OUR TEAM

"Embrace your power to empower change through engaging Advocacy. Ignite inspiration, fuel action, and transform perspectives. Together, we will create a world where every voice is heard. Empower. Engage. Advocate."

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Unleash the power of creative expression and performance art as transformative tools in healing after trauma. By giving voice and form to our pain and emotions, we transform them into beauty, meaning, and empowerment, finding solace and growth through art. Break free from the chains of limitation and ignite the fire within, fueling a revolution of empowerment and change. Together, we shatter barriers, challenge norms, and rewrite the rules. Embrace your power, amplify your voice, and pave the way for a future where justice and equality reign.  Join me on this extraordinary journey, where passion meets purpose and transformation becomes our legacy.
 

"Remember, we are unstoppable. Let us empower, engage, and advocate for a better world. Don't just stand there; take action! When faced with injustice, doing nothing should never be an option. Together, we can make a lasting impact and create a future that embraces our power and amplifies our voices. Be unstoppable. Empower. Engage. Advocate."

Joe Crumpton has more than 30 years of working and serving within the Department of Defense in the U.S. Army and as a Federal Employee. He has served as Deputy Director, Army Reserve Equal Opportunity, a former member of the Army’s EEO Board of Directors, and Senior Executive Diversity Awareness Trainer (SEDAT) hosted at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management (DEOMI). Mr. Crumpton is a combat veteran of Desert Shield/Storm and a former U.S. Army Drill Sergeant. He has a distinct passion for serving others. He is recognized throughout the Military Equal Opportunity Community across the United States for his work and training style. He holds a Sociology degree from Saint Leo University. His leadership and training style give him a skill set that makes him one of the best trainers in the industry. One of his favorite training sessions is the “Effects of Perceptual Filters” – an engaging and thought-provoking session with just the right level of humor.

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“You can’t teach what you don’t know and you can’t lead where you won’t go”.

- Mr. Claiborne Haughton

Victoria is an Asian-American actress based in Houston, TX. She has been featured in numerous print campaigns and commercials, both national and local, including Edward Jones, Canada Dry, Dell, HCA Hospital, and the Texas Workforce Commission. Her film credits include Life Insurance Lottery (2019) and Perfectly Oblivious (2018). Victoria is passionate about giving back to the community by volunteering each year with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo or participating in charity bike rides and charity runs. Each year, her favorite event is the National MS Society’s “MS 150” where riders cycle from Houston to Austin in 2 days to raise awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis. Victoria enjoys playing tennis, reading, playing the piano, and spending time with her friends and family in her free time. Her love of the outdoors often leads her into the mountains for hiking and camping during the summer and snowboarding during the winter.

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"The time is always right to do what is right."

- Martin Luther King

Rafeal is highly respected for his ability to solve problems and get things done when others give up by utilizing an innovative, creative spirit and drive for excellence. He is a creative team player that focuses on delivering exceptional customer service. He has a talented eye for fashion and graphic design, he thrives on creating awareness through art and fashion.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

- Pablo Picasso

Jamil Sykes is a 24-year-old multidisciplinary artist and Executive Assistant at Interactive Advocacy, where he supports the organization’s mission to prevent violence and empower communities through creative expression, advocacy, and education. A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill with a B.A. in English and a minor in Journalism, Jamil is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Film.

Jamil is also an accomplished creative: he has written, produced, directed, and starred in several short films, and his second album, NOMAD, can be found on Spotify. With a third album in development and a growing portfolio of film projects, he continues to push boundaries through art, music, and media.

Inspired by a strong family legacy of military service, Jamil is deeply committed to honoring service and elevating purpose. Through his work with Interactive Advocacy, he helps bridge the gap between storytelling and strategic support—advancing innovative campaigns that uplift voices, transform culture, and serve military and civilian communities alike.

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"Love the life you live, live the life you love"

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-  Bob Marley 

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"Art is Freedom! Art is me!"

