BREAKOUT WORKSHOP
TRACKS

Edward N. Walters

Edward N. Walters is a seasoned senior executive and transformative leader with a wealth of experience in the financial services industry. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer, and Head of Wealth Management at Osaic FS/FA. Ed oversees operations for a $120 billion wealth management business, driving significant growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the organization has achieved remarkable milestones, including the recent acquisition by Osaic.

Ed’s leadership has earned him numerous accolades including recognition as one of the Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America by Savoy Magazine.

In addition to his corporate achievements, Ed serves on the boards of several organizations, including the Foundation for Financial Planning, Saint Joseph’s University - Pedro Arrupe Business Ethics Board, and the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia Region board of directors.

As a visionary leader and a champion for innovation and inclusion, Ed Walters continues to make a profound impact in the financial industry and beyond, inspiring others to create lasting change in their lives and communities

Michelle Renee

Michelle Renee is a seasoned entrepreneur and philanthropist that utilizes her past experiences in Corporate America and business to help educate and level the playing field for underserved communities.

She is a native of Chicago and has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Technical Management, (MBA) and Graduate Certificate in Project Management. Her corporate experiences includes: Financial Analyst, Project Manager for Information Technology Dept. at TransUnion LLC, and Manager for the Clearing Department at CME Group. In addition to her work experience and being a seasoned entrepreneur, within three years Michelle Renee built and sold a successful logistics company.

In 2019, she hosted one of the largest blockchain-inspired wealth building conferencesin the Chicagoland area, the speakers included Shark Tank’s Daymond John, Isaiah Jackson (Bitcoin and Black America), Davincj Jeremie, and Bruce Fenton (Atlantic Financial).

In 2019, she hosted one of the largest blockchain-inspired wealth building conferencesin the Chicagoland area, the speakers included Shark Tank’s Daymond John, Isaiah Jackson (Bitcoin and Black America), Davincj Jeremie, and Bruce Fenton (Atlantic Financial).

Michelle has become a repeat guest on a prominent talk radio show in Chicago (WVON), 2020 honoree for “She Rocks It”, guest speaker at the 2020 Bermuda Big Tech Summit, 2021 hosted the “Future of Finance” summit with keynote speaker The Hon. E. David Burt, Premier of Bermuda, named a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship by Daymond John on behalf of the United States Department of Commerce.

Michelle believes “One of the major challenges is combating misinformation and reversing bad financial habits passed down to each generation. Misinformation has a direct effect on how we feel and interact on a daily basis. This can lead to misdirected anger, depression, insecurity, adverse health, isolation and even divorce.”

After attending, covering Consensus and various crypto-related fintech conferences around the world. Michelle is being frequently requested to speak on prominent digital asset related platforms, such as The Keiser Report and most recently Coindesk TV.

Michelle also believes “There is a lot of misinformation out there, and the entire market is relatively uneducated, which allows for a variety of Bitcoin-related scams that target newcomers.” In4ormative Services takes a proactive approach by sharing good information that leads to good education to empower all generations.

Pastor Clinton Palframan

Pastor Clinton Palframan is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience shaping Media, Print, and Advertising. His journey epitomises innovation and strategic leadership, leaving a lasting impact on corporate trajectories through innovative solutions.

In the realms of media, print, and advertising strategy, Pastor Clint has guided corporates, enhancing productivity and ROI through effective negotiation and planning. Beyond the boardroom, he serves as a Holy Spirit-guided leader, marking his journey with purpose and divine direction.

The creative gifts devoted to God's glory are evident in products reflecting wisdom from His unfailing word. As the Director of Bill Winston Ministries Africa and Managing Director of Joseph Business School Africa, Pastor Clint strives to transform economies and eradicate poverty by 2030, empowering adults for entrepreneurial success. Living in a world where the secular and sacred meet, and every endeavour becomes an opportunity for divine impact.

