Judi Hill, a native of Oberlin, Ohio, is a graduate of The University of Akron and Youngstown State University. She spent over 30 years with Akron Public Schools as a teacher, curriculum designer, and administrator. Now retired, Judi is deeply involved in her community, serving as President of the Akron NAACP and on boards including Leadership Akron, Towpath Credit Union, and Akron Christ Child Society. She also serves on the City of Akron's Racial Equity and Social Justice Taskforce and volunteers as a Guardian Ad Litem for Summit County. Her honors include the Akron Urban League Pioneer Award and The University of Akron Alumni Award. Judi is a proud wife, mother of four, and grandmother of nine, enjoying travel, reading, and family time.

Cristina D. Torrence, CEO of Butterfly Consulting Solutions, LLC, is a servant leader with over 20 years of experience in public accounting, non-profit, and corporate finance. A graduate of Ashland University with a BS in Business Administration, she specializes in financial oversight, strategic planning, tax compliance, and IT system implementation for organizations with revenues up to $50 million. An affiliate of the AICPA, Ohio Society of CPAs, and TEGE Exempt Organizations Council, Cristina leverages her diverse expertise to transform chaotic finances into clear stories of performance. A devoted mother, grandmother, and wife, she actively gives back through her church, volunteering, and non-profit board service.

Rachel Bridenstine manages operations at the Development Finance Authority of Summit County (DFA) and leads programs improving capital access for communities and businesses in Northern Ohio. She oversees over $200M in investments for small businesses, non-profits, and large-scale developments. A frequent speaker on economic and community development, she also provides training on financial management and funding. With nearly 20 years of experience, Rachel has structured innovative funding programs and specializes in tax credits, bond financing, small business lending, and federal funding initiatives.

Hanne-Lore earned her JD/MBA from The University of Akron, where she excelled as Associate Editor for the Akron Law Review and President of the Black Law Students Association, winning multiple awards. She has practiced law since 2018, contributing to significant cases, including one reviewed by the Ohio Supreme Court, and has argued in the 9th District Court of Appeals. An active community leader, Hanne-Lore serves on various boards, including OPEN M and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and mentors aspiring attorneys. She is a 2023 Ohio State Bar Association Fellow, working to advance Trauma-Informed Lawyering. A passionate volunteer, she also teaches as an adjunct professor and has founded a mentorship program for African American attorneys.

After running his multi-award-winning marketing services firm for 26 years, Anup Gupta exited the business in 2022. As the President of AG ConsultingUSA, he is a speaker, author, and consultant dedicated to helping small business owners grow their businesses with a focus on profitability and successfully exiting on their terms. His work has been featured in various local, regional, and national publications. In addition to running his consulting business, he volunteers with S.C.O.R.E. and mentors fellow entrepreneurs.

Sue has over 30 years’ experience as a master facilitator, strategist, community organizer, and deliberative democracy practitioner. She is co-founder of Round River Consulting LLC, devoted to maximizing human potential for good in the world, working in neighborhoods, interfaith communities, non-profits, public agencies, the private sector, and government. Her consultancy has supported dozens of organizations to build strategic plans, organizational capacity, and inclusive community engagement initiatives. She successfully led a campaign for mayoral control of Cleveland’s school system and worked in post-Katrina recovery engagement.

Leia' Love is a resilient and visionary leader with advanced degrees in both business and cosmetology. A licensed cosmetologist for over 20 years, she has owned her salon for more than a decade and served as a PBS TV host for 8 years. Leia' specializes in beauty services that empower women and restore confidence. She also serves on multiple nonprofit boards and volunteers with the Women’s Endowment Fund and Stewart’s Caring Place.

Tracy Marbury is the founder of Alpha Personal Care, a home healthcare agency serving individuals with developmental disabilities since 2006. Her leadership fosters compassionate, high-quality care, empowering clients to live with dignity and independence. She is a Walsh University graduate and has completed programs like Elite America's Executive Coaching and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. She received the 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Business Award.

Rita McNeil Danish is the CEO of Signal Ohio, a nonprofit media organization focused on civic engagement through community-centered journalism. She has served in roles such as Magistrate, Judge, Section Chief at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and City Attorney for Dayton and Cincinnati. She has been a partner at Taft Law and served on national boards including the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. She is nationally recognized and has appeared in Best Lawyers in America and Columbus Monthly.

Ron is the Market President for Huntington Bank’s Akron/Canton area. He started as a Management Trainee at FirstMerit Bank in 1987 and has held multiple leadership roles. He serves on several boards including the American Red Cross and United Way of Summit & Medina. Ron and his wife Kathleen have fostered over 190 children and hosted seven Rotary exchange students.

Ike is the President and founder of SAF, Inc., a general construction company headquartered in Akron. He is an immigrant from Nigeria with a strong background in construction and engineering. SAF specializes in federal projects across several states. Ike built SAF into a respected and innovative name in the federal contracting space.

Robert D. Wattley III is a Process Coach at Ford Motor Company and a U.S. Army veteran. He holds an MBA in Project Management and a B.S. in Organizational Supervision. He is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and brings expertise in logistics and process improvement. Robert is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and is passionate about economic empowerment and mentorship in the Black business community.

Monaqui Porter Young is the Founder and CEO of MPGlobal Connect Inc. and creator of the SRINA® brand. She develops and distributes organic products globally and operates Srina Tea House & Café. She is a certified holistic health practitioner, studied international trade at Pace University, and has lectured at the UN. She promotes sustainability through Worldview International Foundation and serves as its U.S. chair.