Speakers - One Healthy Reason

2023 Speakers

Dr. Jonathan Spikes

Founder, Affirming Youth Foundation, Inc.

Dr. Jonathan Spikes is a licensed mental health counselor, chief executive officer, and founder of the Affirming Youth Foundation, Incorporated. In 2020, Spikes launched a strategic plan: A new paradigm to serve as a connector of services that strengthen schools, families, and communities. Dr. Spikes’ aim was to improve student learning by increasing family engagement, promoting community engagement through capacity building, and developing leaders through collaboration with institutions of higher learning.

As a first-generation college graduate, his work focuses on implementing social and structurally focused transformational change. His commitment to this began when he was a 6-year-old boy. He witnessed his older brother get shot in the leg when he was simply returning from taking out the trash. Dr. Spikes would encounter another violent event fifteen years later when he stood as a witness to his brother’s corpse lying in the street. These two events and years of experiencing other forms of community violence exposure resulted in years of enduring emotional and psychological trauma.

Dr. Spikes recognized that he had to be involved in addressing these experiences beyond his personal efforts; this led him back to graduate school, where he gained research expertise in methodical tools associated with leading and managing innovation and change. Through his work, Dr. Spikes seeks to develop multi-level and transformative solutions that holistically address the most pressing needs of low-resource communities. His research focuses on various forms of community violence, including gang violence, community trauma, and child victimization. The strategies for reducing Adverse Childhood Experiences and their associated outcomes in his local community have been lauded as novel in their targeting of ecological influences.

Mr. Benjamin Carlton

Co-Founder BMe Community

Benjamin Carlton is an actor, activist, and sought after global strategist. He studied communications and received his MBA from Florida A&M University. In 2013, he co-founded BMe Community, a national movement of community builders led by Black people. BMe’s 400+ Fellows have raised over $400 million, earned 67 national awards and helped over 2 million families secure educational, economic, human rights, health and wellness opportunities. Benjamin has trained the world’s leading authorities on equity and storytelling to include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CBS Viacom, The Obama Administration, GM Financial, Comcast Universal, and JP Morgan Chase.

Dr. Dionne Stephens

Associate Professor, Psychology, Florida International University

Dr. Stephens’ research examines socio-historical factors shaping minority populations’ sexual scripting and sexual health processes, with emphasis on gender and ethnic/ racial identity development. Her research is conducted through the Heath Disparities and Cultural Identities Lab. With an ultimate goal of reducing health disparities, her research specifically examines diverse cultural beliefs’ influence on intimate relationships and sexual health decision making in marginalized populations.

A key goal of Dr. Stephens’ work is to identify factors that can help prevent continued health disparities, particularly within understudied and marginalized communities. Her recent study outcomes highlight the importance of gender and racial/ethnic identity, familial processes, and media influences on behavioral outcomes. These studies fall under three broad research foci: Health Disparities, Identity Development, and Culture.

Dr. Verna Latchman

Executive Director of G.I.F.T.E.D Foundation

Dr. Verna Latchman is the Executive Director of G.I.F.T.E.D Foundation, an entrepreneur, business consultant, and mental health therapist who has served members of marginalized communities for over 25 years. She earned a Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California with an emphasis on the adverse impact of the juvenile justice system on Black and Latino youth. Dr. Latchman spent her formative years in Belize, a small country in Central America, where she witnessed the positive impact of community engagement in the lives of youth. She is passionate about helping Black and Latino youth overcome the adverse effects of the juvenile justice system and achieve upward mobility. When not serving marginalized youth, Dr. Latchman can be found at home with her husband and son cooking, watching the food network, socializing with friends, or strategizing additional ways to be of service to her community. A proud wife, mother, and cat mom, she believes that there is no such thing as a “dull moment.”

