Strategic engagement. Transformative approach. Extraordinary results.
Strategic engagement. Transformative approach. Extraordinary results.
Pre-campaign planning and feasibility studies, strategic thought partnership, Campaign management, Fundraising Strategies, Donor Stewardship, Database Management/CRM
Fundraising strategy, Data strategy, Value proposition definition and funder alignment, Stakeholder mapping, Donor insights, Evaluation and measurement
Donor stewardship, CRM/database management, Back-office systems and process improvement, Workflow optimization
Brand-focused digital and print design for collateral, including podcasts, video, website design and publications
The BlueSky team is an extraordinary group of thought leaders with unique perspectives, based upon incredibly diverse backgrounds, lived experiences and long tenure with some of the largest and most impactful organizations in the world…
The BlueSKY team members have extensive relationship networks, and will employ a local, regional and national approach to fundraising, relationship management and strategic engagement. We have a physical presence in:
Atlanta, GA
Bay Area, CA
Boston, MA
Chicago, IL
Columbus, OH
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
Detroit, MI
Indianapolis, IN
Los Angeles, CA
Louisville, KY
Milwaukee, WI
New York, NY
Northern/Central, NJ
Oakland, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Phoenix, AZ
Portland, OR
Raleigh/Durham, NC
Sacramento, CA
St. Louis, MO
Tampa, FL
Washington, DC
Wilmington, DE
BlueSKY along with Jes Averhart, CEO of Jes & Co have partnered to amplify a people-centered approach to leadership development - one that is affirming and honest. Together, we are on a mission to help our clients see themselves and their impact on the world more fully. Our three areas of focus are:
• Organizational Leadership + Team Dynamics
• Customized Talent Development
• Spark (Keynote) Talks
At BlueSKY we believe…
…in NEXT LEVEL culture and courageous leadership.
…in deep transformational work and community building within teams, across teams and across industry.
…that the opportunity to capture the hearts and minds of an audience is a privilege.
Organizational Leadership + Team Dynamics
We know that your organization has what it takes to make a lasting impact. We also know that teams and individuals lose touch with the inspiration that once set them on fire. At BlueSKY we help organizations rediscover their passion and potential by applying the Reinvention Road Trip™ Methodology to ultimately set goals and achieve strategic outcomes. We accomplish this by expertly designing:
• Executive Leadership Retreats
• ERG Workshops
• Reputational Brand Assessments
Talent Development
In order to bring transformational work to our clients, we engage the Reinvention Road Trip™ methodology to support companies and their employees on a journey of connectivity, dream-building and professional growth. We work together to co-create a custom experience built on the principles of: self-discovery, courageous leadership and goal-setting with a concrete action plan for lasting change and growth.
Spark (Keynote) Talks
It's been said that to be inspired is great, but to inspire is an honor. We couldn't agree more. Our firm’s cross-industry talent is highly requested to deliver inspirational and industry-specific talks across the country.
A sample of our topics are:
• Evolve or Repeat? Staying Personally Inspired in the Workplace
• Burned Out? Stop Living Like You’re On Fire
• Your Story is Powerful—Let’s Tell It With Distinction!
• Impostor Syndrome—How to Counterpunch that Confidence Thief
World-Class Call Center Solutions
Our customized contact center solutions, along with unparalleled training and advanced technology ensure that our agents will optimize first call resolutions. Not only that, but we’ll provide your end users with unmatched customer service you can be proud to offer.
Lower Costs
You won’t need to hire a local team to help with customer service questions. We’ll take care of all equipment purchases and maintenance. We’ll also recruit, hire, and track the performance of call center employees, saving you time and resources.
Highly-Trained Agents
Because outsourcing operations is our focus, we hire only the best, saving you the trouble of vetting them all yourself. With us, you’ll be assured of qualified CS professionals who can solve your inquiries with thorough knowledge of your product and services.
Unmatched Brand Image and Loyalty
Outsourcing operations doesn’t mean you’re compromising on quality. Our professional agents go above and beyond KPI’s providing superior reinforcement of your company’s brand and reputation.
Problem-Solving Leverage
We provide the latest tools and problem-solving leverage that your institution deserves. Rather than reading a script, they’ll listen, evaluate, and make use of the proper tools to solve problems on an individual basis.
Improved First Call Resolution Rates
We ensure the inquiry is resolved on the 1st call or will create a follow-up ticket if additional research is required. We will outreach the student in a timely manner so no additional calls would be required.
