Dr. Michelle Maher is an international public speaker, faculty, activist, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) workshop facilitator. She is a Syracuse University Fellow and holds a Ph.D. in the Cultural Foundations of Education and a Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies both from Syracuse University. Dr. Maher carries the torch of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in sustainable, social and environmental justice work in whatever she does. She has taught DEI coursework in the Graduate School of Education at Lewis & Clark College and Oregon State University, and in the Women's Program at Lane Community College. Michelle authored two resolutions that were approved by the National Congress of American Indians.

Dr. Croix-Ronald Coppáge has over 25 years of professional experience providing both direct and indirect consulting services to Fortune 500 companies in the areas of marketing development, sales planning, information systems; project management; training and development; investigative analysis, business development, business analytics, organizational/infrastructure development, human resources development, along with business planning, and research. Dr. Coppáge has facilitated various seminars and workshops throughout the country in leadership development, non-profit management, assessment and evaluation; funding development, as well as a host of other business training forums geared towards improving the viability of small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Today, Dr. Coppáge leads a team of medical and clinical professionals under Healthworks Pros LLC (HWP), one of two integrated healthcare groups operating in East Orange, New Jersey. HWP, under the auspice of WE CARE 2, provides primary care, behavioral health and substance use disorder services to marginalized residents of East Orange, which is buttressed by MED-911, a 24/7 telehealth service connection. In 2024, in partnership with Isaiah House, Inc, a family shelter located in East Orange, Dr. Coppáge secured $2.5M over five years, to implement a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program in East Orange—NJ HEAL. This program is funded by New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and addresses the opioid crisis plaguing New Jersey writ large.

Shonique Banks is a pioneering Clean Energy Advocate and Workforce Development Executive deeply committed to a future marked by equity, diversity, and justice. With a background spanning education, leadership, and strategic communications, Shonique leverages her expertise to drive positive change and advocate for underrepresented communities. Her academic journey started at Rutgers University, where she earned a Bachelor's in Africana Studies, fueling her passion for social justice. She further honed her skills with a Master's in Strategic Communications and Leadership from Seton Hall University. Shonique's achievements are diverse and impressive. Holding certifications as a Criminogenic Assessor and director from New Jersey, she also earned a Leadership Principles certificate from Harvard University. Actively engaged in organizations like the Fraternal Order of Eastern Stars, she co-founded Strategic Impact Group in 2016, an innovative consulting firm empowering thought leadership. As a Workforce Development Executive, she has fostered diversity and justice within the workforce. With a rich history in workforce development, including roles at OIC of America and the Urban League, Shonique has raised millions and curated numerous job opportunities for underrepresented groups. As Senior Director of Development and Workforce Strategies at the Philadelphia Energy Authority, she channels her expertise into clean energy workforce growth. Beyond her professional life, Shonique cherishes her role as a devoted mother to her daughter. Her commitment to personal growth, faith, and family time underscores her mantra: "Family above all." Shonique Banks is not just an accomplished professional; she's a living embodiment of the values she champions. Her legacy as a force for positive change inspires all striving to make a lasting impact.