Publisher, The Washington Informer
Denise Rolark Barnes is the publisher and second-generation owner of The Washington Informer, a multimedia organization serving the African American community since 1964. She also leads Washington Informer Charities, which promotes literacy, scholarships, and cultural programs. A past chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, she serves on multiple boards, including Events DC and the MLK Holiday Commission. A D.C. Hall of Fame inductee and Leadership Greater Washington member, she is a proud native Washingtonian and Ward 8 resident. She is married and the mother of two adult sons.

News Anchor, NBC News4
Molette Green is the weekend anchor for News4 Today and a dedicated storyteller covering community-driven news across the Washington area. A DC native with over 25 years of journalism experience, she has earned an EMMY Award for her work at NBC4. Green previously anchored morning news on NewsChannel 8, worked at WTTG-TV and COX Media, and was a familiar voice on WHUR Radio. A proud Howard University graduate, she has been recognized by the Associated Pressand Salute to Professional African American Women for her contributions to journalism. She lives in Prince George’s County with her husband and two children.

Owner, Ben’s Chili Bowl
We (Sage, Kamal, Nizam) are the second generation continuing the Ben’s legacy. We are honored to build on the legacy by expanding the family business through Franchising, Retail and E-Commerce, and we believe that giving back is the most important part of our legacy. We all serve our community and city in various ways, including board service and mentoring young people. We founded the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation 2010 to continue the Ben’s Chili Bowl legacy of giving, which our parents have done since 1958.

President, Lee’s Flower Shop
Stacie Lee Banks is the President and Co-Owner of Lee’s Flower and Card Shop Inc., where she has worked for over 49 years. She manages large events, vendor relations, and operations while also representing the business at speaking engagements. Beyond the shop, she serves on several boards and was named the 2018 D.C. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year. A Howard University graduate in Business Management, she lives in D.C. with her husband of over 30 years, Jeffery Banks. She enjoys time with her daughter, Samarah, and granddaughter, Khloe.

Co-owner, Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center
Adam Levin, third-generation owner and General Manager of Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center, upholds his family’s legacy in the musical instrument and pro audio industry. Leading both Chuck Levin’s and Washington Professional Systems, he balances tradition with innovation, ensuring the company remains a top destination for musicians and audio professionals. Committed to community and customer service, Adam preserves the independent spirit that has defined the business for over 67 years. With a passion for industry relationships and forward-thinking growth, he continues to shape the company’s future while staying true to its roots.

Educator, Kipp DC
Stefan Lockridge, a Southeast D.C. native, is a dedicated husband and father of three. He teaches Music Production at KIPP Legacy Preparatory Academy, guiding 9th–12th graders in music fundamentals. He holds a bachelor’s in Mass Communication with a minor in Recording Industry from Middle Tennessee State University. Previously, he developed and led the Music Department at Accotink Therapeutic Day School and later served as a Learning Lab Coach and GED Instructor. A skilled music producer and audio-visual technician, he mentors aspiring professionals and collaborates with local artists. In his free time, he enjoys skiing and flag football.

President & CEO, Cheryl Lofton & Associates
Cheryl A Lofton is the owner of Cheryl A Lofton Tailoring in Washington DC. A native Washingtonian, Cheryl attended public schools and ultimately graduated from Howard University school of communication in 1982. While in her senior year at Howard, she began her stewardship of the family tailoring business. In that same year, her grandfather Joe C Lofton passed away. This loss motivated Cheryl to assure the continuation of the family legacy. From then to now, Cheryl A Lofton Tailoring has experienced continued growth and community support. “We are committed to keeping the residents of Washington DC well dress for every occasion.

President & CEO, Industrial Bank
B. Doyle Mitchell Jr., third-generation CEO of Industrial Bank, has over 30 years of executive experience. He has expanded the bank’s presence across three states and D.C. and led its certification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) to better serve underserved communities. Since 1990, he has been Vice-Chairman of the Bank’s Board and has held leadership roles with Urban One and the National Bankers Association. A Rutgers graduate with further business studies at Marymount College, he remains committed to community development. Raised in Washington, D.C., he now lives in Prince George’s County, Maryland, with his wife and four children.

Micheline Nicole Bowman is a seasoned broadcast journalist with over 27 years in television, beginning at WTTG Fox 5 DC. A Morgan State University graduate, she transitioned to entrepreneurship in 2017, founding Bowman Media Group, LLC, specializing in media relations and branding. A sought-after host and ambassador for IKNOW Skincare and Nila Bags, Micheline also champions philanthropy. She also founded Meet Me Monday, a networking event supporting nonprofits. An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she values community, family, and her beloved pets. Guided by her motto, “Are You Ready To Be Seen?”, she empowers individuals and brands with strategic media exposure.