Dr. Pamela D. Hall

Director of Africana Studies Program, Barry University

PAMELA D. HALL, PH.D. Dr. Pamela D. Hall joined the faculty of Barry University in the fall of 2009. She is an Associate Professor of Psychology, Africana Studies Program Director and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies for the College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to arriving at Barry University, Dr. Hall taught at Hampton University and worked as a Development Consultant for Southern Partner’s Fund, a nonprofit foundation in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her Bachelor’s from Hampton University and her Master’s and PhD in Social Psychology with minors in Quantitative and Cognitive Psychology from The Ohio State University. Dr. Hall is actively involved in projects throughout south Florida involving the empowerment of children and families, particularly Haitian adolescents. She is President of the South Florida Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists, the past president of the Alliance for LGBTQ Youth, a member of South Florida People of Color, a racial healing organization and serves on the board of the Haitian Youth Community Center of Florida. Her research interests are spirituality and well-being, trauma and epigenetics, and the impact of colorism on people of color. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Hall is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Ms. Roni Bennett

Executive Director, South Florida People of Color

Roni Bennett, a tech-savvy advocate, holds a Computer Science degree from the University of Missouri but discovered her true calling in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. She founded South Florida People of Color (SFPoC) to combat oppression in 2015, earning numerous awards, including the ACLU’s Rodney Thaxton Racial Justice Award. Roni manage trained facilitators in restorative practice for SFPoC’s Unity360 Institute DEI programs, solidifying her reputation as a respected community leader committed to positive change. In her spare time, she delves into African American history, further fueling her passion for making a difference.
The vision of the Golden Foundation is a world where Black and Brown people can excel in career fields that need more representation, and their success is amplified through direct access to resources, capital, and community.

Our mission is to open pathways to post-secondary success in dental, medical, engineering, and entrepreneur education for students of color through scholarships, resource access, and mentorship.

Dr. Donnie Hale

Southern Regional Deputy Director, Institute for Educational Leadership - Coalition for Community Schools

Dr. Donnie Hale serves as the Regional Deputy Director, Southern Regional TAC. He is responsible for engaging leaders and networks, coaching and supporting, and building capacity for community schools to positively impact youth and families. Dr. Hale brings 20+ years of experience in higher education, teaching, research, coaching, community building, and relationship cultivation. His body of work is focused on race, equity, educational opportunity, college access and human development. His teaching experience has been in areas of sociology, education, African American history, and cultural diversity.

Mr. Asim Pleas

Director, FIU - The Education Effect

A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Asim understood the value of family, hard work, and education from an early age. Aspiring beyond his immediate surroundings, Asim harnessed the ability to excel in the classroom and on the playing field, to earn a full athletic scholarship to attend The University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Through the support of his family and the embrace of his community, Asim went on to become the first in his family to attend and graduate college.

While attending The University of Illinois, Asim received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology, while having a stellar athletic career, being a four year starter and captain for the Fighting Illini football team. Currently, Asim serves as Director of Florida International University – The Education Effect, which works with M-DCPS to create positive pathways for students to enter and graduate college and begin successful careers.

Asim has long worked to strengthen communities through civic engagement, and is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Miami.

Mr. Ken Frazier

VP Community and Business Development, JP Morgan Chase

Ken is a true advocate for community growth and development. He has been passionate about community building for as long as he can remember. Being a product of inner city life, he has been on a continued journey to make a difference. He strives to utilize his 20 years in the banking industry, his lifelong dedication to community involvement, and his life experiences to build trust in the communities he serves. He is committed to making himself available to engage in meaningful ways around financial health and education strategies. His motto” Let’s build our community by building our relationships” holds true to his commitment as a Community Manager for JPMorgan Chase.

Dr. Debbie Pane

Founding President of E-SToPP, Eradicating the School-to-Prison Pipeline Foundation, Inc.

Founding President of Eradicating the School-to-Prison Pipeline Foundation, Inc. (E-SToPP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation created and existing under the Laws of the State of Florida dedicated to eradicating the school to prison pipeline throughout Miami-Dade’s most economically marginalized communities by creating a grassroots network of transformative schools and educational opportunities for underserved and unserved youth, while laying the groundwork for a seamless sustainable navigation reentry route for these youth, particularly those who have been isolated (often for years) from racially equitable schooling and educational opportunities through referral, suspension, expulsion, and/or incarceration.

