Terrence Thames is an entrepreneur, husband, father, son, and man of faith. He has a passion for seeing others succeed in business and in life, especially people of color. In college, Terrence work professionally for a Division 1 athletic department. This experience led to freelancing for major networks such as ESPN, Fox Sports, and CBS for college football and basketball. He began Advanced Media Production Firm, LLC in 2011. Soon after he began to work full time for Drake University, where he became the Director of Creative Service. During his time there, Terrence also became a producer for ESPN, overseeing the production of college volleyball, men's basketball and women's basketball for the Missouri Valley Conference. He worked for these organizations for several years before leaving to begin working for himself. He started Cocoa Creative Agency (an extension of Advanced Media Production Firm, LLC) to better define who he was and what he wanted to do. Terrence is active in the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council and served as a member of their prestigious Emerging Young Entrepreneurs program which he graduated from in 2018. Cocoa Creative has worked with brands such as ESPN, NBC Sports, Wells Fargo, McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Jimmy John's, State Farm, American Family Insurance, Marriott, Sheraton and more.
Tej Dhawan is a member of Central Iowa’s technology, entrepreneurial and venture capital community. As an immigrant from India, he has co-owned three technology companies, co-created the Startupcity Des Moines incubator, Plains Angels angel investor network, and advises venture and capital funds. He also serves as Chief Data Officer for Principal.
Kerty is the Managing Director of the Techstars Iowa Accelerator, part of Techstars, the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. Prior to joining Techstars, Kerty worked with startups and small businesses as entrepreneur in residence and interim director of the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator and as founder of KNLWorks, a small business advisory. Prior to that she spent nine years with Kemin Industries as corporate vice president and president of an intrapreneurial venture within Kemin. She was also president of the Downtown Community Alliance, focusing on Des Moines core business district economic development. Earlier in her career, Kerty held roles as product manager and business development manager with startups in the e-learning space, she has also been a management consultant with BCG in the US and Technomic Consultants in Hong Kong.
A 27-year veteran of Hy-Vee, Nate Stewart’s career began in 1993 in Chariton, Iowa. Management positions at stores in West Des Moines, Iowa and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, led to his first assignment as a store director in Lenexa, Kansas in 2005. He led the teams in Papillion, Nebraska and Sioux Falls, South Dakota before being brought into the corporate office as assistant vice president, operations in 2010. In 2011 he was promoted to president of Perishables Distributors of Iowa (PDI), our largest subsidiary. Nate was named Vice President in 2012 and was in charge of perishables and later, marketing. In 2015 he was named senior vice president, northern region in operations. Since that time he has also been in charge of perishables, C-stores, food service, restaurants, and now serves as Sr. Vice President, Merchandising. Nate serves on the board at our largest subsidiary, PDI, and is also active in his church. Nate has two children; Quinlan and Jillian.
Carlos is a design and innovation enabler focused on understanding new technology, behaviors, and techniques. His passion for understanding customers has helped Fortune 500 organizations shape the conditions that challenge rules, and helps them build themselves on different assumptions, that challenge the status quo based on the next paradigm.
In 1998, Sailu began working for Hy-Vee as a part-time produce clerk in Waterloo. From there he has led multiple stores to success. Sailu now oversees the Community and Diversity Relations team at the corporate office. In his free time, Sailu likes to spend time with his wife Kaitlyn and daughters Lyla and Lena.
Barry Adams is a Founding and Managing Partner of Prairie Crest Capital, LLC, which is a Midwest-based venture capital firm focused on early stage investments in promising, transformational agriculture and technology innovation Mr. Adams was a Principal at ColBridge Capital Management, LLC, an event driven hedge fund. Prior to joining ColBridge Capital Management, LLC, Mr. Adams served as President at Grant Park Capital Partners, LLC, a start-up, event driven fund of hedge funds. Prior to Grant Park Capital Partners, LLC, Mr. Adams was a Senior Vice President at U.S. Trust Company where he was responsible for the delivery of asset management, alternative investments and capital market solutions as well as placement of “Master Class Hedge Funds,” primarily to family offices. Mr. Adams holds B.A. in Economics from Northwestern University and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School.
