Anthony Harris Brown was raised in an urban environment surrounded by potential pitfalls. Thanks to his mother and grandmother’s prayers and sacrifices, Anthony stayed the course—rising above the obstacles that derailed many of his peers to pursue a path of purpose. Anthony is also an award-winning author. His debut book, , Moments: Living Out Loud with No Regrets Inspire Me has received national and international recognition across multiple categories. Anthony served as a primary host of Another Look Cable Television for over a decade. This talk-variety show aired on Time Warner Cable Northeast Ohio Network and reached approximately 1.4 million homes. Alongside his cohosts, he provided viewers with an alternate perspective of news, sports, entertainment, the arts, special events, and more – within and around Northeast Ohio. With a passion for the performing arts, Anthony began honing his craft from an early age. Throughout his high school and college years, he developed his skills further and eventually taught speech and drama. Anthony has traveled nationwide to perform and speak at concert halls, theaters, schools, and churches—using his talent and experience to inspire diverse audiences. Brown has achieved success as a mentor, artist, motivator, and friend, performing mostly on the historic stage of Karamu House Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as in other theaters in the area. He has also been featured in a number of independent and short films, some of which have been selected to appear in local, regional, and national film festivals and competitions. Notable credits include Neighbors, Dreamgirls, Sister Act, Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues, The Wiz, Fame, Black Nativity, 12 Angry Men, Porgy & Bess, La Bohème, Disney’s Aladdin Jr., Ragtime, Six Degrees of Separation, Cut Flowers, Once on This Island, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Leap of Faith, The Color Purple , and various 48 Hour Film Festival Competitions.

Dr. Damon A. Borders serves as the Director of Workforce and Career Development for the Austin Area Urban League, where he leads workforce initiatives, strategic partnerships, and career development programs that promote economic mobility and community advancement.

With more than 25 years of leadership experience, Dr. Borders has built a distinguished career in workforce development, organizational management, public safety, project management, security operations, investigations, and youth development. His previous leadership roles include Director of the South Bridge Shelter,

Project Manager with Houston Miller LLC overseeing multimillion-dollar projects, leadership positions with Texas Regional Investigations Protective Services and Securitas Security Services USA, and Youth Leader Specialist with the 22nd Circuit Court of Missouri.

Dr. Borders earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Organizational Management with a specialization in Leadership from National University and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Grambling State University. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he is committed to servant leadership, organizational excellence, and empowering individuals through education, workforce development, and strategic collaboration. His work continues to create sustainable pathways to employment, leadership, and lifelong success while strengthening the communities he serves.

Barretta Burford is a devoted parent, veteran law enforcement professional, licensed cosmetologist, educator, mentor, and community advocate whose life's work has been defined by service. With 28 years in law enforcement, more than five years in education, and 48 years in the cosmetology profession, she has dedicated her career to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.

Whether serving in uniform, educating students, mentoring young people, or building confidence through cosmetology, Barretta has consistently led with compassion, integrity, and purpose. Her experience across multiple professions has given her a unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and the importance of meeting people where they are.

As a proud parent, Barretta considers raising her family to be one of her greatest accomplishments.

Her commitment to nurturing, guiding, and encouraging others extends beyond her home into every classroom, workplace, and community she serves. She is passionate about helping others recognize their value, overcome adversity, and pursue lives filled with purpose.

Through her writing, Barretta shares authentic stories of perseverance, advocacy, and hope, inspiring readers to lead with courage, embrace every season of growth, and leave a legacy that reaches far beyond their profession.

Dr. Krystal Cross is the Steward of God's Business A Chicago Bite Restaurant in Schertz TX, Executive Director for the Alamo City Black of Chamber, and a trailblazer in the field of education and entrepreneurship. She earned her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Transformational Change from Concordia University Portland in 2019 at the age of 35 and impressively opened a restaurant within just seven months. With over 17 years of experience in education, Dr. Cross has demonstrated a profound commitment to helping others reach their full potential. She is known for her faith in God, compassion, goal oriented mindset, and extensive expertise that spans various domains. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Cross is a dedicated mother to her three children Jay, James, and Jayla. Her purpose in life is to help others in any capacity, embodying a spirit of service and leadership that inspires all who meet her. Dr. Cross's journey is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world.

My name is Dr. Mary Goshay-Vance.  I am the owner of Dr. Goshay Novels & Curriculums.  Also, I am an Instructional System Specialist, author, film director, public speaker, model, actress, and board member of A Better Chance for Youth.  I am originally from NYC, but currently reside in San Antonio, TX.  I enjoy reading, writing, jazz concerts, film festivals, and dancing.  I am married with four biological adult children and two stepchildren.

Some of my accomplishments include two published books A Mistake In Trust and Dystopia, writer and director of a short-film Dystopia, retired veteran, developer of two curriculums Goals Educational Workshop for Youth and Are You A Sheep Or Lion Of Success? featured in 180Lyfe Magazine, awarded Author of the Year, speaker for universities and panelist for youth programs.