The 2022 class of HBCU Buzz’s HBCU Top 30 Under 30 is here! For the past eight years, we have been honoring the inspiring change-makers that HBCUs have produced and this year’s class is nothing short of HBCU greatness! We’re highlighting students who have been making strides in their fields and showing the world what HBCU grads can do.
The numbers don’t lie, according to UNCF, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) enroll 10% of all African American students and produce almost 20% of all African American graduates. Additionally, 25% of African American graduates with STEM degrees come from HBCUs. These illustrious institutions have produced countless civil rights leaders, doctors, religious leaders, bankers, writers, Olympians, lawyers, musicians, engineers, actors, humanitarians, professional athletes, educators, scientists, and politicians.
HBCUs provide the foundation and support needed for their students to go out into the world and become prestigious leaders. This year we continue to honor HBCU students from various backgrounds achieving excellence and making their alma mater proud. Some of the leaders featured include a rocket scientist, an award-winning Broadway actor, accomplished doctors, and more.
We’re excited for this Homecoming season to partner with DIAGEO and its brands CÎROC, Crown Royal, Tequila Don Julio, and Tanqueray to honor Black changemakers creating lasting change in their communities to uplift and celebrate Black excellence. Together with DIAGEO at the Mecca of HBCUs, we will honor the next generation of Black leaders and industry changemakers at the 30 Under 30 Reception and Alumni Bison Ball to toast to each honoree’s impact and impressive achievements to build a better future.
Myles Frost – Bowie State University
Myles Frost is a Bowie State University student taking Broadway by storm. In June, Myles received a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his role as Michael Jackson in MJ: The Musical. He is one of the youngest-ever recipients for this category and the youngest HBCU student to win a Tony. He was just a college junior studying audio engineering before being selected in 2021 for the starring role on Broadway after the musical’s producers saw a high school YouTube video of him performing Jackson’s hit “Billie Jean.” Myles recently signed with United Talent Agency, one of the world’s leading talent and entertainment companies which will help expand his career across a variety of verticals, including film, television, brand endorsements, and more.
Music has always been a part of Myles’ life as he has been playing piano since he was just six years old. He found his passion for musicals in high school after a push from one of his teachers. He began to put himself out there and landed roles in his high school productions of “Hairspray,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Cinderella.” Myles also briefly starred on the 2017 season of The Voice and landed two small film roles.
Daniel Okegbu – Howard University
Daniel Okegbu is a Rocket Scientist, engineer, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. This Howard University alum was born in Nigeria and grew up in the South Side of Chicago. He is no stranger to adversity and success as he was once a refugee who escaped war in northern Nigeria but did not allow his absence from school to deter his academic goals. While in Chicago, he excelled academically and became a Gates Millennium Scholar. He attended Howard University to pursue his dream of becoming an engineer and is now completing his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. He holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Georgia Tech.
Within the science community, Daniel has been making significant contributions through his research work. Inspired by NASA’s Mars Exploration Mission, Daniel directs his research toward developing a new class of materials with unconventional properties. Such materials will enable the design of stable, lightweight aircrafts and facilitate discoveries during other types of Space Exploration Missions. He is also a VC Fellow at HAX, a deep tech Venture Capital funding groundbreaking technologies. He currently serves as the Principal Officer for UnDelayed, a B2B startup that is disrupting the aviation industry through its flight delay mitigation platform. Daniel continues to serve as a role model and an inspiration to students who wish to pursue a career in science through mentorship programs and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Hope Giselle – Alabama State University
Hope Giselle is an Alabama State University alum and a national organizer, author, artist, and activist. It was at her alma mater that she got her start in activism, facilitation, and inclusion. While navigating through college as an LGBT student at a conservative HBCU, she courageously co-founded and governed their first LGBT organization. Giselle graduated with a Master’s in Fine Arts as the first openly trans woman to do so at the institution as well as acquiring certifications from both Harvard and SHRM. She has served as a contracted master inclusion specialist and HR consultant while continuing to advocate for trans and black bodies in both public and private spaces.
