Speakers
Anikka King is the Economic Development Program Officer at LISC Jacksonville, where she leads strategic economic development initiatives, including small business support, workforce development, and strengthening the network of Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs). Previously, she managed economic development and strategic planning for a municipality in Indiana, focusing on neighborhood revitalization and nonprofit capacity building. King also founded and operated ANFG, a financial services company, gaining firsthand experience in small business operations and urban community needs. A Paul Harris Fellow, she has served on seven nonprofit boards and will soon complete her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Anderson University.
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Barry Johnson, a Louisville, KY native, is the President of KSUNAA and previously served as National Vice President (2022-24). He has held leadership roles in the Louisville Alumni Chapter and the KY Region. A Fall 1991 initiate of Kappa Alpha Psi’s Alpha Upsilon Chapter, he has also served on the boards of the Frankfort Alumni Chapter and the Alpha Upsilon Foundation.Professionally, Barry is a District Manager at AbbVie Pharmaceuticals, specializing in mental health for over 20 years. He is the Founder and CEO of The Orange & Black Foundation, supporting Fern Creek athletics, and a managing partner at C. Walker Properties, LLC, alongside his wife, Hope. His business ventures also include Ethan Barry Apparel and LoPro Real Estate Solutions.A KSUNAA Life Member and Class of 1994 graduate, Barry is married to Hope, and they have three sons, Barry III, Ethan, and Cole, as well as a granddaughter, Kalani. He enjoys traveling, cooking, and true crime podcasts.
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Brandon Gibson is a seasoned entrepreneur, real estate managing director, and co-founder of Flume, one of the few Black/Brown-founded fiber-based broadband internet service providers in the U.S. With a passion for creating impact, Brandon began his entrepreneurial journey at age six and acquired his first real estate property at 19 in East New York. He has since developed 3,000 workforce housing units and is committed to increasing attainable housing options for underserved communities. As a speaker, he empowers audiences to dream big and supports people of color in discovering their purpose and making lasting impacts. Brandon’s work focuses on ensuring equitable access to reliable internet and fostering opportunities for economic empowerment in marginalized communities.
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Corlan King-Phillips is the Chairman and CEO of IFA(E-Fa) Financial Holdings LLC. IFA is based out of Los Angeles CA and specializes in private investments education, consumer credit education, corporate financial strategies, financial paralegal consultation, underwriting, securities registration, and Securities Exchange Commission consultation/training. IFA, an accredited investor, owns and manages a private capital fund that invests in start-up/established minority owned businesses, and corporate mergers/acquisitions. Mr. King-Phillips has roots in the bluegrass state starting from 1998 to 2024. He is a Western Kentucky University Alumni, Class of 2000, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Information Systems. His Kentucky professional working experience in technology and project management helped catapult revenue for these following bluegrass major companies, SHPS(ADP), Humana, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Brown & Forman, Brown & Williamson Tobacco, Yum Brands and Rev-a-Shelf. He also taught for Brown Mackie College and Jefferson County Public Schools. He was born in South Bend Indiana in 1978; he is the father of three sons Chase, Colton, and Chakir. He is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated.
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Chuck West is a 30-year securities industry professional and a member of Graystone Consulting in Tampa, FL, managing over $13 billion in client assets. Previously, he held leadership roles at Citibank, Charles Schwab & Co., and SunTrust Bank, specializing in wealth management, small business financing, and institutional consulting. A Gulf War veteran and former U.S. Marine, Chuck holds Series 7 and 66 licenses and earned degrees from Tennessee State University and Barry University. He serves on several nonprofit boards and has received honors including Legacy Magazine’s Most Powerful Black Business Leaders (2022) and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (2024). He enjoys sailing and golf and splits his time between Birmingham, AL, and Boca Raton, FL, with his wife Jeaneen. His sons serve in the U.S. Navy and attend the University of Pennsylvania.
