Aireka Harvell

Aireka Harvell is a Nashville native and first-generation college graduate. She is an alumni of Tennessee State University, an HBCU in Nashville,TN, and Cumberland University where she received a bachelors degree in Business Administration. She completed graduate studies in Organizational Leadership at Middle Tennessee State University. Aireka has a decade of experience in high-scale customer loyalty with national brands like AT&T and Plenti Loyalty. She is now the founder and CEO of Nodat Inc., an AI-empowered app that uses artificial intelligence, machine learning and natural language processing to create a virtual agent that helps consumers navigate local services and resources, and create personalized experiences that can better meet their needs. In 2018, Aireka teamed up with two other Black tech entrepreneurs to co-found the first accelerator for entrepreneurs of color in Nashville called Twende (Swahili for “let’s go”). Twende has since grown to a statewide initiative backed by Governor Lee to help more founders of color succeed in their businesses. Aireka works with financial institutions to help close the funding gap for BIPOC women entrepreneurs. She is also a volunteer with the SBA SCORE program and has judged pitch competitions for Yale University Startup Yale, AT&T and Connected Nations. She was inducted into the Nashville Business Journal 40 Under 40, Women Who Rock Nashville and Marquis Who’s Who In America for her contributions to the Nashville business community. She has guest appeared for The National Coalition of 100 Black Women and Dr. Katherine Y. Brown Leadership Academy to encourage more Black women and Black girls to enter S.T.E.A.M. careers by transparently sharing her story to remind them it doesn’t matter where you come from, you can accomplish anything if you hold on to your vision and persistently pursue it. She is helping to pave the way for Black women and little Black girls in the world of tech and entrepreneurship. Nodat participated in multiple accelerators including the AWS Impact Accelerator for Black Founders where her company received a $225K non-dilutive grant and mentorship from the AWS executives.

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith is the Head of Strategy at Thnks, a B2B software company dedicated to growing business with gratitude. He's also a partner in a media company, a guest host on Supertalk 99.7 FM, and a regular columnist for Al.com and the USA Today Network based at the Tennessean. He served as the Executive Director of the House Republican Policy Committee in Washington, D.C. Previously, he provided counsel to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on the governor-elect’s transition team. He served as the Executive Director of the House Republican Policy Committee in Washington, D.C. Previously, he provided counsel to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on the governor-elect’s transition team. Cameron has served as counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and as an executive with several nonprofits focused on shaping free-market policy, defending individual liberty, and promoting common sense in politics. He lives with his wife, Justine, and three sons in Nolensville, TN, where he grows heirloom tomatoes, coaches youth sports, and tinkers with small engines.

Chris Clausi

Chris is a Senior HR Leader with a track record of success in talent acquisition and HR strategic planning. He is passionate about finding efficient solutions that save costs without sacrificing quality. As the Chief Human Resources Officer, Chris aligned business objectives with employees and management, leading recruitment, culture, and employer branding efforts. His focus on culture and hiring practices reduced employee turnover by 10% within the first year. In addition to HR leadership, Chris has coached and trained state judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors, and treatment court members on implementing and sustaining treatment court programs. He co-authored the first treatment court training for Law Enforcement Officers and trained over 1,000 officers to better serve community members with addiction-related crimes. Chris holds a JD from Nashville School of Law and a BS in Management and Ethics from Williamson College. He is a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and a Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional. Chris's expertise includes policy and best practice recommendations, revamping hiring and onboarding processes, and workforce diversity and inclusion.

Christal Hector

Christal is the co-founder of TuneHatch, a web-based platform that helps independent music artists and venues book more profitable shows and fans find shows they'll love.

TuneHatch has partnered with traditional venues, like the Bowery Vault, as well as more unconventional spaces, such as CBRE's Sylvan Supply and the World Renowned "Art of Banksy" Exhibit.

Christal has won and placed at a variety of pitch competitions, with recent ones being a win at Founders Live Nashville and 3rd place at the CEO Global Pitch Competition in Chicago.