Jackie Horbrook

Jacqueline Horbrook also known as Jackie the Educator is the founder and CEO of a ground breaking community called Black Christian Influencers. With a Masters of Education and a Bachelor's degree in Business, she hopes to become known as a Kingdom solutionist. Her community has made an impact on the lives of millions with its social reach and has quickly expanded into a thriving network for trailblazers across the country. With over five thousand members and 16 city chapters, the organization is rapidly becoming a global hub for influencer development. The organization has also established an influencer agency and Christian travel club, which are both exceeding expectations with their rapid growth. As an ordained minister her primary focus will always be to enhance the kingdom of God using all the gifts God has given her.

Vondale Singleton

Vondale E. Singleton Sr., founder of C.H.A.M.P.S. Male Mentoring, is a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Oral Roberts University. Born on the Southside of Chicago, he attributes his success to mentor Steven Robertson’s investment.
Over the past two decades, Vondale has been a dedicated advocate in primary, secondary, and higher education, serving as both a teacher and administrator. Believing in the power of “salvation plus education,” he established C.H.A.M.P.S. Mentoring, impacting thousands of Chicago youth.
Vondale’s impactful work has earned him numerous awards, including MLK Community Champion, “Father of the Year” and a Student Film Festival White House Film Festival winner. He is also a Walmart Community Playmaker, Illinois Distinguished Gentlemen of the Year, and a Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand 2023 Community Grantee, and most recently, a 2x Emmy Award Nominee. Married to his college sweetheart, Dr. Patrina Singleton, Vondale resides in Chicago, IL, with their two children, Promise Singleton (15) and Vondale E. Singleton Jr. (10).

Jakki Dace-Williams

Jakki Dace is the owner and founder of Real Life Learning, NFP, 501c3 organization that provides life-style coaching to parents and families. She helps parents recognize the importance of communication, guidance and healthy behaviors that result in a heightened quality of life while planning for the future.

Jakki has written her first book called Parenting, There Is No Easy Way, now available in Spanish and English and conducts workshops with parent groups across the country.

While devoting time to parent coaching, Jakki devoted the last 20 years to Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). As the Partnership Development Manager with CPS, she partnered with companies to provide opportunities, exposure and career exploration to CPS students. As the Director of Apprenticeships at CCC she leads at the district in developing and providing access for student to connect with companies as an apprentice which leads to full time offers and promising careers.

Jakki’s first career was in Information technology where she worked for IBM, Unisys and Ernst & Young and had her own company for 8 years.
• Former Vice President of Operations for Dace International.(Her own technology company).
• Motivational speaker
• Author or Parenting, There Is No Easy Way
• Parent of two daughters (Both Engineers and MBA’s)
• Masters degree in Multicultural Education.

Dr. Lawrence Salone

Dr. Lawrence Salone is a visionary leader in mental healthcare, dedicated to transforming access to psychiatric services and integrating innovative solutions into modern healthcare. With over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and consultant, Dr. Salone has pioneered advancements in virtual mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and corporate mental wellness programs.

As the Founder and CEO of Post Trauma Institute of Louisiana and Virtual Psych Network, Dr. Salone leads a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, psychologists, and therapists in delivering comprehensive, technology-driven mental health solutions. His expertise extends beyond clinical practice—he has developed corporate training seminars for organizations, spearheaded strategic partnerships with insurance providers and medical institutions, and enhanced mental health screening tools to improve patient outcomes.

A former U.S. Army Signal Officer and entrepreneur, Dr. Salone combines military precision with corporate strategy to tackle critical mental health challenges. His work includes the development of the New Start Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) providing crucial support for those facing occupational stress, addiction, and mental health concerns.

Driven by his faith in Jesus and a commitment to service, Dr. Salone is passionate about reshaping mental healthcare to be more accessible, effective, and sustainable.

Dr. Salone’s work is not just about discussing mental health—it’s about creating real, measurable change.

Caio Almeida

The visionary behind OptoSphere, Caio Anderson Almeida, is more than just a leader in AI—he’s redefining how businesses, governments, and educational institutions harness the power of innovation. With over 20 years of experience in technology, immersive experiences, and artificial intelligence, Caio has built cutting-edge solutions that have transformed industries worldwide.

