Janelle is a high-achieving, intent change leader with successes driving revenue, profit, and share growth in CEO and CMO roles. She has 20+ years of leading and executing business and brand strategies, customer experience, and transformational capabilities for Fortune 500 companies and start-ups. Janelle is a change catalyst and an accomplished strategist, marketer, and leader, delivering meaningful results in CPG, F&B, wine, and travel businesses. She is known as the “C-Suite decathlete.”

As CEO of Fresh Vine Wine, Janelle led a high-growth wine company, authoring vision, implementing business plans, and overseeing P&L decisions. In 2021, she led VINE’s IPO, raising $22.5MM and launching VINE on the NYSE, where it was one of the 6% of women-led companies. She immediately executed the business plan, accelerating quarterly growth by 675% Y v. Y, 43%, and sequentially.

Before FVW, Janelle was CMO of Global Marketing, Customer Experience, and Digital Officer at American Airlines. In this role, she led American’s global marketing efforts, including developing and implementing brand and marketing strategies across the entire travel journey, with responsibilities for media, partnerships, and sponsorships. She led the Premium customer service strategy and design, including Admiral Clubs and award-winning Flagship Lounges. She also led the global digital team to design the app and .com revenue streams. Janelle built American’s first marketing mix model, delivering impressive returns ROAS and ROI.

Janelle spent 15 years at PepsiCo, rising to VP of Shopper Marketing across all PEP divisions for the top-tier retail partners. She delivered transformational change by bringing the first successful team cross-divisional shopper marketing team together for Frito-Lay, Pepsi Beverages, and Quaker. Authoring the reorganization, sales integration, and new digital capability, the team exceeded the plan by $105MM. Her team catapulted to the top-ranked US Shopper Marketing team within a year in Kantar. Janelle led multiple $1B+ brands while at PEP, focused on building marketing strategies, brand visioning, and positioning, and excelled in developing winning strategies, sports marketing partnerships, and activations.

Janelle began her career in General Electric’s Leadership Development Program, rising to become Master Black Belt in the Six Sigma program.

She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business with Distinction and a Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Additionally, she earned 2x Academic All-American Honors while swim team captain.

Matt Anderson is a partner in the technology/intellectual property law group of Munck Wilson Mandala LLP.  Matt represents clients in intellectual property procurement, licensing, and enforcement, technology transactions, privacy issues, and other technology-focused areas.  Matt earned his degree in computer engineering at SMU and graduated from the Baylor University School of Law with a dual concentration in commercial and civil litigation.

Kevin Austin is group vice president of Supply Chain Management (SCM) and deputy chief quality officer for Toyota Motor North America.

Austin oversees North America’s end-to-end vehicle and parts supply chain operations, ensuring seamless integration across critical functions. His responsibilities include Demand and Supply Management, Supply Chain Strategy, New Product Introduction, Service Parts Operations, and Logistics—spanning both parts and finished vehicle distribution. In addition to these core functions, he is also focused on advancing digital transformation and innovation within the supply chain, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, resilience, and customer experience. The team is committed to driving operational excellence and continuous improvement in support of the company’s broader strategic goals.

Austin began his career at Toyota in 1999 as an analyst within the Production Control division at Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA). In this role, he was responsible for production planning efforts and helping lead Toyota’s supply chain coordination to ensure appropriate production capacity and output to meet customer needs and demand.

Following Production Control, Austin worked in the Human Resources department supporting company-wide initiatives focused on team member engagement and development.

In 2012, Austin took an international assignment in Japan where he worked for two years in the Toyota Motors America Japan (TMA-J) division for Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC). Upon completion of the TMC assignment, Austin rotated to Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) in California where he worked in the Distributions Operations department until his transition to the TMNA headquarters in Plano, Texas in 2015.

Austin has held several roles since then, including a rotational assignment within TMS in the Denver Region office, supporting and engaging the regional team and dealers in achieving mutual sales and fixed operations goals and objectives, general manager within the Toyota Sales team, and most recently, serving as vice president for DSM.

