Lan Phan is a leading voice in purpose-driven leadership and personal growth. As the author of Do This Daily, Lan provides actionable advice that helps people grow both personally and professionally. Her work has been featured in top publications like Entrepreneur, The Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Money, where she shares practical strategies for succeeding in today's fast-paced business world. Lan has inspired audiences at prestigious events, including the United Nations, Stanford University, and NYU Law. Through her active presence on LinkedIn and YouTube, she connects with millions of people every year, making a global impact. Recognized as one of the top 100 LinkedIn creators worldwide and a top ten creator in Management and Leadership, Lan is a powerful force for change. Get ready to be inspired by her wisdom and energy.

Nkoyo White Robinson is a digital marketing and program management leader with 15+ years of experience driving cross-functional strategy at fintech and enterprise organizations. She specializes in agile operations, digital transformation, and AI-informed workflows — and brings that real-world expertise directly to the next generation of talent. As a FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Ambassador and founder of The Nko Edit, Nkoyo sits at the intersection of strategy, systems, and culture. She's coached project managers, built organizational playbooks, and led enterprise-level digital migrations — all while staying deeply committed to mentorship. In this session, she'll equip INROADS scholars with a practical growth mindset framework, tools for receiving feedback with confidence, and resilience strategies built for high-performance environments. Come ready to reflect, engage, and grow.

Dr. Malika Grayson-Duncan is a global speaker, bestselling author, and advocate for equity in STEM and professional development. She is the author of Hooded: A Black Girl’s Guide to the Ph.D and co-author of Visualize Your Professional Future: Mapping Your Aspirations to Achieve Career Success, providing readers with a practical roadmap to build clarity, confidence, and accountability as they design careers with purpose. As co-founder of Career Factory 360™, Dr. Grayson-Duncan equips professionals with the tools to transform ambition into action through coaching, visioning, and a six-pillar methodology that helps clients define and execute their career goals. She is also the founder of STEMinist Empowered LLC, an organization that has mentored women in advanced degree programs across three continents and provided financial awards to young women pursuing STEM education. Dr. Grayson-Duncan’s background is in engineering, and she is currently a program manager in the aerospace and defense industry. Her leadership has spanned R&D, systems engineering, portfolio management, and strategic planning.

Kerron Duncan is a digital transformation leader, executive, author, speaker, and coach with over two decades of experience driving innovation across systems engineering, artificial intelligence, and automation. He is the co-founder of Career Factory 360, a professional development platform dedicated to empowering individuals at every career stage. As a coach, Kerron has guided and mentored countless professionals, helping them build leadership skills, navigate challenges, and harness technology to achieve success. His passion for mentorship, innovation, and equity has made him a leading voice in developing underrepresented talent in STEM. Kerron holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Morgan State University. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Learning Undefeated, a nonprofit advancing STEM education, reflecting his enduring commitment to educational equity and future ready leadership.

Lauren Hampton is the CEO and Founder of Hollywood Hampton Productions, a Los Angeles-based Director and Creative Producer with over 12 years of experience across television, digital media, live production, branded entertainment, and podcasts. She currently directs and produces across Keke Palmer’s creative ecosystem, including livestreams, podcasts, digital campaigns, creator-led productions, and content for Keke Palmer’s wellness platform, Practice by Palmer. Lauren’s portfolio also includes projects with Emmy-winning media company HOORAE led by Issa Rae, as well as major productions including *The Masked Singer*, *Judge Judy*, and *The Real*. In the digital media space, she has produced leading editorial content and campaigns for brands and publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Men’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and InStyle. A proud alumna of Clark Atlanta University, Lauren is passionate about mentorship, storytelling, and helping the next generation understand how to build authentic relationships and navigate access within competitive industries.

Martina Rodriguez is a strategy and insights leader with experience at Kellogg, PepsiCo, Walgreens, and Bath & Body Works. She specializes in turning data into decisions that drive growth and profitability. A Northwestern University MBA graduate, she is passionate about helping early-career talent build confidence, think strategically, and translate insights into impact from day one.

Lindsay Benitez is the Founder of Lindsay B Coaching, LLC, and a credentialed coach, trainer, and speaker with 15+ years of HR leadership experience across talent management, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. She helps leaders at all levels build confidence, redefine success, and lead authentically through coaching, workshops, and strategic consulting. As a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Energy Leadership Master Practitioner (ELI-MP), and ICF ACC credentialed coach, she combines deep HR expertise with transformational coaching to create meaningful, sustainable growth for individuals and teams. Her work focuses on developing confident leaders, strengthening team communication through her C.A.R.E. model (Communication, Awareness, Recognition, Recognition, and Empathy), and supporting First-Generation professionals and underrepresented leaders in overcoming limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome so they can thrive personally and professionally.

Mark Allan is a product designer, startup investor, and President of Mahtco Group, where he helps build and guide technology-forward companies across agriculture, business services, and digital innovation. With a background in product strategy and user experience, Mark focuses on creating practical tools that solve real-world problems for operators, entrepreneurs, and communities. His work sits at the intersection of technology and agriculture, with a particular interest in how modern systems can help farmers better manage land, water, livestock, and long-term sustainability. As a founder and investor, Mark brings a hands-on perspective to innovation, combining strategic vision with a deep respect for legacy industries and the people who keep them moving. He is passionate about building brands, platforms, and operational systems that make complex decisions clearer, more efficient, and more sustainable for the future.

Kadejah Omokaro is the Events Manager at the NAACP, where she plans and executes national convenings, leadership summits, and large-scale events that bring together advocates, policymakers, and community leaders from across the country. Her work sits at the intersection of strategy, logistics, and people — managing complex timelines, competing priorities, and high-stakes productions where getting it wrong isn't an option. Through years of working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, Kadejah didn't find a time management system that worked for her — so she built one. That same system is what keeps her on track every week, and it's exactly what she's bringing to this session today. Kadejah believes that time management isn't a personality trait. It's a skill. And every emerging professional — regardless of where they're starting — deserves to learn it.