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- Jamil Ijaz Sykes

Ryan is the Chief of Logistics of Interactive Advocacy. He is responsible for assisting with the directional strategy of IA and further developing and leading the IA team. In addition, he and the IA team are building processes and relationships designed to streamline IA's core responsibilities, procurement, planning and allocation, pricing, operations, and account development.

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"Wealth in abundance is your birthright"

​- Marvin Mitchell

Cindy currently serves as IA's Marketing Manager and an Edutainer. Through IA, Cindy can bring her love for advocacy and storytelling together to create cultural change. She hopes to shine a light on worldwide issues and amplify unheard voices. She received a B.A. in Anthropology from Texas A&M University in College Station. An anthropologist at heart, she seeks to learn and understand how societies do things presently and how they have evolved. She also served six years of active duty as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, with a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan. She later transitioned to the U.S. Army Reserves. Through the military, she has learned to be a respected and trusted dependable leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Cindy recently graduated from the Summer Conservatory at Stella Adler Studio of Acting (2022) in New York City, where she currently resides. As an actress, Cindy strives to represent Mexican-Americans in the entertainment industry and share untold stories. She also aspires to become a documentary filmmaker one day. On her time off, she loves to go to the theater and film festivals, hike the mountains, camp at national parks, eat good food, draw on her iPad, and conduct humanitarian missions worldwide. 

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."

- Romans 12:9

Porsha the Poet a.k.a Lula De Genie pronounced (LEW-LAH) is an all-around creative. I express creativity through writing, directing, acting, music, and modeling. I have experience in photography, event coordination, and hosting.  Poetry has been my blueprint since I was 8 years old. After graduating High School, I decided to share my poetry with the world by performing live. After a year of performing poetry at local open mic events in Charlotte, NC the tales of my life became a published book titled “Mask Off- Reflections of My Spiritual Awakening”. My debut book was published on November 13th, 2018, and this was the brink of my creative success. The publishment of my book allowed me to break barriers of trauma and influence other poets in the community.  This encouraged me to host my own event which sparked the idea of my business, LYRICAL HEALING LLC founded in December of 2018. Lyrical Healing is a creative platform dedicated to the mental and spiritual development of all creatives. The 4 components of the Lyrical Healing showcase are to Release, Receive, Manifest, and Heal, through the expression of poetry, music, and art. Over the past 3 years I have experienced extensive creative growth through my artistry while also becoming a multitalented creator. My goal is to continue building a creative society that thrives off ofhealing and defeating all levels of adversity around the world.

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 “These gifts are not mines to claim or  keep , the most high chose me to be a conductor of energy”

Jesica Jones-Saka, a distinguished educator and curriculum developer, hails from Orlando, Florida. She holds a Bachelor's in Education from the University of Central Florida and earned her Master's Degree in Education and Curriculum Development from National Louis University. With a remarkable career spanning over 20 years, Jesica excelled as a teacher, team leader, and grant award-winner in Orange County Public Schools. She also contributed significantly as a teacher, trainer, and head of Faculty for the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates. Widely recognized for her creative teaching, professional training, and curriculum development skills, Jessica possesses an extensive list of expertise and certifications in the field of education.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. " ​

- Maya Angelou

Joshua is a videographer and editor who has worked hard and resiliently in his field for nine years. He has worked on corporate videos, wedding videos, podcasts, and feature films. Joshua has a rugged working tenacity unmatched by any other and strives to change the world someday through cinema. He seeks to utilize his ability to make art, give a voice to the voiceless, and make sure "everyone is heard because everyone deserves to be heard." This idea drives Josh to continue to make impactful art with meaning and to make a difference.

Dr. Trupti Gaikwad is a leading advocate for holistic health and corporate wellness, blending ancient wisdom with modern science to deliver impactful wellness solutions. As the G100 Canada Country Chair for Training and Coaching, she empowers individuals and organizations through innovative strategies that enhance physical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. Certified as a fitness and nutrition coach, workplace wellness specialist, and Holistic Detox facilitator, Dr. Trupti designs transformative programs that improve employee engagement, productivity, and organizational success. Her engaging workshops and keynote speeches inspire stakeholders to foster a culture of well-being, making her a valuable partner in promoting balanced and thriving communities.