Nora is the founder of Stagerie, an online home staging marketplace. She has spent time in the real estate and software development fields and is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs succeed. Within the Des Moines community, Nora supports Pi 515, Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, and her own nonprofit, the KIAP Foundation.
Miriam De Dios Woodward is Global CEO of ViClarity, formerly PolicyWorks, a GRC technology solutions company. She currently volunteers on the Food Bank of Iowa board of directors and Iowa State University’s Women in Business Advisory Board. In 2020, Miriam was named one of 32 of the Midwest Region’s Most Influential People of Color by Madison365 and a Hall of Fame Top 100 LatinX/Hispanic Executive by theboardiQ.
Cleo Franklin graduated from Morningside College in 1981, and he is passionate about providing opportunities and resources to inspire and support the next generation of leaders. He is the Founder of the Morningside College Franklin Leadership Foundation, Author of the leadership book "Coffee With Cleo" and the Founder, President, and CEO of Franklin Strategic Solutions, a global consultant and leadership development business specializing in global strategic planning, marketing, business development, organizational development, brand strategy, executive coaching and keynote speaking for all industries.
Vada has owned several businesses as an entrepreneur. He and his wife owned a food promotion company with over 500 employees in eight states. After selling the company, they started a marketing research company specializing in testing new and existing products with consumers from; commercials, ad campaigns, focus groups, market analysis, and more. Vada teaches business courses at DMACC. Plus, he has mentored successful entrepreneurs and judged numerous start-up venture competitions.
In 2008, Jan began working for Hy-Vee as a full-time manager, store operations, at the Cedar Rapids #1 store. From there she has led multiple stores to success. She now oversees the Fashion, Beauty, and Floral departments at the corporate office. In her free time, Jan likes to spend time with her husband Josh and daughter Breckin.
Lu Spaine is owner of Zumi Collections, LLC a brick & mortar and online business for over 25 years. She also serves on the boards of organizations that are dedicated to small business including Des Moines West Side Chamber of Commerce, One Economy Financial Development Corp, and Iowa CORE.
Currently a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Mo Sane is driven by a passion for providing outstanding service and helping clients achieve their goals. Prior to Merrill Lynch, Mo worked in economic development in Tampa while pursuing an MBA at the University of Tampa. Having lived in the boroughs of The Bronx and Harlem in New York City, Washington DC, Miami and Tampa, he has worked for businesses owned by minorities and has seen firsthand the unique challenges they face. Mo is a member of the national black MBA association.
While many recognize this 8-year NFL veteran for his prowess on the football field, others know him as an Ivy League professor, financial education consultant, philanthropist, or real estate developer.
As a graduate of the University of Pennsylvaniaʼs Wharton School of Business, Brandon developed a passion for personal finance – which he delivers to Penn students through his own course, “Life 101”. Copeland has also shared his financial acumen with countless others as a member of CNBC’s Financial Wellness Council and a contributing editor for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.
In 2020, Copeland received the Alan Page Community Service Award for extraordinary dedication to service, social justice, and equality. Ending the year on a high note, he was named to the 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 list, highlighting the brightest young innovators across a variety of industries, and was awarded the NFLPA’s Community MVP on Christmas for bringing 19 other NFL players together to give $160K to over 200 families from underserved communities across the country.
Brandon embodies the “More Than An Athlete” mantra through his work experience and entrepreneurial endeavors. He has used the knowledge gained in internships at firms like UBS and George Weiss Multi-Strategy Advisers to become a trusted financial wellness advocate, build a successful real estate development business, and become the first active NFL player who doubles as an Ivy League Professor.
George Herrera is the founder and President & CEO of the Herrera-Cristina Group, Ltd, a Hispanic-owned, multidisciplinary management firm, specializing in marketing, communications, corporate diversity, public affairs, event planning, and research. Founded in 2003, with offices in New York City and Washington, DC, the Herrera-Cristina Group has an impressive roster consisting of Fortune 500 companies and national organizations as clients.
