BLACK MEN WHO LEAD 2024

Andres Martin is the founder of HBCU Night, an influential organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). With a deep passion for education and community empowerment, Martin created HBCU Night to foster connections among students, alumni, and supporters of HBCUs through dynamic events and initiatives. His leadership has transformed HBCU Night into a powerful platform that not only highlights the rich legacy and contributions of HBCUs but also provides invaluable resources and networking opportunities for attendees. Martin's commitment to promoting higher education and cultural pride has made HBCU Night a cornerstone in the movement to enhance the visibility and impact of these vital institutions.

Ashton Keys is the Founder of Athlytic, a pioneering platform designed to empower athletes through innovative technology and resources. With a passion for sports and a strong background in entrepreneurship and digital solutions, Keys has developed Athlytic to bridge the gap between athletes and essential opportunities, including sponsorships, brand partnerships, and financial education. His visionary approach focuses on leveraging technology to provide athletes with the tools they need to manage and maximize their careers effectively. Under his leadership, Athlytic has rapidly gained recognition as a vital resource for athletes seeking to navigate the complexities of the sports industry, fostering a supportive and empowering environment for athletic talent to thrive.

Avante Price is the co-founder of POSH, a pioneering startup aimed at democratizing access to live experiences. With a strong background in technology and a passion for creating inclusive solutions, Taylor-Lemire & Price have played a crucial role in developing POSH into a platform that broadens the accessibility of events such as concerts, festivals, theater performances, and sports games. Through the use of cutting-edge technology and strategic collaborations, POSH allows a wider audience to discover and attend a variety of live events, making these experiences more affordable and reachable.

Bernard Worthy is the founder of LoanWell, a fintech company dedicated to simplifying and automating the loan origination process for community lenders. With a strong background in engineering and a passion for financial inclusion, Worthy established LoanWell to address the inefficiencies in traditional lending systems. The platform provides an end-to-end solution for loan management, offering tools for application intake, underwriting, and servicing. Under Worthy's leadership, LoanWell aims to empower community lenders by providing them with the technology to offer faster, more transparent, and accessible loan services.

Brandon Ellis is the co-founder of Ghost Note Agency, a creative consultancy renowned for its innovative approach to branding and storytelling. With a rich background in communications, public relations, and marketing, they have leveraged their expertise to build a firm that specializes in crafting compelling narratives and strategic campaigns for a diverse array of clients, including major corporations, non-profits, and startups. Ghost Note has garnered a reputation for its forward-thinking strategies and impactful design solutions, making it a significant player in the industry.

Darrien Watson is the co-founder of SquadTrip, a groundbreaking platform that revolutionizes the way groups organize and manage their travel plans. SquadTrip addresses the common pain points of group travel, such as coordinating schedules, handling payments, and streamlining communication. Their vision and dedication to enhancing the group travel experience have been instrumental in the platform's success.

Derek E. Canton is the founder of Paerpay, a cutting-edge fintech company revolutionizing the payment industry with its seamless, contactless payment solutions. Drawing on his extensive experience in technology and entrepreneurship, Canton has developed Paerpay to address the growing demand for efficient and secure mobile payment systems in the hospitality sector. His vision and dedication to enhancing the customer experience have positioned Paerpay as a leader in the market, offering businesses a streamlined way to manage transactions and improve service speed. Canton's leadership and forward-thinking approach have been instrumental in the company's rapid growth and success, making him a prominent figure in the fintech landscape.

Eli Taylor-Lemire is the co-founder of POSH, a pioneering startup aimed at democratizing access to live experiences. With a strong background in technology and a passion for creating inclusive solutions, Taylor-Lemire & Price have played a crucial role in developing POSH into a platform that broadens the accessibility of events such as concerts, festivals, theater performances, and sports games. Through the use of cutting-edge technology and strategic collaborations, POSH allows a wider audience to discover and attend a variety of live events, making these experiences more affordable and reachable.

Emil Nnani is the founder of Boaz Bikes, a forward-thinking electric scooter company dedicated to transforming urban mobility. With a deep commitment to sustainability and safety, Nnani has pioneered a unique approach to micro-mobility, focusing on durable, safe, and user-friendly electric scooters. His innovative design, which includes seated scooters for added stability and comfort, sets Boaz Bikes apart in the crowded e-scooter market. Nnani's leadership and passion for creating eco-friendly transportation solutions have driven the company's growth and success, making Boaz Bikes a standout choice for urban commuters looking for reliable and sustainable alternatives. Through his work, Nnani is not only enhancing mobility but also contributing to a greener future.

