Hakim Hilliard is an attorney and principal with Hilliard Starkey Law, an Atlanta-based law firm where his practice focuses on matters of public policy and regulatory affairs. With a mix of public and private experiences as a lawyer, beginning with his first position as an attorney with the City of Atlanta Law Department, the keen understanding Hakim has developed of how government works and, in particular, how government processes intersect with private interests, have allowed him to provide a specialized brand of the strategic guidance and counsel for his clients for the last twenty-five years.  In 2017, Hakim joined his friend and former colleague, Rory Starkey to create Hilliard Starkey Law, a boutique law firm that has grown exponentially since it was started. Hakim especially enjoys his role as a counselor and strategic advisor to his clients, relying upon his knowledge of the law and the public policy that drives it to assist them in achieving their objectives. While Hakim takes great pride in the work he does as a lawyer and counselor to his clients, his greatest passion can be found in the opportunities he has to serve the community. Away from his law practice, Hakim approaches life with the same passion.  A part of a family with several generations of educators, Hakim has made it to point to always be involved with community services organizations that serve children.  In addition to serving on various boards and parent teachers associations, in 2009, Hakim became one of the founders of the C.T. Vivian Male Scholars Program, an organization of men who get together weekly with African American boys, ages 6-16 years old, to support their growth and development. Hakim is a graduate of both The Lovett School and Morehouse College in Atlanta.  After receiving his law degree from The Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC, Hakim returned to Atlanta in 1993 to begin his career.  He has served as a law clerk to a trial judge in Fulton County Superior Court, Atlanta, Georgia, an assistant city attorney with the City of Atlanta, an associate at various private law firms, including McKenna Long & Aldridge, LLP (now “Denton’s”), where he was a partner for several years.  After returning to government service for a short time, as the Chief of Staff to the CEO Of DeKalb County, Hakim joined his current colleague to form Hilliard Starkey Law in Atlanta. All things considered, Hakim’s best work has been his time with his nine-year old daughter, Asa Pearl Hilliard, his greatest love and most faithful inspiration.

Rich Thompson is Vice President of Business Development for YouScience – a revolutionary career guidance and workforce development platform that objectively measures aptitudes most important to career choice to help align students’ talent to their best-fit career opportunities. In his role, Thompson is responsible for establishing local, regional, and national strategic partnerships with educational and youth support organizations from coast to coast. A longtime champion for expanded educational opportunity, Thompson has earned national recognition for his dedication to promote responsible fatherhood through civic engagement in education reform policy. As founder and chairman of 100Dads, a grassroots advocacy organization of civic-minded Dads, he’s been highly instrumental in spearheading multiple landmark legislative victories. Prior to joining YouScience, Thompson was the founding executive director of the Georgia Parent Teacher Organization, a statewide membership organization working to promote parental engagement and support effective educational options for every child in Georgia. He’s also served as chief engagement officer of Ameripublic Partners, LLC – a strategic public affairs firm specializing in government relations, grassroots advocacy and business development solutions for non-profits, political campaigns and corporate clients. Thompson currently serves as governing board chair of Georgia Connections Academy, a statewide virtual public charter school, board trustee of the Georgia 4-H Foundation and immediate past chair of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Advisory Council. Thompson is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics. He resides in Atlanta, GA with his wife and two daughters. Better Outcomes for OUR Kids‘ (BOOK) mission is to raise awareness around the need for high-performing schools in African-American communities, and the need to expand and increase the awareness of educational options and school choice. We believe when leaders are equipped with and prepared to share objective information about high-quality schools through BOOK’s programming, they will be effective at communicating the educational crisis effecting African-American youth. With support from parents, local constituents, policymakers, the media, and key influencers, we can change the course of our failing schools.

