Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Devika Brij Maurice. She is a workplace strategist, author, speaker, and Founder & CEO of Brij the Gap Consulting, where she helps professionals and organizations build stronger leaders and navigate career growth. A former leader at Google and LinkedIn, she has worked with organizations including Visa, Nike, Meta, and Morgan Stanley. She is also the author of Thrive in Color, a guide empowering underrepresented professionals to master self-advocacy, increase their influence, and take ownership of their careers.

Connect with Devika! 

Book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/1955811733?psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp

Website: https://brijthegapconsulting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devikabrij/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Vada A. Stephens II. Vada’s journey is one rooted in public service, leadership, and creating meaningful change in the communities around him. Today, he serves as Chief of Staff for Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece, where he works across policy, economic development, community engagement, and strategic initiatives impacting communities throughout Hamilton County. But his journey to this point has taken him through so many different spaces. He’s worked in corporate banking, voting rights and advocacy, the United States Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives as a Congressional Black Caucus Fellow, and even was selected for a competitive internship position under the Biden Harris administration at the White House. Outside of his professional career, Vada has continued to prioritize civic engagement and education, including serving as a Princeton Education Foundation Trustee and holding leadership roles focused on increasing political participation and community involvement. And now, he’s preparing for his next chapter as he begins law school at the University of Cincinnati College of Law this fall.

Connect with Vada:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vadastephensii/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Nora Elsayed. Nora, is a field marketer at IBM in New York City, where she shapes go‑to‑market strategy at the intersection of tech, brand, and community.  A UNC Kenan‑Flagler graduate and Luther Hodges Scholar, she’s also the founder of Girl Boss Gatherings and Evenin’ Out The Playin’ Field—two organizations focused on connection, confidence, and equity. Her Sudanese‑American identity, bilingual background, and love for art and sport shape her work. In 2023, she published her debut poetry collection What’s Left of Me, and she remains a devoted FC Barcelona fan.

Connect with Nora!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nora-elsayed101/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with her mother, Rhebia (REE-BEE-AH). For the first time, she brings her mom on the mic, and they keep it honest. They talk about what it’s like for a parent to watch their child hurt, why Rhebia sees “divine alignment” in the pause, and how faith, prayer, and trust can quiet the urge to control everything. She shares what helped Raven's parents build a stable foundation while raising Raven's older brother, Jalen, and Raven, plus practical encouragement for anyone who didn’t grow up with the same support, including the value of counseling and choosing a healthy team around you.

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Dr. Kimberley Williams. She is an award-winning educator and Assistant Professor at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, recognized by Poets & Quants as one of the Top 50 Undergraduate Business Professors. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Alabama and specializes in student engagement, instructional design, and strategic communication.

Dr. Williams teaches managerial and corporate communication, using experiential learning and global collaboration to help students become effective, thoughtful communicators. Her work also includes leading workshops and presentations on communication, negotiation, and innovative teaching practices.

Before academia, she was a professional track and field athlete sponsored by PUMA, competing internationally at events like the Pan-American Games and World Championships.

Connect with Dr.Williams:

LinkedIn: Kimberley Williams 

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with LaChaun J. Banks a nationally recognized leader in equitable economic development, inclusive growth, and cross-sector collaboration. LaChaun is a Professor of Practice at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, where she teaches Markets, Government, and Sustainable Growth, and a research fellow at the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, contributing to the American Growth Project on place-based economic growth. She previously held senior leadership roles at Harvard Kennedy School, including serving as the inaugural Director for Equity and Inclusion at the Ash Center and the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, where she co-created the City Leader Guide for Equitable Economic Development now used by city leaders nationwide. With experience spanning academia, government, and the private sector, LaChaun has advised senior public officials, led multimillion-dollar initiatives, and helped shape frameworks that move equity from theory into practice, offering powerful insights on leadership, strategy, and building economies that work for everyone.

Connect with Professor Banks!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachaun-banks-3a201721/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with  Wilhem Hector, born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, graduated Summa Cum Laude from MIT with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and made history as the first Haitian national awarded a Global Rhodes Scholarship. He will pursue a PhD in energy systems at Oxford, aiming to pioneer Haiti’s renewable energy infrastructure and expand hands-on learning in the national curriculum.

