Coming from one of the most storied communities in America, on the South side of Chicago, Robert has

spent the past decade bringing people together to find strategic ways to invest in marginalized

communities. Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, he founded R.D.T.H Consulting improve

relationships between organizations and their surrounding communities.

Robert has established strong relationships across Minnesota’s corporate, government, higher-education,

and nonprofit landscape, having led the Ascend Twin Cities program which convened executives from 15

major corporations including Target, Cargill, UnitedHealthGroup, Andersen Corporation, 3M, and Delta

Airlines. As an advocate, he initiated new relationships with diverse businesses in his former role as

Senior Director of Business Consulting with North Minneapolis-based community development financial

institution, MEDA.

Since 2016, Robert has successfully positioned diverse businesses to secure more than $2 Million in

capital and $500 Million in contracts with General Contractors, Fortune-500 corporations, and

government agencies. With innovative, data-driven, and bold solutions, Robert has proven to drive

positive results for his clients. Robert earned his B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice,

becoming the first in his family to graduate college. He went on to earn a Masters of Public Policy from

the top-10 ranked University of Minnesota – Humphrey School of Public Affairs. He has an

uncompromising commitment to community and has served as a mentor to Black & Brown youth with

more than a dozen local non-profit organizations.

Bianca Dawkins is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Senior Manager at the Minnesota

Timberwolves & Lynx, where she is committed to driving meaningful change through inclusive

leadership. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Bianca has a passion for building inclusive communities,

particularly within the sports industry. With a background shaped by resilience and a

commitment to empowering others, she works to ensure that DEI initiatives are not just a priority

but a strategic business advantage.

A passionate advocate for inclusion beyond the traditional categories, Bianca is focused on

creating spaces where people can show up as their authentic selves. She’s building a data-

driven DEI strategy that not only fosters inclusivity but also drives measurable business

outcomes. Throughout her career, she’s prioritized community engagement and

empowerment,—to leading significant DEI initiatives in the sports industry.

Bianca’s work matters because it challenges biases, shifts systems, and creates opportunities

for those who have historically been excluded. As she continues to elevate DEI efforts, she is

also focused on watching her three kids grow and turn into amazing human beings. You can

follow Bianca’s journey on LinkedIn and Instagram.

LinkedIn: (4) Bianca Monique Dawkins | LinkedIn

Instagram: @realbiancamonique

Rev. Zach

(a man who wears many hats)

has served on the Board of Directors of Mad Dads for the last two years.

He currently serves as the President and proud member of the Minnesota Gamma Theta

Omega Graduate Chapter of

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated.

Zachary Owner/ Master Barber of Reflections Barbershop located on the Northside, resides in

North Minneapolis with his beautiful wife Jade and their two sons.

He takes delight in fishing, cooking, cigars and serving God through serving others.

Matthew 23:11-12

As a dynamic Anchor and Community Relations Manager most recently at KARE 11 News in

the Twin Cities, Alexis is not just a storyteller—she’s a force of empowerment. A Murrow and

Emmy Award-Winning Storyteller and Culture Connoisseur, she is also the Founder and force of

Lisa’s Girls Inc, a leadership and life skills community for BIPOC girls, women and allies.

From working in newsrooms and communities across the country to creating and hosting the

acclaimed "Let’s Talk Cincy" on WLWT in Cincinnati and revamping an alternative news with a

twist show, All Indiana in Indianapolis, she pioneers robust community initiatives, leaving an

enduring imprint on city after city.

A proud graduate of the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism, Alexis is not just a

storyteller; she's a catalyst for change. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the

National Association of Black Journalists, she personifies empowerment in action.

Alexis doesn't just report the news; she shapes narratives, sparks change, and inspires action.

Prepare to be ignited, informed, authentically connected and empowered by the magnetic

presence of Alexis—a visionary leader driving impactful conversations and fostering lasting

change.

Description goes hereDavid brings over 30 years of executive leadership experience across the nonprofit, education,

and financial services sectors. His career is characterized by a strong commitment to social

impact, economic mobility, and accessibility to education. Currently, he applies this wealth of

experience to support various organizations through his consulting practice, DLH Pathways

Consulting.

Most recently, David served as President and CEO of Urban Ventures, a Minneapolis-based

nonprofit dedicated to poverty alleviation through comprehensive programs that support families

from cradle to career. Under his leadership, Urban Ventures tripled its annual fund revenue,

successfully completed a $10 million capital campaign, expanded a vocational training program

for high school students, and launched an innovative early learning center during the pandemic.

Additionally, he developed a diversion program for first-time gun offenders, providing mentorship

and guiding young men of color through personal growth and transformation.

Before his tenure at Urban Ventures, David was the President and CEO of ECMC Group, where

he managed a $700 million revenue organization with over 2,500 employees and a $30 billion

asset portfolio. At ECMC, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Zenith Education Group, a

prominent nonprofit vocational training institution. His career also includes senior leadership

roles at the College Loan Corporation, Wells Fargo, and Great Lakes Higher Education

Corporation, where he focused on developing innovative strategies for organizational growth,

increasing operational efficiency, and expanding services.

David specializes in interim CEO roles, providing stability and strategic vision to organizations in

transition. He also runs a mentorship program aimed at supporting and investing in emerging

entrepreneurs, offering hands-on guidance in operations, financial management, and growth

strategies to foster their success.

David holds a BA in Psychology and Business Management from the University of Minnesota

and multiple certifications in business, software design, and database development from the

University of St. Thomas. He is active on several boards and is committed to contributing to his

church community and various community-focused initiatives.