Community Builder & Advocate Mr. Rush is both a native and transplant of Atlanta and has a background in marketing and community engagement. His community experience includes over a decade of involvement with the Atlanta BeltLine as a consultant, tour guide and volunteer. An advocate for civic enrichment and youth empowerment, Sundiata is an alumnus of United Way’s VIP (Volunteer Involvement Program) and is also on the Board of East Atlanta Kids Club, an afterschool and mentoring program. He likes to step on stage from time to time and has local theater credits with Actor’s Express, Pinch ‘N’ Ouch Theatre, Essential Theatre and Theater Emory among others. Sundiata enjoys fitness activities, art, hiking and exploring new places. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and has an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Wayne Martin is a Sr. Manager of External Affairs for Comcast NBCUniversal in the Atlanta market. In this role, he is responsible for leading research, development, planning, design, maintenance and implementation of policies and programs that enhance Comcast’s relations with the community, the public, governmental and regulatory authorities, shareholders and employees. Prior to joining Comcast, Wayne served as Chief of Staff for Atlanta City Council Post 2 At-Large, where he directed office operations and advised the Hon. Matt Westmoreland on community, governmental and legislative affairs. He has also previously served as Chief of Staff for the Atlanta Board of Education and as Governmental Affairs Director for the Atlanta Housing Authority. Academically, Wayne earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science at Morehouse College and a Master of Public Administration Degree from Arkansas State University. Civically, he serves on the Board of Directors for Mercy Housing Southeast, the Atlanta Police Athletic League and Young Leaders Conference, Inc. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Emerging 100 Black Men of Atlanta and a graduate of the LEAD Atlanta Class of 2014. Wayne and his wife, Emily, reside in Southwest Atlanta and he is the proud father of one daughter, Kennedi, and two sons, Kristopher and Ethan.

SE Regional Outreach DirectorAIPAC Karl Douglass is SE Regional Outreach Director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Prior to joining AIPAC, Karl served as a principal with Ohio River South, a civic impact firm. He has served in various roles on political campaigns to include Senior Advisor to Jim Barksdale’s senatorial campaign, Political Director for Jason Carter’s gubernatorial campaign, Finance Director for Congressman Sanford Bishop, Senior Advisor to Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Regional Political Director for the Obama campaign. Karl served as a corporate officer with Aflac for 14 years before moving into politics full time. During his 14 years with Aflac, He served in various roles in the Broadcast Division, Corporate Communications and Compliance. He completed his career with Aflac as 2nd Vice President and Director of Producer Licensing. In that role, he led the business unit responsible for contract administration and licensing insurance associates in the United States. He also served as the company’s liaison with the departments of insurance in each state. Karl is a native of Columbus, GA and a graduate of Spencer High School. After graduating Spencer High School, Karl attended Yale University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science. Karl also earned a Master of Education degree in Education Administration & Policy from the University of Georgia. Better Outcomes for OUR Kids‘ (BOOK) mission is to raise awareness around the need for high-performing schools in African-American communities, and the need to expand and increase the awareness of educational options and school choice. We believe when leaders are equipped with and prepared to share objective information about high-quality schools through BOOK’s programming, they will be effective at communicating the educational crisis effecting African-American youth. With support from parents, local constituents, policymakers, the media, and key influencers, we can change the course of our failing schools.

Committed to living by his personal motto, “Build As We Climb”, change agent, thought leader and emerging philanthropist, James M. Bailey has dedicated his life to serving others. James was recently named President and CEO of the Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE). Honoring the great legacy and visionary business leadership of Herman J. Russell, Sr., he will lead the development of the largest center in the country, focused on impact, devoted to empowering African American entrepreneurs; 50,000 square feet dedicated to inspiring ideas, creating jobs, scaling companies, and increasing wealth in the community. An Atlanta native, Alpha man, and die-hard Georgia Bulldog, James has a proven track record of success. Recognized by 3 U.S. Presidents for his leadership and community efforts, in 2012, James was one of eight Americans honored at the White House as a “Champion of Change: Following in the Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” He was also named to both the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 Under 40 Best and Brightest Leaders of the Future”. James has served on numerous boards including The Historic Wren’s Nest in Atlanta’s West End, the Metro Atlanta Chamber Board of Advisors, the Atlanta Beltline TAD Advisory Committee, and serves as Chairman of Citizens Trust Bank’s, Next Generation Advisory Board.He is a recipient of the coveted Whitney M. Young National Community Service Medallion and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Service Award. He is also a graduate of Leadership Atlanta, Leadership Georgia and the ARC Regional Leadership Institute. James and his wife, NBC News Channel correspondent Blayne Alexander live between Atlanta, Georgia and Washington D.C. Better Outcomes for OUR Kids‘ (BOOK) mission is to raise awareness around the need for high-performing schools in African-American communities, and the need to expand and increase the awareness of educational options and school choice. We believe when leaders are equipped with and prepared to share objective information about high-quality schools through BOOK’s programming, they will be effective at communicating the educational crisis effecting African-American youth. With support from parents, local constituents, policymakers, the media, and key influencers, we can change the course of our failing schools.