Hope’s nearly one-decade career as an activist, master facilitator, and author was the catalyst for establishing her own non-profit organization AllowMe, which supports LGBTQIA+youth of color in their journey to becoming productive leaders, artists, and activists. Currently, Hope serves as the Director of Get Phluid and Chief Community Outreach Consultant at Plume Health, while in tandem working with organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Freedom for all Americans, LGBT University, ITEquality, and TransTech Social. Giselle is also a two-time best-selling author of Until I Met Black Men and Becoming Hope which focuses on her lived experiences growing up as a black trans woman in the south. Her selfless efforts aid to ensure that the voices of the communities she’s a part of are amplified.
Joshua Williams – Fayetteville State University
Joshua Williams is the former cornerback for Fayetteville State University and the first HBCU player selected in the 2022 NFL Draft since 2019. In June, Joshua officially signed his rookie contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Playing in the NFL is a dream come true for Joshua and he is making his alma mater proud as he is the first Fayetteville State player to be drafted into the NFL since 1976. He fell in love with football at a young age and grew up watching the Washington Redskins with his father. Even though he played other sports growing up and holds the Jack Britt High School record in the 100-meter dash, his future was squarely focused on football. Joshua is also an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Braxton Simpson – Tennessee State University and North Carolina Central University
Braxton Simpson, a native of Atlanta, Georgia is a 2021 Graduate of Tennessee State University, where she obtained degrees in both Agricultural Sciences and Political Science. While at Tennessee State University, Braxton leaned into student leadership, serving on the University’s Board of Trustees as the 2nd Student Trustee in TSU History, and the first to hold this position for two consecutive terms, gaining the title of being a Top 30 over 3.0 Distinguished Young Professional, a Farm Credit Scholar, serving as a member of the first cohort of Leadership TSU, and a Charter Member of Order of Omega. Braxton loves Tennessee State University and seeks to stay as involved in the operations of the university as possible–which has led to her most recent post-grad appointment to the Futuristic Agricultural College Committee and an advocate for HBCUs.
Most recently, Braxton has started her Master’s in Business Administration at North Carolina Central University. Professionally, Braxton is pursuing a career in Agricultural Marketing for a Fortune 100 Company in which she focuses intently on project management, content creation, process improvement, and strategic planning. Braxton is also the CEO of Braxton Simpson Enterprises, in which she is focused on taking her customers from” PASSION to PURPOSE” through social media management, business marketing campaigns, speech writing, digital media, and career services. All while leaning into her personal brand as an influencer, content creator, consultant, and speaker. She is also the co-founder of HBCULinx–a relationship-building platform tailored to HBCU Love & Connections. Braxton is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in which she has served as a chapter president at TSU, the National Chair for the 2020 HBCU Vote Initiative, an International Leadership Fellow, and a member of the International Membership Intake Process Committee.
Lynae Vanee – Spelman College
Lynae Vanee is a multifaceted performer, poet, influencer, writer, and actress hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. She is a graduate of Spelman College and Boston University with a Master’s Degree in African American Studies and uses her digital platforms to speak on race, feminism, politics, and inclusivity. Lynae’s viral videos have garnered over 20 million views across platforms and has garnered the attention of several celebrities, major networks, and the general public.
Highlighted in the LA Times and Bustle, Lynae has built her brand on “keeping it black but keeping it brief” offering critical context on today’s issues in a succinct and stylized manner. Lynae is an NAACP Image Award Nominee and has collaborated with various brands such as Meta, Target, Revolt, Tommy Hilfiger, and Netflix, to name a few. She has also been a featured guest on The Cross Connection with Tiffany Cross and appeared in the 2021 Amazon Prime television special “Yearly Departed”.
Denville Myrie, Jr. – Howard University
Denville Myrie, Jr. is a 2014 graduate of Howard University and the CEO of Jerk At Nite, DC’s First Organic Food Service that cultivates Old Jamaican recipes with a Modern twist. The inspiration for Jerk at Nite came when Denville got to Howard and felt as though the food options late at night were scarce and unhealthy. He saw a void that needed to be filled and began cooking Jerk Chicken and other Jamaican dishes in his dorm room. He advertised his meals through social media and as it grew he acquired his first food truck in 2015 and the second truck in 2017.
Denville has set himself apart from other food trucks because of the ingredients and organic products used to enhance and bring out the natural flavors in the food. Jerk At Nite food truck uses the Caribbean and Latin fusion to produce eccentric and eclectic dishes, achieving Denville’s goal of bringing good, healthy meals to underserved communities in DC and Baltimore. Denville is driven by success and the need to build his community and break down cultural barriers. He is inspired by his hard-working Jamaican parents and grandparents who strived to give their children the best in life.