Mr. Herrera is currently an Independent Director of the Board of Directors of Travel and Leisure Co, where he serves as Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee and is also a member of the Audit Committee. Prior to joining the Travel and Leisure Co board, Mr. Herrera served as a member of the Board of Directors of Wyndham Worldwide. From 2004-2006 Mr. Herrera served on the Board of Directors of Cendant a Fortune 50 company.
Prior to establishing Herrera-Cristina Group, Ltd. Mr. Herrera was President & Chief Executive Officer of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), a position he held from 1998 through 2004.
Mr. Herrera is the creator of the nationally syndicated TV show “Hispanics Today”, seen on NBC, ABC, CBS nationally. In 2001, Mr. Herrera was named a “FELLOW”, Wharton Society of Fellows. Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. In 2016 Mr. Herrera was honored with the Lifetime Business Achievement Award by the Hispanic Heritage Awards.
Oluchi Assumani is a wife, mother, nurse and entrepreneur based in Des Moines, Iowa. She does natural hair, beauty and lifestyle videos. She also owns her own Luxury Hair Care & Lifestyle brand, Frobelle Naturale. You can find her across social media platforms @oluchiassumani.
Deidre DeJear is a small business owner and voting rights advocate who is driven by her passion to create equitable, inclusive, and accessible opportunities for those who need it most. For more than 12 years, Deidre has dedicated her time and talents to helping grow small businesses through earn-and-learn programs, increasing the financial management skills of over 20,000 Iowans via the Financial Empowerment Center, and strengthening the financial capability and wealth attainment of the Iowa African American community through her work with One Economy. In 2018, Deidre ran as the democratic nominee for the Iowa Secretary of State Office, making her the first African American in Iowa to be nominated by a major political party. She ran to restore Iowa’s progressive voting laws and fought for fair access to the ballot box. Deidre attributes her passion for voting rights advocacy to her experience working on her grandma’s Mississippi campaign in the ‘90s and continues to use that as a foundation for her work, which includes championing voting rights in Iowa, working on presidential campaigns, and managing local school board races. Deidre’s most recent efforts include the launch of 20/20 Vision PAC, which magnifies the integral roles equity and inclusion play in making local and national change and equips individuals with the necessary tools to facilitate effective, sustainable change.
Jen Haywood is an interior designer and the founder of Texturious Designs, an award-winning residential interior design studio. Jen holds a Master of Arts degree in Interior Design and is a Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer.® She started her business in 2017 after an unexpected layoff in her previous role. Texturious Designs services have now expanded to include space planning, design drawings, selections, project coordination, and styling. With her previous career in software project management, she is a stickler for organization and timelines, ensuring her projects are done the right way. Her work has been featured in DSM Magazine and the International Builders’ Show. She is an active member with the National Kitchen & Bath Association, National Association of Home Builders, and executive chair for the Professional Women in Building. She serves on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and is a volunteer with the Salisbury House & Gardens. Jen lives near Des Moines, IA with her husband, Austin and bichon frise, Louie. With her Mexican American roots, Jen enjoys visiting family near the Rio Grande Valley, where no trip is complete without a stop at Taco Cabana and a bag of fresh pan dulce.
Marc T. Hollander is the Director of Client Relations and Marketing at Whitfield & Eddy Law, a full service firm with over 40 attorneys in Des Moines, Iowa. He believes in the personal touch professionals can provide clients and the community and develops programs that deliver focused client development opportunities.
Atiya Syverson has a Masters’ Degree in Environmental Health from the University of Iowa. She is a Certified Industrial Hygienist, a Certified Safety Professional, and a Certified Professional Ergonomist. She has over 30 years’ experience in industry and consulting. She started her own consulting business, Ash Health & Safety LLC, in 2004. Her goal is to help her clients not just comply with OSHA Regulations, but to go above and beyond in their pursuit of a safe and healthful work environment. Atiya has considerable experience in health, safety, and ergonomics training. It was while training a class on ergonomics that she identified the need to prevent, or at least reduce, the incidence and severity of Text Neck Syndrome. Ms. Syverson invented the Tekneksavr, a patent-pending ergonomic device to improve neck posture. The Tekneksavr was listed in the LA Times as a must-have health accessory, was featured in the Houston Chronicle and is in the book entitled “INVENTOR SECRETS: How 40 successful inventors got from idea to product”.
