Massachusetts State Senator Liz Miranda is serving within her second term as the Senator of the Second Suffolk District, representing nine neighborhoods in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to her time in the Massachusetts Senate, Miranda served as a Massachusetts State Representative, representing the 5th Suffolk District from 2019-2022.

As the Senate Chair of the Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion Committee, Vice Chair of the Children, Families & Persons with Disabilities Committee, and is also proud to serve on Committees related to Ways & Means, the Census, Juvenile & Emerging Adult Justice, Economic Development & Emerging Technologies & the Judiciary.

Senator Miranda has focused on equity and justice in all of her legislative and budget priorities. Most recently, her Maternal Health Omnibus Bill and Liquor License Bill for the City of Boston were both signed into Law by Governor Maura Healey. Miranda was also named one of the Bostonians of the Year by The Boston Globe in 2024 for her work providing 225 new wealth generating Liquor Licenses for Boston’s neighborhoods who’ve historically been left behind.

Senator Miranda is the Co-chair of the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression and the Vice-chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. She is also a member of the National Caucus of Black State Legislators and the Eastern Regional Representative and serves on the Executive Board of NOBEL, the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women.

Senator Miranda is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated . She serves as the Social Action Co-Chair in the Boston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Senator Miranda is an alumna of Wellesley College and returned to the college in 2021 as their 143rd commencement speaker.

Miranda is the first Cabo Verdean woman to be elected to the Massachusetts Senate and the fourth Black Woman in History.

A purpose-driven real estate leader, TEDx speaker, and champion for wealth-building and equality, committed to transforming lives through ownership. As the founder of the largest Black-owned brokerage in New England, hundreds of families have been guided from renting to homeownership, unlocking over $600,000 in financial assistance in just one year.

Through the bestselling book Mortgage Before Marriage and a community platform dedicated to financial empowerment, individuals—especially women and first-time buyers—are inspired to build legacy, invest wisely, and take control of their future. Families have been saved from foreclosure, young entrepreneurs launched, and thousands of children supported with school supplies and holiday gifts.

Recognized by city and state leaders, and featured in Newsweek, Boston Magazine, and Boston.com, this work is more than real estate—it’s a movement. The mission is clear: ownership builds freedom, education fuels change, and when people are empowered—anything is possible.

Candice Stover is the General Manager for New England Global Sales at Delta Air Lines, who leads a multi-level team of sellers in one of Delta’s fastest growing markets, Boston. She is responsible for managing the growth and development strategy for Delta’s newest coastal Hub.
 
Candice is an experienced sales leader who has been in the airline industry over 20 years; beginning her career at Delta 13 years ago. She serves as a matrix leader coordinating strategies across key commercial departments including Airport Customer Service, Network, Revenue Management, Loyalty, Marketing, Corporate Communications and Government Affairs to continue the growth and vision for Boston.
 
Candice has made significant contributions to build Delta as the #1 airline in Boston. She has led initiatives to build Delta’s brand in the community with new innovative partnerships and serving on a variety of boards building her network and influence in Boston. Prior to joining Delta, Candice worked for AirTran Airways and Southwest Airlines.
 
Additionally, Candice holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a certificate in Sales and a Master’s degree in Management from the University of West Georgia, where she also studied international business in Beijing and Shanghai.

Cristina Ackas is Vice President of Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (IEB) at DraftKings where she is responsible for advancing the company’s IEB strategy and working as a trusted advisor throughout DraftKings to promote and integrate best practices. She brings over a decade of experience leading critical efforts around IEB strategy design, program development, data analysis, and employee resource groups.  

Cristina serves on the Advisory Board of Minorities in Sports (MiS) and was appointed as Vice Chair for Global Connections for Women (GC4W) a leading international non-profit organization focused on developing projects and initiatives dedicated to ending the persistent inequities that still exist for women in the workplace.  Although Cristina resides in Brooklyn, NY, but her career home is Boston!

Justin L. Rhodes is a Grammy Award–winning music producer & author hailing from Dallas, Texas.  

 Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández is the President of Urban College of Boston. Prior to joining Urban College, Dr. Salomon-Fernández served as Senior Vice President for Operations Planning at Southern New Hampshire University and the President of Greenfield Community College and Cumberland County College. She is a mom, an authentic leader who leads with her multiple identities as a Black, Caribbean, and multilingual leader.

As a leader, she seeks to create an environment where people experience high levels of psychological safety, cultural dexterity, autonomy, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. She is committed to helping diverse leaders and low-income families create intergenerational health and lead in their professions and communities.

Patrick J. Couillard Hale is an organizational development and change specialist with 15 years of experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education. He serves as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Bentley University, where he leads institutional DEI strategy and collaborates across the university to foster inclusive excellence. Patrick is also an adjunct lecturer in Bentley’s Management Department and has taught at Boston University’s School of Social Work.

As skilled facilitator, consultant, and scholar-practitioner, he has contributed to national DEI conversations through leading higher education organizations such as NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. Patrick holds graduate and undergraduate degrees from Indiana University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Originally from the Chicagoland area, he now proudly calls the Boston area home, where he lives with his beloved spouse of nearly four years.

Demond Martin is an investor, author, and philanthropist known for his deep commitment to health equity and social impact. A Harvard Business School graduate and former senior partner at Adage Capital Management, Demond spent over two decades investing in the consumer sector. Earlier in his career, he served in the Clinton White House as assistant to Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles. Passionate about closing racial and social gaps, Demond, alongside his wife Kia, supports education and preventive healthcare through their family foundation.

He serves on nonprofit boards including the Obama Foundation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Berklee College of Music. In 2025, he will publish his debut book, Friends of the Good. Demond is also the Co-Founder and CEO of WellWithAll, a health and wellness company reinvesting 20% of its profits into community health. His leadership champions inclusive capitalism and culturally attuned wellness solutions that empower underserved communities.

Taneshia Nash Laird, founder of Thrive Tide Partners consultancy, bridges culture and commerce with roots in 1990s hip-hop media. Her journey from hosting "NY Rap" to developing MIST Harlem, a multimillion-dollar entertainment center, showcases her mastery of creative ownership and economic value creation.

Today, as Executive Director of the nonprofit Project REAP, Taneshia develops Black talent in commercial real estate, transforming a $20 trillion industry. Through her company Thrive Tide Partners, Taneshia advises entertainment industry icons like Tina Knowles, helping create a sustainable cultural facility in South LA for WACO Theater Center.

Her expertise, teaching "Entrepreneurship in Black Creative Expression" at Berklee College of Music and serving on MA Governor Maura Healey's Cultural Policy Development Advisory Council, makes Taneshia the essential strategist for those seeking to transform creative vision into infrastructure that builds both cultural legacy and community wealth.

From a once-shy introvert to an award-winning actress and corporate leader, Naeemah Elias knows firsthand the power of embracing the outsider perspective to drive impact. Navigating corporate life and motherhood with three free-range teenagers, she blends resilience, adaptability, and bold living.

Naeemah founded Elias Presence to help professionals turn “no” into “yes,” lead with influence, and leave a leadership legacy. With a BA in Psychology from Harvard and 13 years at State Street, she inspires others to harness their unique strengths, build meaningful relationships, and create change.

Charles Carithers joined Cornerstone Government Affairs, a bipartisan multi-client lobbying firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., as a Principal in January 2020 from the House Committee on Homeland Security, where he served as professional staff advising Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) on various national security and intelligence matters.

Before joining the Committee, Charles spent 11 years in the Intelligence Community, having served in various leadership capacities, including the Associate Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) and a Senior Policy Officer developing national level policies governing the IC within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Charles also served as a Brookings Institution Fellow with the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where he advised then Ranking Member Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE) on matters related to foreign policy and national security.