Danny Pippin

Danny Pippin is the founder of Pippin Leadership Servies, Co-Founder of GCB Ventures, and Chief Operating Officer of Couture Technologies. He wears many hats (literally and figuratively). As a Business Coach and Sales Strategist, he specializes in behavioral analysis, building high-performing teams, and sales growth strategies. His core philosophy is: "Business isn’t about closing a sale, it’s about building relationships with your internal and external customers. When we align our focus to these interactions, the results follow." Using this approach, Danny has served over 50 global brands and many small businesses. Before establishing his private consultancy, Danny spent over 18 years leading multiple multimillion-dollar businesses and building leadership and sales teams all across the country in the telecom and corporate retail industries for brands such as Buckle, PacSun, Lucky Brand, and Billy Reid. Today you will find Danny leading workshops, group coaching sessions, and consulting business leaders on how to grow themselves, their teams, and their business profitability. Danny creates a fun and empowering learning experience by combining his distinctive style, corporate background experience, and proven time-tested principles from working alongside John Maxwell, Dr. Robert Caildini, and many more.

Deanna Meador

Deanna Meador is the Deputy Director at the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt University’s Innovation Center and the CEO of fashion technology company Couture Technologies.She began Couture Technologies, alongside her co-founder Dr. Marcelino Rodriguez-Cancio, to empower direct-to-consumer fashion and workwear apparel brands with virtual try on technology, decreases returns and increase conversion rates. Couture Technologies is a National Science Foundation 3D garment creation services, and enhanced data analytics designed to reduce funded company that was recognized as one of the Top 9 tech startups in the world during the Olympics of Tech, the 2023 Most Innovative Apparel E-Commerce Tech Solution, 2022 Most Innovative Apparel Sales Software Company in the World, and one of the Top 3D Companies in Tennessee.Deanna is a successful serial entrepreneur and inventor who describes herself as never meeting a challenge she didn’t like. Her love of problem solving and the ability to develop solutions that impact the lives of people has driven each of her business ventures. On March 8th , 2023, International Women’s Day, Deanna made history when she became the first woman to raise $1.5M in 8 hours. She intentionally structured her raise in this way to start to change the narrative around the lack of funding for women-owned companies.Over the last 5 years, she has taught over 15 cohorts of aspiring entrepreneurs and mentored over 500 teams as they evaluated new technologies and launched new ventures. Deanna really enjoys working with creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs that dedicate their lives and talentsto making a positive impact in the world..

Genma Holmes

Genma Stringer Holmes is an award winning serial entrepreneur and media influencer. Genma has won numerous awards from the International Association of Business Communicators for projects as diverse as editorial work for print publications, digital communications, online branding, and social media management. Genma has also been recognized for her civic and philanthropic endeavors. She is the creator and manager behind many social media campaigns for a number of educational and charitable organizations. In 2018, Genma was named one of the 25 Most Influential Black Women in America by the Network Business Journal in New York. She has also been recognized for her work with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, a federation of over 3,000 women's clubs in the United States which promote civic improvements through volunteer service. She has received numerous accolades for her advocacy work for military families and the veteran community. In 2022, she received awards of excellence and merit from the International Association of Business Communicators for her outstanding work in communications. She advises Black owned companies on how to navigate contracts and access resources to help diversify their companies to keep their family owned businesses in the family.

Jeremy Qualls

Dr. Jeremy Qualls is the Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (EIC) and the College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE) with Williamson County Schools. Dr. Qualls brings energy and innovation to both academic programs. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of the EIC and CCTE, Dr. Qualls served as the district athletic director for Williamson County Schools. He has over eight years of experience as a principal, assistant principal, coach, and teacher. Dr. Qualls received his Doctorate at Freed-Hardeman University, his Masters from Middle Tn State University, and his Bachelor’s degree at Austin Peay State University where he played college basketball. During his tenure as athletic director, Dr. Qualls created the Williamson County Game Day, One Conference, One Goal initiative, WILCO Awards, and received the Legacy Award for Williamson County Schools Athletics. In conjunction with the current athletic director, Dr. Qualls created a Work Based Learning program called Outside the Lines for students to gain work experience in sports-related positions. As part of this partnership, the students are able to work with the TN Titans receiving invaluable experience and feedback. Dr. Qualls's leadership, ingenious thinking, and enthusiasm are part of what makes the EIC and CCTE programs in Williamson County Schools some of the most unique programs in the state.

Karen Williams

Karen Williams is an entrepreneur, speaker, and Founder/CEO of Cultural Avid formerly MinTech Agency, focusing on Diversity Talent Acquisition Strategies. Under MinTech Agency Karen worked with a range of organizations from Fortune 500 companies to startups with the mission to increase diversity in their engineering departments. During Karen’s time running MinTech Agency, she noticed numerous reasons companies were struggling to attract and convert diverse talent which led her to pivot her company’s focus to identifying and improving the root of the issue with the launch of Cultural Avid in 2022. Karen studied Business Administration and Human Resource Management at Strayer University, where she received her BBA. She serves as a member of WITT (Women in Technology of Tennessee) Scholarship Committee, the Nashville Technology Council Diversity Committee, and a member of the Table. For her immense efforts to increase diversity in tech, Karen won the Nashville Black Chamber Rising Star award in 2019 and was a finalist for the 2021 Nashville Next Awards Emerging Entrepreneur and Technology startup of the year. She has since been featured in a local publication, Nashville Business Journal, Nashville Post, and Urbaanite and national publications Essence and Business Insider.