BlueSKY is a gathering of talent, experience, skill and passion - it is a group of unique individuals who believe in the power of all.
BlueSky Collaborative Partners, LLC, founded by Chief Executive Officer, Julie Sills Molock, is a National Full Service Consultancy, focused on collaborating with Primary, Secondary and Higher Education Institutions, Nonprofit and Faith Based Organizations, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUS) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI).
The BlueSky team is an extraordinary group of thought leaders with unique perspectives, based upon incredibly diverse backgrounds, lived experiences and long tenure with some of the largest and most impactful organizations in the world. These include United Way Worldwide, United Negro College Fund, McKinsey & Company, Morehouse College, The Bank of America Foundation, Teach for America, College Possible, Wells Fargo, PR Newswire, The Associated Press, Cisco Systems, Deloitte Consulting and The Ohio State University.
The BlueSky value proposition includes use of the latest and most innovative (data driven) models for fundraising, storytelling for diverse audiences, an extensive network of major donor relationships and even a “virtual” Call/Operations Center to assist with providing the highest level service to various stakeholders.
The BlueSky team will collaborate with organizations to successfully build upon impactful work and execute major Fund Development goals.
The launch of the BlueSky Consultancy is in honor of her parents, but was greatly inspired by the courage and strength of her trailblazing grandmother, Marjorie Hunt Duckery, an educational advocate and CEO of her own Consulting Firm (Duckery Associates), launched in the late 1960s. Servant leadership has been a hallmark of Julie’s upbringing and current sensibilities, and it's her dream for all organizations to have a “BlueSky” mentality, by being aspirational, dreaming big and through collaboration, realize that ALL things are possible!
Thank you for reaching out. Should your message require a reply, one of our colleagues will contact you shortly.
Kellye is from Atlanta, Georgia where she grew up surrounded by countless family members who attended Historically Black Colleges. Kellye is a third generation Spelman College alumna, she received her Master's Degree from Clark Atlanta University, and an Educational Specialist's Degree from Fordham University in New York City.
Kellye has an extensive higher education administration background specializing in Career Development. Kellye served as Director of Career Services for two prominent HBCU's, Morehouse College and Grambling State University. Kellye spent 9 years working internationally in Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates as the Senior Manager of Employability and Alumni Relations at Abu Dhabi University and as a Senior Specialist Career Services for the Higher Colleges of Technology.
Kellye's areas of expertise include:
Nandi Edouard was born, raised and returned to Cobb County, GA, where she is a BES Fellow on the community co design track located in Atlanta, Georgia, where she is working with her design team to reimagine the educational landscape in Georgia. Previously she served as the Director of School Culture, Managing Dean of Students and New Teacher Development Lead at Prospect Schools in Brooklyn, NY. Prior to this Nandi spent 3 years in Houston, Texas, teaching and leading 6-8th grade English and Language Arts at YES Prep Public Schools. Nandi received her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College and holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. Now, she serves as the lead school founder and chief executive officer of The Simple Vue Academy, proposed to open in 2025.
Matt consults with universities and non-profits in the areas of strategic partnerships and fundraising. He focuses his practice on aligning systems and goals, intentionally designing culture, and change management.
Matt spent the first part of his career practicing law in the Navy JAG Corps, as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, practicing corporate and securities law, and as Chief Deputy Attorney General for the State of Nebraska. He then moved into higher education where he focused on fundraising (completing three successful campaigns), corporate partnerships, economic development, and technology commercialization. He served as VP for Development at the University of Nebraska Foundation, then as Chief Advancement Officer for the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University. He was the inaugural leader of the Corporate Engagement Office at Ohio State, where he served as VP for Economic and Corporate Engagement and President of the Ohio State Innovation Foundation. His final job in higher education was President of the Oregon Health & Science University Foundation.
Matt is based in Portland, Oregon, and is President of Cardinal Advisors, LLC. He is also the founder of TrustLab, a nonprofit whose mission is to bring together police and community by healing trauma and engaging community members to design a public safety system that serves all communities. He received his BS in Business Administration from the University of Kansas, and his JD from the University of Nebraska College of Law.