Austin is originally from Montgomery, West Virginia and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from West Virginia University

Jessica Baker Daily became Halff’s president and CEO in January 2024. She joined Halff as an intern in 2003 and served in various roles, including project manager, team leader, chief marketing officer and chief people officer. She was a member of the Board of Directors from 2018 to 2021. Intent on helping maintain Halff’s people-first culture, Jessica has spearheaded several initiatives, including establishing employee resource groups (ERGs), flexible work hours, firmwide employee communications and leadership development. In 2024, Jessica was recognized by the Dallas Business Journal with a Women in Business Award. She was also named one of the 500 most powerful business leaders in Dallas-Fort Worth in 2024 by D CEO Magazine. Jessica served as Halff’s liaison for a $600 million joint venture with FEMA and led a team of more than 100 professionals in delivering flood risk identification and disaster response services for FEMA’s Region 6. She is actively involved in the community, serving on several advisory committees and boards and volunteering with Halff Community Initiative, Halff’s nonprofit. She is currently the American Council of Engineering Companies Dallas chapter president. Jessica, who earned her civil engineering degree from the University of Texas at Austin, resides in Dallas with her husband, Brett and her son, Bennett. In her free time, she loves to travel with her family and friends.

Peter is the CEO and Founder of Coaching Instruments^®, a coaching practice dedicated to executive coaching, leadership development, and consulting. Peter works with CEOs and leaders of small- to mid-sized businesses, new-to-role and transitioning professionals, educators moving into business roles, and busy professionals preparing for major endurance challenges as part of their health and fitness journeys. Peter and his team of certified coaches equip leaders with the courage, confidence, and practical frameworks needed to transform performance without sacrificing personal values. Drawing on 25+ years of global executive experience—from classroom teacher to entry-level roles in a Fortune 200 company, to corporate vice president, company officer, and president of Texas Instruments – Education Technology, Peter has led record-breaking financial results and drove hundreds of millions in annual revenue and profit. He understands the pressures leaders face: resource limits, fierce competition, and the self-doubt that comes with major transitions.

In addition to his executive coaching, leadership development, and consulting roles, Peter is a USA Triathlon and IRONMAN Certified Coach. He is dedicated to helping busy professionals achieve their endurance goals, having guided 100% of his athletes to successfully complete their IRONMAN races, often with personal best times.

Throughout his career, Peter has been committed to helping students strengthen their knowledge of math and science, and build the confidence to pursue advanced STEM courses that create paths to rewarding careers.

Peter holds a Ph.D. in mathematics and technology education and a bachelor’s in mathematics and physical education from McGill University, where he is the proud chair of the Faculty of Education Advisory Board and member of the Sports Science Institute International Council. He earned his Master of Science in mathematics education from Concordia University and MBA from University of Texas at Dallas where he is the Chair of the university’s Executive Board. Peter is also a community partner in helping close the gender gap in STEM through his active participation with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas we he served on the Board of Directors as a member of the Executive Committee and chair of the Strategic Planning Committee for 3 consecutive terms.

McGill University — Ph.D. in Mathematics and Technology Education

Concordia University — Master of Science in Mathematics Education

University of Texas at Dallas — Master of Business Administration

McGill University — Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Physical Education

Lisa Bowman serves as a Vice President of Commercial Relationship Banking for Origin Bank. Through her role, she provides banking products such as loans, deposits, and treasury services.  She realizes that these products are vital for creating and maintaining generational wealth. For these reasons, although everyone is her target client, her passion is to educate and assist the underserved.

With over 20 years of experience in banking, including underwriting, equity trading, and lending, Bowman offers insight into how banks review credit. This experience has been invaluable in navigating the banking process for so many.  Beyond her professional expertise, Lisa is deeply dedicated to community service, actively engaging in initiatives that support financial literacy and economic development.

James is a Sr. Director at McKesson with 16+ years' experience solving drug supply chain problems for our nation's hospitals and pharmacies as a generic drug expert. He lives a life of service as a serial entrepreneur, founding a bakery in Perú to deliver food stability and small business acumen to at-risk youth as well as installing permaculture farms throughout Latin America and Africa. He is a published international business strategist and advised a Chinese technology company with its direct investment in the United States. James graduated with the Dallas Regional Chamber’s Leadership Dallas class of 2024.

Laura Chambers is president of the Education Technology division at Texas Instruments, where she leads worldwide teams focused on improving the teaching and learning of math, science and other STEM subjects.

