lead fulfilling, purpose-driven lives. 

Meet Glenn Rudin, “The Message Master,” a seasoned Sales and Marketing Coach with over 35 years of experience helping individuals and businesses sharpen their messaging and branding. A sought-after speaker, Glenn delivers high-energy keynotes on personal branding, pitching, and communication success at universities, conferences, and corporate events across the country.

Meet Sylvester “Sly” Williams, Super Bowl champion, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur who brings high energy and lived experience to every stage. From overcoming adversity to reaching the NFL’s biggest stage, Sly now empowers others to embrace their inner champion. Through his 5 Pillars of Championship Life, he helps individuals and organizations transform mindsets, tackle challenges, and achieve lasting success.

Meet Erica, a trauma therapist, equity educator, and proud North Carolina native. With degrees from UNC Chapel Hill and NC State, she brings 11 years of clinical social work experience across nonprofit and private settings. Erica specializes in supporting those impacted by racial, religious, chronic illness-related, and interpersonal trauma. Living with Lupus and other chronic illnesses herself, she brings a personal lens to her work at the intersection of equity, identity, and accessibility. Passionate about creating affirming spaces, Erica is also a traveler, lifelong learner, and self-proclaimed nap expert who believes in the healing power of joy. 

Yvonne McKinnon is a servant leader who thrives on training and developing people as well as enhancing the user experience through process improvements and collaboration. With 20+ years of training experience, Yvonne prides herself on active listening to understand the perspectives of those she communicates with which allows her to provide exceptional customer service. Yvonne holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a graduate degree in Leadership from Duquesne University. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, she started her career working for the criminal courts and transitioned into higher education after relocating. For the past year, she has worked as the National Director of Learning and Development for INROADS.

Yvonne McKinnon is a servant leader who thrives on training and developing people as well as enhancing the user experience through process improvements and collaboration. With 20+ years of training experience, Yvonne prides herself on active listening to understand the perspectives of those she communicates with which allows her to provide exceptional customer service. Yvonne holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a graduate degree in Leadership from Duquesne University. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, she started her career working for the criminal courts and transitioned into higher education after relocating. For the past year, she has worked as the National Director of Learning and Development for INROADS.

Yvonne McKinnon is a servant leader who thrives on training and developing people as well as enhancing the user experience through process improvements and collaboration. With 20+ years of training experience, Yvonne prides herself on active listening to understand the perspectives of those she communicates with which allows her to provide exceptional customer service. Yvonne holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a graduate degree in Leadership from Duquesne University. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, she started her career working for the criminal courts and transitioned into higher education after relocating. For the past year, she has worked as the National Director of Learning and Development for INROADS.