Dr. Terry Mills is a skilled and accomplished higher education administrator, academic leader, professor; and student success advocate. He previously served as Inaugural Chief Diversity Officer at John Carroll University, Associate Dean For Minority Affairs at University of Florida, and Dean for Humanities and Social Sciences at Morehouse College. He has founded the Cinema, Television and Emerging Media Studies Program at Morehouse College, developed college student success projects at diverse postsecondary institutions, including programs that broaden participation in STEM education. Other areas of focus include assessments of Health Equity, quantitative and qualitative research methods; and data analysis. He regularly consults with institutes of Higher Education, Community Non-profits, and health care providers on developing grant funding strategies. Dr. Mills earned his PhD in sociology and Gerontology from the University of Southern California. He is a Fellow in the Gerontological Society of America, and recipient of a William R. Jones Outstanding Mentor Award – McKnight Doctoral Fellows/Florida Education Fund Program. Terry enjoys creating and mixing music on his computer using digital audio workstation, Logic Pro X.
Over the last two decades, Jes Averhart has worked with a portfolio of Fortune 500 companies, public sector organizations and high-performing individuals interested in increased personal growth and greater professional impact.
Jes Averhart is a 4th generation entrepreneur, creator of 28 Days of Reinvention, and a best-selling author. She advises high-performing individuals and corporate teams as a leadership development and confidence coach. With over 20 years of cross-industry corporate engagement and fundraising, Jes has worked with Research Triangle Park companies, Google for Startups, Fidelity Labs, Wells Fargo, Coastal Credit Union, Lincoln Financial and the American Underground to name a few.
In 2015, Jes co-founded Black Wall Street Homecoming, a nonprofit aimed at closing the funding gap for Black and Brown tech founders. Earlier in her career, she provided production management services for the likes of the Cincinnati Bengals & Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), the Procter & Gamble Company and Pepsi Cola North America.
Originally from Evansport, Ohio, Jes moved to North Carolina in 2005 with her son Tre'. When she's not working, you can find her cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes.
As a Six-Sigma Black Belt certified, global IT Executive and business leader, Pamela brings a wealth of expertise as a strategic business partner and technical analytics professional, committed to enhancing business process life cycles for increased continuity and optimal outcomes. Her portfolio summarizes my project work with highly reputable Fortune 500 companies and a few of the largest organizations in the world.
Pamela has successfully managed multimillion-dollar accounts for major organizations and closed over a million dollars in sales. Her expertise also encompasses a long list of certifications ranging from Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) to Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), to Certified Data Scientist to ITIL Expert and many others.
Throughout her career, Pamela has leveraged six sigma methodologies and an agile approach to for product development and technology implementation projects, leading to millions of dollars in savings and increased revenues for my clientele and partners. Additionally, she has performed in a variety of roles throughout my career including Chief Product Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Director of Data & Architecture, Managing Director, Lead Solution Architect, Sr. Program Manager and others.
Pamela is the Co-Founder and CEO of Airacobra Development, a full stack outsourcing partner offering a broad based set of services and deep expertise in data analytics, UX/UI, streaming AI/ML, SaaS/Cloud, product development/strategy and cybersecurity audits and assessments. Current clients include, The US Air Force (AFWERX Challenge Winner), Play Lotto, Disney Channel, HBO GO the Food Network, CNBC, Thompson Reuters, JP Morgan and Kimberly-Clark.
Pamela also serves as the CTO for ConSol USA, where she is responsible for delivering and designing the technical strategy, roadmap and development of new solutions and products. She also leads digital transformation and security compliance for the organization.
Pamela values education and has received attended the following institutions:
University of Chicago
BS, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
Columbia Business School
MBA, Finance
Georgia Tech University
MS, Electrical Engineering
Harvard University
Executive Management: Data Science and Cybersecurity
Pamela sits on the following Boards:
- YMCA of Metro Atlanta
- Renee Montgomery Foundation
Orrin Blossom serves as Vice President of Call Center Strategy for BlueSKY Experience. In this role, Blossom is responsible for leading the organizational development and implementation of call center strategy and service operations, including systems, technology and innovations.
Blossom has over 25 years’ direct experience in contact center operations and management with expertise managing contact center design and execution. Having developed four new contact centers from ground level, he is recognized as a leader in providing consulting and strategic guidance to corporate clients seeking to optimize their contact centers.
Blossom previously held executive positions with Concord EFS, First Data Corporation and Fidelity National Information Services, where he served as Vice President of Call Center Operations in each of these roles.