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Dave W. Christopher Sr. is the President and Founder of Amped, established in 2014 to empower communities through music education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. He also founded Tekni Solutions and Level Seven Recording Studios, reflecting his commitment to innovation and creative expression. In 2020, Dave launched the Russell Technology Business Incubator (RTBI) to support Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in West Louisville. A University of Louisville graduate with leadership certifications from Harvard and Spalding University, Dave serves on multiple boards, including the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the Speed Art Museum. A U.S. Air Force veteran and Alpha Phi Alpha member, Dave has received numerous awards for his contributions to economic empowerment and community development.
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Dr. Gary Stratton is the Chair of the School of Business at Kentucky State University where he teaches
economics and finance. Gary’s promotes economic education and financial literacy in the K-12 as well as
at the college level. Gary has also been one of the founders and funder of the Franklin Center for
Innovation, an education center that encourages innovative thinking and promotes an entrepreneurial
mindset. Gary is also involved in many community organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary, Salvation
Army, and DIG (Development Interest Group) among others.
Garrick Jones is the founder and CEO of 73 Holdings LLC, leading ventures in sports ownership, real estate, and private equity. A former NFL and CFL player with over 30 years of experience, he oversees The FanCentric DAO, 73 SARE, ORMFUND1, and the States Developmental Football League, creating opportunities for athletes and investors. He is the Managing General Partner of The Alliance and has served as Vice President of the NFL Players Association’s Houston Chapter. Jones is driving bids for ownership stakes in WNBA, Série A, and UFL teams while developing District 73 & 66, a global multi-sport, work-live-play real estate project. Recognized with “Garrick Jones Day” in Houston for his community contributions, he also leads the Huddle Up Foundation and co-founded ESF Capital, solidifying his status as a leader in the industry.
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Jamie Keith is an entrepreneur, consultant, educator, and community connector with a diverse professional background in business development, consulting, grant writing, youth education, career development, and financial services. She is the founder of Imani Gifts, Inc. and currently serves as Associate Director of Fundraising and Community Engagement at LHOME CDFI, where she previously held roles as Business Coach and Business Services Manager. A University of Louisville graduate with a B.S. in Workforce Leadership Development, Keith focuses on supporting BIPOC and female-led small businesses. She is also an Associate Minister and Christian Education Teacher at Bates Memorial Baptist Church and actively engages with organizations like AMPED, BCDC, LIBA, and Simmons College of Kentucky.
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Ja’Queenline Mayfield is the founder of Super Beauti, the first assimilated big-box brand store, and a key figure in Louisville’s economic development through the Sanfan Corporation, focusing on the revitalization of Gateway and The Seven Bridges. A direct descendant of Colonel Allen Allensworth, she is known for her expertise in strategic program development, partnership building, and community impact, blending innovation with cultural preservation to foster lasting economic growth.
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LaMar “The Coutureman” Wright is the founder of The Coutureman LLC, a premier provider of event styling, image consulting, makeup artistry, creative direction, and brand architecture for both corporate and personal clients. Through a strategic partnership with Luxe Experience Travel, the company also curates exclusive luxury travel experiences, encompassing culture, cuisine, entertainment, fashion, and global destinations. Wright has delivered high-level services to an esteemed clientele, including consulate offices, luxury hotels, concierge associations, C-suite executives, and celebrities.
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Laurent Houekpon has over 20 years of experience in the housing industry, previously serving as Regional Specialized Housing Facilitator and Multicultural Mortgage Production Administrator at Kentucky Housing Corporation, where he developed consumer-focused strategies for a diverse marketplace. He is currently Senior Vice President and Director of Engagement and Outreach at Stock Yards Bank and Trust, overseeing all markets. Laurent was appointed to the Mayor’s International Advisory Council and has received several awards, including, Affiliate of the Year (2019), Democracy in Housing Champion (2022), and recognition as one of the 20 People to Know in Banking (2023).
