Past Speakers

La June Montgomery Tabron is President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and one of the nation's leading voices on racial healing and community transformation. She has dedicated her career to advancing equity, opportunity, and pathways to success for children, families, and communities. Her work inspires collaborative solutions that address some of society's most pressing challenges.

Wenda Weekes Moore is a pioneering civic and philanthropic leader who became the first African American and first woman to serve as chair of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. She also served as chair of the Board of Trustees of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, helping guide one of the nation's most influential philanthropic institutions. Throughout her career, she has championed equity, education, and community leadership while opening doors for future generations of leaders.

Meredith Leigh Moore is an executive coach, strategic communications leader, and president of Leverette Weekes, where she helps leaders and organizations amplify their impact through authentic leadership and storytelling. Her career spans corporate philanthropy, community engagement, and leadership development, with a focus on advancing equity and opportunity. Through her work, she empowers individuals and organizations to build stronger relationships, navigate change, and lead with purpose.

James C. Burroughs is Vice President of Global Community Engagement and is seen as a respected leader in corporate social responsibility. His work focuses on advancing health equity, community investment, and inclusive partnerships that improve outcomes for underserved populations. He is widely recognized for connecting business leadership with meaningful social impact.

Tiffani Daniels is a strategic communications and public affairs executive known for helping organizations navigate complex social and community issues. Her work bridges leadership, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to create stronger connections between institutions and the communities they serve. She is a trusted voice on equity, public engagement, and organizational transformation.

Simone Hardeman-Jones is a nonprofit executive and community leader dedicated to advancing economic mobility and educational opportunity. Her work centers on creating pathways for individuals and families to thrive through strategic partnerships and innovative programming. She is passionate about empowering communities and developing future leaders.

Chanda Smith Baker is a nationally recognized philanthropic leader and advocate for racial and economic equity. Throughout her career, she has worked to advance community-driven solutions that strengthen families, organizations, and underserved communities. Her leadership continues to influence conversations about equity, opportunity, and systems change across the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.

Adrinda Kelly is an accomplished nonprofit leader whose career has focused on education, youth development, and community engagement. She has championed initiatives that expand opportunities for young people while strengthening the organizations that serve them. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and social impact.

Chasity Lord is a philanthropic leader and advocate for economic mobility, educational advancement, and community investment. Throughout her career, she has worked to create equitable opportunities for individuals and families through strategic grantmaking and systems-level change. Her leadership continues to shape conversations about philanthropy's role in building stronger communities.

Temi Bennett is a respected strategist and advisor whose work focuses on leadership development, organizational growth, and community impact. She has helped mission-driven organizations strengthen their effectiveness and expand their influence through thoughtful planning and innovation. Her expertise lies in building sustainable pathways for long-term success.

Elizabeth “Liz” Thompson is a leader in philanthropy and social impact with extensive experience advancing equity-focused initiatives. Her work centers on strengthening communities through strategic partnerships, civic engagement, and innovative approaches to grantmaking. She is committed to helping organizations create measurable and lasting change.

Carla Thompson Payne is a nationally recognized philanthropic executive and advocate for inclusive economic growth. Her leadership has helped shape conversations around equity, systems change, and the role of philanthropy in creating stronger communities. She brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to addressing complex social challenges.

Alandra Byrd Washington is a community leader and strategist dedicated to advancing educational opportunity, civic engagement, and social impact. Her work focuses on building partnerships that empower individuals and strengthen communities. She is recognized for her commitment to fostering inclusive leadership and meaningful change.

Sadiqa Reynolds is a nationally respected leader, attorney, and advocate for economic mobility and racial equity. As the former CEO of the Louisville Urban League, she led transformative initiatives focused on education, workforce development, and social justice. Her work continues to inspire bold action and systemic change across communities nationwide.

Toya Nash Randall is a leader in philanthropy and community engagement whose work focuses on creating opportunities for underserved populations. She has built a reputation for fostering strategic partnerships that drive meaningful social impact and community advancement. Her leadership reflects a commitment to equity, innovation, and sustainable change.