Tyrae Reid Jr – Bowie State University
Tyrae Reid is an alumna of Bowie State University with an impressive and extensive experience in coaching. Reid received his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Bowie State University in 2014 and a master’s degree in Exercise Science/Athletic Administration from McDaniel College in 2016. In 2013 he spent the season coaching quarterbacks at Bowie State as a student assistant. He is a former four-year letterman for the program and served as the quarterback’s coach during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. In March of the 2019 season, Tyrae joined Bowie’s State as the offensive coordinator where under his leadership the football team won three CIAA championships in a row.
Before beginning a coaching career, Reid was a quarterback for the Bulldogs, starting games in all four seasons (2009-2012), and was named to the CIAA All-Rookie Team in 2009. In 2022, Tyrae also was the Offensive Coordinator for the first-ever HBCU legacy bowl that was held in New Orleans, Louisiana. Recently, Tyrae was named the offensive assistant under the Doug Williams fellowship with Washington Commanders where he will work primarily with the quarterback and closely with the Offensive Coordinator. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Reid is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Darian Holt – Alcorn State University and Jackson State University
Darian “Dee” Holt is an Alcorn State University alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and recently received his Master’s in Public Health from Jackson State University He is a 6th-grade science teacher, an influencer, & public figure from Jackson, MS with a huge presence on social media. He went viral in 2021 following an Instagram post about his students mispronouncing his fraternity’s name. In the video, the kids mispronounced Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for “Apple Fried Apple,” a funny mistake that has brought forth many opportunities for Dee. Dee has since started the kid’s organization “Apple Fried Apple Inc.” which is now a non-profit. Several corporations, including Snapple, Motts Applesauce, Dole, Popeyes, and others, have reached out to Apple Fried Apple, Inc., about a possible partnership.
Through his viral moment, Dee has been able to impact kids in a positive way and educate them on HBCUs and Greek culture. His efforts have been featured on Good Morning America, BET Awards, The Nick Cannon Show, The Shaderoom, and local news and radio stations. He is also an HBCU advocate and covers HBCU football games for HBCU Gameday as well. Dee uses his social media following to bring more attention to HBCU culture and the positive impact it has on society. He is most proud of the impact he is leaving on kids and allowing them to be a part of something that can influence them to go to college and better themselves in the future.
Olutoyin Asubiojo – The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania
Olutoyin Asubiojo, or “Toy” as she’s often called, is a trailblazer when it comes to leadership and development. Her passion for leadership grew even stronger during her time at the nation’s first HBCU, Lincoln University, where she served on the Student Government Association (SGA) for three consecutive years. During her time at Lincoln, Toy became an Inroads intern, which jump-started her career at JP Morgan& Chase (JPMC). Upon graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Toy began her career at JPMC while finishing her MBA from Wilmington University. While at JPMC, Toy realized the importance of bringing opportunities to HBCU students. In her first year at the firm, she hosted the first-ever “HBCU Day” in the Delaware market for students from Lincoln University and Delaware State University to experience JPMC. That experience with HBCU Day inspired her to travel to various HBCUs to support recruiting needs to help bring black and Hispanic talent to the firm.
Toy now leads the HBCU & HSI Partnerships team at Capital One. In her role she’s responsible for helping the firm to work strategically with external partners to increase opportunities for Black and Latinx students at HBCUs and HSIs. She manages a portfolio of 12+ partnerships supporting HBCU and HSI students including Thurgood Marshall College Fund, United Negro College Fund, HBCU Week Foundation, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and Great Minds in Stem to name a few. Toy is an advocate of the greatness that stems from HBCUs and is also an example of it. Toy’s passion for mentorship and development led her to start her own business, Toy’s Take Branding. This company has allowed her to support women entrepreneurs by creating designs to help create and elevate their brands. Toy’s deep passion for supporting and elevating others is what drives her on a daily basis and her passion touches everyone that she comes in contact with.