Charles serves on the United Negro College Fund’s DC Leadership Council, is a Life Member with the Council on Foreign Relations, a Senior Fellow with the National Security Institute at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School, Chairman of the Council of Advisors for Black Professionals in International Affairs and member of the Board of Directors for Partnership for a Secure America, and the Middle East Policy Council.

He is the recipient of the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award and Medal and the Secretary of Defense Global War on Terrorism Award and Medal. He is 2005 graduate of Morehouse College, a 2007 graduate of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University.

Kurt Faustin is the founder of The Dropout, a leading mental health and emotional intelligence platform dedicated to helping individuals and organizations break free from limited mindsets. A certified Brain-Based Coach through the NeuroLeadership Institute, Kurt uses storytelling, case studies, and interactive strategies to teach emotional intelligence, goal setting, stress management, and leadership development. His work has impacted schools, nonprofits, and companies across the country, empowering thousands to build resilience, emotional wellness, and sustainable success.

Passionate about bridging mental health and performance, Kurt focuses heavily on supporting Black and Brown communities, blending research-backed techniques with relatable, real-world application. His mission is simple: to help people graduate from their old thinking and step into their fullest potential.

Stanley Rameau is the Founder & CEO of Renavest, a financial therapy platform that connects employees with financial therapists to address both emotional and mental challenges when it comes to financial well-being. A Bentley University graduate with a background in direct sales and marketing, Stanley also founded Paul Rameau, a creative brand honoring his late father that inspires individuals to live their renaissance and reach their full potential. His personal experience with seeing his community face financial challenges fueled his passion for empowering underserved communities through creative outlets and financial wellness. 

Stanley is a Visible Hands Boston Fellow, a MassChallenge alumnus, and a VIP Ambassador. He was recently recognized as one of the Boston Business Journal’s "24 Startups to Watch in 2024" and is part of the LVL Ventures Next Up portfolio, a  venture program supporting high-potential startups to scale their business. Stanley is also the Co-Founder of A2C Boston, a social impact venture focused on increasing the number of underrepresented founders in Boston's tech ecosystem by providing access to capital, community, and connections.

With a passion for financial inclusion and a commitment to scaling Renavest's B2B partnerships, Stanley is building a future where financial wellness is accessible to all.

Keithen is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and multi-platinum musician who has contributed to numerous Grammy Award–winning projects. With over half a billion streams, he has built a respected reputation as a creative force in the music industry. From the studio to the stage, he works closely with world-renowned artists including H.E.R., Teyana Taylor, Usher, Kiana Ledé, and Erykah Badu bringing their visions to life through both production and live performance. His versatility as a touring musician and producer makes him a sought after collaborator across genres.

Beyond his musical achievements, Keithen is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of creatives. As co-founder of the nonprofit Covered By Music, he provides education, mentorship, and holistic development for young talent. His work reflects a core belief in the transformative power of music, artistry, and community.

As a Financial Advisor with the Mutrie Group at Morgan Stanley, he seeks to provide world class service to all clients & the generations to follow by striving to make their life goals the top priority.

His approach revolves around understanding what’s most important to you, setting purposeful goals which may evolve over time, and implementing a comprehensive strategy tailored specifically to you & your families’ objectives.

• Born in the Bronx
• 1 of 4 brothers
• Played college basketball 
• Morehouse undergrad 
• University of Maryland grad school
• Was an environment consultant in the private sector
• Semi retired and moved to Mexico for nearly 2 years
• Visited close to 80 countries 
• Active member if several black expat communities around the world

His company, The R.E.C Center currently runs day and after-school programming with the NYC Department of Education. He currently splits his time between NYC and Atlanta with frequent trips to Mexico.

Jeff is an Executive/Leadership Coach and Facilitator who has been training, coaching, and facilitating for over 15 years in Greater Boston for years before founding RogersLeads LLC. He specializes in the Solution-Focused Method, Radical Candor, and DEI with “low- trust, high-heterogeneity” groups---people that are not necessarily predisposed to agree.