He is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University (a HBCU) where he earned a B.A. in Business Management. He received Certification in Operations Management from Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA) and is Lean Six Sigma Certified as a Green Belt. He is married and lives in Tampa, FL.
Dr. Breitling is an accomplished college executive, academic leader, and strategic leader with experience leading diverse postsecondary institutions. He previously served as President of Patten University, Provost of the Art Institutes system, and numerous faculty and dean roles at institutions across the country. He has co-founded multiple social ventures, including the Tanzanian Educational Support Association, an NGO expanding secondary school access in rural Tanzania, and Honors Pathway, a college-partnership program dedicated to helping first generation college students complete a degree and launch a professional career.
He regularly consults with postsecondary institutions and non-profit organizations on strategy, program development, accreditation, compliance, and higher ed policy. Dr. Breitling earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California, and his master’s and doctorate from Stanford University. A music and math geek by training, Nate enjoys numbers, fast motorcycles, and learning new excel formulas.
Zerita C. Buchanan, DDS is a fourth generation dentist and a proud HBCU graduate. Her commitment to health equity led her to be recognized as a “Healthcare Hero” by her alma mater Spelman College. Her private practice, Dental Dreams, LLC, serves as an innovation hub for HBCU students interested in the STEM sciences. Since 2014, Dr. Buchanan has served as the Assistant Director of Increasing Diversity in Dentistry (IDID), a national pipeline program for minority college students interested in pursuing a career in dentistry. Dr. Buchanan received her DDS from The University of North Carolina at CHapel Hill School of Dentistry in 2014. She is currently a Commonwealth Fund Fellow and pursuing her MPH in Minority Health Policy at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
As a young man growing up in Brooklyn, NY, David developed a strong interest in photography. He would frequent photography stores that hired accomplished photographers as part-time staff. For the price of a roll of film, he would often receive valuable photography lessons. Today, the exceedingly versatile professional photographer and multi-media specialist combines his love of the lens and technology to create beautiful images.
With more than 30 years of nonprofit operational and management experience, Kittie Fahey has led teams in the areas of major and principal gifts, sponsorship, events and volunteer management, raising nearly one billion dollars for human services, arts and environmental causes. Passionate about philanthropy and community, Kittie is a visionary thinker and not afraid to take risks.
She is a frequent investor in Broadway musicals and plays, well-traveled, appreciator of fashion and culture, and lives with her dog, Dooley. Kittie splits her time between Minneapolis and New York City.
Gallup Strength Finders:
Adaptability - Woo - Significance - Positivity - Maximizer
Myers Briggs: ESTP
Kennedy Blanchard Gay is a proud alumna of Spelman College where she earned her BA in Theatre and Performance. She also is a graduate of UCLA’s professional producing program. Throughout her career, Kennedy has contributed to innovative and effective business solutions through effective data, time, and organizational management, as well as follow-through on key projects.
Her career has afforded her opportunities to work behind the scenes on productions in several different mediums. She served as an intern for The Cannes Film Festival, production assistant for Sundance Institute’s Theatre Lab, assistant to the line producer on Netflix’s Raising Dion, and Production Coordinator of SCADFILM to name a few. Although Kennedy has held several titles throughout her life, her favorite is being a mom and wife. She is excited to be a part of the BlueSky team!
Shenné started her career over 30 years ago in Insurance and Financial Services, working across many departments in both Accounting and Finance functions. As a working manager and sometimes independent contributor, she has touched almost all aspects of the reporting business.
Smith has a BS in Accounting from Seton Hall University and a Master of Science degree in Administrative Sciences from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. focusing her volunteer efforts on Social Action and Auditing.
Audrey grew up in Pennsylvania and attended Kutztown University of PA where she earned a BFA in Communication Design with a concentration in Graphic Design. She then ventured to Boston where she worked in an in-house design studio for a printing company. When the doors to the printer closed, a window of opportunity opened up and she began working for tpg creative—which then became Holland-Mark—where she developed a love for designing publications along with anything and everything that’s printed. All along she had an interest in website design and began taking classes and learning all she could. Life took Audrey to Baltimore in 2006, where after another year, she decided to make the leap and go out on her own. Fast forward 2 kids, a dog, a fish, and 5 cats later, Audrey now lives in Omaha—holding on to both her love of Boston where her career started, and her 617 phone number, hence the name, 617 Graphic Design.