ISupreme Watkins is the dynamic co-founder of Oktane Energy Drink, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the beverage industry with its high-performance energy drinks. With a background in entrepreneurship and a passion for health and wellness, Watkins has been instrumental in developing Octane's unique formula, which combines natural ingredients with cutting-edge science to deliver sustained energy and enhanced focus.

Jairus Morris is the founder of SUPLMNT, a Black-owned brand dedicated to promoting hydration in urban communities through its high-quality insulated bottles. With a strong commitment to health and wellness, Morris has developed SUPLMNT to address the hydration needs of diverse populations, offering stylish and functional bottles that keep beverages at optimal temperatures. His focus on creating a brand that resonates with urban lifestyles and prioritizes accessibility and sustainability has driven SUPLMNT's success. Under Morris's leadership, the brand has not only encouraged better hydration habits but also fostered a sense of community and empowerment.

Jarren Small is the co-founder of Reading with a Rapper (RWAR.) RWAR was created in 2018 to relate English Language Arts (ELA) metrics and academics with socially conscious lyrics from known national recording artists, video content and technology. Through this platform, RWAR relates and uplifts youth socially and academically to skills necessary to thrive in Secondary and Collegiate Level courses.

Jourdan Brunson is the co-founder of kinkofa, a pioneering platform dedicated to preserving and celebrating family heritage through innovative digital tools. With a deep passion for genealogy and cultural history, Brunson has been instrumental in developing kinkofa to help individuals and families document, share, and explore their unique ancestries. The platform combines modern technology with storytelling to make genealogy accessible and engaging for diverse communities. Under Brunson's leadership, kinkofa has become a vital resource for those seeking to connect with their roots and preserve their family histories for future generations.

Kene Onuorah is the founder of Comme Homme, a cutting-edge skincare brand specifically designed to address the unique needs of men of color. With a background in business and a keen understanding of the skincare industry, Onuorah has developed a range of products that blend high-quality ingredients with scientific research to cater to diverse skin types and concerns. His vision for creating inclusive skincare solutions has driven Comme Homme's rapid growth and established it as a trusted brand in the market. Onuorah's commitment to promoting skin health and confidence among men of color has positioned Comme Homme as a trailblazer in the beauty industry, celebrated for its dedication to diversity, quality, and efficacy.

Kobe Harris is the founder of Kobee's Organic Lip Balm, a company committed to providing high-quality, natural lip care products. With a passion for health and sustainability, Harris has crafted a line of lip balms using organic ingredients that nourish and protect the lips. His focus on eco-friendly practices and transparency has resonated with consumers seeking effective and environmentally responsible personal care solutions. Under Harris's leadership, Kobee's Organic Lip Balm has grown in popularity, known for its commitment to purity, quality, and ethical production. Harris's vision and dedication to promoting natural beauty and wellness have established his brand as a trusted and innovative leader in the organic skincare market.

James Chapman is the visionary founder of Plain Sight, a company dedicated to maximizing the value of events for sponsors, hosts, and attendees. With a background in entrepreneurship and a passion for creating meaningful connections, Chapman has developed Plain Sight to enhance event experiences through innovative technology and strategic insights. The platform allows users to network effectively, discover relevant opportunities, and engage more deeply with event content. Under Chapman's leadership, Plain Sight has become an indispensable tool for optimizing event outcomes, fostering more productive and rewarding interactions.

Leslie Asanga is the founder of Pills2Me, a healthcare innovation focused on improving medication delivery and accessibility. With a background in pharmacy and an MBA from Yale School of Management, Asanga combines his expertise in healthcare and business to address the challenges in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Pills2Me aims to streamline the process of getting prescriptions to patients, enhancing convenience and adherence to medication regimens.

Leslie Winston III is the co-founder and CEO of Monocle, a social e-reader. Leslie’s background includes a brief stint at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture, a B.S. in Computer Engineering from North Carolina A&T, and product design roles at IDEO, Techstars, and Deloitte. As a digital product designer and visionary thinker, Leslie seeks to create tools that shift society toward a more equitable and peaceful future.

Luke Bailey is the innovative co-founder of Neon Money Club, an engaging financial literacy game designed to teach essential money management skills. With a strong background in finance and education, Bailey has developed Neon Money Club to address the widespread need for accessible and effective financial education. The game combines interactive gameplay with real-world financial scenarios, making learning about budgeting, saving, and investing both fun and practical. Bailey's vision for creating an inclusive and impactful learning tool has driven the success of Neon Money Club, empowering players of all ages to make informed financial decisions.