Connect with Hector!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhem-hector/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with  Dorothy G. Capers with us. She is the Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary for C.H. Robinson, a global leader in logistics and transportation. She oversees a diverse legal team and reports directly to the CEO.

Before joining C.H. Robinson, Mrs.Capers earned her J.D. from Howard University School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Illinois. She held senior legal roles at Xylem, National Express, and US Foods, and she also served as a litigator in both government and the private sector. She’s published on corporate governance and enforcement policy, and she actively gives back through mentoring and board service. 

Connect with Mrs.Capers:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothy-g-capers-6982361/

Email: Dorothy.Capers@chrobinson.com

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Mary Esposito. She is a Morehead-Cain Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill, entrepreneur, and content creator passionate about blending creativity with business. She is the founder of Purple Pear (@shoppurplepear), a crochet venture she started as a teenager that has grown into a thriving platform with an audience of over 307,000 on Instagram. She is also the creator of Money with Mary (@moneywithmary1), a financial literacy initiative with more than 49,000 Instagram followers, designed to make personal finance approachable and empowering for Gen Z.

 Connect with Mary:
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-esposito-52485119a/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Lauryn Taylor. She  is a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, double-majoring in Media & Journalism and Public Policy. She serves as the Class of 2026 Chief Marshal and is the founder of Girl Boss Gatherings, a campus community empowering female college students through career events, social experiences, and networking opportunities. During her time at Carolina, Lauryn studied abroad in London and gained professional experience interning at both a bank and an advertising agency. On campus, she’s represented brands like Grammarly, Bearpaw, and Uber Eats as a student ambassador, and she currently works with the Carolina Alumni Association to strengthen the post-grad experience while also hosting office hours for Hussman students seeking career advice.

Connect with Lauryn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauryntaylor/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Neville Poole. With a proven track record at global powerhouses including IBM and Accenture, Neville has partnered with Fortune 50/100 executives across financial services, retail, insurance, logistics, and hospitality sectors to implement lasting organizational change. Her expertise in operating model design and leadership coaching has made her a sought-after advisor for companies navigating complex transformations.

Prior to fluent, Neville served as Managing Director and Business Agility Practice Leader at Accenture, where she led the largest pure-play global agile consultancy. At IBM, she was a key leader on the company's largest modernization project while serving as Partner and Enterprise Agility Strategy Leader.

Bringing extensive education and professional credentials in organizational transformation and leadership development, Neville balances her executive career with community leadership, having served on the United Way Board of Directors and as chairperson for Southern Fried Agile for five years.

Connect with Neville:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nevillepoole/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Brianna Pinto. Growing up in a sports-focused family with both parents being UNC student-athletes, Brianna's path seemed destined for athletic success. Yet her story reveals the complex challenges of finding identity as a Black woman in spaces where representation remains limited. "You have to be comfortable in your own skin, knowing that there's a place for you in this sport, that you belong," she explains, detailing how this self-acceptance journey prepared her for success both on the field and in business settings.

Brianna doesn't just play soccer - she's reshaping the landscape through her Pinto Football Foundation, working to create opportunities for children from underserved communities. Her philosophy that "in order to believe you can become something, you have to see it" drives her commitment to mentorship and community building. As a two-time NWSL Challenge Cup champion and UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School graduate, she brings unique perspectives on balancing athletic demands with personal growth.

Connect with Brianna :

LinkedIn : Brianna Pinto

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-pinto1/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Marlee Reiter. She is the Founder and Host of the Rooted podcast, where she interviews founders, executives, and thought leaders in the health and wellness industry who are helping our society get back to our roots in terms of our food system, social connections, purposes and passions.

Connect with Marlee:

Instagram: themarleemethod

LinkedIn: Marlee Reiter https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlee-reiter-144b2a235/

Podcast: Rooted https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted/id1772484361

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Annabel Lissade. She is a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pursuing a double major in Economics and Political Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, she brings a unique global perspective to her academic and professional endeavors. Annabel is passionate about addressing systemic challenges and leveraging innovative solutions to create sustainable change, particularly in education and governance. Her academic focus, coupled with leadership roles and practical experiences, positions her as a forward-thinking changemaker dedicated to making a meaningful impact especially in her home country of Haiti.