Dr. Maureen C. Kenny

Professor of Psychology and Associate Chair of Academic Personnel and Diversity in the Department of Psychology - Florida International University

Dr. Kenny is a Professor of Psychology and Associate Chair of Academic Personnel and Diversity in the Department of Psychology. She is a licensed psychologist, Nationally Certified Counselor and Qualified Supervisor (Florida). She is a faculty member in the Applied Social and Cultural Psychology Program. She has published extensively in the area of child maltreatment, with a specific focus on child sexual abuse, prevention and treatment with diverse populations. Her work also addresses the issue of mandatory reporting laws among professionals. Dr. Kenny is recognized as an international expert in prevention of sexual abuse and compliance with mandatory reporting laws. Dr. Kenny has published over 95 peer reviewed articles, has made over 100 professional presentations at national, international, and regional conferences and authored over 18 book chapters and three books. She is a fellow of Division 37 of the American Psychological Association and was the inaugural recipient of the Citizen Psychologist Award from Division 37 in 2019.

Ms. Stephanie Sylvestre

Co-founder, Avatar Buddy, LLC

With over 30 years of experience in corporate IT and nonprofit partnerships, Stephanie has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County. She is proud to have co-led a group of women in the construction of seven homes with Habitat for Humanity, among other accomplishments. Her innovative IT strategy at The Children’s Trust earned her the honor of CIO of the Year in 2019 and positioned them to seamlessly transition to virtual operations in response to COVID-19. Drawing on her training as a developmental economist and her experience living in the Global South, she is uniquely positioned to merge technology, social services, economic development, and philanthropy creating a cost-effective, repeatable, and scalable tool that empowers individuals to become the best versions of themselves. Her tool has the potential to make significant progress in closing the achievement gap, providing real opportunities for success to marginalized communities around the world.
Stephanie Sylvestre is a transformative leader who leverages technology to drive impactful results. She spent 2022 as a Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative fellow, where she created a framework for Black wealth creation in Miami-Dade County. Stephanie co-founded Avatar Buddy, LLC, which uses generative AI to help users be the best version of themselves thereby reaching their highest potential. Her background includes development economics, Latin American studies, and IT leadership in the Subway and Burger King franchise world.
For nine years, she was the Honorary Counsel of Belize for Southeastern United States.
She graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in International Relations, the University of Miami with a M.A. in International Studies & International Economics, and has an Advanced Leadership Initiative Certificate from Harvard University.

Dr. Joshua Golden

Founder of the Golden Foundation and Owner Dentist at West Sunrise Dentistry

The vision of the Golden Foundation is a world where Black and Brown people can excel in career fields that need more representation, and their success is amplified through direct access to resources, capital, and community.

Our mission is to open pathways to post-secondary success in dental, medical, engineering, and entrepreneur education for students of color through scholarships, resource access, and mentorship.

Prof. Joanette Brookes-George

Principal Consultant at Unmute Yourself, Inc.

Prof. Joanette Brookes-George is a distinguished Principal Consultant at Unmute Yourself, Inc., specializing in social justice, education, and combatting sexual violence. With over two decades of experience, she offers invaluable guidance and strategic advice to clients tackling complex societal challenges.

In addition to her consultancy role, Prof. Brookes-George is a successful private investor and Financial/Business Coach at Leveraged Investments, Inc. Her extensive financial background as a Certified Financial Planner and Real Estate Investor enables her to provide comprehensive advisory services.

With over a decade of teaching experience across various academic levels, Prof. Brookes-George excels in addressing diverse educational challenges. Armed with a Ph.D. in Ethical Leadership, specializing in Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in International and Intercultural Education and another in Public Administration, alongside certificates in Human Resource Management and Conflict Resolution, she provides a strong knowledge foundation in violence, victimology, trauma, resilience, grit, and emotional intelligence.

Prof. Joanette Brookes-George’s extensive knowledge and remarkable achievements in finance, education, and social justice position her as a highly respected consultant. She is devoted to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities in the fight against interpersonal violence, creating a more just and inclusive society.

Mr. Christopher Sims

Senior Clinical Research Associate

A native of Sumrall, Mississippi, Christopher Sims has always been deeply rooted in the rich history and culture of the South. His upbringing in a small town like Sumrall has instilled in him a strong sense of community and tradition.

Currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Christopher serves as a member and captain for a local run club. His commitment to fitness and wellness is mirrored in his community involvement, where he also serves as a member of the Brother of the Academy and as a Decisions counselor at a local church in Atlanta.

Christopher’s academic journey has been a testament to his commitment to healthcare. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, underscoring his strong foundation in the sciences. He furthered his education by earning two master’s degrees—one in epidemiology and another in public health administration. These academic achievements have equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of clinical research.

As a Senior Clinical Research Associate at The George Washington University, Christopher focuses on evaluating the safety and effectiveness of medications, medical devices, diagnostic products, and treatment regimens. He specializes in various therapeutic areas, including oncology, neurology, immunology, inflammation, endocrinology, and rheumatology. Through his work, he aspires to make meaningful contributions to healthcare by advancing our understanding of these critical fields.

Dr. Randy Nelson

President & CEO 21st Century Research & Evaluations, Inc

Dr. Randy B. Nelson currently serves as the Director of the Bethune-Cookman University Criminal Justice Administration Graduate Program and Center for Law & Social Justice within the College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Nelson’s educational background includes a B.A. degree in Sociology from Eckerd College, a M.A. degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida, and Ph.D. in Criminology from Florida State University. His academic and professional career have focused on developing and evaluating delinquency prevention strategies designed to address the problems negatively impacting disadvantaged communities. Dr. Nelson has an extensive history of working with non-profit faith- and community-based social service organizations to develop and effectively achieve their programmatic and outcome

Dr. Nelson is the founder of the Situational Environmental Circumstances (SEC) Mentoring Model which was designed to meet the unique educational, social, and emotional needs of high-risk Black males. The 2013 Florida legislature provided funding for the SEC program as a down payment towards changing the trajectory of Black males in Florida. The funding of the SEC program served notice that Florida’s consistently low graduation rates and high incarceration rates for Black males are unacceptable and unsustainable. The core foundation of the model involved selecting Black male undergraduate students to mentor at-risk 3rd – 5th grade Black male students attending low-performing elementary schools. The mentors and mentees typically share similar family, socioeconomic, community, and educational backgrounds. This allows mentors to provide their mentees real life examples of educational achievement and the tools needed to overcome social and educational obstacles. The program was initially implemented at Florida’s four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, Florida A & M University, and Florida Memorial University. The University of Florida served as the lead research institution, as well as one of the program sites. In 2016, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, St. Petersburg College, Palm Beach State College, and Pasco Hernando State were added as SEC program sites.

Ms. Cara Macksoud

CEO, Money Habitudes

Cara Macksoud, FBS® is the CEO of Money Habitudes. She completed the Financial Therapy Graduate Certificate at Kansas State University and holds a BS in Finance from NYU Stern School of Business. She is a Certified Financial Behavior Specialist® and a member of the Financial Therapy Association where she serves on their membership committee. She is also a member of the Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) and is an AFC candidate.

Ms. Bevone Ritchie

Director of Programs, The Children's Trust

Bevone Ritchie joined The Children’s Trust, a governmental funding agency whose mission to partner with the community to plan, advocate for and fund strategic investments that improve the lives of all children and families in Miami-Dade County, in December 2004, and currently serves as the Director of Programs. She brings over 30 years of experience to her role with experience in the fields of Early Childhood Development, Youth Development and Parenting Education, having worked for both public and private organizations during her career. Her specialty includes infant/toddler development, special needs, parenting, family support and youth development. She supports her community of Miami-Dade County with representation on various advisory committees, including The Mayors Children’s Commission, United Way Center for Excellence, and Baptist Health. Ms. Ritchie began her career as a teacher and assumed supervisory and management positions in the federally funded Early Head Start programs in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County. Ms. Ritchie engaged early with the development of Early Head Start, as one of the research cohort programs for this high-quality comprehensive model of child and family development. With over 18 years with The Children’s Trust, she gained the knowledge, skills, and expertise in evidence-based and research informed family development practices, overseeing the solicitation, implementation and monitoring to fidelity high quality child and family support programs. Ms. Ritchie is part of the editing team for parental materials for The Children’s Trust Book Club, a staff contributor to The Children’s Trust Parenting Newsletter and a Miami Herald parenting column and holds a B.A. (Psychology) and a M.S. (Guidance and Counseling), from Florida International University and Nova Southeastern University, respectively. Ms. Ritchie also earned a graduate certificate in Infant Toddler Special Needs from the University of Central Florida.