Blake Van Putten – Howard University
Blake Van Putten is a Howard University alum and the founder and designer of CISE, a Black-owned clothing line. After receiving his B.B.A. in Supply Chain Management, Blake worked in New York City as a Senior Project Manager overseeing projects across financial institution groups. Originally from Los Angeles, Blake began producing and designing clothes in 2010. CISE is a Los Angeles-based clothing line with a simple idea: Stronger threads for a stronger community. Blake started CISE with the goal of creating apparel that gives a voice to those in society who are typically ignored. The apparel created is purposefully crafted to be both socially impactful and fashion-forward.
CISE has committed to donating to organizations that are committed to advancing minority and disadvantaged groups within society. As the company grows, the goal is to become a springboard for Black creatives and the Black dollar. Some of CISE’s accomplishments include donating over 4,000 PPE masks, over $61,500 in products, and $31,000 in monetary support to Black-owned organizations and businesses. They have accumulated 150K followers on Instagram, won grants from Ali Baba and the JLH Foundation, and have been featured in various publications such as TIME, Who What Wear, Bazaar, and Vogue since our inception in 2020. CISE has also participated in New York Fashion Week’s Black in Fashion Council Showroom on two consecutive occasions, has been featured on television shows including The Chi, P Valley, and Real Housewives of OC, and has been endorsed by various celebrities, such as Lizzo Beating and Marsai Martin.
Bobby Vincent, III, MS, PharmD, RPh – Hampton University
Bobby Vincent, III, PharmD, RPh is a graduate of Hampton University where he obtained a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Cannabis Science and Therapeutics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore – the first degree of its kind available in the United States. Dr. Vincent has experienced a host of unique learning opportunities, including time abroad in Thailand, The United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines as a medical volunteer. He also spent time with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Office of Science Policy and Communications as a pharmacy intern. Dr. Vincent currently serves the northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. metropolitan area as a pharmacist and medical consultant providing care for hundreds of cannabis patients.
Dr. Vincent is driven by a passion to bridge the medical cannabis industry with communities in need. He is the founder of Cannabis Health Alliances, LLC., building partnerships to advance therapy, policy, and patient accessibility. He also serves as the Communications Chair for the Virginia Pharmacists Association’s Academy of Medical Cannabis and a member of the organization’s Task Force for Racial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Dr. Vincent was honored as a Virginia Pharmacists Association “10 Under 10” award recipient, recognizing upcoming pharmacists advancing health initiatives in their community, and is also a recipient of the United States Public Health Service (U.S.P.H.S.) Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award. Dr. Vincent seeks to use his platform to advocate for the involvement of pharmacists in the medical cannabis industry
Carissa Smith – Bowie State University
Carissa Smith is a dynamic creative and political strategist who currently serves as Vice-President of FOX Corporation for Government Relations in the C-Suite. Smith graduated from Bowie State University in 2016 with a degree in Mass Communications. While at Bowie she was a collegiate all-conference hurdler and was voted to serve as Miss Bowie State University 2015-2016. Just this past year, Smith was awarded the Outstanding Alumna Award for her achievements following undergrad by Bowie State Faculty Leadership. After graduation, she served as a CBCF C-Suite intern. Smith has also successfully completed the CBC Institute’s Political Leadership Boot Camp and American University’s We Lead Institute.
Just recently she served President Biden as an appointed Senior Advisor of Public Engagement for Women and Girls and Health at the White House liaising and orchestrating key initiatives on behalf of key stakeholders. At age 24, Carissa served as National Women’s Vote Director for Joe Biden’s Presidential campaign. Her role was to create and orchestrate voter turnout initiatives for the women’s community. In the 2020 election, Carissa spearheaded the program to organize women to the polls which aided the historic turnout of 93% percent Black Women voters. Her prior experience includes serving as the press assistant for now Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), regional press secretary for the Ohio Democratic Party, and the Digital Press Secretary for House Majority Oversight Committee under the honorable Chairman Elijah Cummings (MD-07).
Nia Symone – Alabama State University
Nia Symone is a TV host, storyteller, entrepreneur, and former Alabama State women’s basketball player. She graduated from Alabama State University in May 2019 and is now the founder and creator of Purpose To Be Heard (PTBH), an authentic sports storytelling production company. PTBH’s goal is to change how society views athletes through authentic storytelling. Nia is seeking to show the world the many layers of athletes and the pressures that they endure. Her long-term goal is to help create a safe space for all athletes.