Genuine transformation is hard work, so Jeff uses humor, unconventional examples and a strong emphasis on interactivity and experiential learning to connect with people. Jeff started his career in behavioral health, designing and running the training department for the largest black Community Service Agency in Massachusetts, Children’s Services of Roxbury. It was his job to help overworked, underpaid people make decisions that would alter the course of people’s lives, and helping leaders work their way through those situations turned out to be his calling.

Since then, Jeff has helped run YW’s LeadBoston program, GenUnity’s cohort, and advise Mayor Wu’s equity & inclusion Cabinet on transformative government initiatives. He helped teach Nonprofit Leadership and Community Engagement at the Harvard Extension School, and coached MBA students at the Harvard Business School. Jeff has coached executives for Root Cause, is one of the recommended Executive Coaches for the Barr Foundation’s Fellowship, as well as the the Lenny Zakim Fund’s Transformative Leadership Cohort, co-designed and coached the Federal Reserve of Boston’s LELE program, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation’s Racial Justice in Health program.

Jazzmyn RED is a distinguished artist, educator, activist, and U.S. Ambassador of Hip Hop and Cultural Exchange for the U.S. State Department. With over a decade of experience working with youth as a teacher, mentor, and advocate within nonprofit organizations, and her expertise as a DEIB practitioner in higher ed and beyond she has become a powerful voice for cultural empowerment and social change.

Known for her bold storytelling, Jazzmyn blends personal experiences with dynamic musical compositions to create a distinctive sound that resonates deeply across communities. Additionally, Jazzmyn is the creator of The Hip Hop Experience, an innovative workshop series that explores the intersection of Black music, social justice, and revolution.

Dr. George M. Blount is a financial therapist, the Founder of nBalance Financial, and a researcher of finance's emotional, psychological, behavioral, and relational elements. Dr. Blount is also an accomplished educator, serving as an Adjunct Professor and Lecturer in Personal Finance, Finance, Managerial Accounting, and Behavioral Finance at several universities. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and an MBA from Walden University, as well as a Bachelor of Science (BS) and an Associate of Science (AS) from Johnson and Wales University.

Dr. George Blount has spent over 20 years in the financial services industry, obtaining a wealth of knowledge in retirement planning, business development, and strategy. He served on the MA Financial Literacy Task Force in 2015, appointed by MA Treasurer Deb Goldberg, and was named one of the top 100 people of Finance 2020, an award by Top 100 magazine.

Watch his TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/KSCAuHC1-P4

Jenny Jean-Baptiste founded Surplus Financial, a personal finance and credit education company that helps first-generation professionals & couples ditch debt, increase their savings, improve their credit, and secure generational wealth through culturally sensitive and psychology-focused financial education & coaching.

Her vision is for black and brown families to engage in healthy money conversations around the dinner table that support holistic intergenerational wealth building. She believes no one should be experiencing significant life transitions financially alone. 

Bernadine is a recent graduate of Suffolk Law School, where she focused on employment and labor law, employment equity and inclusivity. She is driven to take a stand against perpetuating achievement, economic, employment, and opportunity gaps further. Bernadine’s work professionally and entrepreneurially focuses on strategizing, developing, and executing on sustainable practices that allow for the development and advancement of diverse talent within the workforce. 

Professionally, Bernadine is a Senior Workplace Investigator at the City of Boston, supporting efforts to strengthen the City’s culture and promote a positive and respectful workplace across the organization. She also served as the Director of Diversity within the People Operations Cabinet at the City of Boston.

Entrepreneurially, Bernadine was the founder & CEO of Know Your Truths. Speak Your Truths., LLC; a consulting company and brand that committed to curating brave spaces that empowered individuals, organizations, and corporations to engage in difficult dialogues that led to internal professional and personal shifts within inequitable infrastructures. She embarked on this work as a client-focused dynamic keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, blogger, spoken word artist, and coach. With an unwavering dedication to human connectedness and collective growth, Bernadine was also the first lady of the Urban Collective Show; a greater Boston based podcast that was dedicated to uplifting, encouraging, celebrating, and connecting millennials of Boston through storytelling.