Connect with Annabel!

LinkedIn: Annabel Lissade https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabel-lissade-0589a9229/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Alycea Rae. Alycea Adams is an entrepreneur who embodies authenticity and grit. A fourth-year student at UNC-Chapel Hill, she will graduate in May with a B.S. in Information Science and minors in Entrepreneurship and Urban Planning, earning Summa Cum Laude honors. With 1.2M+ followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, Alycea collaborates with top beauty brands like Aveda, Mielle Organics, and Sephora. She was recently named a Sephora Squad 2025 creator.

Passionate about technology and storytelling, she co-founded HairMatch, a consumer app recommending hair products based on hair type. She also launched the She Means Business podcast, featuring industry leaders. After graduation, Alycea will join IBM as a brand specialist in their sales program.

Connect with Alycea! 

Instagram/Tiktok/Youtube: Alycearae

Podcast: Shemeansbusinesspodcasts

HairMatch: HairMatchapp 

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, reflects on her journey with the podcast thus far. In this heartfelt solo episode, Raven opens up about the challenges of balancing college life, internships, and hosting a platform dedicated to empowerment and inclusion. She shares how taking time to pause and reflect has helped her realign with her purpose, set intentional goals, and move toward the next level of growth. Tune in for an honest conversation about the ups and downs of juggling multiple commitments and the importance of giving yourself grace while pursuing your passions.

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Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Dr. LaTricia “LT” Frederick. She is a dynamic speaker, passionate field researcher and certified professional coach who has spent more than 20 years enabling and empowering corporate leaders to successfully climb the ranks, develop highly productive, engaging teams and transform organizations. She currently serves as the Head of the Executive Talent Solutions group at Cisco Systems, Inc. where she leads a global team focused on the development and acceleration of executive talent and organizational growth initiatives.

Connect with Dr.LT
LinkedIn: LaTricia (LT) Frederick

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Kennedy Byrd is a third-year JD/LLM candidate in Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law at the University of Miami School of Law. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Race and Social Justice Law Review. Originally from North Carolina, Kennedy graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a major in Journalism and minors in Entrepreneurship and Social & Economic Justice. Kennedy is focused on pursuing a career in the sports field, with a particular interest in policies that promote equity in women's athletics. At the University of Miami, she is involved in the Innocence Clinic, the Entertainment and Sports Law Society, and the Black Law Students Association.

Connect with Kennedy!
Linkedin: Kennedy Byrd 
Instagram: Kennedy.b3

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Shelmina Abji As an immigrant of humble beginnings and a first-generation college graduate, Shelmina rose up to become one of the highest-ranking women of color at IBM while raising her two children as a single mother. With experience leading global teams in multiple sectors, she has delivered over $1 billion in revenues annually, maintained high client satisfaction as well as team morale, and hired and promoted hundreds of professionals. In pursuit of her passion for creating gender equality in leadership, Shelmina now speaks at corporations, colleges, and conferences globally and serves on the advisory board of Girl Up.  Endorsed by CEO of Hilton Chris Nassetta, President of Marriott International Stephanie Linnartz, and CFO of W. W. Grainger Deidra Merriwether, Shelmina’s new book, Show Your Worth: 8 Intentional Strategies for Women to Emerge as Leaders at Work, is a proven blueprint to accelerate career success and fast track into leadership roles by being strategic and intentional – especially for women who are underrepresented in their fields.

Connect with Ms.Abji:
Book: Show Your Worth: 8 Intentional Strategies for Women to Emerge as Leaders at Work
LinkedIn: Shelmina Abji

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Michelle Gethers. She recently served as Chief Diversity Officer and Head of Corporate Responsibility for Visa. She lead the company's global strategy for growth in inclusive and diverse talent, social impact and environmental sustainability. Prior to joining Visa, Michelle served as the President and CEO at United Way of Greater Greensboro where she and her team focused on partnerships to end poverty. Michelle also held a variety of roles over 21 years at American Express, including Senior Vice President and General Manager of Card Operations. She also has experience as an entrepreneur with a consulting firm, as a certified public accountant, and as an author. Her accomplishments and career have been featured in Ebony, Black Enterprise, Working Mother, Biz Life, Triad Business Journal's 2017 Most Admired CEO and 2021 Leader in Diversity, and as a speaker at two regional TEDxGreensboro talks.