Audrey enjoys spending time with her family (game nights are the best!) and cats, rollerskating, horseback riding, and experimenting with cheesecakes. As an animal lover and serial hobbyist*, you can find her hand feeding her favorite squirrel, Patrice, knitting, felting animals out of wool (until she discovers another hobby), or drinking iced coffee.
*Cake decorating, jewelry making, and knitting, just to name a few
Kai Jackson Issa is a story-centered communications professional dedicated to creating compelling content that advances educational access and opportunities. Kai helps clients amplify their unique stories to build more authentic connections to their audiences and stakeholders. Kai’s work is informed by her Ph.D. in literary studies, her background in publishing, and a career encompassing administrative roles in several colleges and universities. Kai’s areas of expertise include: grant and proposal writing, executive communications, strategic planning, diversity, equity and inclusion, assessment, student retention, and academic program development.
With over three decades of work in brand development, creative concept, design and production for both print and electronic media, design is as much a career choice as a personal passion. Over the years I’ve learned to focus on the ideas, the brand, the competition and the audience, gaining invaluable insight working with small start-ups, regional organizations and global non-profits. And while understanding the importance of a flat sheet and a flat-rate, the difference between pixels and points and the value of pennies and dollars is crucial, what drives me is building relationships on respect, hard work and never forgetting to laugh along the way.
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David Lopez was born and raised in the richly diverse, cross-border region of San Diego (U.S.A) and Tijuana (Mexico). He has 20+ years of experience in business development, executive management, and program and operations across both for-profit and non-profit sectors. His strategic consulting is informed by time spent in executive leadership roles, including Global Knowledge Lead for Fundraising and Development at Teach For All, Chief Development Officer at Metro United Way, Founding Executive Director at Teach For America - San Diego, and Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at USAdelante.
David, his wife, Sarah, and their son, Isaiah, live in the Greater Louisville region in Kentucky. As a volunteer leader, David is deeply involved in various regional causes, which includes serving as a board member at the Louisville HIspanic Chamber of Commerce, board member at La Casita Center, and a member of the executive board at the Rubel School of Business at Bellarmine University. His latest passion project is an initiative called Nueva Fuerza that is focused on growing the number of Latinx/Hispanic leaders running for elected office in the Greater Louisville region.
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BlueSky Collaborative Partners, LLC, Julie is a visionary leader, with over three decades of Fundraising, Business Development Capital Campaign and Relationship Management experience. Previously, Julie served as Chief Development Officer for an EdTech nonprofit, Managing Director of Individual Philanthropy for the World's largest privately funded nonprofit, VIce President of a major Financial Services Foundation and an Higher Education Development leader with roles at Morehouse College and The Ohio State University.
A proud alumnus of Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, and one of 100 HBCU alumni in her immediate family, Julie is a major advocate for HBCUS, and deeply believes in their ability to strengthen the future talent pipeline and close the wealth equity gap.
As President of BlueSKY Experience, Karl is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the Customer Experience, Call Center Operations, Employee Coaching and Talent Development. For the past 3 decades, Karl has utilized an innovative approach to achieve next level Customer Service standards, through leadership roles with Fortune 50 Financial Services Institutions and major Healthcare organizations.
Karl is skilled at managing multiple functions of Organizational Performance, Talent Management and Employee Engagement.
A proud alumnus of Claflin University and member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Karl is a passionate advocate for HBCUs, and is excited to collaborate with higher education and nonprofit organizations, to maintain the highest levels of experience when engaged with key stakeholders.
Felicia has spent her career, which spans across over 40 years, helping others primarily through her work with philanthropic organizations that focus on higher education, faith-based, healthcare, youth advocacy, community development and housing. Her passion is helping to empower others wherever they are in their journey of life.
She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), earned through accomplishments in education, experience, performance, service and examination for over thirty years while demonstrating a strong commitment to the Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice in this industry.
Ms. Murphy-Phillips has developed and implemented comprehensive and effective fundraising programs, through which she has raised millions of dollars, including principal gifts, annual gifts, corporate and foundation gifts, Grantsmanship, planned gifts, special events, donor recognition celebrations, as well as capital campaigns. She has been very successful with the cultivation and management of multi-level partnerships, conducts on-line webinars, conference seminars, and is a regular contributor to educational publications, on topics related to philanthropy.