Mr. William Aristide

Principal, Law Enforcement Officers Memorial High School

William graduated from North Miami Beach Senior High School in 1984. He later received his Bachelor Degree from Florida State University (FSU) in 1989. He then began his teaching career in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system in 1990. He worked as a teacher at Golden Glades Elementary from 1991-1994. While at Golden Glades Elementary he was selected Rookie Teacher of the Year in 1991. In 1994, he was selected Teacher of the Year at the same school. In 1994, William graduated with a Masters Degree from the University of Miami in the area of Special Education, with a specific focus on emotionally handicapped and Learning Disabled children. He then taught emotionally handicapped children at Lake Stevens Middle School from 1994 -1999. He later accepted a job in the school district office working as an Educational Specialist in the Department of Multicultural Programs from 1999 – 2002. In that capacity, William trained educators, administrators, students, and other school employees. His trainings were in areas such as cultural sensitivity, classroom management, organizational development, conflict resolution, anger management, and various school related skills. William completed his Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University in 2002. Presently, he is the principal of Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Sr. High School. He has served as Executive Lead Principal in the Central Region of the Miami Dade County School District for the past two years. His school grade is a letter A and it is considered an outstanding magnet school. He is a proud member of his community and believes his strong cultural heritage has propelled him to always seek the highest standards. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and is the proud husband of Allison Aristide and their son William Thomas Aristide

Dr. Tisa Mcghee

Transformational Strategist, Mc3 Consulting Inc

With an impressive 25-year career in social work, Dr. Tisa McGhee, LCSW, stands out as a transformational strategist and writer. Having carved a niche in leadership, advocacy, and public policy, she’s recognized for her pivotal contributions to understanding communities. Dr. McGhee’s commitment to fostering transformative growth resonates within individual lives and extends to organizations and marginalized communities. Her research methodology is distinctive, emphasizing community engagement and participatory strategies. This approach delves deep into macro social work, especially trauma-informed practices. Dr. McGhee’s expertise has also proven invaluable as the world grapples with equity and inclusion challenges. She is a prominent voice advocating for health equity and offers a nuanced exploration of diversity, equity, and inclusion, all through the unique perspective of social work. Her academic accomplishments are noteworthy, holding degrees including a BA and MA in Psychology, an MSW, and a PhD focusing on macro-organizational capacity in Social Work. Beyond her academic and research contributions, Dr. McGhee is a soon-to-be-published author. Her written works amplify her commitment to building resilient communities. Using a blend of engaging and empowerment techniques, she aims to foster community resilience, catalyze social change, and equip individuals and organizations with tools to navigate an ever-changing world. In sum, Dr. McGhee’s journey is a testament to her dedication to social transformation and the betterment of communities at large.

Dr. Trudy Gaillard

Associate Professor, Dr. Vanessa Von Wertheim Endowed Chair in Chronic Disease Prevention and Care

Dr. Gaillard is a health disparities nurse researcher with extensive experience in working with multi-disciplinary teams to address health equity, health disparities and improving health outcomes in historically marginalized and vulnerable populations. Her substantive, sustained, and outstanding contribution to nursing research has 3 primary interrelating health disparities: 1) glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity of African Americans at high risk for type 2 diabetes 2) cardiometabolic syndrome 3) and healthy aging. She is a member of the inaugural class of the UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Fellowship on Brain Health Equity. Dr. Gaillard has received funding from the National Institute on Aging to explore if the inclusion of younger trusted family members into discussion about health aging can increase research participation of ethnically diverse older adults. As a nurse scientist, nurse advocate, and nurse leader she has utilized these skills to provide evidence-based knowledge to drive innovative care models and healthy outcomes for individuals of color. Dr. Gaillard received her BSN from Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, MS in Health Science from New Jersey City State University, MS in nursing from Johns Hopkins University, and PhD in exercise science from the Ohio State University. Dr. Gaillard, is a tenured Associate Professor and the Dr. Vanessa Von Wertheim Endowed Chair in Chronic Disease Prevention and Care, Florida International University, Miami, FL