Connect with Ms.Gethers:
LinkedIn: Michelle Gethers 
Book: The Next Level: Breakthrough Performance Anchored by Faith 

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Dr. Caprice D. Hollins. Dr.Hollins is a distinguished figure in the realm of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). As the co-founder of Cultures Connecting, she has passionately championed efforts to bridge racial and cultural divides. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Hollins is a seasoned facilitator of race-related workshops. Her influential book, "Inside Out: The Equity Leader's Guide to Undoing Institutional Racism," has left a mark in the field. Notably, she graced the TEDx stage in Seattle in 2020, sharing proactive insights on advancing race conversations.

Connect with Dr. Hollins:
Caprice Hollins ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/culturesconnecting/
Her book: Inside Out

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Shaunté Kinch. Shaunté Kinch, CEO of Empact Global and an expert with over 20 years of experience in healthcare and aerospace engineering. Kinch, a transformative force in healthcare, holds a Master's in Mechanical Engineering and certifications in Lean Practice, Project Management, and Systems Engineering. Her impactful work at Stanford Hospital and UCLA Health System focused on improving clinical quality and patient satisfaction. Kinch's innovative approach includes leveraging AI for equitable access to quality care. As an Innovation Architect with NASA, she applies her problem-solving skills to address significant challenges. Kinch's leadership has earned her accolades, such as Profiles in Diversity’s Black Leadership Award and the 2020 Working Mother of the Year, showcasing her commitment to global change through empathy and ingenuity.

Connect with Shaunté:
Linkedin: Shauneté Kinch
Website: https://www.empactglobal.com/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with her Visa mentor Raysa Ahuja a powerhouse in HR Strategic Planning, Organization Effectiveness, and Talent Management. With over 12 years of experience, Raysa has been instrumental in translating business vision into initiatives that not only improve performance, profitability, and growth but also elevate employee engagement to new heights.

Raysa's expertise spans a wide array of critical areas in human resources, including strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, change management, talent acquisition, and diversity and inclusion. She's not just a mentor but a true visionary in shaping the future of workplaces.

Connect with Raysa:
Linked in: Raysa Ahuja 

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with  Tina Fears. She brings new meaning to the term multi-hyphenate. As a Los Angeles native, she is proud to call Atlanta home. Her recent performance credits include a recurring role as “Clara Ward” in the Emmy-nominated National Geographic anthology series “Genius: Aretha,” currently available on HULU.  As an actor, writer, producer, and activist, Tina's commitment to being "Fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire" is a constant reminder of what it means to walk by faith and is her driving force to use every God-given gift she has received to impact the world. 

Stay connected with Tina :
@TinaFears on all social media platforms. 
Website: http://tinafears.com/stage-ready/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Kelly Bloom, Volunteer and Marketing Coordinator at Haven House Services. Such a full circle moment--my senior year in high school, Enloe Student Council was able to donate $160k to Haven House through our annual Charity Ball, and I made my first multicultural hair care product donation! So happy to present multicultural hair care products to Haven House again before the school year starts! 

Please go check out Haven House and see how you can donate! https://www.havenhousenc.org/wishlist/
Kelly Bloom
Haven House
Volunteer and Marketing Coodinator 
kbloom@havenhousenc.org

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Dr.Damon A Williams. Dr. Damon A. Williams is a visionary and inspirational leader, and also one of the nation’s recognized experts in strategic diversity leadership, youth development, corporate responsibility, educational achievement, social impact, and organizational change. In 2017, he launched the National Inclusive Excellence Tour and broader campaign to impact 5000 institutions, and empower 1 million leaders.