As the Founder & CEO of Opto Creative Lab, he has collaborated with global brands, governmental agencies, and academic institutions to integrate AI, AR, and VR into real-world applications that drive productivity, efficiency, and profitability. His expertise lies in simplifying complex technology and making it accessible—creating game-changing tools for entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives without the overwhelming tech barriers.

Caio’s contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. Under his leadership, Opto Creative Lab was awarded the 2024 Business Media Innovator Award, recognizing its pioneering work in AI-driven automation, immersive experiences, and enterprise solutions. His projects have been instrumental in smart city initiatives, government innovation labs, and educational advancements, partnering with institutions like SESI, SENAI, and leading universities to bring cutting-edge learning experiences to the next generation.

At the OptoSphere Masterclass, Caio is taking his mission to the next level—guiding you step-by-step to build and deploy your own AI agents that work for you. Whether you’re a business owner, innovator, policymaker, or simply someone eager to shape the future, this is your opportunity to learn from the mastermind behind the AI revolution.

Angela Valentine

As a person whose passion is to make STEM accessible, she serves on three boards: AeroStars (Chicago IL, US), the Susanna Lankai Debrah Educational Foundation (Accra, Ghana) and the Gary Eastside Community Development Corporation (Gary IN, US). These organizations champion youth education, STEM career exploration and workforce development. She also participates as a thought leader with other innovators who are creating a roadmap that will extend STEM experiences for youth through the HUD STEM Innovations Network and the HBCU Resource Center. Her pedagogy is Application Enhances Knowledge because she believes that hands on learning imprints practical knowledge beyond rudimentary study.

Angela is a distinguished instructor in Harper College’s Innovation Accelerator program, leading the Foundations of AI course as part of the Emerging Technologies Pathways Initiative, funded by a $1.6 million U.S. Department of Labor initiative. As the only African American instructor in the program, Angela is committed to increasing representation in AI education while championing equitable access to cutting-edge technology skills.

She is also a Google for Education Certified Innovator, a prestigious global designation recognizing top educators who advocate for impactful technology and innovation in schools and communities. She holds a B.A. in Management and Human Relations from Trevecca University and an Executive MBA from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where she completed international studies in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Beijing, China.

With a 20-year corporate career in telecommunications, Angela has held international leadership roles in Human Resources, Distance Learning, Global Compliance, and Business Ethics. She is the Founder of the Academy of Digital Visionaries and Scholars (ADVScholars)—a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital learning divide through quality digital literacy programs for underserved communities.

Angela partners with ministries and organizations to develop customized technology training programs that integrate AI, ethics, and purpose-driven innovation. Committed to bridging faith and technology, she ensures digital transformation aligns with ethical stewardship, human dignity, and a higher purpose to serve communities with wisdom and integrity.

C.J. Harris

CJ Harris is the CEO and creative director of That's So Creative Media, a certified woman and minority-owned creative marketing agency focused on brand strategy, website development, and communications. As an award-winning multidisciplinary creative strategist, she has had the pleasure of developing strategies and execution for media campaigns, website and brand launches, publications, video production, and the like. Through her insightful and friendly approach, CJ has helped numerous small businesses and large organizations define their messaging and pivot their marketing for greater impact. In addition to her role as CEO, CJ serves as the Illinos Grow with Google Coach where she provides digital skills training and coaching to small businesses to reach new customers, thrive online, and grow. She is also an alumnus of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and is dedicated to sharing her expertise with the local community and beyond.

Dr. Oliver Kamanzi

Dr. Olivier Kamanzi is a Capital Markets and International Financial Sector Development Expert, Inspirational Speaker, and Philanthropist. Dr. Kamanzi is the Co-Founder and Chairman of the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce based in Chicago. Dr. Kamanzi is Founder and CEO of Globrock Group, a holding of companies comprising of Globrock Financial, Globrock Trade, and Globrock Technologies, Dr. Kamanzi is a former Deputy CEO of the Capital Market Authority of Rwanda. With a background as a Senior Investment Specialist at Citigroup (Citibank) and an Executive employee at JPMorgan Chase, his expertise has left an indelible mark on the financial sector.