Arkiah Nash (Shakira Baly) is originally from St. Thomas, USVI. Her credits include acting, singing, professional wrestling, writer, stunts, aerial circus, and pilot; she owns her own Mermaid Academy, is a licensed massage therapist, and is a nationally certified (NCBTMB) instructor of Aqua Massage. In addition, she is a mom and spiritual practitioner of shamanism.

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"No one is you, and that is your superpower."

- Unknown

Dr. Charlson Gaines is a best-selling author, international speaker, educator, and retired U.S. Air Force disabled veteran who has earned a Master’s degrees in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine and Medicine Project Management. His seminars and workshops go beyond providing information and inspiration. Charleston Gaines provides the “how-to” that participants truly need to elevate their happiness through daily practice, empowering them to change their lives. Happiness is not just a lack of misery. Dr. Gaines, a DoD Master Resilience Trainer and Certified Trauma Professional, connects his audiences with the power to sincerely love themselves, feel whole again, and live life as they desire and deserve.

David is a versatile American actor seen in the semi-recurring role of Detective J.D. Walker on ID Discovery Channel's "Lt. Kenda: Homicide Hunter" and Tyler Perry's "The Have & Have Nots." As a teenager, he began life in front of the camera as the host of a New York cable TV show "Spotlight on Teens." He later spent a successful 14-years as a TV news investigative reporter at the local and national level, earning numerous awards, including three Emmy nominations and the coveted Emmy itself. In 1999, David took the ultimate career risk by walking away from everything familiar to begin a career as an actor. In 2017, he won a LA IndieFest "Best Actor" award for the lead role in an African-produced film in Nigeria. In 2019, he co-starred with Michael Pare' and Nicholas Turturro in a thriller set at the beach titled "The Penthouse." A native New Yorker, David loves living a beach lifestyle in North Carolina and traveling worldwide for work. He is also a volunteer firefighter in the city where he lives, which he says gives him the true feeling of giving back to his community.

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"There is nothing more satisfying than doing what you love and coming home to the one you love."

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"It's nice to be important but more important to be nice"

Dr. Nissi Hamilton is an award-winning expert in human trafficking, an area she comes to with five years of painful experience as a survivor of human and labor trafficking. With her multicultural background, Dr. Hamilton is committed to encouraging diversity and inclusion, making a difference in the decriminalization of human trafficking, poverty, and homelessness with minors. Dr. Nissi Hamilton is a global humanitarian, doctoral learner, veteran, wife, mother of seven, and comedian. She led the nation's first political campaign against human trafficking as she debuted her story by running for office in Houston, Texas. Her social enterprise has allowed her to work with billionaire Attorney Tony Buzbee, The Real TV Show Host, Jeanie Mai with the up-and-coming movie "Stopping Traffick 2," and with Dateline NBC TV Host Chris Hansen "To Catch A Predator." Hamilton also owns a Non-Profit called "Nissi's Network Inc.," and the for-profit corporation "A Survivor's Voice of Victory." "My mission is to raise awareness in fence-lined communities and give young African American girls, boys, men and women a safe space to practice reporting and lead them to safety." Dr. Hamilton has trained over 57,000 community activists, business professionals, law enforcement agencies and others involved in non-profit to recognize, understand, and report human trafficking.

Celine is a theatre maker and arts educator currently based in New Jersey. Highly involved in their local theatre community, Celine focuses on site-specific, devised, and new works and strives to include the audience as a partner in all their creative endeavors. An alum of Douglass Residential College, they are committed to furthering social justice through the arts and are excited for the opportunity to participate in IA’s meaningful work!

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"Humans need fantasy to be human. To be the place where the falling angel meets the rising ape."