He is a global thought leader having worked with more than 1,000 colleges and universities, Fortune 100 companies, and foundations, as keynote speaker, strategist, educator, and social innovation leader. Dr. Williams authored the best-selling, Strategic Diversity Leadership: Activating Change and Transformation In Higher Education (2013) and co-authored the first book ever written on the CDO role, The Chief Diversity Officer: Strategy, Structure, and Change Management (2013).

Connect with Dr.Williams
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonawilliams/
Website: https://drdamonawilliams.com/about/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Melody Birmingham. Melody is the Executive Vice President of NiSource, and Group President, of NiSource Utilities, responsible for leading the company's six-state gas and electric business. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University and an MBA from Strayer University. She completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School, and in 2016, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, Ind.

Connect with Melody Birmingham
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodybirmingham/
Email: Msbham01@gmail.com

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Shayne Halls. Shayne has over 15 years of experience, and he's all about creating inclusive work environments using AI-powered initiatives. Plus, he wrote a cool book called "Inclusivity 2.0: How AI is Accelerating the DEI Movement," which explores the benefits of AI in supporting DEI efforts.

Connect with Shayne Halls
Website: https://manifesteddreams.org/
Twitter: @MnifstdDreams

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Tammy Dowley-Blackman. She is the CEO of Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group, LLC, which is comprised of a suite of brands, including TDB Group Strategic Advisory, a management consulting firm; Looking Forward Lab, a media content company focused on Gen Z; and
Cooper+Lowe, a marketplace for women entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Tammy formerly served as the president of the TSNE Board of Directors, is a current Advisory Board member for the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Proteus Fund.

Connect with Tammy:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tdbleadership/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammydowleyblackman/
Website:
https://tammydb.com/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Matt Story. Matt is the Global Brand Partnerships & Advocacy Programs @ Visa and is the host of his own podcast, What's your story? In this podcast, he sits with leaders to explore how their experience as a person of color has helped them in blazing new trails. Matt brings his love of storytelling to amplify how his guests utilized their diverse background and experiences to make an impact on the world. If you are ready to unlock your superpower and looking for inspiration, this podcast is for you. If you would like to support diverse, equitable and inclusive communities, this podcast is for you. If you are just a fan of stories, this podcast is for you. New stories are available every Sunday.

Connect with Matt
Linkedin: Matt Story 
Podcast: What's Your Story? 

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with the founders of The Colored Girl, Tori Elizabeth Phillip and Rachelle Daglis. Tori Elizabeth is a former celebrity wardrobe stylist and is an expert in Sales, PR & Marketing. She went on to work for major corporations like 3M, and Canon, to technology start-ups such as Augury. Tori effortlessly combines her talents & skills from her diverse background, to now continue to push the envelope and empower women of color as the Founder and Creative Director of The Colored Girl and The Imara Retreat. 

Rachelle Daglis is a proven executive whose skills, energy, and leadership have helped grow innovative, nimble start-ups into significant technology players. Ms. Daglis has made her mark in the start-up space with tenures at social media marketing technology company Vitrue, content marketing and engagement platform Livefyre, marketing analytics company MIQ, and the largest social network for finance Stocktwits. Now, she is leveraging her experience and skillset to fulfill her life's purpose; uniting, uplifting, empowering, and advancing people of color through her company, The Colored Girl, which was founded in 2016.

Check out The Colored Girl!
Instagram: the.coloredgirl
Email: hello@thecoloredgirl.com
https://blog.thecoloredgirl.com/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Janora McDuffie. Janora is a host, voice-over artist, actress, and proud Tarheel from Durham, North Carolina.  Janora has landed numerous tv appearances, most notably recurring as! Social Worker Janet” on seasons 7 & 8 of Grey"s Anatomy. As a host, she"s most proud of her work on No More Down Low TV, an award-winning web series that show-cased out and proud LGBT people of color. And as a voice, she"s booked ads for companies including Mcdonald's and Nike and video games such as Saints Row and God of War. Recently Janora voiced her biggest role yet: she was the official Announcer for the 2022 Oscars.