A champion of philanthropy, Dr. Kamanzi is the Founder and Chairman of The Olivier Kamanzi Foundation (OKF), a public charitable organization. He also serves on several boards. He is the President of the Board of Saint Sabina Academy, an affiliate of Saint Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago.

Dr. Kamanzi played a pivotal role in establishing the Rwandan capital markets industry, contributing to the creation of the Rwanda Capital Market Authority and Rwanda Stock Exchange. His visionary initiatives include the development of policies for the East Africa Regional Financial Market Infrastructure, Regional Capital Markets harmonization and integration, and development of the concept of the Rwanda Financial Centre (Hub) to transform Rwanda into an international financial destination.

A distinguished scholar, Dr. Kamanzi holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy in Organizational Leadership and Entrepreneurship, specializing in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, from the University of Arizona Global Campus. He earned an MBA in Finance from Ashford University and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Kamanzi is passionate about running, reading, and community service. He actively mentors youth, conducts financial literacy classes, and teaches a Stock Market Program to 8th graders. His insights have reached diverse audiences through various media platforms (BBC, VOA, MSNBC Africa, Nation, WVOA, etc.), and he has published a book on leadership in Africa, along with multiple articles on AfCFTA, Covid-19, financial matters, and leadership.

Charles Harrell II

Charles Harrell II is the President and CEO of The Information Technology Architect Corporation dba The IT Architect Corporation (ITA), a technology consulting and software development company based in Chicago, Illinois.

His career started in Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch, Fenner andPrice where he championed the raising of capital for middle-marketorganizations. However, he officially transitioned into the technologyindustry in May 2003 as the founder of ITA, a technology andtelecommunications firm that specializes in the design, implementation,and management of the automation of business processes with innovativeIT and telecommunication solutions.

He has made significant contributions to foster diverse businessopportunities and empower underrepresented entrepreneurs by providingbest practice recommendations for inclusion and to improve access tocapital for diverse telecom and media businesses within the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC)-regulated marketplace. Hiscommitment to being a business and civic leader is reflected by thefollowing committees and boards for which he sits. As of 2018, he is acorporate member of the Aviation Minority Advisory Council (AMAC). In2011 and 2024, he was appointed by the FCC to its Diversity AdvisoryCommittee, providing valuable insights and guidance on diversity andinclusion in the telecommunications industry; also, he is an activemember of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce on the informationtechnology committee for which he won an award for Business of theYear. Additionally, he also serves as the Chairman of the MinorityBusiness Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC) with the Chicago MinoritySupplier Development Council (CMSDC). During his time on the MBEIC hereceived the Maye Foster Thompson Minority Business Advocate Award,Chicago Urban League – Building Controls Automation Award and theChicago Defender – Men of Excellence - Trailblazer Distinguished Alumnifrom Michigan State Black Alumni and the most recent award is the 2024Global Entrepreneur of the year award.

Mr. Harrell’s strategic focus on acquiring and developing long-termrelationships with telecom and technology companies has championedsupplier diversity and worked with telecom companiesCharles

Diane Gist

Diane Gist is an International Trade Specialist and Business Advisor at the Illinois Small Business Development Center and Illinois International Trade Center at The Joseph Center®. She brings more than 15 years of experience and expert knowledge in human resources, labor and employee relations, and policy and compliance. Previously, she was the Chief Compliance Officer for United Airlines, Inc. where she successfully developed a compliance investigation department.

Diane has a passion for social responsibility instrumental in connecting individual power with an organization's strengths for executing strategies and achieving visionary goals. She earned her master's degree in Social Science from DePaul University, two HR Certifications; SHRM-SCP and HRCI SPHR. Diane is an instructor at The Joseph Business School, an internationally accredited business institution for entrepreneurs where she teaches Business Leadership. She is also an intermediate tennis player with the USTA and an avid reader.