Since joining TI in 2001, Laura has held leadership roles in supply chain, product management and sales. Most recently, she led worldwide sales and marketing efforts to expand educator access to TI technology and classroom resources. Her extensive experience provides a comprehensive understanding of how purpose-driven, distraction-free technology can transform educational outcomes.

Earlier in her career, she worked in systems engineering and industrial engineering at Nortel and Raytheon. Laura holds a degree in industrial engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.

Throughout her more than two decades at TI, Laura has championed classroom-focused innovation, ensuring technology serves the needs of educators and helps students build the confidence to succeed. 

Andy brings over 30 years of experience in the health insurance, Medicare and financial services industry. With executive experience at Fortune 100 companies such as United HealthCare, Aetna and Transamerica, he brings a wealth of knowledge about the inner workings of all types of insurance products.

At North American Insurance Services, Andy is responsible for leading a major national independent insurance marketing organization.  Andy has trained and mentored thousands of successful agents, advisors, and agencies across the country to share what he has learned with others in the industry.  He is also a frequent speaker at national insurance events, and uses his experience to help educate others in the industry.  

Andy is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a BBA in Finance and has an MBA from the University of Texas.  He is a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Certified Financial Planner.  In his spare time, Andy is a volunteer and outgoing Chairman of the Board for Metrocrest Services, a local non-profit organization that assists those in need in the community.  He is also a past board member of non-profit organization Senior Adult Services.  He has recently been elected to become a member of the Empowerment Real Estate boards.

Ms. Davis serves as the Vice President of Legal Operations for the Dallas Mavericks, where she drives strategic initiatives that protect and elevate the organization’s legal interests.

With a career built on integrity, excellence, and fearless leadership, Nwanye brings deep expertise in navigating the high-stakes world of corporate legal affairs—often while making it look effortless.

A fierce advocate for professional empowerment, Nwanye is passionate about helping others find their voice and thrive in complex corporate ecosystems. She earned her MBA from Texas A&M University and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where sisterhood and service are more than just mottos to Nwanye; they’re a way of life.

Beyond the boardroom, Nwanye is a mentor, community champion, and mother of two energetic sons who keep her on her toes and her calendar full. She finds joy in the quiet corners of life, cooking, music, and the occasional uninterrupted evening at home.

Audiences can count on Nwanye for honest insights, resilient leadership lessons, and a refreshing perspective on what it takes to build a purpose-driven career —with grace, grit, and just the right amount of flair.

Eddings is passionate about bettering her community, having served on boards ranging from the California and Nevada Youth Involvement Network to Young Texans of the American Cancer Society. She is also a 2024 graduate of the Dallas Regional Chamber's Leadership Dallas program.

In her professional career, she serves as senior director of brand marketing at 7-Eleven, Inc. In her role with the world’s largest convenience retailer, she leads the team behind iconic brand moments like Slurpee Day, Bring Your Own Cup Day, and more.

Prior to 7-Eleven, Marissa held roles in brand and marketing at Capital One and American Express. She received her M.B.A. from London Business School and her B.S. in Advertising from University of Texas in Austin. Outside of work, Marissa is an animal lover and in addition to having her own cat and dog, she helps others find their furever home.

Jody Hawn is a self-made man. Following an automobile accident, he opted to discontinue his studies at the University of Texas and embarked on a career in real estate. He went to work for a developer doing small stuff and learning. Within a few years, he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding his own apartment management enterprise. In a remarkably short time, Jody’s company flourished to become the third-largest management entity in the nation, overseeing properties spanning from Pompano Beach, Florida to Oakland, California. Extensive travels ensued, often distancing him from home, until he elected to divest the company and transition into developing shopping centers across three states.

Three years ago, Jody retired from his final shopping center endeavor. Simultaneously, he has devoted over 26 years to guiding the Hawn Foundation, building its impact from a $16 million entity to approximately $50 million. Concurrently, he has lent his expertise to various boards and initiatives, including the Senior Source in Dallas and serving as Chairman of the President’s Research Council at UTSW for two years. Notably, he initiated what has evolved into the nationally recognized Urban Young Life in Dallas.

Jody and his wife of 56 years, Sarah, make their home in Dallas with their dog, Lenny.  He is also the proud parent to two daughters and a grandparent to four.

