2017 Presenters
Shawn Dove serves as the CEO of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA), a national membership organization dedicated to ensuring the growth, sustainability and impact of leaders and organizations focused on improving the life outcomes of America’s Black men and boys
Sons of Serendip (SoS) are a musical ensemble of four friends, who through a series of serendipitous events, came together in graduate school at Boston University: Micah Christian, a teacher from Randolph, MA and the lead singer for the group; pianist/vocalist Cordaro Rodriguez, an attorney from Charlotte, NC; Kendall Ramseur, a cellist and cello instructor from Charlotte, NC and harpist Mason Morton, a teacher from Atlanta.
Jay Goldman is a presidential award-winning volunteer advocate and speaker. The past twenty years, he has created grassroots community organizations, volunteered thousands of hours for various not-for-profits, and has been a passionate, outspoken advocate for community service.
Raised in public housing in New York City, Dr. Irie Lynne Session developed a value for education, a passion for social justice, and a love of theology. She holds an undergraduate degree in Social Work from Oklahoma Christian University; a Master of Divinity w/concentration in Black Church Studies from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University; and a Doctor of Ministry in Transformative Leadership and Prophetic Preaching from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.
Thandiwe is an entrepreneur and economic empowerment activist. Thandiwe Weza graduated from Spelman College in December 2014 with Magna Cum Laude honors, academic awards and scholarships. She is currently in graduate school at New York University on a full scholarship.
Chef Marc appeared on Food Network’s CHOPPED show. As the last one standing, Chef Marc won the competition and excelled to the next round. Returning to CHOPPED, twice in September 2010, Chef Marc would win the semi-final round that gave him the opportunity to compete with previous CHOPPED champions. In 2014 Chef opened up Hush Bistro in his home town of Farmingdale to stellar reviews with 3 stars in both NYT and Newsday .
Angelina Darrisaw is an inspiring entrepreneur with a proven track record of success. She is a career coach, brand ambassador, digital media strategist and founder of C-Suite Coach, a professional coaching and lifestyle company dedicated to providing young professionals with accessible resources to achieve success at work and in life.
Lillie B.Crowder received a B.S. in Architectural Engineering in 1958 from South Carolina State College. Lillie was the first woman employed as an Assistant Architect in residence at New York City -Central Board of Education Headquarters. She held key roles in the planning and development of Bronx Coop City, Bronx and Starret City, Brooklyn. She also served as the Senior Project Liaison for the housing-educational complex IS 89 at Battery Park City.
Internationally acclaimed multi-lingual artist,Robbi Kumalo has crafted a career spanning nearly 30 years. Her powerful lyric soprano has graced TV commercials for Coca Cola, Lincoln Mercury, & GE. As a backup singer, she has performed with Aretha Franklin, Jewel, Diana Ross, Rod Rod Stewart, Mary J. Blige,Harry Belafonte & others. She hasappeared on Oprah, 60 Minutes, Rosie, Live with Regis & Kathy Lee, The View, The Today Show, VH1 Storytellers, & The Late Show with David Letterman.
"Painting is an instrument of war." Picasso's words excavate the soul of Lisa Whittington—daily. Art was Lisa’s weapon and shield that helped her assault the issues that surrounded her as a child and kept her alive. Now she uses art to help others. Dr. Whittington’s rich artistic seeds were first rooted in her birthplace, Harlem, NY where she was exposed her to rich visuals, vibrant colors, and cultural experiences that show up in her art and inform her practice.
Deirdre Avery was a product of the New York public school education system and attended Fiorella LaGuardia High of Music and the Arts (the “Fame” school). Having the aptitude for Art but loving Science and Math, she elected to attend Hunter College where she graduated in the early 80’s with a BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences. She became a Clinical Microbiologist and has worked at several prestigious institutions including Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and North Shore LIJ Hospital.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the field of deafness, Kathleen has a passion to ensure persons who are deaf/ hard of hearing have equal communication access & provided opportunities to reach their highest potential. She has experience as a Rehabilitation Counselor, Vocational Evaluator/Trainer, Domestic Violence Counselor, Mental Health Therapist, Director of an academic program for recent deal immigrants,Deafness Consultant and Sign Language Interpreter.
Rob Goldman is an interdisciplinary artist, educator and lecturer whose work seamlessly synthesizes art, education and social action. He is an internationally published photographer and author of Shooting From The Heart: Creating Passion and Purpose in Your Life and Work. Rob Goldman is the founder & director of the Center for Creative Development in Huntington, NY, home of the Just Like Me & "I Matter" projects. He is also founder of the Stepping Stone Gallery for Contemporary Photography.
