Next Narrative Summit Resources

I’m Kelli Williams, an author, executive coach, and founder of Legacy Rising. I’m passionate about creating spaces where women can say the hard things out loud, lead as their full selves, and build legacies rooted in truth, purpose, and possibility.

Jeff Aguy is the CEO of Betting On US, a national nonprofit focused on leader advancement and systems change. He works across business, government, and philanthropy to build an America people can afford to believe in. Jeff helped create the multibillion dollar Bloomington Economic Partnership and led implementation of the billion dollar GroundBreak Coalition. A 2025 Bush Fellow, his work connects leadership, investment, and institutions to expand economic opportunity. Born in Haiti and raised in Florida, Jeff brings lived experience and financial innovation to a clear purpose: helping people build lives they can afford and futures they can believe in.

Dr. Laine Powell is the founder and CEO of Tech Sassy Girlz, a non-profit organization dedicated to building the future workforce by transforming the lives of adolescent girls to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields through career readiness, mentoring and entrepreneurship. Taking on the challenge head-on of addressing the notable shortage of girls and women in STEM fields, Dr. Powell created the organization in 2012 to address the critical shortage of women and minorities being represented in high-tech STEM careers. She firmly believes that leveraging technology is an opportunity for girls to be content creators, makers and entrepreneurs. To date, Tech Sassy Girlz has served over 3,000 girls. Dr. Powell is also the vice president for AceApplications, LLC, a technology solutions provider for businesses, schools, and government agencies. AceApplications delivers custom software, systems integration, mobile app and web development, data analytics and reporting, training and IT staff augmentation.

Dr. George James, Psy.D., LMFT, MBA is the author of I Give Myself Permission: Take Risks, Be Imperfect, Live Boldly and CEO of George Talks, a consulting and communication firm at the intersection of leadership, relationships, and mental health. With more than two decades of experience, he helps executives, entrepreneurs, educators, and multigenerational families navigate leadership, legacy, and life at home. Dr. George has been featured on outlets including NBC’s TODAY Show, CBS Mornings, CNBC, CNN, and TEDx, and has spoken for organizations such as Best Buy, ADP, Cummins, and Ross Stores. Dr. George lives in Philadelphia with his wife and children and believes deeply in the power of permission to help people show up better for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Nicole Brannon is a dedicated community leader who serves the Tulsa community through her leadership with Tulsa Parks and Recreation. With more than 25 years of service to the City of Tulsa, she is a strong advocate for her community and is committed to creating opportunities, programs, and safe spaces that positively impact youth and families.

Benny Roberts is the Executive Director of the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, an original African American Settlement House in the historic Rondo neighborhood in St. Paul, MN. Benny seeks to increase longevity and quality of life through community connection and legacy cultivation. Roberts is also a saught after speaker, artist, community leader, and natural connector. Benny leverages his love for people to build momentum and recall collective wisdom to love community forward into greater possibility.

Jerrilyn Roberson is a program and event management professional with 8+ years of experience designing meaningful gatherings for nonprofit, community, and corporate audiences. She has led national convenings of up to 2,000 attendees with $2M budgets, along with complex programs that engage diverse stakeholders across the country. Trained in recreation administration and therapy, Jerrilyn understands how play, leisure, and intentional design shape the way people connect, heal, and grow. Her background in healthcare administration and project management brings the operational rigor to make it happen. Dallas-raised with Louisiana roots, Jerrilyn is the founder of Joy Lab Strategies, an event planning firm serving corporate and community clients. At Joy Lab, she translates each client’s vision into a memorable experience, guiding every detail from strategy and budgeting to vendor coordination and on-site execution. Every event is built so people leave feeling seen, connected, and inspired.

Marquess Dennis is the Founder and Executive Director of Birthright Living Legacy, a Tulsa-based nonprofit transforming how communities engage, equip, and celebrate fathers. His mission is personal. Growing up, Marquess relied on coaches, pastors, mentors, and other fathers to help shape the man and father he would become. What he once had to search for, he is now building for other fathers. A husband and father of five, Marquess was named the 2024 Oklahoma Parent Leader of the Year and recognized among The Black Chronicle’s Top 50 Under 50. A certified PRSS and trainer in Protective Factors, ACE Interface through NEAR Science, Parent Cafés, Hope-Driven Parenting, and Raising Highly Capable Kids, Marquess brings both lived experience and professional expertise to the work. Through Birthright Living Legacy, he is building a movement rooted in a simple truth: when fathers show up, families flourish.

Drinal Foster is Chief Impact Officer at GroundBreak Coalition, where she leads impact strategy, coalition engagement, and impact intelligence in support of a bold, corrective capital strategy\. She mobilizes capital, builds coalitions, aligns cross\-sector partners, and translates complex systems into actionable pathways that expand wealth\-building opportunities\. Before joining GroundBreak, Drinal spent exactly 30 years at Wells Fargo, beginning as a teenage teller and rising to Senior Vice President\. Her executive leadership spanned workforce engagement, talent strategy, organizational effectiveness, human capital, technology, and treasury management\. Drinal is board chair of the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce and serves on several civic and nonprofit boards\. Her leadership has been recognized by U\.S\. Black Chambers, Twin Cities Business, and the Minneapolis/St\. Paul Business Journal\. She is also a 2026 BMe Vanguard Fellow\. Drinal holds a degree in Organizational Leadership and Communication and maintains SHRM\-CP and PHR certifications\. She is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Ace Epps is a Vice President and Community Manager for JPMorgan Chase, where he serves as a bridge between the firm and the communities it serves. In this role, Ace connects individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community partners with financial education, resources, and opportunities designed to support economic growth and financial empowerment. With more than 23 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Ace has served as a Director and Manager for several Akron-area organizations, developing programs and partnerships that address community needs and create pathways to opportunity. He is passionate about entrepreneurship, workforce development, reentry, financial literacy, and the arts. Known for his ability to connect people, ideas, and resources, Ace is committed to building stronger communities through collaboration, education, and meaningful engagement.

Terry A. Smith is the Founder, President, and CEO of M-PowerHouse of Greater Pittsburgh and the visionary behind Smith SMART Systems. A Certified Biomimicry Educator, biomimicry consultant, and innovation and concept-development strategist, Smith helps businesses, nonprofits, educators, and community leaders transform bold ideas into practical, sustainable solutions. His work connects nature-inspired design, emerging technology, workforce development, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and culturally relevant STEAM education. A U.S. Army veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, Smith also became UPMC’s first African American Chief Anesthesia Technician, contributing to pioneering work in transplantation, cardiac care, trauma, and sports medicine. Recognized as a New Pittsburgh Courier Man of Excellence and a 2021 BMe Vanguard Award nominee, Smith brings vision, strategy, creativity, and lived experience to every engagement—helping clients build powerful partnerships and move from sight to vision.