Tiffani Knowles is a PR consultant and a professor at University of Miami. She began her career as a journalist at The Miami Herald, earned her bachelor’s in Broadcast Communication at Barry University and her master’s in Arts and Humanities Education at New York University before becoming a producer for a youth talk show, a radio personality and then a voiceover artist for clients like CNN, Merriam-Webster, Subway, CROCS, and Discovery Channel. Settling in NYC for over a decade, her career pursuits expanded to PR consultancy for clients like The United Palace Theatre, Toyota Scion, Nyack College, Fashion Fete and Kevin Harrington, the original shark of ABC’s “Shark Tank.” In 2016, she co-authored HOLA AMERICA: Guts, Grit, Grind and Further Traits in the Successful American Immigrant. In 2025, she piloted the Fashion PR course at the University of Miami and authored the digital-first textbook, Fashion PR in the Digital Age.

Eric Reeves, a Maryland native, is an INROADS alumnus who completed two federal government internships through the program from 2019 to 2022 while earning a Political Science degree from Wingate University. He is the Communications Associate for New Rural Project, a nonprofit that increases civic and electoral engagement among young, marginalized rural residents in North Carolina. He also sits on the Carolina Youth Power Fund’s advisory board, is the host of the Clocked and Loaded Podcast, is a public speaker, and is a community education advocate, hosting minority advocacy workshops at colleges, universities, and professional and medical settings.

Jevon Wooden, CEO of BrightMind Consulting Group, is a leadership and workplace culture advisor, author, and coach who specializes in the intersection of emotional intelligence and business strategy. A Bronze Star recipient and U.S. Army veteran, Jevon blends resilience with deep empathy to help organizations build cultures where people feel valued and empowered. His approach is rooted in authenticity and his signature 5Y Framework, designed to help leaders achieve sustainable growth while fostering high-performing, human-centric teams. Jevon’s insights have been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company, solidifying his role as a trusted partner for organizations looking to bridge the gap between strategic results and meaningful workplace connection. Whether through advising, coaching, or speaking, Jevon is committed to helping leaders unlock their full potential by leading with heart.

Nadia Batchelor is a former Wall Street executive, speaker, and founder of Inspired by Nadia, a coaching and speaking platform focused on confidence, leadership, financial literacy, and intentional career growth. She is also a proud INROADS alumna. With more than 20 years of experience across wealth management, corporate finance, and investment research, Nadia has advised executives, built high-performing teams, and helped professionals navigate complex career transitions with clarity and authenticity. Most recently, Nadia served as Chief Operating Officer of Jefferies Wealth Management, following leadership roles at Jefferies and Morgan Stanley in Corporate Access. Earlier in her career, she worked in High Yield Research at JPMorgan and Corporate Finance at American Express, giving her broad exposure to the financial industry and how wealth is built over time. Through her speaking and coaching work, Nadia combines practical career strategy with real-world insight gained from years working with executives, investors, and high-net-worth individuals. She is passionate about helping the next generation build confidence, financial literacy, and long-term success on their own terms.

Charles D. Wilson is the Founder and Executive Creative Director of E3 Nexus, a creative consultancy dedicated to amplifying diverse voices through culture-driven experiences and strategic partnerships. He is also a creative executive, educator, and community advocate working at the intersection of music, culture, and youth development. He serves as a Board Member of Children in Harmony, where he supports programs that empower young people through music education, creative expression, and social-emotional learning. In addition to his community leadership, Charles has developed and taught a music production and business program at UCLA, equipping students with real-world tools in songwriting, artist development, and the evolving music industry. His teaching emphasizes access, creativity, and career readiness. Charles is a member of the Recording Academy and a Grammy U mentor, supporting emerging talent. He is also an accomplished artist and songwriter, creating music for film, television, and independent releases.

Roshika Thompson, Financial Professional Roshika is a financial professional with a global background spanning business, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. After earning a degree in Business and Management from UMGC Tokyo and supporting an 18-year Air Force lifestyle overseas, she worked with the NBA Retired Players Association and alongside Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler. Today, she helps individuals take control of their financial future through education, planning, and protection.

With 20+ years in financial services, Courtney helps individuals take control of their finances through Education, Planning, and Protection. As a Financial Advisor and CLTC Advisory Board Member, she delivers practical, action-oriented workshops on saving, debt, long-term care, and income protection—empowering audiences to protect their families and build strong financial foundations.

Khalid Umar is a Senior Director of Program Management with over 16 years of engineering and leadership experience, specializing in executing complex domestic and international programs. He has a proven track record of delivering multi-million- and billion-dollar government contracts, strengthening client relationships, and leading high-performing cross-functional teams. Khalid is recognized for his ability to blend technical expertise with strategic leadership, driving operational excellence and sustainable growth. Throughout his career at organizations such as Pacific Defense, BAE Systems, and Raytheon Technologies, Khalid has successfully led major defense and sustainment programs, secured high-value contracts, and implemented process improvements that enhanced customer trust and program performance. He is also deeply committed to developing others, having created and delivered program management training through the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. A passionate advocate for community and professional development, Khalid serves in leadership roles with organizations including INROADS, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Engineers Without Borders. He is a recipient of the Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) and continues to invest in empowering the next generation of leaders. Outside of his professional work, Khalid is a devoted husband and father of two boys who enjoys spending quality time with his family. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys running, fishing, tennis, and cycling. Khalid has completed several triathlons and is currently training for a half-marathon, reflecting his commitment to discipline, resilience, and continuous self-improvement.