After taking some time off to focus on her educational pursuits and pour into transitioning into motherhood, Bernadine is excited to re-engage with the community at large!

Christopher Harris provides investment advice, portfolio management, and financial planning to high net worth individuals, based on over 15 years of experience in private client and retail financial services built upon integrity, transparency, and diligence. Clients engage him to help them create personalized strategies to build and preserve wealth through each phase of life.

Starting with a comprehensive understanding of one’s lifestyle, needs, goals and risk tolerance, he guides each client to make informed decisions so that s/he can focus on what's most important in life. He takes each client's individual circumstances and needs into account, including cash flow requirements and tax considerations. From sophisticated investors to financial neophytes, clients seek his objective guidance on investment management as well as a range of related Financial Planning matters.

Angela Pitter, the dynamic founder and CEO of LiveWire Collaborative, has been revolutionizing digital marketing since 2012. With her expertise in AI integration and unique skills spanning Digital Marketing Strategy, Social Media Analysis, and Virtual Event Production, Angela drives measurable growth and ROI for mid-sized businesses and large nonprofits. 

Recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Business People of Color, Angela has empowered thousands of global CEOs, entrepreneurs, and consultants with her LinkedIn Influencer framework. With a firm educational foundation in computer engineering and administration, Angela's passion for technology and marketing savvy have made her a beacon for businesses navigating the complexities of the digital world. Her ability to harness the power of AI and digital marketing has positioned her as a trusted partner for companies aiming to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Connect with Angela on LinkedIn to learn more about her innovative approaches to AI-driven digital marketing.

Christian Lopez is the CEO and founder of Vibie AI, a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing music experiences in public spaces through AI-driven, real-time playlist curation. Born and raised in the Bronx, Christian blends street-smart hustle with tech-savvy innovation. His entrepreneurial journey spans multiple ventures, including the creation of SnowGo MowGo, a service-based tech company, and QB1 Mentality, a quarterback training program inspired by his time as a college athlete.

Known for his ability to spot trends and turn them into scalable businesses, Christian is passionate about merging culture, community, and cutting-edge technology. With Vibie AI, he’s on a mission to make every venue feel alive through personalized soundtracks—turning music into a dynamic, interactive experience.

Ashley St. Preux (she/her) is a committed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professional working in the financial services industry.

Ashley excels in strategic integration and driving impactful initiatives that foster inclusive environments. Her dedication to empowering employee resource groups has been instrumental in creating an enduring foundation and an empowered group of leaders.

Herisa Stanislaus, MPH (Herisa the Traveler) is an International Spoken Word Artist, Public Health Professional, and advocate for healing and empowerment through creativity. With a passion for promoting wellness and addressing mental health, she combines her art and public health expertise to inspire and uplift communities. Her work blends the transformative power of spoken word poetry with mindfulness practices, creating spaces for individuals to connect, reflect, and heal.

As the creator and host of the workshop Breathe, Speak, Thrive: Using Spoken Word Poetry & Mindfulness to Combat Burnout and Cultivate Black Joy, Herisa helps individuals release burnout, embrace their inner strength, and celebrate the beauty of Black identity. With experience working on mental wellness both in the U.S. and abroad, Herisa is dedicated to creating meaningful change by integrating creativity, joy, and wellness in every aspect of her work.

Toy Burton is the Founder and Executive Director of DeeDee’s Cry Suicide Prevention & Family Support, Massachusetts’ first BIPOC-focused suicide prevention organization, named in honor of her sister, Denita Shayne Morris, who died by suicide.

Toy founded DeeDee’s Cry in 2017 to address the lack of racial equity in suicide prevention. A suicide attempt survivor and advocate, Toy is committed to breaking the stigma around mental health, supporting families impacted by suicide, and fostering community healing. She is also the founder of the Roxbury Unity Parade, celebrating Black culture and excellence.

