CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WE LEAD OURS (WELO)

Dwayne Anthony Aikens Jr. is a dedicated community leader, educator, and advocate for youth empowerment. As the Co-founder and Executive Director of We Lead Ours (WELO), a nonprofit organization based in Oakland, California, Dwayne has been instrumental in providing year-round enrichment programs for youth since 2010. WELO focuses on fostering life skills through hands-on learning experiences in areas such as career exploration, civic leadership, college preparation, and health and wellness. An Oakland native and proud graduate of Oakland Public Schools, Dwayne holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix. His academic background complements his 19 years of experience as an award-winning educator, championing family engagement, academic achievement, and safe learning environments. Dwayne's unwavering commitment to education, equity, and community empowerment continues to inspire positive change in Oakland and beyond. 

LOVING CONNECTIONS PSYCHOTHERAPY, LLC

I have always believed in the innate goodness of others, that inside each person lies the desire to have peaceful, fulfilling relationships. Life's circumstances, however, can sometimes adversely affect an individual to the point that they lose the capacity to maintain healthy connections. Depression, anxiety, and poor interpersonal relationships are all too common. I have seen it in my personal and professional life, and I am sure you have seen it as well.

I received my Doctorate degree in Couple & Family therapy from Drexel University. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Maryland. My work in the field of mental health spans for over fifteen years and includes providing therapy in partial hospitalization, residential treatment, and community mental health settings. I believe that therapy is a collaboration between client and therapist where the client is the expert of their own life. My role is to assist you in identifying your strengths and resources, and provide symptom relief through the use of therapeutic techniques. My approach is holistic and integrative, incorporating the mind, body, and spirit into therapy sessions.

Kelly Leonard is a trusted advisor, executive coach, and strategist who empowers leaders, organizations, and entrepreneurs to thrive in a rapidly evolving world of work.

Through her work at the intersection of growth strategy and human potential, Kelly helps organizations cultivate high-performing teams, expand revenue, and navigate change with confidence. Her deep expertise spans business development strategy, partnership cultivation, proposal development and management, strategic advisory, and change management, equipping companies to grow sustainably and inclusively.

Kelly is equally passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small businesses scale with purpose. Leveraging tools like executive coaching, LinkedIn optimization, executive advisory, and strategic growth planning, she supports founders and leaders to expand their teams, deepen relationships, and unlock new markets. Her coaching on leadership development, personal branding, career transitions, and reputation management helps clients clarify their voice, amplify their strengths, and move forward with confidence.

As CEO and co-founder of Taylor-Leonard Corporation, Kelly brings more then 30 years in global corporation, government agencies, and private non-profit sectors. 

She is the creator of the 𝐁.𝐎.𝐎.𝐒.𝐓.® 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, a transformative framework that helps clients, Build Their Brand, Optimize Relationship, Obtain More Lead Secure Thought Leadership Space and Tap Into New Markets

In every environment, Kelly shows up as catalyst Compass and connector, championing bold ideas and brave leadership. Whether guiding a company through transformation or helping an individual step into their next chapter, she offers the tools and perspective needed to move forward with power and purpose. 

EMPOWERMENT SPEAKER, AUTHOR, AND FOUNDER OF HR BOURTIQUE AND BUSINESS SERVICES

Precious Jewell is a distinguished empowerment speaker, author, and founder of HR Boutique and Business Services. With over a decade of expertise in human resources, she has been instrumental in transforming organizational cultures and enhancing employee engagement. Her memoir, “Pulling Back the Covers,” released in 2014, courageously recounts her early childhood, offering solace to those navigating abuse, while inspiring faith and resilience as paths to a brighter future. Recognized as a DC Dress for Success Ambassador and featured in Lane Bryant’s Fall collection, Precious is a sought-after speaker, empowering audiences with strategies to persevere in adversity. She has also been accepted into prestigious programs such as Babson College’s entrepreneurship program, Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, Maryland Innovation Center, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Cumberland Valley SHRM, and Toastmasters International. Residing in Silver Spring, Maryland, she actively participates in local initiatives aimed at fostering community development and youth empowerment.

Meka R. Parker | Founder & CEO, GoNow App | Chevy Chase, MD

Meka R. Parker is a 5-time founder, entrepreneur and start-up mentor and advisor.  As product management and design leader Meka has built a portfolio of B2B and B2C digital products and apps, a line of organic hair and skin care products and a language-immersion preschool.  She launched Unboundx.com, a learning and development consortium and created PRATA Company, a brand & marketing agency.  She has worked with global brands and helped large and small technology & software companies develop and launch new products and enter new markets.  She has a penchant for innovation and startups and is an advocate for cultivating supportive ecosystems where small businesses can thrive.  Currently, Meka is the Founder of GoNow App, a web app and booking platform for last-minute appointments, classes, tickets, dining and more.  Meka has a BS in Business & Economics and an MBA in Marketing & Product Management. Meka serves on the Board of Trustees at Round House Theater in Bethesda, MD and resides in Chevy Chase with her husband and daughter.

FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

Danita Stewart, is a Director of Financial Management, with 20 years of financial management consulting experience in the Intelligence Community and across DHS. Danita is an expert in the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) system. She has extensive experience facilitating Financial Management courses including Financial Literacy and Financial Management for the Intelligence Community. Danita holds a B.A. Psychology from George Mason University.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and three daughters.

Danita’s favorite quote: “When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.” ~ Anonymous.

STUDENT MENTOR

Kaylyn Stewart is currently an incoming Environmental Engineering PhD student at the University of Washington in Seattle. Her research will focus on chemically altering materials to more effectively remove contaminants, like PFAS (a.k.a., “forever chemicals”) from water sources, especially as water contamination can more negatively impact communities of color.

She graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) with her B.S. in Chemistry, and was a member of the Meyerhoff Scholars program which aims to increase diversity in higher-level STEM degrees. She is a Prince George’s County native.

Kevin is the Founder & CEO of the Johnson Leadership Group, LLC, and an independent certified coach, trainer, mentor, and speaker with the Maxwell Certified Leadership Team, where he leads learning experiences that are tailored to meet the specific needs of the audience to help maximize efficiency, growth, awareness, and effectiveness. He provides organizations, and the people who work within them, with the tools to forge effective personal and interpersonal communication and delivers training on the elements of dynamic relationships to equip teams with the attitudes and attributes needed to develop individuals into leaders. He does so through motivating workshops, seminars, insightful keynote speeches, and compassionate coaching to encourage personal and professional growth. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Johnson earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Management from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Business and completed course work toward an M.B.A. at both Marymount University and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. He earned the Master’s Certification in Government Contracting from the George Washington University, Washington, DC

Rochelle "SLAY" Hemingway is an image consultant, personal brand strategist, speaker, author, and proud 30-year United States Air Force veteran dedicated to helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, especially women veterans, increase their visibility, influence, and impact. As the creator of the S.L.A.Y. Method™, she empowers individuals to align their image, personal brand, and executive presence so they can confidently stand out, communicate their value, and create opportunities that align with their goals.

Rochelle is the author of multiple books and the host of two talk shows, Rise & SLAY Talk Show and SLAY To Success Talk Show, where she highlights inspiring stories, leadership insights, personal growth, and strategies for success. Through her speaking engagements, consulting programs, media platforms, and writing, she helps accomplished professionals stop waiting to be recognized and start intentionally building the visibility and credibility they deserve.

Based in Maryland, Rochelle lives with her husband, a fellow 30-year Air Force veteran, and their son, Andrew. When she's not speaking, consulting, or creating content, she enjoys watching crime shows, fitness, and empowering others to lead with confidence and authenticity.