Brian Kenjarski, MD, MBA, FACEP, is board-certified in both emergency medicine and clinical informatics, and earned his MD and MBA from the State University of New York at Buffalo in June 2002. Currently, as Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Informatics Officer at Methodist Health System in Dallas, TX, he optimizes healthcare delivery by reducing clinical care variation and implementing transformative electronic health record technologies. He also leads Methodist’s System Emergency Preparedness programs.

Dr. Kenjarski fosters collaboration between clinical and operational leaders, leads system clinical data governance initiatives, advocates for data-driven decision making, and pioneers digital innovations that optimize patient care. Trusted by clinicians, he achieves health system strategic goals, and his leadership style together with high-performing clinical informatics and data analytics teams drive successful clinical quality improvement for patients and elevate clinician engagement at Methodist.

Prior to joining Methodist, Dr. Kenjarski served as Executive Vice President and Regional Medical Director at EmCare West Division (now Envision Physician Services), where he managed emergency physician practices in Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Florida. He started out as a practicing emergency physician and Medical Director at Richardson Regional Medical Center (now Methodist Richardson Medical Center) where his passion for clinical informatics and data transformation began and continue to this day.

Alka Khanna is a retired CPA.  She is part of her family business of various operational and investment portfolios. She was born and brought up in Canada, but immigrated to USA 27 years ago. She is ethnically East Indian. She has been a board member with the Collin County women’s shelter, Hopes Door, She served two terms with their Finance committee.  She also participates in several activities in the Plano Metro Rotary Club alongside her husband. Apart from being an active member of the USA India Chamber of Commerce and its womens committee. She completed the Plano Leadership Program class of 25.  She also volunteers at religious events as well. A mother of three and Grandmother of two, she resides in the West Plano area.

John Lawrence is a partner at global law firm Baker Botts L.L.P., where tries complex commercial cases in courts across the country. His practice focuses on defending companies and their officers and directors in securities and shareholder actions, M&A challenges, and other high-stakes business disputes. He also advises boards of directors, board committees, and significant shareholders on governance issues and fiduciary duty matters.  John is heavily involved in the Dallas community.  He serves on the Executive Committee of the Advisory Board of the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, and is a member of the United Way Tocqueville Society.

Israel Martinez is recognized as a leader in boardroom Governance, Cyber Risk, Strategy and Innovation by the U.S. Secret Service; the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD); the Wall Street Journal MarketWatch, and the Forbes Technology Council. He has served as a director or board advisor across major industries including healthcare and international boards. As a boardroom educator, he has recently briefed and/or trained 190+ Fortune 500 board members and/or genarals counsel including Google; Interl; GE; Walt Disney; Microsoft; Ford; Walmart; Comcast; Bank of America; Humana; 7-Eleven and American and Hispanic Bar Association Fellows.

His current responsibilities include the American Red Cross as a board member for the North Texas Region; NACD as a Board Leadership Fellow; an NACD Top 100 Director nominee; nominated by the U.S. Secret Service Office of Strategic Intelligence, DHS, serving as an Industry Advisor to CISA; HMG Strategy as the Conference Chair in a network of 300k technology executives. American University Kogod Cyber Governance Center as a Founding Member; the Global Directors & Officers ISAQ, as a Co-Chairman and Founder, and Axon Global Services as CEO and Global CTO. As CEO of Axon, his leadership team services F500 companies, and the United States Government – Axon is one of three U.S. private sector companies chosen to brief The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) IAP regarding Supply Chain Risk in Hyper-Connected networks. Axon also services U.S. allies such as Japanese current industry leaders of METI as well as those governing cyber risk and strategy for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Martinez is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as, “(One of) the most influential, forward-thinking and successful IT Leaders”;  HITEC, where he is listed along with others, such as facebook’s CIO, as a Top 100 technology influencer & innovator; and the Forbes Technology Council as a contributing editor. He is also the recipient of the U.S. Senatorial Medal of Freedom. “the highest award Republican members of the U.S. Senate can bestow (NRSC)”. For over 20 years he’s also been a bipartisan, bicameral advisor in cyber counter-terrorism and defense to Congress; Several Presidential Administrations as a cyber risk advisor; The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), office of the CEO; the Global Manufacturing ISAO (Obama administration); the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI); the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility for Fortune 500 Directors (HACR); and the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA).

