C1B1 Summit 2024 Moderator & Panelists
Moderator
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Candice Adkins-Wilson currently serves as the News Producer for the radio show "The Daily Drum and Morning News Anchor,” which airs on WHUR Howard University Radio Network. In her role she has worked with various celebrities, including actress Taraji P. Henson, reality star Kenya Moore of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” musician Dawn Robinson of En Vogue, music super group Kool & Gang, the family of legendary blues singer Bessie Smith, the family of esteemed actor Dick Gregory, and other newsmakers & dignitaries. She has also covered several conferences and national platforms, to include the Republic and Democratic National Conventions. Her vast experience and expertise are in the areas of talent booking, field producing, event planning, stage production and education. Ms. Adkins holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Howard University and is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. She has served as an event coordinator for Ofield Dukes & Associates and a stage manager for music festivals and theatre performances, as well as planned career fairs and organized events for city council members. Prior to joining WHUR, she worked at Sister2Sister Magazine coordinating promotional events, booking interviews, and assisting the publishing editor Jamie Foster Brown. Due to her knowledge in many fields, she has also been able to produce and contribute to an extensive list of panel discussions across the U.S, to include “The Role of African American Women as Change Agents” with the former First Lady Michelle Obama, the Congressional Black Caucus, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and Gilead Sciences, The Urban Network & Entertainment Summit in San Diego, California. She has also participated in The National Publicity Summit in New York City and around the DMV area.
Black Polity: Building Solidarity & Mobilizing Justice
 Jolene Ivey is the chair of the Prince George’s County Council. As Chair, Jolene successfully closed a $171 million budget deficit, passed rent stabilization legislation to keep seniors and fixed income residents in their homes, and provided record funding to PGCPS. Even through a tough budget year, Chair Ivey ensured property taxes were not increased while increasing the number of police officers in PGPD. Jolene Ivey was elected to her second four-year term on the Prince George’s County Council in November 2022 representing Council District 5. For the legislative year 2024, she was elected Chair of the Prince George’s County Council. In her past term, she served on the Planning, Housing & Economic Development Committee, the General Assembly Committee, and the Mental Health Advisory Board. During her first year on the Council, she also served as Vice-Chair of the Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee. Her priorities on the County Council continue to be the welfare of children and their families, the fight for environmental justice, and making sure the residents of Prince George’s County and District 5 receive speedy, effective, and courteous services from the County Government. Jolene Ivey is a former broadcast journalist, a graduate of Towson University, and holds a master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland. She is a co-founder of Mocha Moms, a support group for at-home mothers of color, and helped the organization to grow to have a national presence. For seven years she was a regular contributor on NPR’s “Tell Me More,” hosted by Michel Martin, discussing parenting issues, and is now an occasional guest on “All Things Considered” as a political commentator. She has also appeared on WJLA-TV, News Channel 8, and WTTG Fox 5 as a Democratic strategist. As president of Jolene Ivey Communications, she represented Whiting-Turner Contracting on the MGM Casino project, and Lerner Enterprises in their effort to attract the FBI to the former Landover Mall site. In 2006 she was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 47. She served on the Ways and Means Committee and on the subcommittees on education, taxes, gaming and election law. She was the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Youth and Families, and served as Chair of the Prince George’s County House delegation. Some of her legislative accomplishments in Annapolis included leading the correction of an education funding formula that has brought back tens of millions of extra dollars to Prince George’s County Public Schools; amending the state’s Constitution to remove elected officials from office when found guilty of certain crimes; allowing undocumented immigrants to receive drivers licenses; and having Maryland formally recognize Emancipation Day. In addition to her current County Council responsibilities, she is honored to be a part of the Leadership Greater Washington Class of 2020. She currently serves on the Greater Washington Community Foundation, Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Task Force, is a member of Cheverly American Legion Auxiliary Unit 108, and serves on the boards of Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, Pyramid Atlantic, and Children’s Hospital. Jolene has received numerous awards, including being named one of the Daily Record’s Top 100 Women of Maryland for 2016, and the Maryland State NAACP’s Kweisi Mfume Award. Jolene is married to Glenn Ivey, Congressman for Maryland District 4 who also served as the former Prince George’s County States Attorney. They are the parents of five sons, and she is also stepmother to Glenn’s daughter. |
Delegate Nicole Williams is a dedicated public servant representing Maryland's 22nd District. With a background in real estate law, she brings a unique perspective to her role in the Maryland House of Delegates, fighting for her constituents with the same tenacity she shows for her legal clients.Born and raised in Washington D.C., Nicole grew up in a close-knit family, living with her single mother and grandparents. Her grandfather, a bricklayer with a sixth-grade education, played a pivotal role in shaping her values and character. From him, she learned the importance of standing up against bullies, fighting for what's right, and maintaining unwavering honesty and conviction.