Nia has come a long way after taking a leap of faith and quitting her full-time job as an associate producer at CNN Sports. In 2021 Nia was named the host of Nike’s first-ever talk show “Come Thru.” Described as a show “for her, by her”, Nia interviewed game-changing Black women like singer/songwriter Victoria Monet, 2020 WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, retired WNBA legend Seimone Augustus, singer/songwriter Tinashe, and so many more. Nia’s goal is to amplify the voices of the underrepresented and unheard – specifically in HBCU sports. She is a multi-hyphenate creating a lane and space that no one has ever seen before.
Dorian Kirkwood – Howard University
Dorian Kirkwood is a Howard University alum and all-around creative in the Washington D.C. area. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Howard University in May of 2015, where he majored in advertising and minored in graphic design. He is proficient in web design, graphic design, creative design, branding, digital strategy, and apparel design. Dorian loves to network and build genuine professional relationships and would like to innovate and change how marketing and advertising are presented and processed to the world.
Dorian is the founder and head designer of Krown Media, a full-service digital and creative agency based in Washington, D.C. that specializes in brand building, design, content creation, and forward-thinking. He founded the company with the vision to help build brands and promote entrepreneurship. Krown Media has worked with big companies like Nike, Ciroc, Mcdonald’s, Facebook, and Diamonds by Ace. Through this company, Dorian is able to give back to his community with his new design program, These Kids Wear Krowns. This is a free program dedicated to giving back to the creators of tomorrow by teaching High School students in Washington, DC, and New York City graphic design, photography, and videography skills.
Darryl Johnson – North Carolina A&T State University
Darryl Johnson Jr. is an American football outside linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He played college football at North Carolina A&T from 2015 to 2018. He was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) defensive player of the year in 2018 and was an AFCA All-America in 2017. Darryl says wanted to play football “since I came out of the womb,” and is continuing to have an impressive career. Darryl has played two seasons with Buffalo Bills, one season with the Carolina Panthers and is currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks.
Charity Pourhabib – Hampton University
Charity Pourhabib was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and is a graduate of Hampton University. After graduating, she worked at Campbell Ewald and Zambezi on accounts such as Kaiser Permanente, IHOP, Venmo, Beats, and Kissimmee Tourism. She joined Wieden+Kennedy (W+K) Portland in 2019 as a brand executive for Facebook and now works on the Nike account. She is skilled in production, digital marketing, strategic planning, brand management, and more. By developing a strong sense of self, Charity has cultivated her extensive skill set by pushing the limit and resisting stagnancy.
In 2020, Charity founded the ADMagic Program in partnership with W+K Portland and W+K New York. The program seeks to provide more access, knowledge, and exposure for HBCU students into the advertising industry. The inaugural class completed the three-month program in April 2021 leaving with an in-depth look at the industry through mentorship, panel sessions, resources, and a real client brief experience. Outside of work, Charity loves to vacation and spend time with family. You might also find her attending concerts, scouring thrift stores, or practicing Farsi.
Dominique Vaultz – Virginia Union University
Dominique Vaultz is a Virginia Union University alum engrossed in everything film and media since graduating in 2017. She has five-plus years of experience in hosting, writing, production, and creativity which has prepared her for a career that she can dedicate herself to. She’s created two businesses both of which allow current HBCU students to intern and gain experience in the field. Dominique served as her campus queen for three consecutive years and took all of her accolades with her post-grad. She has served as the publicist for many celebrity clients that we all know and love today. Dominique is the epitome of what it means to serve and continue serving HBCUs.
Grant Bennett – Morehouse College
Grant Bennett is a proud native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and a Morehouse College alum. In 2020, he graduated from Morehouse with a B.A. in Psychology, and in the midst of graduating during the pandemic, Grant founded a nonprofit organization, The Two-Six Project. The organization was created to assist marginalized youth through intentional programming and scholarship in his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina. The organization has provided over $10,000 in scholarships to local youth; in addition, to over $60,000 in community support through its community events and programming. The Two-Six Project has partnered with brands such as Springbreak Watches, Nike, and Dreamville, in addition to hosting community events for music artist Morray, NBA professional basketball player Dennis Smith Jr., and social media influencer Vic Blends.