His public discourses include, Business Insider; the Huffington Post; American University KCGC in Washington, D.C.; the White House Office of Science, Technology and Policy; PBS-KERA television; The American Bar Association (ABA); Washington & Lee University (CLAC conference); the Federal Reserve; Government Security News; the U.S. and U.K. intelligence community; CSO Magazine; Forbes CEO conferences; InfoWorld Magazine; Sync Magazine; The Big Shift in IT Leadership; Globes in Tel Aviv Israel; The University of Texas in San Antonio, where he received a B.B.A. in Accounting 7 Information Systems; and CIO-CISO conference across major cities in the U.S. and internationally.

He's a passionate seeker of knowledge recently completing; DHS Cyber Counter Terrorism & Defense certification; business strategy CLE at Harvard; FINTECH block chain certification at MIT; KPMG’s Audit Committee Institute program; and the NACD Master’s Program – achieving the highest level of credentialing for corporate governance professionals.

Joe McCormick is an Insurance leader with extensive accomplishments across a broad range of the business, including marketing, sales, strategic communications, and risk management. My leadership with both Fortune 100 and start-up companies has driven profitable growth through strong producer partnerships, strategic market expansion, consistent process implementation, and elevating brand reputation. I am passionate about achieving business goals and developing high-performing teams and partnerships.

Strengths:

• Driving sales results through strategic business planning and disciplined execution
• Marketing and prospecting strategies
• Expanding sales territories and distribution channels
• Creating and implementing sales processes
• Leading change and integration in complex organizations and marketplaces
• Building client loyalty
• Developing and continuously improving dynamic marketing communication strategies and campaigns
• Issues and crisis management at both strategic and on-the-ground levels
• Integrating marketing and public relations strategies to influence target audiences and partnerships

Expertise:
Leadership, sales management, business development, market expansion, talent recruiting and development, marketing, prospecting, independent and captive agency consulting, product launches, insurance education and training, change management, agent and employee engagement, risk management, public relations programs, media relations, crisis communications, government and regulatory relations, executive communications, non-profit partnerships, marketing and communications consulting

Dan Micciche is partner emeritus at the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld. He has lived in Dallas since 1981, and has been a resident of Dallas ISD District 3 for over 25 years. He was first elected to the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees in 2012. He served as President of the Dallas ISD Board Trustees from 2016 to 2018, and has also served multiple terms as 1st Vice President and Secretary. Dan is a frequent speaker at school board events, neighborhood and community meetings.

Dan started and chaired his firm’s School Partnership Program with James W. Fannin Elementary School in Dallas from 2005 to 2012. The program won the State Board of Education’s gold level award for community partnerships in 2011.

Dan has received a number of recognitions for his work in public education, including the “No Kid Hungry” Award from Share Our Strength; “The Closing the Gap” Award from Leadership ISD; the “Voice of Children Award” from Children at Risk; as well as awards from the Texas State Teacher’s Association and the Ferguson Road Initiative in appreciation of his service to Dallas ISD.

Dan received his B.A. with highest honors from Stony Brook University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He received his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School. He also received a master’s degree in Education Policy & Analysis from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Dan has been recognized by clients and peers in The Best Lawyers in America for 16 consecutive years; in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for 20 consecutive years; in Texas Super Lawyers for 17 consecutive years; and as one of the best lawyers in Dallas by D Magazine for 11 consecutive years.

Dan’s civic and charitable activities include serving on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Dallas, the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas. He also served on the Mayor’s Task Force on Ethics Reform, which drafted and recommended a sweeping ethics reform proposal that was adopted unanimously by the Dallas City Council.

Dan was also the former vice chair of Texas C-BAR (Community Building through Attorney Resources), a pro bono organization. In addition, he previously served on the School Finance Task Force of the Greater Dallas Chamber; the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Texas; and Comptroller’s Tax Advisory Group under three different Comptrollers.

Dan is a 1999 graduate of the Greater Dallas Chamber’s Leadership Dallas Program and a 1998 graduate of the Leadership Arts Program of the Dallas Business Committee for the Arts.