Terrence Thames is an entrepreneur, husband, father, son, and man of faith. He has a passion for seeing others succeed in business and in life, especially people of color. In college, Terrence work professionally for a Division 1 athletic department. This experience led to freelancing for major networks such as ESPN, Fox Sports, and CBS for college football and basketball. He began Advanced Media Production Firm, LLC in 2011. Soon after he began to work full time for Drake University, where he became the Director of Creative Service. During his time there, Terrence also became a producer for ESPN, overseeing the production of college volleyball, men's basketball and women's basketball for the Missouri Valley Conference. He worked for these organizations for several years before leaving to begin working for himself. He started Cocoa Creative Agency (an extension of Advanced Media Production Firm, LLC) to better define who he was and what he wanted to do. Terrence is active in the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council and served as a member of their prestigious Emerging Young Entrepreneurs program which he graduated from in 2018. Cocoa Creative has worked with brands such as ESPN, NBC Sports, Wells Fargo, McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Jimmy John's, State Farm, American Family Insurance, Marriott, Sheraton and more.
Since starting her social media career in 2015 and recognized as a top 30 under 30 recipient, Jena Brown has earned a reputation for providing excellent work of small, medium, and large businesses and brands across multiple industries with superior writing, marketing, and strategy, with an emphasis on engaging diverse online audiences. Jena is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has received a certificate in Digital Marketing from Cornell Univerisity. Jena consistently leverages her technical capabilities and creative vision throughout her work which makes her the go-to choice for all things social media. She constantly proves her dedication to her work by making sure to give the best service and results.
Pernell Cezar is the CEO and Co-Founder of BLK & Bold, the first-ever black-owned nationally distributed coffee that makes social impact a priority. Pernell is an accomplished sales executive, successful entrepreneur and leader with more than 10 years of leadership success, significantly in retail. His diverse portfolio which spans from merchandising and negotiations at Target Corp, sales and business development at SheaMoisture, and more, highlights his ability to influence and build brands at scale whether start-ups or multi-national brands. As a longstanding sales executive and advisor to other emerging packaged goods brands, Pernell continues to change the way black-owned brands and consumer dollars are respected and supported by retailers. The entrepreneur now has his sights set on his own company, BLK & Bold. BLK & Bold is founded in his core values: social impact, quality product and community. Pernell takes much of his inspiration from his own upbringing where philanthropy and community programming helped his widowed mother take care of Pernell and his sister. Pernell earned his Bachelors in 2010 at University of Northern Iowa, with majors in Finance and Marketing. BLK & Bold recently achieved 2019 Des Moines NAACP Small Business of the Year.
Graham Day is the President of Eagle Life Insurance Company®. Graham's background includes more than 20 years of sales and sales leadership, including a deep expertise in financial services distribution, marketing, analytics, and talent development. He spent 18 years with Equitable’s Individual Retirement business where he most recently served as Managing Director and Chief Sales and Distribution Officer. In this role, he oversaw all annuity sales, National Accounts, Advanced Markets, training and marketing. Graham also held positions at Equitable that included Divisional Vice President and Senior Regional Vice President. Prior to Equitable, he was an institutional sales professional at Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette with a concentration in option strategies and equity capital markets. Graham graduated from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He holds several industry designations, including Series 7, 24, 63 FINRA registrations, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) and Certified Insurance Continuing Education Instructor.
