Diversity & Inclusion (C)

<p>Motivated by her passion to correct societal “isms” such as racism, sexism, classism and plain old stupidism, it is Risha's personal mission to expose the value of Diversity and Inclusion while shining a light on the economic impact it creates. From her race, gender and lifestyle choices, to growing a small business and tackling economic issues, every area of her life intersects diversity.</p><p>Risha Grant is an internationally renowned diversity, inclusion and bias expert.

<p>Captain Sandy is a leader, hero and businesswoman whose exceptional leadership style has helped her to break through every obstacle in her path – from the glass ceilings and near-fatal accidents on land to pirates and fires at sea!</p>

<p>Sharing stories from her extraordinary career as leader of planetary protection for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and her work on the famed 2020 Mars mission, Dr. “Moo” Cooper inspires organizations and individuals to build strong teams, overcome obstacles, and push beyond their limitations.</p><p>As the real-life “Guardian of the Galaxy,” Dr.

<p>Through his love for chess, Maurice Ashley not only made history as the first African-American Chess Grandmaster in the annals of the game, but he has managed to translate this passion to others as a three-time national championship coach, author, ESPN commentator, iPhone app designer, puzzle inventor and inspirational speaker. </p><p>Maurice Ashley is one of a kind. A native of Jamaica who moved to New York at the age of twelve, he learn his craft in a secluded sanctuary of privilege.

<p>One of the freshest and most unpredictable voices in opinion journalism, Ruben Navarrette is a nationally syndicated columnist and CNN.com contributor who analyzes and comments on—with equal measures of passion and wit—pressing issues like immigration, politics, the media, Mexico's drug war, race relations, the Hispanic vote and the changing demographics of the U.S.</p>

<p>Shereen Marisol Meraji is a veteran audio producer and journalist who has been telling stories with sound for more than two decades. </p><p>Shereen helped create NPR’s critically acclaimed podcast covering race and identity, <em>Code Switch</em>.

<p>Called “the de facto poet laureate of corporate America” by Forbes, Sekou Andrews helps the world’s largest organizations deliver relevant information with riveting inspiration through an innovative, unconventional category of speaking called “Poetic Voice.”</p><p>Imagine harnessing the power of an engaging opening video, an electric closing performance, and an insightful main stage keynote all in one dynamic presentation.

<p>Sophia A. Nelson, Esquire is an award-winning author, award winning journalist, and renowned international inspirational speaker. She is also an award-winning corporate Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Trainer. </p><p>Nelson has worked almost exclusively with women corporate ERG groups for the past fifteen years. She is a highly sought after conference keynote speaker on issues of work-life balance, wellness and mental self-care in the workplace, emotional intelligence skill building, collaboration vs. competition, and equity for women of color in the c-suite.

<p>With a powerful and authentic message, Morris Morrison helps individuals and organizations position themselves to be better, more prepared humans in the constantly-changing landscapes of our work and our lives.

<p>Omar Johnson is a marketing and branding keynote speaker, entrepreneur, former CMO at Beats by Dre, and former VP Marketing at Apple. At Beats Electronics, Johnson was responsible for brand development, advertising, retail experience, entertainment/sports marketing, and digital marketing for all global brand marketing and advertising efforts.