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2024 Speakers

We are excited to present a stellar ensemble of thought leaders and experts who collectively bring a diverse range of experiences and insights to the 2024 Black Lens Symposium.

Learn more about them below. 

Chief Jason Armstrong

Chief of Police at Town of Apex

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Vince Bayyan

Business Owner/Human Resource Development Professional

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Denisha Harris

 President

North Carolina MWBE Coordinators'​ Network

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Greg Hedgepeth

President & CEO

Substantial Media, LLC 
Conference Host

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Dr. Melvin Jackson

Assistant Vice Provost for
Faculty Engagement
Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity | NC State University

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Lashaun Jenkins

Principal

W.A. Pattillo Middle School

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Darryl K. Lester

Founder/CEO of the Institute for Building Communities by Design

Conference Host

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Nikki Locklear

Director of Victim
Services Programs
N.C Commission of Indian Affairs NC Department of Administration

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Dionne McGee

President & CEO

DG McGee Enterprises

Speaker and Author

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Dr. Jameco McKenzie

Director of Multicultural Student Affairs

NC State University

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Judge Ashleigh Parker

District Court Judge

10th Judicial District

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Ryan Ray

Founder & Chair

Triangle Entrepreneurial Leadership

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 Deborah Sheppard

Program Director
Power of U

Executive Director

HeARToscope, Inc.

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Kiricka Yarbough Smith

Founder and CEO of KYS Consulting Group

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Jasmin Spain

Assistant Vice President of Student Support

Pitt Community College

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Tamika Walker Kelly

President

North Carolina Association
of Educators

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Dr. Kemah E. P. Washington

President

BRANDilly Creative Group

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James White

Senior Vice President of Operations

YMCA Of The North United Health Group Equity and Innovation Center of Excellence

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La’Meshia Whittington

President

Whittington & Staley

Consulting Group

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Cornell P. Wright

Health Equity Advisor General Dynamics Information Technology, Federal Health Sector

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