After law school, Nicole felt compelled to give back to her community and entered the political arena. Recognizing that everyday Maryland families lack the lobbying power of big corporations, she dedicated herself to advocating for policies that address real-world challenges such as employment, education, and food security.Drawing from her lower-middle-class upbringing, Nicole understands the financial struggles many families face. This personal experience informs her approach to fiscal responsibility in government, knowing when to save and when to invest in Maryland's families.
As a Delegate, Nicole Williams is committed to being a voice for the unheard, fighting for easier lives for future generations. Her mission is to represent her constituents' interests in Annapolis, addressing their concerns and working towards a better Maryland for all.
Ms. Sanders' career journey started in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), where she honed her skills and passion for promoting equality and justice.
Throughout her tenure, she reached significant milestones that have positively impacted USDA employees and the public. A major highlight in her career was reducing Title VI and Title VII complaints in less than six months, surpassing an 18-month congressional mandate. Her work also played an essential role in the landmark Black Farmer's Lawsuit, contributing to justice and equity in agriculture. Her expertise in revamping Title VI and Title VII complaint programs was instrumental in her receiving recognition in and outside the USDA - allowing her to present her innovative program improvements to several federal agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Ms. Sanders has over two decades of dedicated services in civil rights and serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager for the USDA. She has a master’s degree in organizational leadership and business administration from Nyack College, Nyack, New York.
As a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager, the foundational values championing her work are integrity, accountability, and empathy, which create inclusive environments and foster understanding across diverse communities.
Her favorite quote by C.F. Lewis states, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less." This approach to service and leadership guides her work as an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the federal workplace and beyond.
Non-Conformist: Building Businesses & Careers on our Terms
Dr. Washington holds a PhD in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University, an M.A. in Organizational Development/Training and Development from Bowie State University, and a B.S. in Industrial Technology/Engineering from the University of Maryland. Her credentials include a PMP from the Project Management Institute in 2013, a Master’s Certificate in Government Contracting from George Washington University, and she is currently an adjunct professor for the School of Business at Bowie State University. Her leadership development is recognized through numerous affiliations such as Leadership Prince George’s, Dale Carnegie Leadership Institute, and memberships in several women’s and business organizations: Vistage, CEO Experience, Women Presidents Organization, Women Business Enterprise National Counsel, and Women Presidents’ Educational Organization. Dr. Washington supports women, youth, and seniors through partnerships such as the RR Fund Investment Club, Mustard Seed Place, ministries at VCMI Church and VBC Bible College. In her leisure time, she enjoys dancing, coaching entrepreneurs, and spending quality time with her beloved grandson.
Naya Frederick is a seasoned marketing professional with a diverse background spanning internal communications, media and entrepreneurship. She began her career in insurance before transitioning to marketing at a small agency in Rockville. Naya further honed her skills at Marriott HQ in internal communications until the pandemic led her to pivot. She launched her own marketing agency to support small business owners and pursued a master's degree in intellectual property law to better protect her clients' ventures. During the pandemic, she contributed to marketing clinical trials for COVID-19 and has since achieved her dream role in media at Sephora.
Black Femininity: Humanizing Our Experiences
Sydnie Chandler Monet’ Collins is a dynamic young leader and motivational speaker passionately dedicated to empowering youth in her community. With a mission to provide a platform for young people to discuss their dreams and achievements, Sydnie inspires others to uplift and empower their peers, embodying the spirit of Joshua 1:5: You’ve got someone standing beside you who is stronger than the one standing against you.