- Terry Pratchett

Johnny is an actor, comedian, writer, and educator. He graduated in 2018 with his BFA in acting and since has been seen in various shows in the NY and NJ area as well as several commercials and television programs. He also hosts a regular open mic night in New Jersey and has an upcoming directorial debut that he is incredibly excited to share with everyone. Johnny is incredibly excited to join the IA team and cause in bringing theatre around the country and world, and he hopes you enjoy the incredible work by the whole company! You can find Johnny on Twitter @JohnnyKavanaghh, and @Orange_Kavanagh on Instagram, where he advertises his upcoming projects! 

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"Be brave, make a choice, take a risk, and you will be amazing."

- Ralph Colombino

K'Jawn is an actor/fitness trainer/comedian/entrepreneur from Louisiana who believes that we can be whomever we want. "Overall, we are limitless and should never put our dreams on hold for any obstacle that comes our way." K'Jawn attended the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and has earned an associate's degree in TV/ Film. K'Jawn aspires to be an actor because he enjoys the thrill of being accessible and it's fun. Although acting is his number one goal in life, K'Jawn has gained interest in boxing and music. One thing K'Jawn realizes is that he fears the thought of giving up (which is a good thing). "I may be down, but I'm not out" is what he tells himself to keep pushing forward when times get tough. One word of advice that K'Jawn would share is that when people think you or your dreams are crazy, you're doing something right.

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"Failure Will Never Overtake Me If My Determination To Succeed Is Strong Enough."

- Og Mandino

Trevor  is a Thespian Society member with over four years of experience in theatrics and dance. In 2016 he starred in multiple productions, including Shakespeare's The Tempest, Shel Silverstein's One Tennis Shoe, and Southern Guilford's Annual Talent show. Trevor received his B.S. in Mass Media Communications from North Carolina. While pursuing his degree, he worked on projects that included dance and spoken word productions. He also had the opportunity to work on set as a production assistant for the upcoming Indie movie "Urge." After graduation, he sought out Just Dance studios to further train his dancing abilities. Trevor wanted to work with kids in his community, so he started teaching dance classes at Just Dance Studios. He has used this time to work on choreo-based dance and technicality within his movements. In the meantime, Trevor has enjoyed his return to the theater. His craft and new skills have prepared him for a new chapter in his life.

Montez Alford is the founder and CEO of CORT Collaboration of Resources & Technology LLC and Sword of Change Inc., where she merges technology, training, and tactical tools to empower veterans holistically. Inspired by her father, a Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart recipient, and her grandfather, a World War I Veteran, Montez is deeply committed to advancing veterans' rights.

She actively serves in organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Auxiliary, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, and the National Small Business Association Leadership Council. With over 20 years in healthcare financial operations and strategic roadmap design, Montez holds degrees in Business Administration and Management, with leadership certification from Cornell University.

Website: www.CORTLLC.com

Chanda hails from Wisconsin and holds a BA in Journalism from UW-Madison. She spent most of her adult life in Washington DC, London, Chicago, and Los Angeles in various careers, including advertising, public relations, politics, finance, corporate governance, teaching, entertainment, and even dog training. In 2012, she exchanged corporate life for an acting career and never looked back. Chanda currently resides in Los Angeles and is skilled in comedy, standup, on-camera, voiceover, theatre, and improv, and does a fair amount of commercials. You can find her @chandadavetas on all the socials.

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"Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear."

- George Addair

Dr. Andrea Mckie was born in Kingston Jamaica and migrated to the United States at the age of nine with her parents and siblings. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and credits New York as her second home. Dr. Mckie is an Award-winning instructor with countless years of experience driving academic success for diverse students in fast paced environments to include the military. She is a distinct and articulate communicator, published author, researcher, and a retired Navy Veteran. Dr. McKie’s years of work in various social service entities afforded her the opportunity to be a lifelong learner and strengthened her dedication as an ally for social justice. Her interest in violence prevention was sharpened by her work within the federal government over a 10-year span. In keeping with her social justice stance, she established her nonprofit organization (Sisters in Arms) geared towards the restoration and prevention of violence in the lives of women and girls in underserved communities. Dr. Andrea Mckie holds a Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Organizational Leadership and is a Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LCDAC). It is these layers of experiences that have been the foundation of her work and future goals.