Pierre Dunagan

Pierre Dunagan is an International Trade Specialist at the Illinois Small Business Development Center and Illinois International Trade Center at The Joseph Center®. He provides technical assistance to companies that seek to grow their businesses using international trade and exporting. This assistance includes developing export business plans, target market research, resource referrals and export readiness planning.

Pierre brings with him a wealth of experience in advising, coaching and consulting small and medium-sized businesses, particularly in the area of finance. He utilizes his extensive background in finance to assist clients in identifying potential avenues to finance cross-border transactions. Pierre has a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Management from North Park University in Chicago, Illinois. He is also an Instructor at the Joseph Business School, our host location’s entrepreneurial business school.

Melissa Duff Brown

Melissa Duff Brown is the Director of Strategy for Joseph Business Services and All Related Entities, a business services and consulting company, Carver Cloud, a cloud services and cyber security company, and co-lead of the Operation Ten City Campaign. Previously, she was the Director of Business Development and Strategic Initiatives for the Joseph Center and All Related Entities, which included oversight of the Illinois SBDC-ITC- PTAC at the Joseph Center, and the past President of the Illinois Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth Association and member of America’s SBDC Professional Development Committee that is responsible for the annual training conferences for the over 1,000 Small Business Development Centers across the country.

Melissa began her career in accounting as a small business accountant in a CPA firm and held positions in the banking, construction, and electronics industries. Melissa also served over seven years in the public sector in local government as a legislative aide and chief of staff. She also holds a degree in Digital Media Production, is a Six Sigma Green Belt, an Adobe Education Trainer Certified, Adobe Captivate Certified, and a Certified Business Development Advisor. She is GrowthWheel Elite User. She is in the top 40 of over 2,000 advisors in 29 countries certified to use GrowthWheel, a tool to help small and medium businesses focus and take action to grow their businesses. Melissa is also a graduate of the Living Word School of Ministry.

She is an award-winning Director of Sales and Marketing with over twenty years in the hospitality industry with a proven ability to manage multi-functional teams and multi-million-dollar budgets. In 2017, Melissa was named to the State of Illinois 18-member Project Reimagine Committee as Chair of the Minority Business Development Sub-Committee. As a result of that project, Melissa chaired the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) State Network’s Assistance for Minorities and Underserved Communities Strategic Planning Group from 2018-2021. In 2018, Melissa was honored at America’s SBDC national convention as the 2018 Illinois SBDC State Star because of her outstanding leadership, guidance, engagement, and support provided within the Illinois SBDC Network. In 2021, she was named chair of the Small Business Development Center State Network’s Operational Excellence Strategic group and received the Shining Star Mentor Award during the recent state conference. During her tenure as Director of the Illinois SBDC-ITC-PTAC at the Joseph Center, her team provided workshops and training to over 20,000 people and 11,000 hours of one-on-one counseling, assisting over 3,800 aspiring and established entrepreneurs. During that time, 3,000 jobs were created and retained. Additionally, $30 million in export sales and government contracts with a dollar value of $1.1 billion were secured. In May of 2023, Melissa was appointed to the Illinois Small Business Development Center’s State Advisory Board.

Melissa is married to Antonio L. Brown Sr.

Dr. Keith Washington

Dr. Washington is a business and technology leader with an outstanding record of achievement in elevating technological capabilities, essential processes, and teams. Dr. Washington Dr. Washington has proven excellence for industry giants like The Nielsen Company, GE Healthcare, GE Commercial Finance, Xerox, IBM, and Lucent Technologies.

Dr. Washington is the owner and president of Star Tec Solutions, Inc.; a business devoted to mentoring new business owners with tools for success. Dr. Washington is proficient at planning, developing, and evolving processes that bolster workforce performance and business outcomes. Dr. Washington is a Patent holder, Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, a published author, and mentor. He is a resolute educator and trainer with years of teaching experience at The Joseph School of Business, Southern New Hampshire, Roosevelt, and DePaul universities.

Choosing Dr. Washington as your solutions partner means gaining a trusted partner in your small business journey. Contact Dr. Washington to help you unlock the full potential of your business goals.