Dance is Sydnie's first love, and she has been pursuing this passion at The Washington School of Ballet in Washington, DC, for seven years. As part of their Advanced Training Program, she has graced the stage in performances of The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre and The Kennedy Center. Her talent has also led her to perform with the Cincinnati Ballet and the prestigious Washington Ballet Company during their 75th Anniversary at the Shakespeare Theatre. Her dance prowess was featured on NBC 4 News during a fundraiser at the Ritz Carlton. Beyond dance, Sydnie is a skilled pianist and soloist with aspirations to author a book, guided by the belief in Luke 1:37: "Faith does not make things easy; it makes them possible."
Sydnie is the visionary founder and CEO of Live Your Future Educated (LYFE), a nonprofit organization that empowers youth through reading and outreach programs across the Washington Metropolitan Area. Her initiative was spotlighted in the Maryland Independent newspaper in 2018. Driven by her passion for education, Sydnie aims to establish an academic scholarship to support private school students with book fees. In 2017, her love for art inspired her to launch Beyond the Art, a canvas art business that encourages youth creativity and hosts art parties for social events and community fundraisers.
With a blend of artistic talent and entrepreneurial spirit, Sydnie Collins continues to inspire and lead, leaving a lasting impact on her community and beyond.
Dr. Joan M. Jackson is a seasoned educational professional with a diverse background in teaching, administration, and leadership development. With a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and a focus on Multicultural Education and Conflict Resolution, Dr. Jackson has dedicated her career to improving educational outcomes and fostering inclusive learning environments.
As an educator, Dr. Jackson has taught English at various levels and has been instrumental in developing curricula that promote diversity and academic achievement. Her efforts have led to increased enrollment of minority students in advanced courses and improved parent engagement.
Dr. Jackson's research interests focus on educational leadership, multicultural education, and parent involvement. She has published articles and presented at conferences on topics like math instruction in urban public schools and diversity in teacher preparation programs.
Beyond her academic roles, Dr. Jackson has been actively involved in community service, serving on various boards and committees. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the National Council of Teachers of English.
With her extensive experience in K-12 and higher education settings, Dr. Jackson continues to contribute to the field of education through her expertise in instructional strategies, leadership development, and multicultural initiatives.
Dr. Jackson has held various positions, including Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, Department Chair, and Assistant Professor at multiple institutions. Her expertise spans instructional coaching, diversity initiatives, curriculum development, and program evaluation. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to implement innovative strategies that enhance student performance and faculty development.
Self Actualization & Self Love
Deborah M. Avens' journey began in Prince George's County, Maryland, where she experienced firsthand the challenges of growing up in a low-income, single-parent household. At a young age, Avens faced significant hardships. Her mother was diagnosed with renal kidney failure when Avens was five. Her father passed away from cancer when she was seven, and her family struggled with inadequate disability income, often enduring heatless winters and food insecurity. These experiences exposed Avens to the harsh realities of biased attitudes toward women on public assistance, sex discrimination in male-dominated careers, and domestic violence.
The Birth of The SOFEI Group - Driven by her personal experiences, Avens founded The SOFEI Group in 1996. The organization initially started as home-based fellowships and newsletters focused on using Biblical characters to help women discuss their experiences and the organization evolved into a nonprofit organization in 1999. The SOFEI Group empowers women to overcome economic instability through Education, Training, and Development, Key services include:
- A twelve-step plan for economic growth and independence
- Career assessments for workforce re-entry or transition
- Professional and workforce development training
- Business development training
- IT certification training and testing
Achievements and Credentials
- Founded The SOFEI Group in 1996
- Established The SOFEI Group as a nonprofit in 1999
- Authorized testing center for Microsoft and IC³
- Developed online platform SOFEIOnline (
www.sofeionline.org)
Educational Background
- B.S. in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Business Management
- M.Ed. with a concentration in Corporate Learning from Strayer University
- Microsoft Certified Manager
- Certified Software Manager
Deborah M. Avens continues to lead The SOFEI Group, addressing the growing trend of 'situational' poverty among women in the Washington region and empowering them to achieve economic stability and independence.