A five-star Customer Service award recipient, Omar is highly respected for solving problems and getting things done when others give up by utilizing an innovative, creative spirit and drive for excellence. He holds a solid record in delivering exceptional customer service. His excellent verbal solid communication skills, proven customer service experience, and his ability to motivate and inspire his team are his combination for success.

"Starve your distractions; Feed your Focus!"

Asha Devi is a West-Indian and American actress, writer, activist, and educator based in NYC. She is a recent graduate of NYU Tisch, where she earned a BFA in Drama, and has also trained at NYFA, The Terry Knickerbocker Studio, and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. As an artist, she is committed to honest and empowering work, and is especially interested in questions concerning ambition, maternity, and self-efficacy. She has been seen most recently as Nalina in the film Rising Lotus which has been winning numerous awards in the festival circuit, including Best Short Film at the Manhattan Film Festival and the Nice International Film Festival, and on stage as Huma Abedin in Huma Dreaming by Alexis Spiegel, Sophia in Repulsing the Monkey by Michael Eichler, Avery in Birdbrain by Kat Agudo and Maddie in Fish Tank by Aly Kantor. In addition to shooting two feature length films this summer, Asha just wrapped She Kills Monsters with the Staten Island Shakespeare Theatre, Double Happiness at the Museum of Chinese in America in Manhattan, and Around the World in 80 Days at Gretna Theatre. She would like to thank her parents, her fiancé, and the entire team at Interactive Advocacy.

BFA in Acting with & a Minor in Writing from Emerson College. She's studied classical & musical theatre singing for over ten years. Her theatrical credits include Shrek, The Musical, Tartuffe, The Tempest & a 4-month tour of A Midsummer Night's Dream & Animal Farm. Her film credits include Bishop's Cove & Clementine. Her commercial credits include commercials for Bank of America, Wayfair & Staples. Willow studied Linklater Technique in Stromboli, Italy & with Kristin Linklater at her Voice Centre in Orkney, Scotland. She last performed her self-created one-woman show What It Means to Be Free - which explores mental illness, incarceration & artistic and creative expression - as part of the United Solo Theatre Festival, Off-Broadway at Theatre Row.

"What would love do?"

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- Linda Bucher

Ella Bennett is an actor and youth educator based in New Jersey. She earned a B.A. in Theater and Performance from Bard College and has studied Shakespeare at Oxford University and Fordham University. She has since performed in multiple independent films, stage productions, and even a local commercial. When not performing, she is finding purpose in educating youth: especially those who may feel forgotten by the so-called “normal” educational system. She is passionate about using performance as a tool to connect with her students and help them develop skills to promote growth. 

"I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being."

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-Oscar Wilde

Born and raised in Burlington, NC, Patrick grew up acting and tech-ing in community/public school theatre, only putting his artistry on pause to join the Army after graduating high school in 2004. After an honorable discharge in 2010, Patrick returned to his home and used the GI Bill to attend Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. Patrick graduated in 2015 with a BA in Theatre Performance. Then he moved to Asheville, NC, where he performed professionally with Flat Rock Playhouse, NC Stage, Immediate Theatre, Project, and Attac Salt Theatre Company. In 2018 he was accepted into the 3-year Professional Conservatory at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Patrick completed his training at Stella Adler in August 2021. He currently lives in Brooklyn with his partner Nina and black cat, Bruce. Patrick's Military service includes US Army 2004-2010, 82nd Airborne Division, Airborne Infantry, Afghanistan 2005-2006, Iraq 2007-2008, Iraq 2009-2010