Mackenzie Dérival is the founder of Node App, an innovative platform designed to connect freelancers with potential clients seamlessly. With a keen understanding of the gig economy and a background in software development, Dérival created Node App to address the challenges faced by independent workers in finding and securing job opportunities. The app offers a user-friendly interface that facilitates the matching process, ensuring that freelancers can easily showcase their skills and clients can efficiently find the right talent for their projects.

Marcus Cobb is the co-founder of Mozaic, a pioneering platform designed to empower independent musicians and creatives by providing them with tools for collaboration, rights management, and monetization. With a background in software development and a passion for the music industry, Cobb co-created Mozaic to address the challenges faced by artists in managing their careers and intellectual property. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of services, including digital distribution, royalty tracking, and project management, enabling artists to focus on their craft while ensuring they are fairly compensated.

Mario Jovan Shaw is the founder of Messy Roots, a dynamic community dedicated to nurturing and developing current and aspiring coaches of color. With a deep commitment to diversity and empowerment, Shaw has created a platform that provides comprehensive services, including training, mentorship, and resources, to support the professional growth of coaches from underrepresented backgrounds. His innovative approach to coaching development focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by coaches of color, fostering an environment of inclusivity and excellence.

Nigel Dunn is the co-founder of Soundtrack, a groundbreaking gaming experience. The game creates entertaining experiences for the culture through music, movies, television, and life. Soundtrack’s expansive collection of 125 scenarios and 350 songs evoke feelings of nostalgia from everyone who plays. He and his co-founder have won and placed in several pitching competitions including the HBCU Universe Summit Rocket Pitching Competition and Pull Up & Pitch DC. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Dunn has a passion for helping the youth develop their physical, emotional, and social skills.

Qu'Derrick R. Covington is the founder of The Tulsa Initiative, LLC, a dynamic organization dedicated to economic development and community empowerment in underserved areas. With a strong background in urban planning and economic policy, Covington established The Tulsa Initiative to address the socio-economic disparities faced by marginalized communities. The organization focuses on fostering entrepreneurship, providing workforce development programs, and promoting sustainable growth through strategic partnerships and innovative projects.

Reggie Snowden is the co-founder of Ghost Note Agency, a creative consultancy renowned for its innovative approach to branding and storytelling. With a rich background in communications, public relations, and marketing, the co-founders have leveraged their expertise to build a firm that specializes in crafting compelling narratives and strategic campaigns for a diverse array of clients, including major corporations, non-profits, and startups. Ghost Note has garnered a reputation for its forward-thinking strategies and impactful design solutions, making it a significant player in the industry.

Ricardo Gray is the founder of Nuebiome, a pioneering prebiotic skincare company that emphasizes the importance of microbiome health in achieving radiant skin. With a background in biochemistry and a passion for holistic wellness, Gray established Nuebiome to offer innovative skincare solutions that support the skin's natural microbiome. The company focuses on creating products that nourish beneficial bacteria, enhancing the skin's natural defenses and promoting a balanced, healthy complexion. Under Gray's leadership, Nuebiome is at the forefront of the skincare industry, combining scientific research with natural ingredients to develop effective, sustainable, and skin-friendly products.

Stevon Judd is the co-founder of SquadTrip, a groundbreaking platform that revolutionizes the way groups organize and manage their travel plans. With a robust background in business development and technology, Judd has been pivotal in shaping SquadTrip into an indispensable tool for group travelers. Under his leadership, SquadTrip has emerged as a user-friendly and efficient tool, enabling groups to easily manage logistics, payments, and itineraries. SquadTrip addresses the common pain points of group travel, such as coordinating schedules, handling payments, and streamlining communication.

Steven Jumper is the co-founder of Ghost Note Agency, a creative consultancy renowned for its innovative approach to branding and storytelling. With a rich background in communications, public relations, and marketing, they have leveraged their expertise to build a firm that specializes in crafting compelling narratives and strategic campaigns for a diverse array of clients, including major corporations, non-profits, and startups. Ghost Note has garnered a reputation for its forward-thinking strategies and impactful design solutions, making it a significant player in the industry.

Tobi Smith is the founder of Adùn, a culinary enterprise that celebrates and promotes African cuisine and culture. With a deep passion for food and heritage, Smith created Adùn to bring authentic African flavors to a broader audience through curated dining experiences, catering services, and a range of gourmet products. By combining traditional recipes with modern culinary techniques, Adùn offers a unique and vibrant gastronomic journey. Under Smith's leadership, Adùn aims to elevate African cuisine on the global stage, fostering appreciation and understanding of its rich and diverse culinary traditions.