Keith Mascoll SAG-AFTRA,AEA, M.Ed is a Actor, Producer, Mental Health advocate, Sneaker-head, and Founder of the Triggered Project. Keith is a co-host/Producer of the Living a Triggered Life Podcast with his wife Roxann. Keith strives to use his art for social change in the black and brown community. As a survivor of sexual abuse Keith hopes to help end the stigma that surrounds mental health, and black and brown men.

Keith is a Graduate of Harvard University. He is contracted for the 2024-2025 school year at Harvard Graduate School of Education using art as a learning tool to teach Educators about Trauma.

Isaac oversees fiduciary services for Truist Wealth and its Northeastern Region, guiding a team of client-facing trust advisors dedicated to serving the unique needs of ultra-high-net-worth clients.

Isaac is passionate about helping protect and grow our clients’ wealth, ensuring their interests are safeguarded today and for future generations. In his free time he travels the world with his wife Destiney.

Dr. Stinson is a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Boston Medical Center and the current president of the New England Medical Association, where she works to foster community, mentorship, and advocacy among Black physicians. A passionate health equity advocate, Dr. Stinson is also the founder of Safo Hair, a clean beauty brand rooted in science and built to bridge the gap between hair care and healthcare.

Alarmed by the growing body of research linking commonly used hair products to reproductive health issues and certain cancers, she launched Safo to create innovative, health-conscious solutions for textured hair—especially for those experiencing hair loss and thinning. With a commitment to wellness that starts at the root, Dr. Stinson is redefining self-care for a new generation of consumers who are reclaiming their authenticity and prioritizing their health.

She is a proud HBUC graduate of Spelman College and Meharry Medical College. Dr. Stinson also holds an MPH in health policy from Harvard University, and an MBA in finance from Babson College. Her multidisciplinary expertise drives her mission to make the beauty industry safer, more inclusive, and deeply informed by science.

With his approachable demeanor, dedication to his craft and passion for life’s many dimensions, Savvas Fetfatsidis isn’t just a mortgage expert — he’s the trusted guide one wants leading them through the journey to homeownership. Fetfatsidis is dedicated to bringing ease to the lending process. By tailoring his communication to truly connect with each client’s needs, he fosters transparency and a stress-free flow to finding the perfect mortgage.

His exceptional performance has earned him recognition in the President’s Club for the 12th consecutive year, and in the Chairman’s Club for the fourth year in a row. Notably, he was ranked No. 4 among all lenders in Massachusetts in 2024 by Scotsman Guide, a testament to his expertise and commitment to excellence.

Foley Ibidapo is a creative strategist and content creator with over 20 years of experience in film, media, and advertising. His career is marked by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to crafting tailored strategies that resonate across platforms—whether online, offline, or in the metaverse. Foley has collaborated with renowned brands such as Fidelity, Victoria’s Secret, Puma, and Apple, co-developing creative strategies on campaigns like PUMA’s #IGNITEYourCity and Honda's Battle Of The Bands 2025. Firm in his belief that “content is anything people choose to consume,” Foley’s multifaceted journey spans directing, producing, photographing, and teaching.

He is currently developing Daddy Mode, an independent TV series that explores cultural identity, fatherhood, and resilience. His writing accomplishments further highlight his versatility—recently completing a dramedy feature script for Invention Studios and winning “Create the Writer’s Room” for his comedy pilot and short film, "VIVA VALET." Additionally, Foley ventured into reality television with his show "Ballers and Passports," which had Keven Garnett attached. Although he was once represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Foley continues to drive independent creative excellence and innovation. Connect with Foley on Instagram or LinkedIn to explore opportunities for creative collaboration.

Meet Ashley, a fearless single mom, passionate blogger, and community-builder who’s redefining what modern motherhood looks like—on her own terms. Through honest storytelling, humor, and a whole lot of heart, she shares the unfiltered realities of parenting solo, breaking down stigmas and celebrating the strength it takes to raise kids while chasing dreams. Her blog isn’t just a diary—it’s a safe space for moms to connect, vent, laugh, and feel seen. Whether she’s sharing a midnight meltdown story or recommending local activities to do with the kids , she does it all with authenticity and wit.