Grant has worked as a producer and consultant for the NFL, Adobe, and HBOMax. He works as a business partner and manager for social media influencer, Vic Blends. In addition, his work has been highlighted by Forbes and President Bill Clinton. Grant was named the Morehouse representative for the 2021 Nike Yardrunner 2.0 campaign and to the 2022 Fayetteville Observer 40 Under 40 list. He currently works at Google as a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Strategist, with a concentration in Analytics, Partnerships, and Storytelling. Grant is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Daryl Riley, Jr. – Hampton University & North Carolina A&T State University
Daryl “DJ” Riley, Jr. is a first-generation business owner and a two-time HBCU graduate. He received his bachelor’s degree from Hampton University in 2020, and his master’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University in 2022, both in Electrical Engineering, respectively. DJ began his entrepreneurial journey in June 2020 when he and his partners’ senior design project won the “Future of Fashion” section of the Forbes-sponsored pitch competition called “The Future is iCON.” Once he realized there were people out there who believed in their idea, he started looking for more opportunities to showcase the project which eventually became the fashion technology business, Tendaji, which means “make things happen” in Swahili. DJ says that Tendaji’s ultimate goal is to “integrate the productivity that technology provides while also giving our consumers that style and confidence that fashion provides.” Tendaji is still in its business ideation phase but looking to launch as early as January 2024.
Throughout DJ’s two-year entrepreneurial journey, he became a Class 4 Senior Fellow for the venture capital organization, HBCUvc; a Program MVP for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund pitch competition, “The Pitch 2021”; a Lead Legacy Ambassador for the first Annual Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic; a Watch the Yard content creator; a Top 7 Student Visionary for the first Annual Black Girl Ventures x NBA Foundation NextGen Program; as well as a two-time Semifinalist for Pharrell Williams’s Black Ambition Prize Competition. During his time at NCAT, he was a Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Scholar and member of the Graduate Student Advisory Council representing the COE and of the Golden Key International Honour Society. He also served as a lead ambassador for Michael B. Jordan’s Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic.
Christopher Hinton – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Christopher Hinton is a graduate of North Carolina A&T and currently serves the Academy Network of Winston-Salem as a member of the Board of Directors. There, he oversees the operations of five early learning academies. He also serves the community of High Point University as a Professor in the Phillips School of Business.
Beyond academia and his professional life, Hinton is an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and serves as the International Deputy Chief of Staff to the organization. Daily, he strives to give back to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County community through his philanthropic nonprofit organization, the Hinton Foundation, which was founded to engage the community, advocate for students, and empower the next generation. He is also a Board Member of the Child Care Resource Center of North Carolina. Further, he’s been recognized as an Alain Leroy Locke Scholar, Appalachian State Horizon Award Recipient, and the 2018 Greek Man of the year.
Matthew Reeds – Morgan State University
Matthew Reeds is a proud alumnus of Morgan State University and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. As a senior at Morgan, he was elected to the Morgan State University Board of Regents, serving as a voting board member. Matthew has become one of Baltimore’s rising young adults in the areas of philanthropy, business, and community service, recently named to the Baltimore Business Journal as a Person on the Move. As an undergraduate student, Matthew also donated 5,000 to the university.
Matthew also started the Reeds Fund, a Baltimore-based not-for-profit that educates, advocates, and liberates families impacted by autism and sarcoidosis after witnessing the lack and utter neglect of citywide resources. This initiative is one close to Matthew’s heart as his little sister was diagnosed with autism at a young age and his mother has been battling sarcoidosis for years, both being on the receiving end of insufficient and inadequate healthcare resources. As a senior undergraduate student, Matthew understood that the city of Baltimore needed a resource to break the socio-economic barriers to lower-income communities and their ability to access specialized healthcare and services. The Reeds Fund understands the necessity to partner with global leaders while identifying high-impact solutions that can effectively alleviate health disparities while providing individuals the opportunity to live vibrant, productive lives.
Elijah Rutland – Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Elijah Rutland is a recent Florida A&M University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. Rutland has made a name for himself in the art space with his brand Fix My Sole, where he focuses on customizing sneakers and vintage clothing items such as T-shirts, jean jackets, hats, murals, canvas paintings, digital art, and many other items. Elijah creates narrative and life-inspired work that pulls from his personal experiences as a young black male in America. He often uses very rich colors to address many issues that have affected African Americans as a people and personal issues that he faces or has had to face throughout his life.