A celebrated who’s who in Atlanta and for good reason.  David has masterfully used his talent, network and expertise to bridge cultures together using art and management as a vehicle. A graduate of the Atlanta College of Arts with a BFA in Advertising and Graphic Design. Manuel is a champion of the arts, a compassionate community activist. Formerly the Director of Community Relations at the Woodruff Arts Center, David now serves as the Executive Director for the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center. Bringing a diverse range of programming to the region, his vision for the county is that it will be a place for cutting edge productions, and dynamic family friendly programming. Currently, David serves as Project Manager for the construction of a new amphitheater in DeKalb County will serve not only the local community but national and international programs. A mentor and advocate, David sits on many boards and has partnered with companies such as Arby’s, Turner Broadcasting, HBO, 100 Black Men of America, The Fulton DeKalb Hospital Authority and many others to provide much needed resources to those that need it most. After working in the Atlanta Public Schools for almost a decade, David became painfully aware of the lack of male parental guidance for inner-city children. This was a call to action of the mission of The I Am a Father Initiative that focuses on strengthening families.  The highly celebrated book ‘I Am A Father, Celebrating African-American Fathers’ in 2007 and the ‘I Am a Mother’ book in 2013 are a tool to drive the rarely seen truths in the media, regarding a very up close and personal look at black fatherhood and the relationships with their children. “You constantly hear that Black men abandon their family; they don’t pay child support, they are abusive or are in jail. Although some of this is true, I want to celebrate the fathers for their loving and powerful relationships.” In 2015, David launched the I Am A Father 5k Run/Walk to promote strengthening families through father engagement in preventative health and wellness measures. Restoring everything positive about Fatherhood, the 5K has become a part of the synergy to strengthen families one mile at a time. Through our 5K we are able to provide funding, support, volunteers and more to hand-selected organizations throughout the Southeast region that assist our youth and show them the power of paternal involvement. For most people a signature moment is the birth of a baby, a graduation or wedding. But, for David a signature moment is when in ICU he signed on the dotted line to be placed on the organ donor registry. And, at the same time, another family in another state signed their loved one to be a donor. This birthed A Signature Moment and the mission to promote, inspire and educate on the need for more donors in minority communities. David received a lifesaving transplant in November of 2014. Every year we host an intimate evening, A Signature Moment partnering with Lifelink of Georgia, Piedmont Hospital Foundation and Legacy of Hope (Alabama) respectively to identify, bridge gaps through fund raised to assist where there are paternal absence and support in transplantation needs.

Mr. Walker is a twelve year business attorney that formed his own firm, Law Offices of David M. Walker, Esq. LLC, in March 2006. Mr. Walker also serves as legal counsel to Handprint Strategy Group, LLC, a professional consulting firm offering services in corporate strategic planning, government relations and real estate development. Before going into private practice, Mr. Walker served as Corporate Counsel for Celsia Technologies, Inc., a publicly traded company that specializes in the use of nanotechnology to cool electronic components, from August 2005 to January 2007. At Celsia, he managed all legal affairs, including (i) advising executive management and the board of directors on critical legal and business issues, (ii) negotiating and preparing licensing and manufacturing agreements, (iii) managing the international patent portfolio, (iv) coordinating the issuance of shares and options under the employee stock option plan, (v) compliance with SEC filings, (vi) maintaining corporate governance in accordance with Sarbanes-Oxley, (vii) reviewing press releases and shareholder correspondence, and (viii) supervising outside law firms in the US, United Kingdom, and South Korea. Prior to Celsia, Mr. Walker was President and Corporate Counsel for Hansen Gray & Company, Inc., a venture capital firm focused on hi-tech investments, from July 2004 to August 2005 where he was responsible for all critical business decisions and all legal matters, including (i) reducing the legal budget, (ii) preparing investor presentation materials and private placement memorandums, (iii) preparing due diligence data rooms for corporate investments, (iv) negotiating preferred equity and mezzanine financing term sheets and execution documents, and (v) managing the day to day operations of the Company. As President of Hansen Gray, he was instrumental in structuring a transaction in which Celsia raised over $20 million in preferred private equity and became a US public company through a reverse merger with its UK parent. From 1998 to 2004, Mr. Walker was a corporate attorney for Bodman LLP in Detroit, Michigan, where he was involved in general corporate legal matters including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, financing transactions, negotiating and drafting contracts, and private placements of securities. Mr. Walker received a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in the states of Georgia and Michigan.