Dr. Monica Buchanan

Monica Buchanan Consulting, LLC

Monica Buchanan Consulting, LLC
Dr. Monica Buchanan’s career in the delivery of human services spans four decades as Women’s counselor, Psychotherapist, Coach, Author, and Educator. Dr. Buchanan holds a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Integrative Health Studies (IHS) from Saybrook University, California; M.A. from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, B.C.; and B.A. from Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario. Her therapeutic intervention practice focuses on healing and recovery, empowerment, and strength-based resources for individuals, groups, couples, adolescents, and seniors. Consulting services includes seminars, and speaking engagements focusing on parenting, life-skills, health-focused lifestyle, racism, diversity, and customized client-based training seminars and workshops. Buchanan is also a certified Life & Wellness Coach. Life and wellness coaching practice uses a co-active coaching approach where the client and coach engage in a creative partnership process within a healthy, supportive, and validating environment geared towards growth, empowerment, and transformative changes. She also has extensive training and expertise in the areas of trauma and recovery, resiliency, group therapy, brief-intervention-solution-focused counseling, grief, loss, and end-of-life counseling, women’s empowerment coaching, conflict resolutions, building self-esteem and self-confidence, violence against women and girls, sexual violence, critical incidence debriefing, recognizing, and managing PTSD, coping with diagnosis and loss of health. Dr. Buchanan’s life passion and orientation is towards delivering strength-based psychological and community resources for persons from marginalized and under-served communities where racism, poverty, health disparities are evident. Her research interests are in the areas of poverty and coping with autoimmune-based invisible chronic illnesses (ICI) with specialized focus on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Mr. Eduardo De La Vega Taboada

Civil Engineer and PhD Candidate in Psychology

Eduardo found a way into academia after more than 15 years creating and leading conflict resolution, adaptive leadership and Positive Youth Development programs for the government, the for-profit and non-profit sector in Colombia. This transition was driven by his passion for efficiently disseminating and implementing developmental psychology to better serve children, adolescents and parents in communities experiencing poverty and violence.

Rev. Arthur Jackson, III

Senior Pastor of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

Rev. Arthur Jackson, III has served as Senior Pastor of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Miami Gardens, Florida since March 8, 1991. A native of South Florida, Pastor Jackson was born to Reverend and Mrs. Arthur Jackson, Jr. on May 5, 1964. Pastor Jackson was licensed as a Minister on October 9, 1988, at the New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Miami, Florida where he served as an Associate Minister under the leadership of his father, Rev. Arthur Jackson, Jr. Pastor Jackson earned the degree of Master of Divinity from Virginia Union University, to further broaden his perspective in exegesis, counseling, leadership, preaching, and teaching.

A man of great character, integrity, wisdom, and counsel, Pastor Jackson’s consistent obedience to God has taken the Antioch congregation from the “Faithful Fifty”members to a blossoming ministry of over 7,000 that continues to grow at record pace.

Pastor Jackson humbly serves God and his community through the fifty-two ministries established at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Miami Gardens. His insightful and inspiring messages tackle and provide relevant, practical solutions to issues ranging from personal crisis, emotional upheavals, relationships, spiritual growth, and fellowship through the Holy Spirit, and the list goes on. Pastor Jackson’s dynamic style of preaching demonstrates a keen sensitivity and awareness of the needs of God’s people. Potent, prolific, and practical are words that characterize both his ministry and his person.

He is sought over much of the United States and Caribbean as an evangelist, speaker,and lecturer, spreading the Good News of the Gospel. He is the proud father to Jaden Jackson. Seeking to serve, he is a member of the fraternities Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Pi Phi.