This retired 21-year Army Combat Medic/Food Inspector from Montgomery, AL., has been a champion for the SHARP and SAPR programs since 2011. He has held positions as a Victim Advocate, Brigade SARC with the Army, and Installation SARC as a part of Joint Base San Antonio. Additionally, he is the former SAPR Operations Specialist for Headquarters Air Force. He has been actively involved in SAPR and SHARP since joining the program. His training background covers various fields ranging from Equal Opportunity, Master Resilience, and various healthcare certifications from Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate (EMT I)  to Advanced Cardiac Lifesaver Course (ACLS). He is a combat veteran (3 combat tours - Operation Desert Spring 02-02, OEF-V, and Operation New Dawn) that has been a part of various commands ranging from 25th ID to 3rd ID. His last Army SHARP command was with the 7th   Special Forces Group (SFG (A). During his time with 7th SFG (A), Mr. Robinson took the opportunity to broaden his horizons by becoming a public speaker at the 42nd National Organization of Victim Assistance (NOVA) conference. He utilized his various skills over his illustrious military career to create and implement his “The Importance of Resiliency for Victim Advocates and Emergency Workers” training for over 100 attendees. The training was a huge success. He returned to present at the 44th annual NOVA conference. Mr. Robinson dived into the issue of the Man Box: and the violence that men perpetrate against one another, as well as women. By doing this thru discussion, PowerPoint presentations, and videos, he was able to spark a debate that very well could help bring culture change to help bring awareness and possibly help end sexual violence against men and women alike. Mr. Robinson is a husband and father of two beautiful girls.

Wesley David Gonzalez, Prefers to go by Wesley Gonzalez.  A young spirited Latino born in Queens and raised in Somerset. His mom is from Bogota and his father is Puerto Rican. After his first stage production, Wesley knew he'd want to pursue a career in acting. He is an actor with strong stage projection as well as the ability to perform behind and in front of the camera. He has acquired successful skills as a Videographer, Video Editor, Content Creator, Social Media Production Assistant, and Student Broadcaster. Wesley has performed at over 100 colleges in America, worked on several film projects, and has enrolled himself in many acting intensive courses. He has a strong swimming background as a certified Aquatics instructor, educating hundreds of individuals. During his free time, he takes advanced salsa classes and makes videos with his dog. Wesley is open to learning many aspects of the film industry while sending an empowering and positive message out into the world.

Kate Franklin is a comedian, writer, and educator based in New York City. She earned a B.A. in Theatre with a performance concentration from Northeastern University. During her time there, she wrote, directed, and produced a feminist play which gamified the patricentric party scene in order to address and start a dialogue about ending gender-based violence on college campuses. To further effect change, she developed and facilitated targeted, post-performance workshops with 7 different fraternities on her college campus. She continues to dedicate her life to this work as the Enough is Enough Health Educator at CAMBA, a nonprofit based in Brooklyn."

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"Power can be taken, but not given. The process of the taking is empowerment in itself."

-Gloria Steinem

Kimberly Henry, LMSW, is a dedicated social worker and influential advocate for interpersonal violence prevention, particularly within the military community. With extensive experience, including roles as a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Specialist in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, she has demonstrated a commitment to supporting survivors and implementing evidence-based practices worldwide.

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Her academic background includes a Master's degree in Social Work with a concentration in Military Policy and Programs, providing her with a deep understanding of Department of Defense operations. As CEO of The GOLD Beacon, PLLC, Kimberly focuses on consulting for nonprofit organizations, specializing in strategic planning to promote sustainability and positive change.

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Driven by personal experiences, Kimberly is dedicated to promoting equity, accessibility, and community care. Her goal is to advance interpersonal violence prevention, contributing to a safer and more inclusive world for all.

