Akilah has more than a decade of experience in communications, specifically in marketing and journalism. She holds her Bachelor's Degree in Educational Studies from Kent State University. 

Akilah is passionate about using her research, interviewing, innovative and interpersonal skills to establish and sustain an enlightened community.

Courtney Ottrix, also known as Courtney Covers Cleveland, is a full-time blogger, content creator and Renaissance Millennial woman who has loved Cleveland for as long as she can remember.

She has extensive communications experience and was previously the Communications Director of Global Cleveland. In addition, she is a Production Coordinator for Major League Soccer on AppleTV and freelances in Game Operations for ESPN and ABC.

She has had the pleasure of consistently working the NBA Playoffs and Finals, First Take on The Road, and various other entertainment and sporting events over the past 15 years.

Dána Langford is a certified nurse midwife with 13+ years' experience in hospital systems. She co-founded Village of Healing, a community development organization focused on healing and empowering the village to eliminate social determinants of health and decrease disparities.

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Additionally, she serves as a founding consultant Dána M. Langford Consulting which is focused on uplifting communities and addressing systemic injustices through education, executive coaching, and advocacy.

Fallon Williams is the Senior Director of Programs and Operations at The Raymond John Wean Foundation. Peterson is actively engaged in civic endeavors, serving on the Health Policy Institute of Ohio board and advocating for the inclusion of Black Women in philanthropy through speaking engagements.

She holds the designation of Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and has been recognized as an Exponent Philanthropy 2020 Next Gen Fellow, as well as a Rockwood Virtual Art of Leadership for Philanthropic Leaders Fellow.

Williams earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Hampton University and a Master of Health Promotion with a concentration in Community and Public Health from the University of Cincinnati.

Katie is currently the Director of Development & Stakeholder Engagement at the Greater Cleveland Career Consortium. She has previously worked at the Cleveland Foundation and Cleveland Metropolitan School District and has taught at the high school and community college levels.

Katie holds her Bachelor’s in Sociology and Master’s in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice and is a continuing advocate for social justice. Her areas of focus are wide-ranging including policing and legal issues, education, workforce, mentoring, and community engagement. She is a founding member of Enlightened Solutions' Board.

Shayla is the current President and CEO of The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. With more than 24 years of experience in government and non-profits, her various roles in the civic and public sector shows her dedication to fighting for social and racial equity.

She has worked on crucial social service programs such as: affordable housing and homelessness, community-based social work, police accountability, social determinants of health, criminal justice reform and public policy. 

Taneisha Fair is the current Racial Equity Associate at The Center for Community Solutions. Taneisha is passionate about community advocacy and empowerment.  She has committed to using her skills in research, interpersonal communication, and emotional intelligence in the nonprofit field.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication, with a minor in Nonprofit Management, and is currently pursuing a dual Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration degree. 

Twyla, she/her pronouns, a Cleveland native with 15+ years of experience in driving profitable growth and impact in the region. Known for her energy, organizational skills, and attention to detail, Twyla holds degrees in Advertising, Marketing Communications, Apparel Merchandising, and an Executive MBA. Committed to advancing women and communities of color, her diverse career includes roles at Saks Fifth Avenue, YWCA, JumpStart Inc., and more.

Currently, Twyla is the Director of Program Resources at the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, playing a crucial role in planning, development, and operations. As the second in command, she collaborates closely with the leadership team to achieve strategic goals and enhance fundraising efforts, ensuring UBF continues its mission effectively. Beyond her professional life, Twyla is a wife, mother, line dancer, world traveler, and a life member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.