Janice M. Wright is an assistant clinical professor emerita at Ohio University, where she directed clinical education and supervised speech pathology graduate students in the feeding clinic. She taught pediatric feeding disorders, professional issues, and multicultural issues, and co-founded the Botswana Interprofessional Service-Learning program. Janice holds a master’s degree in communication sciences and Disorders with national certification. Her professional service includes roles with the Council of Academic Programs, the Ohio Speech Language and Hearing Association, and the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. She presents nationally and internationally on pediatric feeding disorders, supervision, conflict resolution, trauma, diversity, inclusion, and mental health first aid. Certified in several community and professional development programs, she remains active in retirement by singing with the Calliope Feminist Choir and supporting her husband’s non-profit – Prevention Rocks through community programs providing information and education about mental health.

V. Michelle Chenault (Wilson), known as Shell, is a biologist and certified Medical Technologist with advanced degrees including a Master’s Degree in Education from Central Michigan University and a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology from Wake Forest University. She has worked in clinical labs, academia, and government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and United States Geological Survey, engaging in research, science administration, and technology transfer. Her favorite place to relax is a family place on the Greenbrier River in Talcott, WV. Now retired, she is a proud grandmother of five and a Master Gardener (volunteer horticulture educator), drawing inspiration from her Appalachian roots and family traditions in government service, education, science and gardening.

Brian Evans is the founder and president of BEAM Enterprises, Inc., a New York–based environmental remediation and construction contracting firm, and brings more than 35 years of experience to the industry. Brian holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He founded BEAM in 2012 and has grown it into a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) recognized by New York State, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the MTA, NYSDOT, and New York City Small Business Services. The firm specializes in asbestos, lead, and mold abatement, fireproofing, demolition, project management, and construction claims consulting. Its projects include the World Trade Center, Rockefeller Center, and the United Nations. Brian leads from the job site, often working alongside his crews. He has built the company's culture on one principle: never asking anyone to do a task in a way he wouldn't do it himself.

Siraj Mumin is a mechanical engineer and energy industry leader with more than 20 years of experience in Michigan's natural gas operations. Siraj holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Oakland University. He began his career at Consumers Energy, where over nine years he advanced from customer energy specialist to engineering roles in energy efficiency and gas transmission and storage. He joined DTE Energy in 2014 as a station supervisor. From 2019 to 2023 he was principal supervisor of gas distribution operations, and he has served as station manager since November 2023. He is a member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE). His father's family is from Appalachia, and he has traveled to the region since childhood. Outside of work, Siraj enjoys boating, spending time with family, and supporting his daughter, an avid tennis player.

Ayisha Mumin is a senior leader with more than two decades of experience driving strategic leadership, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration across the aerospace, chemical, public, and private sectors. She currently serves as the Innovation Division Manager at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where she leads enterprise-wide efforts to develop innovative solutions that advance the future of Commercial Space Transportation through strategic planning, research and development, process improvement, and training. Ayisha holds an MBA in Decision Science from Old Dominion University and a B.S. in Chemistry from Norfolk State University. She is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, a PROSCI Change Management Practitioner, and an FAA-certified Remote Pilot (Drone Operator). She is deeply passionate about children's education and is an active mother member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. In addition, she is a lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Norfolk State University Alumni Association.