Rev. Johnny L. Barber, II

Saint John Missionary Baptist Church

Rev. Johnny L. Barber, II is a visionary pastor and thought-provoking preacher. He presently serves as the Interim pastor for the Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, Boynton Beach, Florida. The Saint John church family has experienced growth in their finances and fellowship since his arrival. He previously served for twenty-one years as Senior Pastor for the Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, affectionately known as “The Mount,” located in Miami, Florida. He is a graduate of Miami Central High School. Pastor Barber holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from American InterContinental University, Plantation FL, as well as a Master’s Degree in Theology from Barry University, Miami Shores, FL. Pastor Barber has achieved many triumphs, awards, recognitions, accolades, proclamations, and keys to cities. He is a brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and has served as the Chaplain for the Miami Alumni Chapter.

He has also served as the financial secretary for the Baptist Minister’s Council of Miami Dade and Vicinity, along with several other local and state religious and community boards. In February 2011 Pastor Barber was elected as the youngest Moderator of the Florida East Coast Baptist Association (the largest Baptist Association of churches in the state of Florida and the third largest in the Nation), serving for nine years. Pastor Barber, in September 2015 became a contributor to the Gospel Truth magazine publishing a monthly article entitled, “Moments with the Moderator.” In December 2015 Pastor Barber was appointed to be the president at-large of the Moderator’s Auxiliary of the Florida General Baptist Convention, Inc. Pastor Barber also serves as a chaplain for the Miami-Dade County Police Department. He also is the Faith-Based Coordinator for the Miami-Dade County Anti-Violence and Group Violence Initiative.

Ms. Latawun Bess, MPA

Latawun Bess serves as Division Director of Operations for the Miami-Dade County Juvenile Services Department (JSD), working closely with Law Enforcement agencies and Juvenile Justice Stakeholders within Miami-Dade County. She oversees the arrested population, care and custody, diversion continuum, assessment, professional development, outreach and collaborates with community stakeholders. Ms. Bess proudly provides technical support to Law Enforcement and stakeholders to ensure the application of appropriate interventions.

Ms. Bess has dedicated her career to advocating for the needs of at-risk and arrested children. Through her experience and training, she rose through the ranks at JSD from a diversion case manager and is in rhythm with the process. Ms. Bess’ experience as a public administrator includes social services, management, strategic planning, and implementation. Ms. Bess has been instrumental in various projects that take a no wrong door approach to holistically serving young people and their families, such as multidisciplinary staffing protocols. She has been a key participant in the development, implementation, and management of JSD’s electronic procedures, Miami-Dade County Automated Arrest Form Management system, DNA Sample collection, electronic monitoring, and case management systems.

Ms. Bess holds a master’s degree in public administration from Florida International University.

Dr. LaTasha Russell

Dr. LaTasha Russell is a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan. She received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in Berkeley, California, twelve years after graduating from Spelman College. In her Private Practice, she meets with couples, singles, and families on four continents. She is the Former President of The South Florida Association of Black Psychologists. As a Social Scientist, she creates teachable moments with corporations who are hungry to learn how to fumble through their own racial illiteracy. She is a Relationship Coach for professional athletes and their significant others. Also, Dr. Tasha has authored a book for couples, entitled “It Ain’t the Dishes.” She joined the cast on a documentary named “HUSH,” which is a film that wants to “Help Us Say Help” in urban communities. Her Live Talk Show is every First Friday with Stand-up Comedian called “Cocktails & Conversation.” As seen on CBS4 Miami and NBC6, Dr. Tasha specializes in getting to the core of an issue quickly, which she calls “Drive-By Therapy.” You can reach her at www.drivebytherapy.org or on IG @doctoratasha

Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall

Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, a former classroom teacher, principal, adult education administrator and current Miami-Dade County School Board Member, District 2, has made a lifetime of using education to unlock the doors of opportunity for hundreds of students, teachers, and parents. After graduating from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, she matriculated at Tuskegee (Alabama) Institute, Nova University, Barry University and Florida International University, where she was earned undergraduate and graduate degrees, specializations, and certifications, in the fields of education and leadership. Prior to being elected to the Miami-Dade County Public School Board, Dr. Bendross-Mindingall was a State Representative elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000. She was re-elected until 2008, when she could not seek re-election due to term limits. As a former State Representative for District 109, she was able to secure millions of dollars for programs and services in her District. Dr. Bendross-Mindingall also sponsored, and numerous bills that focused on education, children, families, and felon rights. Dr. Bendross-Mindingall also, sponsored and the Governor signed into law, the Miami Children’s Initiatives, which focused on a holistic approach to providing programs and services to children and families in Liberty City.