Elijah is already securing deals with Nike, Beats by Dre, Xfinity, and Walmart and has most recently been named National Brand Ambassador for the Pohanka Automotive Grou. He has also been fortunate to collaborate with many notable people such as K. Michelle, KevOnStage, Chance the Rapper, Roy Wood Jr., and Spice Adams just to name a few. He has interned with Warner Brothers and Disney in the past and has now been recognized for his work in many well-known and established media outlets such as Complex, Buzzfeed News, Essence.com, GQ.com, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, The ShadeRoom and many more. Elijah gives back to his community by using some of his profits to support other entrepreneurs and talks to students in his hometown. During his time at FAMU, He was a member of the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and was also a trumpet player in the university’s Marching 100 band.
Dr. Kilan Bishop – Morgan State University
Dr. Kilan C. Ashad-Bishop is a biomedical scientist and advocate for inclusion who has carved her niche at the intersection of science, health, and social change. She is a proud alumna of Morgan State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, and the University of Miami, where she earned her Ph.D. in Cancer Biology. Dr. Kilan is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Miami and the Inaugural Director of the First Star National STEAM Academy. Her professional experience spans academic research, policy, and the nonprofit and private sectors, but her goal remains to improve the health and well-being of communities of color.
Dr. Kilan is an outspoken advocate for equity and inclusion in health, science, and society and the responsibility of science and scientists to advance positive social change. She is a regular volunteer and advisor to various K-12 and collegiate STEM programs designed to mentor, uplift, and support the next generation of scientists. She co-founded STEMNoire, a research and wellness community for Black women in STEM, and has previously served as the Vice-Chair of the City of Miami Climate Resilience Committee. There she leveraged her research background and community outreach to advance policies to prioritize low-income communities in resilience planning. She has been recognized as a Black Woman in Excellence (2020); National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Fellow (2019); Edward Bouchet Graduate Honor Society Inductee (2018); New Leaders Council Fellow (2016); Legacy Magazine, 40 Under 40 (2016); and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Defining Pearl (2015).
Tasha McCaskiel – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Tasha McCaskiel attended North Carolina A&T and graduated with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. After graduating Tasha became a self-employed PR Consultant and started her own clothing brand, Shop TashJMackk. She then moved to New York to pursue her Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communications at New York University. During her time in New York, she interned at VH1, Comedy Central, and BET under Stephen Hill, who was the Director of Programming at the time. She moved back to Charlotte but noticed a lack of opportunities in her hometown so she took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles.
Since 2018, Tasha has been connecting minority women in the media industry with career opportunities through her organization Black Girls in Media (BGIM). Black Girls In Media is a networking organization committed to supporting and uplifting minority women in the media industry. BGIM has a community of over 80,000 women, and they just completed their first in-person conference in Atlanta that served over 200 women. Tasha is a trailblazer in the media industry providing a platform to highlight professionals in the field and bless other women with opportunities.
Leah Williams – Delaware State University
Leah Williams graduated from Delaware State University in 2015, making history, as the first person to ever be awarded both the Presidential Academic Award for her cumulative 4.0 GPA and the Presidential Leadership Award for her campus leadership. She returned to DSU, completing her MBA the following year, and currently works as a Program Manager for one of the top Defense Technology companies in the world. Leah obtained her second master’s degree in Cybersecurity Technology in March 2020, with a 4.0 GPA, from the University of Maryland Global Campus. A lifelong learner, she has continued to further her education by obtaining both the Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), and Security+ Certifications. She also serves on the Advisory Council for the Business Women in Leadership Program at Florida International University.
Leah has received several honors, including being selected as one of the top 30 under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars in the Country by Thomas & the Institute of Supply Management in 2017, being recognized as the Top Supply Chain Analyst of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals in 2019, and being named the Woman of the Year by Employee Resource Group within her workplace in 2019 and 2020. Leah is also an advocate for Crohn’s disease after being diagnosed at the age of 22. In 2020, she was selected to present to spread awareness of Crohn’s disease and other illnesses for the Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference. She continues to be involved in the affairs of her alma mater as she currently serves as the youngest-ever President of DSU’s Alumni Association and was also selected as DSU’s 2020 Convocation Keynote Speaker.