Connect with Janora McDuffie 
Instagram: jmcdeezie

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Modupé Congleton. Modupé utilizes various dynamic skills to build awareness and action-oriented workplace cultures. Modupé is currently the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion leader for Worldwide Amazon Stores. As the company’s largest organization, this wide-ranging role includes managing DEI for Amazon’s Retail, Fashion, Grocery, Luxury, Prime, Delivery Services, Fulfillment Centers, Robotics, Customer Service, and Seller Partners Businesses. Modupe oversees all aspects of DEI integration and employee engagement for more than one million Amazon employees! 

Connect with Modupé:
LinkedIn: Modupé Congleton 
Instagram: Modupe_c

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Ronda Taylor Bullock, Ph.D.. Dr. Bullock is originally from Goldston, NC.  In 2018, she earned her doctorate at UNC Chapel Hill in the Policy, Leadership, and School Improvement Program. Her research interests are critical race theory, whiteness studies, white children’s racial identity construction, and anti-racism. Before entering her doctoral program, Ronda taught English for almost ten years at Hillside High School in Durham, NC, where she now resides.Ronda is the co-founder and Lead Curator (executive director) of we are. She is the wife of Dr. Daniel Kelvin Bullock and mother of son Zion and daughter Zaire.

Connect with Dr.Bullock
weare-nc.org
https://www.weare-nc.org/our-staff
Email: ronda@weare-nc.org

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Angela Lewis. Angela is the founder of ALA Public Relations. Angela is a former professional basketball player, championship-winning coach and author. Angela has gained significant media attention through her high-level sports experiences.

Connect with Angela:
Instagram: aneglalewsi_pr or alapublicrelations
Email : angela@alapublicrelations.com
https://alapublicrelations.com/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Wadeya Moore, “Coach Dee.” Coach Dee is an IT Professional with 20+ years of IT experience and became inspired to become a certified life coach when she desired to create and build a solid relationship with her children.  She has seen positive results in her relationship since 2015, using the life coaching skills and techniques she learned, along with her spiritual guidance and natural innate ability to connect with her kids on a deeper level. 

It's not too late to start the new year off right! Coach Dee shares her life coaching skills to effectively set your goals for the year and execute them!

Connect with Coach Dee:
Ig: parentchildbonds

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Jaleah Taylor and Mk Ware.  Jaleah and Mk attend UNC Chapel Hill with Raven, and share their journeys of how UNC has treated them so far! Jaleah and Mk both offer advice to future and current college students for life at the hill!

Connect with Jaleah 
Email: jaleah_taylor@unc.edu
Ig: leahtaylur

Connect with Mk
Email: mkware02@gmail.com
Ig: mk.ware

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Saniyah Jean-Georges. Saniyah is a sophomore attending Rutgers University majoring in Business and Marketing, minoring in Computer Science. Saniyah is also a recipient of the Visa Black Scholars and Jobs Program with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund . Saniyah is the founder and owner of Saniyah Spices and is very passionate about her business!

Connect with Saniyah and shop with Saniyah Spices!
https://www.saniyahsspices.com/
Ig: saniyahsspices


Be sure to learn more about the Visa Black Scholars and Jobs Program Scholarship :
https://www.tmcf.org/students-alumni/corp-scholar-programs/visa-black-scholars-jobs-program/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Sabrina Thompson Mitchell. Sabrina is from Wilson, North Carolina, and graduated from UNC Chapel Hill! She is a filmmaker, photographer, activist, and owner of Kuu productions. She specializes in directing and producing TV commercials, short documentaries, world photography, and crafting scripted content for television. Some of her clients include Google, AT&T, Warner Brothers Discovery, The Recording Academy, Sundance, and RocNation Sports. Sabrina is also the co-founder of WEEN (Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network), an NYC-based women’s non-profit which served 80,000+ young women over 15 years that focused on molding young BIPOC women to be executives in entertainment and technology! 

Connect with Sabrina Thompson!
Instagram : @ sabjuda 

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Raleigh, North Carolina Mayor candidate Dr. Terrance Ruth. Dr. Ruth holds PhD in Public Affairs from the University of Central Florida. He is currently teaching and conducting research in the School of Social Work at NC State University. He believes strongly in the concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion, as a community member, citizen, father, and teacher. His work with United Way has partnered with organizations including Red Hat, IBM, Raleigh Little Theatre, NAACP, AJ Fletcher Foundation, John Rex Endowment, and many others. In his role, he provided leadership in creating practical plans to solve existing problems in communities. 