Laura McAllister

Laura H. McAlister, M.Ed., PMP holds 25+ years expertise in healthcare, legal, and insurance with emphasis in project management, leadership development, coaching and mentoring, corporate training, and strategic planning. She currently serves as Senior Consultant, Executive Coach, and Workshop Facilitator with Fun2GrowOn Consulting LLC using John Maxwell Leadership content in multiple industries. She has also contributed as Vice President of Implementations for Episode Solutions, Senior Consultant for North Highland Consulting, Regional Vice President, Account Management for Kyruus, and Portfolio Director, Clinical Informatics for HCA, always leading teams of project professionals implementing healthcare solutions. Her experience spans portfolio and program management, change management, facilitation, group/personal coaching, DISC behavioral consulting, and corporate training. Laura holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master’s in Organizational Leadership/ Communication both from Belmont University and multiple certifications. When she’s not coaching or working with teams she enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, and traveling with her husband and family.

Lindsay Baier

Lindsay is the CEO and Co-Founder of LNCsearch. She has 15 years of experience in the recruiting industry with a successful track record of launching high performing teams in both Accounting, Finance ,and Healthcare. Prior to opening LNCsearch, Lindsay built out divisions at several other search firms where she earned the Top Salesperson of the year and attended the President's Club Sales Trip six out of eight eligible years. Lindsay is passionate about helping companies find the right talent and building positive cultures.

Mel Taylor

Mel Taylor is an international business coach who has helped countless entrepreneurs and business owners achieve their goals. With over 20 years of experience in the business world, Mel has worked with businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations. Mel’s coaching philosophy is centered around empowering business owners to take their business to the next level. She helps entrepreneurs see the big picture, and shares impactful techniques that help identify how and why key parts of the business need to be aligned in order for growth and success to be realized. She is insightful, funny and direct. She pinpoints strengths and weaknesses and teaches how to develop strategies that overcome obstacles and achieve goals. She also provides guidance on strategic planning, marketing, sales, leadership, and team building. Mel’s clients praise her for her ability to understand their unique challenges and provide practical, actionable advice. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, Mel’s thought leadership can help you achieve your goals and unlock your full potential.

Nathan Riches

Nathan Riches is a content strategist with 18+ years of experience in business education and live events. Nathan's specialty is creating educational experiences that break down the complex into actionable insights. 

Nathan has worked with numerous best-selling authors, MBA professors, business leaders, and world leaders crafting stories that inspire action. 

You can also find him at his wife's bakery, Baked in Nashville, making dough and baking cakes. 

Sonya Davis

Sonya Cotham-Davis, a Nashville native, is a seasoned, professional banker in the Metropolitan Nashville & surrounding areas. Throughout Sonya’s 20 plus years as a banker and business professional, she has utilized her experience and passion for helping people in the community through leadership and service. Sonya’s dynamic “can do” personality coupled with her honest approach to people made her a trusted well-liked solutions provider within the community. Sonya was elected and served as the local Area President of Exhale for Women, an international women’s empowerment organization. She was re-elected after her first term and promoted to Chapter Director spanning 5 states area where she spearheaded countless community related events and initiatives helpful to both her internal leadership team, members, and the public. She pioneered and established 15 and 30, LLC which educates underserved youths between the ages of 15 and 30 about financial literacy. Sonya was elected and served as the local Area President of Exhale for Women, an international women’s empowerment organization. She was re-elected after her first term and promoted to Chapter Director spanning 5 states area where she spearheaded countless community related events and initiatives helpful to both her internal leadership team, members, and the public. She pioneered and established 15 and 30, LLC which educates underserved youths between the ages of 15 and 30 about financial literacy. Sonya is a Business Banking Relationship Manager at U.S. Bank where she is a trusted advisor to business owners.