Myja Gary – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Myja Gary is North Carolina A&T State University alumna blazing trails in the male-dominated tech space. She received her Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University. Today, she is a Corporate Communications Manager at Zoom and serves as a strategic communications advisor and expert to internal stakeholders and executive leaders. Myja is the first Black woman to lead HR communications at the company and is dedicated to helping increase the representation of minority groups in the tech space. She also works in partnership with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Organization at Zoom where she helped launch and lead the first Black Employee Resource Group, Zoom Soul, and the first DEI Report at Zoom.
Myja is an activist and champion for women leadership and hosted the Turn Up and Turn Out the Vote Virtual Bus Tour alongside Madam Vice President Kamala Harris to help educate students at HBCUs on the importance of voting. During her undergraduate tenure, Myja served as Vice President of Print for the NCA&T chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, Copy Editor for the campus yearbook, and Reporter for the campus newspaper, amongst many other honor societies and campus organizations. She is also the former Miss Agricultural and Technical State University, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She went on to place 1st runner-up in the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame competition of HBCU Queens and was crowned Miss Black USA 2021. Through her platform, Bridging the Gap, Myja advocates for creating a pathway for the next generation of women leaders through mentorship, and career readiness.
Alena Jackson – Texas Southern University
Alena Jackson is a Texas Southern University alum currently serving as the Senior Marketing Manager at SALxCO, home to some of the best entertainers in the world. She was first introduced to the music industry after enrolling in an entertainment management class taught by businessman and former Destiny’s Child manager, Mathew Knowles at Texas Southern University. After one semester she was so inspired by his impact on the music industry she made it her mission to make her mark as well.
After graduating from Texas Southern Alena headed straight to Los Angeles to make her dreams come true. That’s when she got her first music job at Motown Records. After 2 years at Motown, she took her talent to the #1 entertainment management company in the world SALXCO as Senior Marketing Manager. She is in charge of overseeing and leading all marketing and digital campaigns and has executed remarkable album rollouts for artists such as Nicki Minaj, Lil Baby, City Girls, London On Da Track, and more.
Diamond Young – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Diamond Young is a proud 2x graduate of North Carolina A&T State University where she received both her BS and MBA degrees. After completing grad school, Diamond relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area to start working with the Learning & Development team at Twitter when she soon discovered the lack of black businesses in the area. She is now the founder of Diamond Unlimited & BLK Directory and is teaching entrepreneurs and small business owners how to be limitless and strive in their ventures. Through the BLK Directory platform, Diamond is able to bring discovery, respect, and attention to minority entrepreneurs from all over the world. BLK Directory is an online platform that helps to increase the visibility of small black-owned businesses across the globe.
Diamond also produces and hosts the BLK Directory Podcast, a weekly show that focuses on sharing the stories of black entrepreneurs with a wide lens. Through the podcast, she has been able to reach an audience that spans over 20 countries all over the world. Diamond is passionate about helping her clients create a clear and strategic plan to reach their goals as an entrepreneur. She’s also taken on the title of a Podcast mentor and leads workshops that give aspiring podcasters the tools and confidence to create their own show. Outside the app and podcast, Diamond has been able to curate unique and remarkable events, like Melanated Yoga, in the Houston community under the BLK Directory umbrella.
Jade Lawson – Hampton University
Jade Lawson is a proud graduate of Hampton University and an Emmy-nominated journalist. As a journalist and creative producer, she has contributed to several platforms under the ABC News flagship including ABC News Digital, Good Morning America, and Primetime specials. She has interviewed some of music’s biggest stars like Lil Kim, Megan Thee Stallion, Mary J Blige, and Jazmine Sullivan. Jade is a 2x NABJ Salute to Excellence award winner for her coverage on environmental racism and for speaking to the descendants of Black leaders like Frederick Douglass, Ida B Wells, and Malcolm X. She loves bringing awareness to HBCUs through her stories.
Earlier this year, Jade covered the 54th anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre at South Carolina State and Howard’s on-campus housing protests. She’s worked on ABC News prime time specials including Soul of a Nation, the Real Queens of Hip Hop, and Mike Tyson: The Knockout. She also collaborated with Togethxr’s ‘Title IX Triumphs,’ celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX and the push for gender equity in education and sports. Jade is currently developing an independent documentary exploring women in hip-hop.