Lorenzo Robertson

Ujima Men's Collective Executive Director

Maybell Deloris Robertson

Commissioner, Kionne McGhee, Esquire

Kionne McGhee grew up in South Dade public housing and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Howard University and a Juris Doctorate from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

He was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012 for Florida House District 117 and served as the Minority Leader from 2018 to 2020, when he was elected as Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 9.

Commissioner McGhee is an accomplished attorney and the author of the best selling-book “Conquering Hope: The Life You Were Destined to Live.”

His numerous affiliations include the Florida Trial Lawyers Association, Wilkie D. Ferguson Bar Association, and the Greater Miami Service Corps, where he serves as a board member. He is also President and founder of 2NOIT Media & Publishing, founder of Y.A.L.E. (Young Advocates Leading by Example), and president of Transitions, Inc. He has been named as one of Miami’s Rising Voices by AT&T and the Miami Herald, and earned the Florida Self-Sufficiency Award in 2010.

Brandon Okpalobi

Brandon Okpalobi is a Nigerian-American former athlete turned STEM educator, youthadvocate, serial entrepreneur, and host; based in Miami, Florida, and native to New Orleans, Louisiana.

He recognized in 2011 the need to connect early education, after-school programming, and mentorship to improve grades and reduce “risky” behavior. As a response to the need, he developed DIBIA Athletic combining sport and life skills to prepare student-athletes, founded Dibia DREAM in 2014, to spark social change through STEM for youth in the global community, Siyanse LLC in 2020 to connect the dots between classroom and STEM careers, and hosts Hands-On STEM on Discovery Education. Combined Brandon is impacting over 100,000 children worldwide. The serial entrepreneur has expanded his brand as the newest host of REACH TV’s Community & Culture Series: Heart of the Community highlighting the groundbreaking work of community change agents syndicated in 90 domestic airports.

The Forbes Next 1000 List and Black Enterprise Modern Man, is now ready to expand his impact through the medium of storytelling. Brandon is an aspiring “author extraordinaire” repurposing his leadership, entrepreneurship, STEM education, and cultural experiences into books.

Tina Brown

CEO of Overtown Youth Center

Tina Brown is a fiercely passionate and committed leader whose life’s mission is to empower others both professionally and personally. As Chief Executive Officer of the Overtown Youth Center (OYC Miami), she is fervently devoted to creating impactful solutions in our community, which level the playing field for youth, children, and adults throughout South Florida.

A daughter of Miami; The Historic Overtown to be exact, Tina believes deeply in human capital and sees it as the worthiest investment one can make. Through her passion and calling to be a change agent, Tina joined OYC Miami in 2005 to actively impact the narrative and to advance the socio-economic trajectory of the black and brown community.

Nearly two decades later; Tina remains committed to impact. After serving 5 years as the Director of Finance; Tina was appointed in 2010 by Alonzo Mourning; as the organization’s Woman-in-Chief. Tina’s savvy business acumen and dynamic leadership style has been the catalyst for establishing a dynamic workplace and culture conducive for creating efficiencies that have been integral to increasing the organizations operating revenue to over 500%.; from $1.5 million to $7.3 million on an annual basis.

Marco Torrealba

Community Liaison, External Affairs - Fort Lauderdale/Miami/Orlando

Marco Torrealba is a diverse professional with 15+ years of experience in corporate communications. He has worn several hats throughout his career, including social investment, communications manager, program director, and outreach manager. Currently, he serves as a Community Liaison in the HIV field for ViiV Healthcare.

For seven years, he has been creating awareness about HIV prevention and treatment in South Florida. Some of the contributions to the HIV field in the USA have been featured in national and international media outlets like NPR, BBC World, Plus Magazine, and others.