M’Balu “Lu” Bangura
Chief of Equity and Fair Practices, Reaching Equitable Standards Consulting
AGE: 34
As a crisis manager and civil rights investigator, many would deem M’Balu Bangura a real-life superhero. The 34-year-old self-proclaimed “Inequity Eliminator” serves as the Chief of Equality and Fair Practice at the Enoch Free Pratt Library and Maryland State Library Resource Center. Beyond equity initiatives within the library and addressing EEOC complaints, Bangura oversees programming that benefits the diverse communities within Baltimore. Her projects, ranging from The Amplified Voices Series and The Advancing Equity Training Academy, address systemic concerns through avenues of development and creative expression.
Her work history within Charm City emphasizes libraries’ value and role in shaping communities. Her efforts to help formerly incarcerated women with professional opportunities through Project ENCORE and her creation of Journey Records, which helps youth build music skills and gain studio access, show that libraries are an ingrained hub for social advancement.
Bangura had dedicated her career to civil rights causes through local governance. Her direct impact is a testimony to public libraries’ ability to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion in all sectors.
Antjuan Seawright
Democratic Strategist, Political Analyst, Senior Advisor to DNC Chair, and Founder/CEO, Blueprint Strategy LLC
AGE: 39
Antjuan Seawright is the difference maker for winning political campaigns as founder and CEO of Blueprint Strategy LLC. The public relations expert lends his insight to elections on all levels through his political consultancy firm, which champions candidates working to empower communities of color.
Based in South Carolina, Blueprint has served candidates up and down the ballot, from governors and U.S. Senators to state legislatures. His expertise has landed him advising roles in Hillary Clinton’s 2008 and 2016 presidential campaigns. He also serves as senior advisor for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DNCC) and Democratic National Committee.
In addition to working behind the scenes, Seawright hosts a public affairs-focused radio show in his home state. He also appears on CBS News as a political commentator and has published op-eds for The Hill and Buzzfeed News.
Alencia Johnson
Author, Political Strategist, and Cultural Commentator
AGE: 37
Political strategist, author, and cultural commentator Alencia Johnson is dedicated to using her voice to illuminate critical issues impacting communities of color.
With experience ranging from the nonprofit to corporate and political sectors, Johnson lends her expertise to develop strategies that better connect with diverse demographics through her social consulting and media firm, 1063 West Broad. She has been an advisor to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during their 2020 presidential runs. Her storied work has also landed her campaigns with Apple and Warner Music Group.
During her tenure at Planned Parenthood, she led the nonprofit’s “Stand With Black Women” campaign, focusing on outreach and upliftment of the demographic across the country.
Johnson is set to release her debut novel, Flip The Tables: The Everyday Disruptor’s Guide To Finding Courage and Making Change, in March 2025. Within it, Johnson hopes to educate and inspire readers to create a movement no matter the scale.
Chelsea Miller
Gen-Z activist, Social Impact Strategist, and Co-Founder, Freedom March NYC
AGE: 28
Chelsea Miller is a leading voice behind the youth-led civil rights organization Freedom March NYC. Miller co-founded the mission that encourages the younger generations to take action for social change.
The 28-year-old activist uses digital media for the outreach of her youth-focused platform, building a brand with purpose within her own pages. Miller incorporates storytelling in a variety of mediums to connect with audiences of all backgrounds and ages, making her a dynamic force for good. As the CEO of media company CPM Global, Miller has also launched campaigns and sustainability initiatives with multiple companies. She has driven change for Fortune 500 corporations to grassroots organizations.
One of her CPM Global projects includes the Freedom Summer docuseries. The feature pays tribute to the 60th anniversary of the mass protest for voting and civil rights, highlighting this history for a new generation. A recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, Miller’s ability to make social advocacy widely accessible makes her a crucial voice in the evolving social justice movement.
As Miller continues her transformative youth mobilization effort, she has harnessed the power of social media in her quest to build a better future.
Alexis D. Williams
Creative Technologist and Founder, Softwear by Lex
AGE: 23
Alexis D. Williams has harnessed the power of technology and activism to drive meaningful change. Leveraging her technical skills to make an impact, she created Police Brutality Resources (PB Resources), a virtual hub to advance racial justice, advocacy, and action. The idea sparked during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests when Williams envisioned a digital toolkit offering resources from education to direct aid for those seeking to engage in activism. With over two million users, PB Resources has evolved into a powerful platform for driving social progress.
The 23-year-old activist expanded into the fashion industry in 2023, launching Softwear by Lex, a sustainable clothing brand that pushes the boundaries of innovation. Using recycled tech materials and 3D printing, the company produces gender-inclusive designs that merge sustainability with cutting-edge technology.
As a pioneer of digital-age activism, her groundbreaking work not only reshapes the STEM field to be more inclusive but also demonstrates the transformative potential of tech-driven solutions for social causes.
Chanel T. Rowe, Esq.
Business Attorney, Strategic Advisor, and Consultant
AGE: 37
Chanel T. Rowe, Esq. is an esteemed lawyer, the former *Senior Counsel of Johnson & Johnson, and a trailblazer for Black women in law. The attorney and community leader has dedicated her career to the education and upliftment of Black scholars.
Valedictorian of her law class at Florida International University, Rowe has championed academics as a pathway to progress. From tutoring at-risk students to mentoring emerging women lawyers, Rowe understands the value of communal support to help underrepresented students achieve their greatest ambitions.
Rowe’s commitment to higher education led her to become the youngest trustee within the State University System of Florida for her undergraduate alma mater, Florida International University.
In 2024, Rowe launched her Judicial Externship Scholarship and Book Award at FIU College of Law, granting opportunities for law students from single-parent or first-generation households. She was also appointed as a U.S. Supreme Court Bar member, a distinction held by only 6% of attorneys.
Not only has Rowe triumphantly reached some of the highest pinnacles in the legal field, but she intends to make a difference for those who come next.
*Chanel T. Rowe departed her corporate position after being named as an honoree.
Emily Graham
Global Chief Equity & Impact Officer, Omnicom Group
AGE: 39
Emily Graham is a corporate activist leading the charge as Global Chief Equity & Impact Officer at Omnicom Group. Since taking on the role in 2021, the 39-year-old has utilized her platform to advance systemic equity for the Fortune 250 communications company and beyond.
Graham’s inclusive strategies have benefitted more than 75,000 employees spread across 1,500 creative agencies at Omnicom. While also serving as the Senior VP of Communications, Graham’s public relations and advertising expertise has aided the DEI initiatives of multiple global brands, including Deloitte and Nike.
The change agent is shaping the future of DEI-focused programming and multicultural marketing. Beyond being a business leader, Graham provides guidance and knowledge as an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma and conducts guest lectures at Georgetown and Howard University.
Emphasizing the power of DEI efforts, she continues to further her impact to break barriers in corporate America, with equity at the forefront of her approach. Through her groundbreaking work, Graham ensures that her legacy allows all professionals of color to thrive.
Nikki Forman
Head of Black Media Engagement, Amazon
AGE: 38
Nikki Forman is the leader of Amazon’s Black Media Engagement team. With her talents, she has emerged as a vocal advocate for Black journalists and the power of their voices.
She furthers the relationship between Amazon and Black media groups through her role, amplifying their importance as the e-commerce platform launches new, diverse initiatives. In a time where DEI leadership is at risk, Forman continues to champion representation.
The renowned communications professional fosters strategies that better connect Amazon to communities of all backgrounds. Her focus extends to HBCU outreach and recruitment, media campaigns in collaboration with Black creatives, and marketing initiatives for DEI programming. Moreover, Forman’s passion also extends to community service. Her family hails from Georgia, and she helped establish the first youth crime prevention facility in Atlanta while also serving as a women’s empowerment advocate in the city’s Commission on Women.
Forman challenges the status quo of media engagement by prioritizing diverse platforms and building a legacy where Black voices are welcomed and celebrated. She remains a driving force for Amazon and its expansive approach toward multicultural marketing.
Chardae F. Jenkins
Senior Manager, Multicultural Publicity Netflix
AGE: 35
Chardae F. Jenkins is a trailblazing multicultural marketing executive at Netflix, instrumental in building the department and ensuring diversity remains a core focus in the streaming giant’s marketing campaigns.
The California native has a long history in entertainment. Before spearheading the multicultural department at Netflix, she helped launch campaigns for numerous Black films, TV shows, and other forms of content. From Get Out to Straight Outta Compton and Queen Charlotte, Jenkins has made it her mission to highlight Black content in all forms.
Understanding the importance of seeing Black faces on screen, Jenkins finds innovative and engaging ways to connect these stories to a vast audience. As the bridge between major brands and Black voices, Jenkins reminds media and entertainment entities that Black people shift the culture. Now, the top-ranked executive continues to do her part in shaping the narrative that shines a light on us.
