Dr. Monica C. Simpkins is an equity empowerment leader with diverse experience spanning corporate, higher education, and nonprofit sectors. With a strong background in addressing performance challenges, leading change management, and designing academic and community development initiatives, she has successfully managed projects in Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Dr. Simpkins holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation from Marymount University, a Master’s in Human Resource Development from Bowie State University, and a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication from Towson University. She has also served as an executive board member and Public Advocacy and Policy Chair for the Learning Disabilities Association of Maryland.

Her leadership philosophy is centered on equity, empowerment, and transformative change. She is committed to fostering environments where individuals and organizations can grow, innovate, and lead with purpose. She believes that sustainable progress occurs when diverse voices are heard and supported, and strives to inspire others to lead with integrity, compassion, and a vision for creating positive, lasting impact.

Andrea Smith Alfred aka “Pastor Drea” is a woman with a mandate to reach one, teach one regardless of where they are. She is the Founder/CEO of GIRLZShine Project Incorporated: a cutting-edge Non- Profit serving trauma-stricken individuals with a desire to move beyond the hurt. Ideally, GIRLZShine Project’s mission is to Educate, Empower, and Elevate through seminars, mentoring, coaching, leadership development, and socialization. “GIRLZShine’s “it takes a village” approach affords opportunities for participants to develop enhance their personal development through meaningful relationships with people of influence.

Andrea is a Licensed Master Social Worker with an earned MSW from the School of Social Work at Valdosta State University in 1997. She recently received her Chaplaincy Ordination/Certification through Love International and is currently attending (HBIU) Heart Bible International University where she is pursuing a dual degree PhD in Clinical Chaplaincy and Pastoral Psychotherapy. Andrea’s desire is to help others gain insight into who they are, walk in authority, obtain purposeful skills for permanent breakthrough and most importantly, love Jesus. GIRLZShine ‘s motto: “Don’t Try, Just Do!”.

Andrea R. Francis, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty-five experience. Andrea has served in mental health support of children, adults, and families in both private and public agencies. She has extensive background in child welfare, served as a direct service Social Worker and in various management positions supervising graduate level Social Workers. Andrea has also served as a Field Instructor for candidates in Master level graduate programs for Social Work. Andrea can be described as a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Andrea is inspired daily by her faith. In her free time, Andrea likes to travel, read, attend cultural events, and service to her beloved sorority Delta Sigma Theta Inc.

Ms. Tonia D. Ferguson, Esq. is a woman on the move as an attorney, entrepreneur, author, and speaker. She has over 18 years’ experience as a thought leader in the disability policy field. She has worked on Capitol Hill as the Joseph P. Kennedy Legislative fellow, walked the halls of the Maryland State Legislature as a lobbyist and worked tirelessly with the Obama Administration as an advocate helping to shape laws and policies. She is also the Founder & Principal of Chief in Charge, LLC specializing in coaching C-suite level executives to transform their life in order to up their game.

Ms. Ferguson received a Law Degree from Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and obtained a Bachelor of Science from Howard University. Ms. Ferguson serves as an executive board member for the National African American Autism Community Network (NAACN) and Mammograms Are Not Enough (MANE), a breast cancer advocacy organization.

Lynn Lawings, M.B.A. is the President/Founder of LynnKnows.com, has spent more than 15 year working in the nonprofit, and for profit industry focusing in the areas of Event & Meeting Planning, Business Development, Project Management, Public Health, Marketing, Exhibit/Conference Management. Ms. Lawings is a graduate of Strayer University where she received her Masters of Business Administration in Hospitality & Tourism and a Bachelor of Science in Administration Management.

Ms. Lawings is a self-motivated professional who has always had a flare and natural talent to craft a project, or avant-garde event, with a prudent budget and the ability to work with people from numerous backgrounds implementing team values and leadership skills.

Dr. Malissa Ross serves as the Director of Community Outreach for MANE. She has made instilling confidence in, and adding value to, others her key mission. Dr. Ross holds a Ph.D., specializing in Leadership, from Capella University. She has over 23 years of government service and is a leader in the field of Information Technology. She is also a mother of two, a veteran of both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, and an independent and certified member of The John Maxwell Team. Dr. Ross enjoys keynote speaking and panel participation to aid in personal and professional growth for women.

Isha Brooks Sanders, MBA, is a distinguished leader in the healthcare sector, specializing in precision medicine and healthcare informatics.

With a career spanning over 30 years, Isha is dedicated to enhancing medical education and communication to bridge the gap between advanced clinical knowledge and healthcare professionals. 

She has significantly impacted the fields of cancer diagnostic testing and genetic/genomic molecular testing, serving as a medical science sales ambassador for prestigious organizations such as the Mayo Clinic Foundation for Medical Education & Research. 

Her commitment to healthcare extends to advocating for equity, inclusion, and diversity, as seen in her leadership role with LabCorp’s PULSE Leaders Program and her current position as an EID Champion at Mayo Clinic. 

Isha holds an MBA in Management Information Systems from St. Peter's University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Morgan State University. Her multifaceted expertise and passion for improving patient care continue to empower meaningful change in the healthcare landscape.

Crowned in 1985 as Miss Morgan State University, Isha Brooks Sanders is recognized for her genuine compassion and warmth in her professional endeavors. Her background as a titleholder adds to her approachable and empathetic nature, influencing her interactions in the healthcare sector and beyond.