Connect with Dr.Ruth:
Website: https://truth4raleigh.com/meet/#meet-terrance

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Robin Smoot . Robin is a certified business coach, consultant, and CEO of Robin Smoot & Company, LLC. With a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit and a heart for the small business community, Robin teaches strategies that allow CEOs to refocus on their passion and work in their genius while enjoying a company that runs smoothly and efficiently. Robin has a 25-year career in small businesses, ministries, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies. In the corporate arena, Robin served as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Operations for multi-million dollar firms, helping them implement corporate strategy, improve profit margins, and successfully navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Connect with Mrs.Smoot: 

IG: @robinsmoot 

FB: @coachrobinsmoot.

Website robinsmoot.com

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Victoria Smith, Aryanna Brandt, Alexia Chavis, and Nicole Stewart about Roe Vs. Wade being overturned. On June 24 , 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that recognized women's constitutional right to abortion. Listen as these panelist share their raw feelings about to topic. 

Connect with the pannelist
 Victoria Smith - ig: dlynnsmithh
Aryanna Brandt - ig: aryanna_brandt
Alexia Chavis - ig: lexi.chavis
Nicole Stewart - ig: nicolestewart_

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Phylicia Jasmin, founder of College by Her, is a Charlotte native and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she double majored in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in African American Studies. After graduating in 2017, she went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina and went on to work at Yale University, practicing family therapy. She is now a therapist at UNCC, serving college students and creating initiatives for students of color specifically.

Connect with Phylicia 
Collegebyher.com
collegebyher@gmail.com

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Nasiya Acklen. Nasiya is a native of Nashville, TN. She matriculated on a presidential scholarship at Hampton University for her undergraduate degree and began her career with General Mills in the Consumer Food Sales division. After receiving her MBA from Cornell University in 2015 on a Consortium fellowship, Nasiya transitioned into Human Resources at ExxonMobil. Following multiple successful roles as a HR Business Partner, she became the first to serve as the company’s Inclusion & Diversity Advisor focused on creating a more coordinated global strategy for the 3rd largest Fortune 500 corporation. Since that time, she has joined Discover Financial Services as Diversity Equity & Inclusion Senior Manager. She is
hailed as a strategic and courageous leader that is passionate about helping others internalize the value of giving a seat and a voice to all those at the table. In addition to her daily responsibilities, Nasiya is a highly regarded speaker, holds training workshops, offers DEI consultation services, and runs an Executive Coaching practice.

Discover DEI report:https://www.discover.com/company/dei/home/
Connect with Ms.Acklen 
Linkedin : Nasiya Acklen 
Website: www.nasiyalily.com

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Ariel Brown. Ariel is a certified medical assistant in the process of writing her own book! Ariel shares her inspiring personal story as to how she lives with diabetes and the way she wants to give diabetes a new look while living with her insulin pump. 

Connect with Ariel :
Insta: Pumped_4_My_Journey
Email: arielbrown@pumped4myjourney.com

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Indira Felder. In honor of Women's History Month,  I wanted to recap the inspirational Beauties with Brains event with hosted on March 12th, 2022!  Indi is the founder of Beauties With Brains and Beauties With Brains: Hair Collection, two powerhouse brands that center women’s empowerment and provide resources to women interested in achieving self-sustaining success!

Connect With Indi!
Website: Beautieswithbrains.com
Instagram: @Indifelder & @beauties_withbrains

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Dawn Williams Thompson. Dawn earned her BA in Economics with a minor in Management and Organization graduating cum laude from Spelman College, and her MBA at Harvard Business School focused on Marketing and Organizational Development, where she earned superiors in those areas. She has concentrated her career on helping to build Billion and Multi Billion Dollar Brands (Olay, Crest/Oral B, Always, Charmin, Pantene), Multicultural Impact Programs (My Black is Beautiful co-founder; consultant for Shea Moisture Leadership/Strategy Consultant; Guest Lecturer for Brand Equity, Career & Diversity at Miami Univ. of Ohio, Georgia Tech and Spelman College; and Girls STEM/STEAM Academy co-founder with Queen City Ohio Links Inc.), and Innovation/Start Ups (Glad Press n’ Seal/Impress global launch as former P&G Marketing Director, etc.). 