Dr. Juanita Reynolds is the Chief Strategic Partnership Officer for Blue Sky Collaborative and most recently served as the Chief Strategic Partnership Officer for Education Farm and The PROPEL Center initiative. Dr. Reynolds has worked in education for over 25 years in various capacities and is considered an expert in organizational as well as school turnaround. In addition to working to develop partnerships with university and corporate partners, she has served as a university faculty member, mentored and coached leaders, served as a school district office administrator, a site administrator for elementary, middle and high school, as well as teacher. Prior to her role at Ed Farm she worked at Honors Pathway and New Leaders for New Schools. In 2015 Dr. Reynolds received the Capital City Legends Award for her visionary, transformational leadership and outstanding service and commitment to education. She is a Trustee for Elite Public Schools. Dr. Reynolds, attended Howard University and CSU Hayward earning her Bachelors degree, she also holds two Masters degrees from Mills College, Teaching and Administrative Services credentials, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She is married to her life partner of over 30 years, Melvin Reynolds and has two incredible children, Jasmine and Stephan Reynolds and cooks a mean garlic crab!
Add Seymour Jr., is an award-winning multi-platform writer, journalist and communicator who was written for a number of national publications, such as The Atlanta Journal Constitution and The Associated Press. He was won the Freedom Forum/Enterprise Foundation's National Excellence in Urban Journalism for a series on national public housing trends. Add has also extensively covered government and politics, race relations, and higher education. He is a veteran public relations communicator, having worked for institutions such as Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University, along with writing for many other institutions. Add is also an accomplished freelance writer who has written for a number of national and regional publications and websites across the country.
A former jazz D.J., Add is a native of Nashville, Tennessee and a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Lige Shao is an experienced strategy and operations leader. Previously, she served as the acting Chief Operating Officer and SVP of Growth at Education Farm | Propel Center and Vice President of Strategy at Rocketship Public Schools, a national network of charter elementary schools. At Rocketship, she led growth and org strategy, data analytics, and student information systems, helping launch new schools and regions and double the size of the network to serve 10,000 students across the country. Prior to that, she was an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, focusing on education and consumer packaged goods/retail.
Lige holds a BA and an MA from Stanford University, an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and an M.Ed from the Broad Center (now Yale School of Management). She speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese and conversational French.
Brett Savage-Simon is a seasoned communications pro with over three decades of media/journalism, public relations, content marketing and branding experience. She's led and advised corporate and national non-profit communications programs, specializing in communication planning, issues, crisis management, media training and social media strategy.
With deep HBCU roots; Brett is a proud alumnus of Spelman College, daughter of Howard University (the real HU) alumni and mother of a recent HU graduate and current Spelman student. Her motto is Howard by blood; Spelman by choice. She is a member and former President of Spelman's Northern New Jersey Alumnae Association and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she chairs the local chapter's Information and Communications Committee.
Allegra Solomon is a fiction writer from Columbus, Ohio. She got her MFA from the University of Kentucky and her B.A. in Creative Writing from Ohio University. Her poetry and fiction have appeared in Sphere Magazine, Lolwe, and she is the University of Kentucky’s 2022 recipient of the Fiction MFA award. She has run social media for the New Limestone Review, Hachette Book Group, and numerous authors.
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Karen has had a career in education in both public and independent schools for the past 20 years. She recently transitioned back into corporate as a recruiter. Karen's "happy place" has always been the beach. Out of her love for travel, her travel business was born. Get You Somm Travel curates travel experiences designed to meet the client's needs.
A proud alumnus of Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, Karen volunteers in multiple capacities at her alma mater. When she is not spending time with her husband and their 3 adult children, traveling or volunteering are other favorite pastimes.
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Mr. Williams was born and raised in Washington, DC and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Technology from his beloved HBCU, Cheyney University. As a student at Cheyney University Mr. Williams played collegiate football, was initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, and served two years in Student Government as Treasurer and President. All of the aforementioned campus activities were pivotal in developing Mr. Williams’ leadership skills. Shortly after graduating from Cheyney University, Mr. Williams was hired by Communications Test Design Inc. A few years later Mr. Williams co-founded a national brand marketing and upscale event planning company Stomp & Clay Productions, LLC.