Jared and Stacey Haslam

Jared and Stacey Haslam are the co-founders of the Kintsugi Institute. Jared spent 17+ years in the automotive industry including a stint in Japan and rising to the VP rank at Nissan North America. About the time Jared began to recognize a deeper passion for building strong work cultures, Stacey returned to post-graduate education for a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. They realized that melding their experience and expertise could have a unique impact on professionals and the business community. Thus, Jared stepped away from his automotive career to start Kintsugi Institute with Stacey. With Stacey’s training in systemic marriage and family relationship principles, along with Jared’s business and executive experience, they offer a powerful combination to get to the heart of challenging issues in business and professional life, and ultimately provide a path forward for greater performance and deeper purpose. Together they share a love of music with Stacey having performed in the Nashville Symphony Chorus and Jared once upon a time performing in a college ska band. Each of their 5 children has caught the music bug as well and their neighbors often suffer through family jam sessions. They are proud to call Middle Tennessee home.

Stæven Frey, MFA

Stæven is the adorkable Founder and the Chief Brand Scientist at Quantum Branding. He helps brands become authentic and memorable category leaders through the power of BrandScience™ —the core of what fuels a successful brand’s growth, sales, and marketing.

Suki Mulberg Altamirano

Suki Mulberg Altamirano is the Founder of Lexington PR, an award-winning Nashville and Seattle-based public relations and marketing firm that helps businesses develop brand identity, grow consumer trust, generate investor interest and drive greater valuations through the power of storytelling. Her firm specializes in partnering with businesses to bring their story to life through memorable messaging, by creating engaging brand content across owned media channels, and by securing earned media placements as well as executive bylines in top-tier outlets. She has worked with both B2B and B2C businesses, ranging from global names to Fortune 500s, Inc. 5,000 fast-growth companies as well specialty brands and VC-backed startups across an array of industries including technology, supply chain management, biotech, digital health, fashion, wellness, beauty, food and more.

Prior to founding Lexington Public Relations, Suki held in-house public relations roles in New York City and San Francisco, overseeing media relations for global consumer and luxury goods brands, including Williams-Sonoma, Elizabeth Arden and KENZO, part of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

Suki is fluent in Spanish and received her Bachelor of Science at New York University. She has called New York City, Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati and San Francisco home, and now resides in Seattle, her original hometown, with her husband and two sons. 

Victoria Quigley

Victoria Quigley is dedicated to her community, advocating for small business growth and development. As the Director of Small Business and Growth Initiatives for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Victoria works to provide quality programming and resources to small businesses in the region. Prior to joining the Chamber, Victoria worked for United Way of Greater Nashville in the Workplace Engagement team, engaging corporate partners in fundraising support for non-profits in the Greater Nashville area. Connecting with non-profits and small businesses has been a great way to integrate into the community after moving to Nashville from Rhode Island in 2018. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island in 2015, Victoria worked for a disaster relief organization, traveling the world connecting corporations to areas recovering from natural disasters and funding response and recovery programs. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys spending time with her fiancé Patrick and Boston-Terrier Lola, walking around her Donelson neighborhood and visiting all the best restaurants Nashville has to offer!

Wendy Taylor

Wendy Taylor is a management consultant focused on early stage entrepreneurial companies and an executive coach focused on founders and executives. Wendy has two decades of experience as a management consultant. She has led client engagements for more than two dozen angel-invested and venture-backed startups, in numerous verticals. Her clients’ exit rate is 64 percent. Wendy has also led client engagements for dozens of Fortune 500 companies with global brands, in numerous verticals, as well as Stanford University and one of the top multilevel marketing companies in the United States. Wendy is an expert in management education. She has developed curriculum for two global best practices groups, one for C-Level and Senior Vice Presidents responsible for strategy, and one for Vice Presidents and Senior Directors responsible for operations. She is the programming chair for Nashville Entrepreneur Week and active in the StartupNash community. Wendy has developed a unique approach to founder coaching that addresses the fact that the most common cause of failure in startup companies is founder issues. She works with founders to identify the specific issues that are most likely to stand in the way of their success and ways to eliminate the risks associated with those issues. Previously, Wendy was Vice President of Operations for Paymap, a pioneering FinTech startup where she managed over 400 employees. After Paymap was acquired for $80 million, she had managed the operational merger with the acquiring company, and played a pivotal role in achieving merger metrics that earned a $20 million bonus for the founders. Wendy has conducted 12,000 interviews and trained hundreds of hiring managers and dozens of recruiters to conduct interviews, and has hired thousands in her career. When she isn’t working with clients, Wendy can be found playing the piano, singing classical choral soprano, keeping score at and live tweeting baseball games, and hosting dinner salons bringing together thought leaders and entrepreneurs for candid dinner conversations about contemporary topics.