Dan served on his firm’s associate and counsel compensation committees for over ten years and also coordinated the associate and counsel evaluation process for many years. He also served as the hiring partner for the firm’s Dallas office for many years. He was the recipient of the firm’s first Partner Recognition Award for his mentoring of counsel and associates and the firm’s Pro Bono Partner of the Year Award. He was the 11th lawyer inducted into Akin Gump’s “Pro Bono and Public Service Hall of Fame” based on his contributions to pro bono and community service throughout his legal career.

Makayla Rosales is a young professional with a diverse background in advocacy, community engagement, and higher education. Originally from Long Beach, California, Makayla moved to Texas four years ago to earn her master’s in educational leadership and a certificate in Women and Gender Studies from Texas Christian University. Her passion for advocacy and education stemmed from her undergraduate experience receiving her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in English and working as a ninth-grade teacher in Arizona.

She began her professional career working at UT Dallas for two years for their Student Union Programs department and volunteered on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Today, Makayla works at the Dallas Regional Chamber on the Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Team, where they prioritize promoting diversity in leadership, investing in under-championed communities, strengthening public safety relationships, and advocating for improved educational outcomes for all. Makayla has lived in Dallas for over a year and engages in serving her community at Watermark Church.

In addition to this role, Makayla serves as the Editor in Chief for Global Safety, a family-owned business in the public safety realm. With a passion for service and leadership, Makayla has been active with the Red Cross since 2012, when she began as a lifeguard. The Red Cross has been a great resource for her continuing her knowledge and education in CPR, First Aid Training & is a prominent resource Global Safety uses to certify their members.

Jacqueline Schultz is a business and operations leader with over two decades of experience across multi-unit retail, fleet operations, and national business development. She currently serves in Fleet Management in Business Development – Retail at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, where she oversees operations, sales performance, and strategic partnerships for large national fleet clients across the Western, Midwest, and Southern regions.

Previously, Jacqueline served as Senior Manager of Business Development at Goodyear, where she led business development, secured major national contracts, and created operational playbooks to improve execution and customer experience across retail and fleet locations. Earlier in her career, she held regional leadership roles at Goodyear and spent more than a decade with Target Corporation, managing high-volume stores exceeding $75 million in annual revenue and leading teams of more than 300 employees.

In addition to her professional leadership, Jacqueline is passionate about community impact and service. She has served on the Board of Directors for Girls on the Run DFW, supporting initiatives focused on youth empowerment, mentorship, and personal development.

Dr. Joseph (Joe) Seabrooks brings over 30 years of distinguished experience in higher education, marked by his dynamic leadership and transformative student-centered initiatives. Renowned for his adeptness in fostering connections and stimulating growth, he has served as a catalyst for change throughout his career in the higher education sector.

Currently leading as President of Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus, Dr. Seabrooks is recognized for his visionary approach to workforce and economic development. Under his guidance, the college has experienced rapid enrollment growth, now boasting over 10,000 credit students. Notably, he spearheaded innovative projects such as the reimagining of workforce development centers and the launch of the Lab on the Go!  A mobile workforce training unit.

Affectionately known as "Uncle Joe," he excels in mentoring and nurturing the next generation of leaders in higher education.   Dr. Seabrooks is guided by his purpose in life, which is to help people discover the tools, the fortitude, and the belief to find their pathway to prosperity. 

With a background spanning from his early roles at the University of Missouri-Kansas City to his presidency at Metropolitan Community College, Dr. Seabrooks has consistently demonstrated his dedication to advancing education and empowering communities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, as well as Master's and Educational Specialist degrees in Higher Education Administration, and an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Urban Leadership, Policy Studies, and Education Administration, all earned from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Seabrooks is the proud husband of Leslie and father of two sons, Joe Tre and Jackson, whom he considers his greatest accomplishments.

Shamoun Siddiqui is the Vice President and Global Chief Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Officer at The Upbound Group located in Dallas, Texas.  He has been a leader in the information technology and information security space for the past 20 years. He recently served as the Vice President and CISO at Neiman Marcus Group. Prior to that, he served in cybersecurity leadership roles at Nationstar/Mr Cooper, Sabre, CVS and Hitachi/Ricoh. He has several engineering and information security publications to his name.  Dr. Siddiqui holds a bachelor’s and a master’s in mechanical engineering and a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.