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Favorite Quote: "Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." - RBG

Neal has extensive experience as a Command Managed Equal Opportunity Coordinator and served as the President of the Diversity Outreach Committee. Neal provides business management best practice solutions and process improvement programs for IA. Neal is also the head track and field coach for the local High School and an assistant track and field coach for the local Middle School. Neal holds a degree in Business and Marketing. In conjunction with his degree, he has also held certifications in Project Management, Contract Management, and as a Warranted Contracting Officer. Neal also completed the Executive Leadership and the Effective Management courses at the Naval Facilities Institute and the Naval Leader Development Program. He also holds certifications as a USA Track and Field Level 1 Coach and a USA Track and Field National Level Official. Neal is a member of the Disabled American Veterans Association, Electronics Technicians Association, and the Society of American Military Engineers. Enjoys working to build communities of teams that empower each other and advocate for change, equality, and justice.

Chris Moffitt is a third-generation US Army pilot who served eight years on active duty and has since provided continued support to the US government and Department of Defense in various roles including government civilian, defense contractor, military spouse, and small business owner for over 25 years, both CONUS and abroad.

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In 2020, Chris transitioned from a remote career at the Pentagon to establish Agile Vector, a training services and administrative support firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. Agile Vector specializes in matching client needs with expert instructors, delivering customer-focused curriculum on a range of topics from technical courses and certifications to team building, leadership coaching, and physical/mental health and wellness.

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Married with two children, Chris values the flexibility that small business ownership affords his family. When not immersed in entrepreneurship, he enjoys traveling, watching movies, attending live music events, and exploring the outdoors, from the mountains to the beach and everything in between.

Lakeydra Houston is a US Air Force veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Chief Executive Officer of KEY Fit, Knowledge, Empowerment, and You-nity, which mentors wellness, veteran support, and suicide prevention to increase life productivity.

She earned her Associates degree in Criminal Justice, Human Resources and a Bachelor’s degree in Leadership from Trident International University. Lakeydra is pursuing a master's degree in Social Work specializing in military and trauma. She is a certified ASSIST and resiliency trainer with over 7+ years of experience within domestic violence programs, youth organizations, sexual assault prevention, and mental health. Her community outreach includes working with high school students and veterans with professional and personal development practices. She is currently a member of American Corporate Partners, Merging Vets & Players, Veteran Counseling Veterans, and The KEY Mentor group, to name a few. She is looking to make an impact within the military community and bridge the knowledge gap between our civilian counterparts while continuing to serve others.

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"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter"

Martin Luther King

Nicole Snell is an award-winning international speaker, trainer, facilitator, and self-defense expert specializing in sexual assault prevention education, gender-based violence prevention, and boundary setting training. She is the CEO of Girls Fight Back, Founder of Outdoor Defense, and Lead Instructor with IMPACT Personal Safety and IMPACT Global.

Nicole has presented her interactive programs at over 400 events, keynotes, and workshops worldwide for gender-inclusive groups at colleges, high schools, the US Military, Fortune 500 companies, corporations, outdoor groups, conferences, and more. Nicole has facilitated Sexual Assault Prevention workshops for the Department of the Navy (DON) at over 90 military installations worldwide, including the Pentagon. 

Nicole is a NACP Credentialed Victim Advocate, a credentialed Empowerment Self-Defense Professional, and a collaborative teammate with Difference Makers (10 Strong). She is a dynamic speaker renowned for her ability to connect with and engage audiences of all sizes and demographics. Her programs are evidence-based, trauma-informed, interactive, and inclusive.

Nicole has been featured in various media outlets for her violence prevention and empowerment work, including Women’s Health Magazine, Spectrum 1 News, Backpacker Magazine, and News Nation Now. Nicole is committed to ending violence in all of its forms and believes that everyone has the right to walk through the world feeling safe, powerful, and confident.

Aaron Stone is a retired United States Army Combat Medic, Aaron completed multiple tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia; none of those experiences affected him as much as the trauma he suffered at age 15 at the hands of a male teacher who methodically groomed and raped him.

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For almost two decades he became a silent sufferer of depression and PTSD. Thankfully, he finally realized he needed help and, for the first time in his life, he told his story. It was an act of liberation.