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Michael Sudarkasa is the founder and Chairman of Africa Business Group (ABG), a South Africa-based economic development company focused on professional services, industry development, and capacity building across Africa. Founded in 2005, ABG specializes in private sector development, trade, and investment within Africa and globally, with an emphasis on youth and women’s inclusion in business. Michael, an American commercial attorney,holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from Harvard Law School, has worked in 51 countries, including 35 in Africa. He has authored several publications, including The African Business Handbook and Investing in Africa: An Insider’s Guide to the Ultimate Emerging Market. Michael serves on the leadership team of the UN’s Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies and on various academic advisory boards.
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Nia Duggins is the Senior Business Issues Policy Representative at the National Association of REALTORS® where she works on the Advocacy Team. In this role, Nia advocates on behalf of NAR’s 1.4 million members, by monitoring and tracking federal legislative and regulatory matters impacting REALTORS® business operations, including but not limited to: anti-money laundering and terrorism financing matters; Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) matters; wire, title, and other related types of fraud; and worker classification matters impacting independent contractors. Prior to joining NAR, Nia worked as a Compliance Officer for a D.C. based non-profit organization for foster youth and her experience also includes working in the U.S. Senate. Nia is a graduate of Bennett College and the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. In her spare time, Nia engages in her community by serving on various boards, and volunteering with several organizations. Nia is committed to working to close the racial homeownership gap and wealth gaps broadly.
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Senator Gerald A. Neal represents Kentucky’s 33rd District in the State Senate and serves as the Democratic Floor Leader. Elected in 1989, he has been a key figure in Kentucky politics, holding various leadership roles, including Senate Democratic Caucus Chair. Neal is also the managing member of Gerald A. Neal & Associates, LLC, a law firm.
He holds degrees from Kentucky State University and the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, where he earned the Lawrence Grauman Award for service to the legal profession. Neal has founded initiatives like the Kentucky Education Reform All Children’s Caucus and the African American Community Agenda Initiative.
In addition to his legislative work, Neal has taught at the University of Louisville, Kentucky State University, and Simmons College of KY. He has held various roles in public service, including assistant director of Public Health and Safety in Louisville and chair of the Louisville-Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District.
Neal is an inductee of the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame and received the Lyman T. Johnson Distinguished Leadership Award and the Kentucky Public Service Hall of Fame honor in 2023. He lives in Louisville with his wife, Kathy, and their two adult children.
Ticki Favaroth is a faith-driven CEO, founder, and visionary leader dedicated to legacy, impact, and growth. With an MBA from Texas Woman’s University and a BBA from Texas Tech, she brings decades of experience across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors—working with Fortune 500 companies like ExxonMobil and Target, and agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As Senior Partner and Managing Director at HR&Co., she delivers strategic solutions that align people, processes, and purpose. She also leads as President of The BOW Enterprises, Vice President & COO of The BOW Collective, and founder of The ADISA Institute, a nonprofit preparing future leaders through agility, cultural competence, and faith-based strategy. Known for her adaptability and expansive expertise, Ticki helps others confront hard truths, redefine success, and build enduring legacies. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, she empowers communities through inclusive leadership, organizational transformation, and purpose-driven action.
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Tré Baker is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and author dedicated to advancing Black economic leadership and fostering innovation. He has founded and operated companies across various industries, including renewable energy, blockchain, and consumer goods. As the former Managing Director of the Build in Tulsa Techstars Accelerator, Tré supported early-stage companies and promoted innovation within Tulsa’s startup community.
In his role as founder and managing partner of Greencap, Tré focuses on treasury management and alternative financing.The investment thesis for Greencap originated from a Treasury Management 101 workshop he previously conducted at Techstars, aiming to help startups optimize uninvested cash on their balance sheets to extend their financial runway. Tré is also the author of “In The Black 2050: a blueprint for Black economic development,” reflecting his commitment to economic empowerment and self-determination within the Black community.
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