Founder and CEO, Integrity Solutions Group LLC

Arthur W. Thomas III is a solutions-driven leader focused on community empowerment, ethical leadership, and economic equity. He previously served as Director of Mission Investing and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and brings experience across finance, real estate development, and cross-sector collaboration. He serves on multiple nonprofit and advisory boards and is deeply committed to faith-based justice work.

Co-Founder & CEO at Path

Christopher Gray leads Path, an AI-powered test preparation platform helping students and professionals prepare for critical exams across IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admissions. Previously, he co-founded Scholly, a Shark Tank–featured scholarship platform acquired by Sallie Mae that has helped more than five million users secure over $100 million in scholarships. He serves on the Board of Directors of Camelback Ventures.

Founder & CEO, BleuLife Media Group

DéVon Johnson is a media executive and entrepreneur focused on advancing equity in media ownership, digital access, and sustainable business development. He is the Chair, CEO, and Co-Founder of the Black Owned Media Equity & Sustainability Institute (BOMESI) and the Founder and CEO of BleuLife Media Group, where he leads initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices and address the digital divide.

Earlier in his career, DéVon worked at Def Jam Recordings, collaborating with globally recognized artists including Jay-Z and Rihanna. He brings experience spanning media, entertainment, and platform building, and is committed to creating scalable, mission-driven enterprises that drive long-term community impact.

Coordinator of Inclusive Growth, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce

Kobéy Smith supports inclusive economic growth by helping entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses access the resources and networks needed to succeed. He leads the Small Business Council and Diversity & Inclusion Council at the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and hosts Chattin’ with Kobéy, a podcast focused on entrepreneurship, resilience, and mental health awareness.

Vice President & Co-Founder, CMWP Foundation

Latisha Douglas is a Black woman entrepreneur and data scientist dedicated to expanding opportunity for socially and economically disadvantaged women entrepreneurs. She brings expertise in financial analysis, data analytics, and investments, and has led workshops, trainings, and mentorship for founders in local accelerator programs. She is pursuing a dual master’s degree in Data Analytics and an MBA in Technology at the University of Connecticut and holds a BS in Computer Science from Seton Hall University.

President, Connecticut Community Outreach Revitalization Program (ConnCORP)

Phil Rigueur is an executive leader focused on community-centered economic development and real estate revitalization. As President of ConnCORP, he leads initiatives across real estate, hospitality, and workforce development, including the $200 million ConnCAT Place project in New Haven.

Previously, Phil held senior leadership roles at Hartford HealthCare and Aetna and brings over 15 years of experience in strategy and operations. He holds degrees from Cornell University and the MIT Sloan School of Management and was recently nominated to Connecticut’s Minority Business Initiative Advisory Board.

Founder & President, CMWP Foundation

Samantha (Sammi) is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, content engineer, and business coach with over twenty years of experience supporting equity-driven businesses. She has founded multiple certified enterprises and leads a nonprofit focused on advancing Black and minority entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and access to resources. She serves on several nonprofit and civic boards and has been recognized by Wharton, Morgan Stanley, and regional business organizations for her leadership and impact.

Co-Founder, Catalyst Labs

Shondra Washington is a former professional dancer turned finance and strategy leader with experience in HR, technology investment banking, and entrepreneurship. She founded TBC-Capital, a fractional CFO firm that has helped clients raise over $40 million and scale to $100 million+ valuations, and co-founded Catalyst Labs to expand access to capital and creative opportunity. Her work blends financial rigor with a deep commitment to the arts and culture.

Chief Executive Officer, Omnicom Specialty Marketing Group

Stacey Hightower is a global marketing and transformation executive and a Yale School of Management alumnus (MBA ’98). He serves as CEO of Omnicom Specialty Marketing Group, a division of Omnicom, where he leads strategy, digital transformation, and innovation across agencies focused on consumer and retail experiences.

Previously, Stacey was a Director at AlixPartners, where he worked on business transformation, strategic investments, and operational growth. He brings deep expertise in building scalable, market-leading products that strengthen how brands engage with consumers.