After thirty-one years in the telecommunications industry Mr. Williams retired in the first quarter of 2023. Prior to retiring Mr. Williams successfully managed and led one of the seven Business Verticals within the Network Services Division at Communication Test Design Inc. He managed global operations with the responsibility for providing repair, engineering, IT, forward, and reverse logistics for a major telecommunications service provider. Mr. Williams was responsible for managing a $40M annual budget, monthly P&L goals, allocating budget resources, managing operational costs, and monitoring financial activities. As Business Vertical Lead, Mr. Williams led IT development efforts to provide automation and streamline processes and was responsible for building a team to support the Business Vertical while ensuring end to end customer satisfaction. Mr. Williams also tracked and measured performance to ensure all expectations related to Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and Service Level Agreements were achieved. He provided quarterly business reviews with the customer and weekly business updates internally to the CEO, President, and executive team. In addition, Mr. Williams responded to RFP’s, reviewed, and executed contracts, and was accountable for driving new business opportunities. Mr. Williams led programs to achieve objectives, set priorities, oversaw daily business activities, improved overall business functions, developed strategic plans, communicated business goals, identified areas in need of improvement, and implemented corrective actions.
As Chief Operating Officer of BlueSKY, Mr. Williams brings significant experience and operations knowledge to the team. Mr. Williams oversees the internal day-to-day administrative and operational functions and executes BlueSKY business plans according to the corporate business model. He also works with BlueSKY Business Vertical Leads to make sure cross-functional teams work together to keep the operations of the business in scope and ensure project timelines are achieved per the client’s expectations and address any issues immediately. Mr. Williams facilitates regular meetings with the Executive team and Vertical Leads to make sure operations are successful and the established KPIs and P&L goals are achieved.
Professionally, Kevin is a highly motivated person and a well-respected business leader with experience in marketing programs, brand management, corporate sponsorships and event planning. Kevin is a passionate innovator with a track record of focused, growth-oriented leadership that consistently produces results. Kevin has vast experience working with Fortune 500 companies. Some of his past work experiences and clients are Miller Brewing Company, PepsiCo, Britvic, Wal-Mart, 7-Eleven, BJ’s and Sunoco to name a few.
Stomp and Clay Productions, LLC is an innovative hybrid company with over 25 years of extensive knowledge and expertise in brand marketing and event planning. General media, marketing and promotions often do not effectively reach the targeted demographics. However, sponsorships and partnerships have proven to be beneficial in targeting certain demographic markets. Team Stomp and Clay has years of experience producing high quality events that provide valuable sponsorship opportunities for our corporate partners.
He enjoys giving back to his community and his alma mater in his spare time. Kevin is a Life Member of the Cheyney University National Alumni Association and also serves at the current President of the National Board of Directors. He is also a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Kevin holds a bachelor degree from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in Business Administration.
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Jacqueline is a solution-driven professional with over 25 years of experience in relationship management, sales leadership, account management, strategic planning, and economic development. Most recently, Jacqueline has fueled her passion for job growth and economic impact by working as an Economic Development Manager at DTE Energy, where she collaborates with partners to land impactful projects. Prior to joining DTE Energy, Jacqueline worked for Corning Incorporated serving in several customer-facing roles.
Jacqueline holds a BEE from the University of Delaware, a MS from the University of Maryland at College Park, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. One of her core values is to improve lives. She volunteers through outreach, teaching and mentoring at local prisons and jails.
Jayson Wells is a retired professional basketball player and captivating storyteller, who engages his audiences by skillfully weaving tales that entertain, enlighten, and expand the edges for leaders. Drawing inspiration from the essence and energy of play, Jayson empowers them to infuse curiosity, exploration and imagination into their professional lives, fostering innovation, improving team dynamics, and enhancing interpersonal communication."
A native of Cleveland Ohio, he graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Sport Management. He then went on to travel the world playing professional basketball for 13 seasons. After retiring from basketball, he joined Nike Grassroots Basketball as a skill developer. Showing his value and worth, he was elevated to Director of Nike Elite 100, developing the top-rated high school basketball players in the country. Jayson was the first person to design, develop and deliver events for Nike on both the Sports Marketing side and the Brand side of the business. He has also facilitated basketball camps for professional athletes including Chris Paul, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant to name a few.
One of his deepest held principles is “if it’s BIGGER than the game, why do we focus so much on the game?” Currently, Jayson is walking in his PURPOSE by stepping into the role of Mindset Enhancement Coach, living out his personal mantra to ‘Develop & Empower Winners.’
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