And when the kids are finally asleep? You’ll find her with a glass of wine in hand, toasting to surviving another day. With a growing online tribe of like-minded women, she’s proving that motherhood isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that sometimes, your village starts with a blog post and a pour of Riesling.

Dunstan DuBique, an independent fashion retail consultant, founded HANDSOMEBOY Co. in 2003. His brand has won awards, gained national recognition, and expanded internationally. In addition to his own brand, DuBique is a husband and father of four children. He works with independent companies to enhance their brand visibility and improve the customer shopping experience while maximizing sales.

Currently, he partners with Todd Snyder, a New York-based fashion designer and retailer, who is redefining how the modern American man presents themselves. Dubique’s venture into fashion brand consulting seeks to expand his resources and guide more independent and emerging companies to success.

Ananda Lowe has been a leader in the local, national, and international doula movements since 1995. She was the first Black doula working in private practice, and the first Black owner of a doula agency, in the Boston area.

Ms. Lowe is co-author of The Doula Guide to Birth (Penguin Random House), and CEO of Boston Doula Circle. For seven years, she was Assistant Director of ALACE (now ToLABOR), the oldest doula training organization in North America. Ms. Lowe has spoken on parenting topics for The Boston Globe, FOX Television, NPR, and PBS.

Nashira (she/her), is the daughter and great-granddaughter of midwives. She experienced firsthand the sacred care of community midwives at the home births of her siblings in 1987 and 1989 and her own two children in 2013 and 2017. These births transformed her worldview and put her on a path to receive the charge from elder midwives who first held the vision for a birth center in Roxbury in the 1980s.

With a master’s degree in Maternal and Child Health from Boston University School of Public Health and 20 years of experience designing and implementing public health strategies to advance racial equity, Nashira founded Neighborhood Birth Center in 2015 and co-founded Birth Center Equity in 2020. Neighborhood Birth Center will be the first-of-its-kind community birth center in Boston, providing full scope community midwifery to strategically address the maternal health crisis. Nashira brings a structural analysis and embodied practice to her work. She has worked at the Boston Public Health Commission, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Human Impact Partners.

In 2024, Nashira was featured in an interview on NPR’s All Things Considered on the state of maternal health care in Massachusetts. She was also honored at Black Excellence on the Hill, the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus’ premier Black culture celebration. In 2024 she became a TEDx Global Editor’s Pick for her moving TEDx talk “Lighting the Lanterns: Birth as a Portal to Liberation.” A country mouse at heart, Nashira feels most free when walking barefoot in the grass or jumping in a cold lake. She lives with her family and rescue pup in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston, the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Pawtucket, Massa-adchu-esset, Pokanoket, and the Wampanoag people.

Dana E. Fitchett is a dance educator, writer, visual artist, and student of life. Her practices are grounded in listening deeply and cultivating languages that honor and reflect complexity. dana’s perspectives are informed by her working class, East Coast origins; experience of life on the so-called color line; a career journey spanning the arts, education, communications, and the world of nonprofit and community-based organizations; and a lifelong exploration of the expressive legacy of the African diaspora.

Despite training in a broad range of dance disciplines since the age of three, Dana’s relationship to dance and music is primarily informed and influenced by nearly 20 years of frequenting underground soulful Black house music clubs in and around New York City with legendary DJs and dancers. Her work with Movement for Liberation and Groovement helps everyday people reconnect with their dancer selves and helps dancers reconnect with their human selves. 

Chanise Anderson is an asset protection attorney with a passion for helping families build and protect generational wealth. With a focus on revocable and irrevocable trusts, she empowers clients to take control of their legacy by preserving assets, minimizing probate, and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth to future generations.

Chanise believes trusts aren’t just for the wealthy—they’re essential tools for anyone who wants to protect their children, real estate, and financial future. Her mission is to educate families and entrepreneurs on the power of strategic trust planning to create lasting security, stability, and impact across generations.