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He has spoken to numerous military organizations and universities spreading his message of pain, redemption, and hope. His goal is to be an inspiration for those who may be suffering through the same mental anguish as he once did.

He reassures survivors that sexual assault is never their fault, they are

never alone, and help is here.

 www.18winters.com

Monique defines herself as an Impact Leader. She believes that leading others is not about power and prestige, it is about a spirit of humility that allows her to be a vessel that can make a true impact in the lives of others. She is a native of Nassau, Bahamas and resident of Charlotte, NC. Married to her husband, Kevin, with whom she shares nine children and six grandchildren. Her fresh approach to life is a result of her belief that “despite life’s ups and downs we must take time to enjoy life’s journey, because happiness truly is a choice”!

Monique is a  Speaker, Author and Consultant. She has completed Leadership and Non-Profit Management Programs at both Duke University and Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. She is known for her philanthropic work and her ability to uncover potential from within and groom those whom she has the privilege of working with to greatness. 

Monique has over 35 years in cosmetic and hospitality sales and management. She has led teams to millions of dollars in annual sales continually. Maintaining a standard of excellence in hospitality, leadership and community service has resulted in numerous media appearances and awards including her induction in 2018 into the Women’s History Hall of Fame at the Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte, NC. 

She currently serves as the Executive Director of the nonprofit the Brooklyn Collective. An organization dedicated to inclusivity, upward mobility, celebrating culture & artistry and preservation of the black history for which it’s historic buildings represent. She and her husband own CBK Branding & Consulting Firm which operates out of their social lounge, Society at 229, in Charlotte, NC. 

As a result of her commitment to youth and their families, Monique founded Grooming Greatness in 2014 a non-profit organization focused on grooming youth from underserved communities into well-rounded productive members of society by educating, enriching  and empowering them through exposure to visual and performing arts.

Her 5th published work,”UNCLOGGED-Targeting the Top 10 Mindset Cloggers to Business Success”  has already won the internationally respected GOLD Award of Excellence in the Collateral-Self Promotions category of the Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA) 2022 Communicator Awards.

Her favorite quote which of course she penned is “A rich lifestyle has nothing to do with money but everything to do with mindset and meaningful relationships. 

Dr. Terrence L. Elliott is a seasoned advocate with over two decades of dedicated service in government and military roles, specializing in substance abuse prevention and program management. His extensive experience spans leadership positions within the US Army Reserve, Army National Guard, and Headquarters Department of the Army, where he has consistently championed the well-being and resilience of service members.

Throughout his career, Dr. Elliott has demonstrated exceptional leadership as the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) Drug Testing Coordinator and Prevention Coordinator at Fort Benning, GA, and as the US Army Reserve Alcohol & Drug Control Officer (ADCO) for the 108th Training Command (IET) in Charlotte, NC. His strategic oversight as Substance Abuse Program Manager and Compliance Inspector has been instrumental in advancing advocacy efforts across multiple Army installations.  He has also had multiple years of experience managing prevention policies for the total Army as well as performing as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Collateral Duty Counselor in support of the government civilian workforce.  While performing in multiple fields of the government workforce, his educational skills have also been demonstrated through the opportunity of teaching students at a seminary and college.

Dr. Elliott's credentials reflect a robust commitment to professional development and advocacy excellence. He holds certifications in Leadership Development from the Center for Creative Leadership, ACSAP Drug Testing and Prevention Coordination, Prime for Life (PFL) Instructor from the Prevention Research Institution, a counseling credential on Access to Lethal Means, and is a Certified Belief Therapist in Christian Counseling. Additionally, he is a Credentialed Chaplain through the International Federation of Christian Chaplains and holds a Doctoral Degree of Divinity.

His leadership and advocacy have been recognized through numerous government awards, including the ACSAP USAR ADCO of the Year Award and the Armed Forces Civilian Service Award. Dr. Elliott's career is marked by a steadfast dedication to fostering supportive environments and promoting health and resilience within military and civilian communities.