Dawn’s Mantra is #setthestandard as she continues to mentor many from corporations and larger start ups, who are seeking ways to level up.

Connect with Dawn!
Instagram : DawnWThompson
LinkedIn : Dawn Williams Thompson

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with DeVon Wilson about DEI in the education system. DeVon Wilson is the Associate Dean for Multicultural and Diversity Initiatives in the largest college of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Letters & Sciences. He is also the Founder and Director of the Center for Academic Excellence. 

For the past twenty-four years, DeVon worked in the areas of enrollment management, undergraduate research, Federal TRiO Programs, Student Affairs, and Student Academic Affairs to increase the access of first-generation students from economically disadvantaged
communities and multicultural underrepresented students to higher education and to develop a pipeline to highly competitive graduate, medical, and law schools as well as high-demand industries.

Connect with DeVon Wilson
Podcast: Real Sports Guys https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/rsg-the-delivery-devon-wilson-d-wils-WVX-miGdxCp/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with a fellow Gen Z Christian Elahee. Christian is a 16 year old entrepreneur from Atlanta, Georgia and creator of the Hustlers Kickback podcast. The Hustler's Kickback is a hub for black creatives spotlighting entrepreneurship, deep conversation, and culture!


Connect with Christian
Instagram: _chrixtiann
Website: https://thehustlerskickback.godaddysites.com/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Dr. Jesus Trevino about his 30 plus years experience in DEI with his journey as a Hispanic male ally. Dr. Trevino has served in the senior leadership teams at the University of Denver, University of Arizona, University of South Dakota, and others. 

Dr. Trevino specialized in work centered on the Inclusive Excellence Model, focusing on structurally and culturally transforming colleges and universities to value and practice diversity and inclusiveness in every sector and dimension of the institution.

Connect with Dr.Trevino
Website: https://www.thelindgroup.com

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Dr. Sallye for her experience in DEI and intersectionality.

Throughout her 40-year career, Dr. Sallye McKee has led as chief student affairs,
enrollment management, and chief diversity officer at multiple institutions. Her
professional experience includes supervisory oversight of multi-million-dollar program budgets and unit portfolios, supervising affirmative action processes, admissions, financial aid, student life, and more. On five different occasions, she has successfully launched campus diversity offices and partnered with the president, provost, deans, and members of the faculty to create new campus-wide diversity plans and initiatives. 

Connect with Dr.Mckee 
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallye-mckee-668b2a1b/
Email: sallye.mckee@gmail.com

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Dr.Brandy Bryson for her experience in DEI and ally-ship.  Dr. Bryson's areas of expertise & experience include: infusing inclusive excellence into leadership practices, exploration of race, whiteness, unlearning white fragility, and ally-ship.

Connect with Dr. Brandy Bryson
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-brandy-bryson-dei-champ/
Faculty in Residence
Appalachian State University
brysonbs@appstate.edu

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Dr. Katrina Burruss for an inspirational story of a "She" prenuer. Dr. Buruss  is a best-selling author, mother, wife, and US Air Force military veteran. Dr. Burruss currently works as a Medical Laboratory Director and is the creator of The BECOME H.E.R. Speaker's Series.  

Connect with Dr Katrina Burruss 
Website: iamkatrinachanel.com 
IG: @katrinachanel2  
Facebook: katrina.chanel30 
Inspiredtofinder: katrina.chanel30

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder, and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Dee McDougal for a breakdown of DEI and ways for Gen Z listeners to diversify themselves. Dee is a 40 under 40 trailblazer and the Global Head of diversity, equity, and Inclusion at Capco.

Connect with Dee McDougal 
IG: @dee.mcd
Twitter: @theregoesdee
LinkedIn: Dee McDougal

Welcome to DiversifyHER!

DEI = Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion