Michael Akin is a community builder and changemaker who has consistently and successfully tackled challenges by committing to the idea that doing well and doing good are not mutually exclusive. He has done so while building authentic relationships and connections locally and around the world that help people, organizations, and institutions thrive. Michael serves as the President of LINK Strategic Partners, a strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and social impact consulting firm proudly based in Washington, D.C. In 9 years, LINK has expanded from a small local shop to a national firm with hundreds of local, regional, national, and international clients. Our world-class and diverse team of professionals ranges from 17 to 93 years of age and lead our offices in D.C., Phoenix, St. Louis, Maine, New York, and Manchester, England. Over 65% of Team LINK identifies as female, and nearly 70% are people of color, reflecting LINK’s foundational commitment to be “in and of” the communities we serve. LINK’s mission-driven work includes thousands of hours of pro bono work provided to community partners. Michael is a featured presenter on the intersection between effective strategic communications and community engagement at major national and international conferences like those hosted by the International Town and Gown Association, the United Kingdom Town and Gown Association, the National School Public Relations Association, the Aspen Institute, and the National Urban League conference where he is invited back year after year to lead sessions and facilitate thoughtful dialogue. Michael was selected in 2020 to moderate a panel titled “Equity (Must Be) More Than A Buzzword” at SXSW EDU. Michael recently launched the LINK Changemakers Series, which features global changemakers for deep and action-oriented discussions on the issues of the day. These virtual panels regularly attract thousands of views from around the world. Michael’s community activities include serving as Chairman Emeritus of the Greater Washington Urban League board of directors. He also serves on the boards of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, The International Town Gown Association, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY), Destination DC, Cultural Tourism DC, Think Local First DC, and as Chairman of the Board for the American Experience Foundation. Michael is a Leadership Council member for Raise DC, and serves as a Founding Member of the Washington Business Journal Leadership Trust and as a member of Community Council for WAMU 88.5 FM, Washington’s NPR station.

Driven city leader who has spent the last two decades championing DC’s vibrant community. As a two-time Emmy Award winner, dedicated public service leader, and the first African American General Manager of the Warner Theatre, I have a proven track record of leading with both a creative and growth mindset, no matter the endeavor. Throughout my career, I’ve been lauded for cultivating lasting relationships and spearheading large-scale initiatives that engage, inspire, and exemplify excellence. My vision as President of Events DC is to build an even more connected city. From mentoring to leading transformational change, I am dedicated to supporting all the diverse facets that make our city dynamic, innovative and unique. What is your connection to our city? I would love to connect and learn what makes DC special to you.

Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, served as the first female president of the combined institutions of Huston and Tillotson Colleges. After her retirement from HT she briefly served as President & CEO of Newfields, a cultural institution. Her higher education experience includes interim President at Pierce College in Puyallup, Washington, Vice President for Administration and CFO, Executive Assistant to the President, VP for Information Technology and Services for Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and Dean of Information Technology for Pierce College District in Lakewood, Washington. Colette combined her entrepreneurial spirit and technical knowledge to forge successful careers in engineering, information technology, and higher education. Before transitioning into higher education, Colette worked as a Computer Analyst at The Washington Post, an Operations Support Engineer at Proctor and Gamble, and Manager of Consulting and Project Management Services at the Washington State Department of Transportation in Olympia, Washington and ran her own computer consulting firm, CompuMent. Colette is a strong proponent of HBCUs and civic and community engagement. Colette’s servant leadership is evidenced in leadership positions such as co-chair of the Mayor of Austin’s Task Force on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities, Board Chair of Leadership Austin, and Treasurer of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas. She serves on numerous boards including Martin University, Council on Higher Education Accreditation, Indiana Black Expo, DISCO Law, Texas Methodist Foundation, and the Six Sigma Racial Equity Institute. Her many honors include being named Austinite of the Year, receiving the Ohio State University Outstanding Engineering Alumnus and Alumni of the Year Awards, Anti-Defamation League Community Hero Award, Urban Land Institute Visionary Award, iACT Hope Award, Austin Women’s Hall of Fame, Administrator of the Year (awarded by SGA), Distinguished Woman of the Year Award, and Diverse Issues in Higher Education’s Top 25 Women. Dr. Burnette is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.. She received her high school diploma in Cleveland, Ohio, from John F. Kennedy High School, a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from The Ohio State University, and a Master of Science in Administration from Georgia College. She is a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Management Development Program and received her Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Seasoned Social Entrepreneur and Chief Executive within the workforce development, Diversity & Inclusion, affordable housing, community development, public-private partnership, and philanthropic communities. Secured hundreds of millions of dollars thorough various social investment vehicles for reinvestment into low income communities via innovative housing programs or through federally insured financial institutions. Specialties: Extensive c-suite leadership within the workforce development, affordable housing program development, consumer finance, and public policy arenas; Extensive knowledge and experience within the cause related marketing, corporate social responsibility, federal funding, individual giving and major gifts arenas, in addition to, all facets of corporate and foundation philanthropy.

CEO & Founder of Radiante Strategy Group (RSG), specializing in social impact consulting across diverse sectors including child welfare, healthcare, and social services. With over 15 years of expertise, I drive strategic initiatives, foster cross-sector collaboration, and implement innovative solutions to address complex societal challenges. Committed to global impact and international collaboration. Led transformative initiatives at Ashoka's AYUDA Inc. (American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad), addressing health disparities in underprivileged communities worldwide. Trusted advisor to esteemed clients such as the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Casey Family Programs Foundation, UCLA, Delaware State Housing Authority, and the Inter-American Development Bank, providing strategic guidance and facilitating impactful programs to drive positive change. Founder & CEO of Casa Innovation, empowering Latin American social entrepreneurs and fostering innovation, talent, and sustainability through strategic partnerships and initiatives like the Festival of the Diaspora. Holds a Master's in Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with Administration & Public Policy from the University of Delaware.

Senior Vice President for Administration and Chief Administrative Officer at Howard University

Tameka Young is the founder of the National Association for Kidpreneurs. Mrs. Young has dedicated many years of service working with and for the betterment of youth by serving on various youth focused boards, mentoring, and working as a board consultant. Tameka believes that providing a strong foundation and opportunity for our youth to thrive are key to the success of our children. Mrs. Young, also a professional model, is married and the mother of two sons.