Joe Henry is a realtor who connects buyers and sellers with residential, land, and commercial real estate. Serving clients in the Greater Des Moines community is his passion. A native of the south side, and a graduate of Iowa State University, he has chosen to live here and participate in the growth and enrichment of the region because he knows he can make a difference in the lives of his neighbors. Joe has two adult sons: Zachary, a graduate of Drake University, former city councilman (Windsor Heights) & a successful real estate broker in the Metro; and Jacob, 11 years active duty in the U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant, currently serving in Germany (past deployments to Afghanistan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Alaska). And, last but not least, his lovely wife Susan who is also an agent and works with him to serve clients. In his 20 years as a realtor, Joe has served over 1,000 families, sold $170 million in real estate and worked with developers on residential, multifamily and commercial use in Des Moines.
Carlos leads Principal's expertise CX Individual Audience Team. He has applied his two decades of marketing and CX research leadership expertise to drive deep understanding of the needs of individuals, including how to engage and best serve them, and bringing the Principal Experience to life within this audience. Before heading this team in his role with Global Brand & Experience, Carlos led Principal's marketing efforts focused on helping individuals save enough and have enough in retirement. Along with his team, he created and implemented engagement strategies and customer experience initiatives for millions of retirement plan participants. Prior to joining Principal in 2017, Carlos led corporate marketing and branding for large global businesses across industry segments, both domestic and international. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and a master’s degree in marketing and international business from Loyola University in New Orleans.
Therese is Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for Merchants Bonding Company, helping to grow the company from 20th to the 13th largest surety writer in the United States and is the largest in Iowa. Prior to that, Therese was an owner of Spindustry Systems, a technology company honored on the Inc. 500 list of fastest growing businesses in 2003. Therese’s early career was as an Emmy-award winning broadcast journalist. Therese serves as: the Chair of the West Des Moines Chamber Board; the Chair of the Communications Advisory Council for the Surety and Fidelity Association of America; and is a member of NEXUS Executive Women’s Alliance.
Nola is a shareholder and current firm president at Belin McCormick, P.C. Nola attended college at the University of Iowa and law school at Harvard. Nola primarily practices employment law, family law, and general civil litigation. Nola has been recognized for her Labor and Employment practice by Best Lawyers and Chambers and Partners and was selected as part of both The National Black Lawyers 40 Under 40 and the Des Moines Business Record “Forty Under 40.”
Blake has been with Eide Bailly, a top 25 Accounting Firm, since 2008. Blake’s passion lies in creating value for clients. So often, accounting, particularly taxes, is thought of as a check-the-box type item or a necessary evil. Blake enjoys showing clients that instead of being a necessary evil, accurate and strategic accounting practices are actually valuable tools that uncover opportunities for them to achieve their overall business goals. Often times, those opportunities come in helping client outsource their backroom accounting functions through our Business Outsourcing Services, freeing business owners from the "necessary evil" aspects of the business and allowing them up to spend more time focusing on the activities of the business they are most passionate about, often resulting in increased profitability.
Stoy is a family man, (2 boys, 6,3), married to a lovely wife who is on the front lines of health care. He graduated from Drake University in 2011, where he played football for 4.5 years. Since then he has been dedicated to “ridding the world of financial illiteracy”, by going through the grueling path of financial services, he learned the in and outs (good and bad). With that experience he has launched a “Wealth Empire” with his partner Brian Maro. Together they run/own a CPA firm (E&M PLLC), Wealth Management (Black Mammoth), Legacy Planning (Legacy Fiduciary Services), Commercial Real Estate (Trinity Investment Firm) and a new endeavor that deals with FOREX and Hedgefunds (Kᾱlᾱ Capital). This “Empire” is solely for the purpose of taking Ultra High Networth Concepts down to the everyday person to increase their wealth exponentially.
Shontavia Johnson serves as a highly acclaimed writer, speaker and attorney thriving at the intersection of law, innovation, and pop culture. She is host of “The Shontavia Show” and created the Brand+Business Academy, teaching working professionals who are also creatives, side-hustlers, and entrepreneurs on how to grow and operate businesses and build personal brands. Shontavia was the first African-American woman to receive full tenure at Drake University Law School and is the Associate VP for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Clemson University.
Desmund Adams is the Author of “D & I Has Died” and is the CEO and Chairman of Iowa-based Focus & Find—the nation’s only socially responsible board & executive search® firm. Research shows that more inclusively diverse companies add financial value for stakeholders and better connect their goods and services to their customers’ needs. For more than a decade now, Adams has been consulting clients regarding culture, diversity of thought, ethnicity, gender, and orientation recruitment. Prior to founding the game-changing Focus & Find, Adams made headlines at the beginning of the millennium by placing 26 ethnically diverse candidates in Antarctica for a multinational defense company. He had a vision of much success on a grander scale. This is why he now leads national discourse regarding how corporate boards and executive teams intersect with inclusive diversity recruitment. Adams holds a J.D. and Bachelors in Education from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Beyond his business and community engagements, Adams would say his biggest life success comes from being a dedicated husband and father of two sons.
Fred Buie's professional career began with the General Electric Company where he held positions in project and quality engineering and production management across 5 business groups over 17 years. In September of 1998, Fred purchased Keystone. Fred earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering from Mississippi State University. He serves on the boards of the Des Moines Area Community College, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, Mississippi State University Foundation Board and Engineering Advisory Board. He is a past Board Chair of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, and currently Chairs the Board of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. He is married to Valeska, who is a partner in the business, and they have three adult children and two grandchildren.
A native of Waterloo, Iowa; Matthew R. Gilbert, Esq. descends from generations of servant leadership. The Furgerson – Harris – Nash families are well known for advancing civil rights, education, health and equity for African American communities in Iowa. An advocate, entrepreneur, and ecosystem builder that values cooperation, justice, and historic preservation; Matthew is differentiated by a complement of executive strategies, transactional expertise, and transformative resilience. An experienced advisor for elected officials, public figures, business owners, faith-based leaders, and public-private partnerships; Matthew’s mission is to coach and advise families, businesses, and communities in creating generational wealth by leveraging legacy and impact. Matthew is Founder and President of Iowa C.O.R.E. Inc., Economic Development Chair for the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP, and a servant-leader on local, state, and national boards, commissions, and committees. Matthew enjoys mentoring youth, volunteering, and holistic wellness.
Larry Jackson is a Corporate and Commercial Banking professional with over 20 years of Middle Market, Mid-Corporate and Large Corporate experience. Larry is currently a VP – Area Manager for U.S. Bank Equipment Finance focusing on originating large ticket equipment loans and leases in Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin for asset classes such as transportation, marine, aircraft, healthcare, construction and manufacturing. Prior to his current role with U.S. Bank Equipment Finance, Larry was a Middle Market Lender in the Des Moines, IA metroplex for U.S. Bank. Larry also worked for JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo Capital Finance in Dallas, TX prior to moving to Central Iowa in 2012. From a volunteer perspective Larry has served on the board for Iowa Center for Economic Success as Vice Chairman and Chairman, Grinnell Newburg School District – REDI Committee (Reimagining Equity, Diversity and Inclusion), Current and founding member of Iowa Intensity Youth Foundation, Junior Achievement, Meals on Wheels, United Way and RMA for young professionals. Larry lives in Grinnell, IA with his wife Jennie Jackson and has 4 daughters (Deja, Naomi, Ava & Maya) in his spare time Larry is active in coaching youth basketball through Iowa Intensity, playing golf and loves traveling / road trips with his family.
Joseph K. Oppong has nearly two decades of experience serving as a strategic business consultant to many Fortune 500 companies. As a Consulting Partner at EY, Joseph has extensive experience in helping companies align and drive strategic, financial, operational and compliance priorities. He works largely with healthcare providers and payers, advising executives on organizational design, governance structures, operating models and technical capabilities to improve performance, enable growth and reduce costs. Joseph is an inclusive leader who serves on the firm’s global social equity taskforce and as the partner sponsor for the Minneapolis Ethnicity Professional Network. He has served as a member of the EY Americas Consulting People Advisory Committee and the Advisory Advancing Black and Latino Executives. Joseph holds a BA in economics from Grinnell College and a MS in accounting from the University of Virginia. He is a Minnesota licensed CPA and a Certified Medical Practice Executive with the American College of Medical Practice Executives.
