San Antonio, TX

Joel Rivas was born and raised in the heart of Texas and has spent more than two decades honing his skills and passion for working with people and teams, harnessing their potential.

Joel's commitment to the food, beverage, and hospitality industry led him to establish the nonprofit organization Saint City Culinary Foundation, whose mission is to foster sustainability and wellbeing for those working in the food and beverage sector. The national program Heard, the foundation's flagship initiative, was born from this vision in 2017, focusing on mental health and wellness for service industry workers. Over the past six years, Joel has traveled the country, sharing his insights on mental health and company culture, all the while inspiring change and raising awareness.

Washington D.C.

Claudia A. Withers is the Chief Operating Officer of the Civil Rights Corps, a national organization dedicated to fighting injustice in the American legal system. CRC works to build power in Black and Brown communities that are most harmed by the criminal legal system. She was formerly the Managing Director, Equity Programs for the National School Boards Association (NSBA) and worked as COO for the NAACP and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Claudia has served as the Director of Programs for the District of Columbia Bar Foundation, where she developed and directed grants and loan repayment programs to support civil legal services to the poor and underserved in the District of Columbia.

Washington D.C.

Ryan Fletcher is the founder and director of Movement Media, a mission-driven communications agency, and the head of Global PR for the activist soap company Dr. Bronner’s. Ryan’s professional career in communications grew out of years of community service, radical activism, and work as a concert promoter in DC’s storied independent punk rock music scene. Ryan also serves on the board of We Are Family, the D.C.-based senior outreach network, and is a funder in the animal advocacy and farmed animal protection movements.

Chicago, IL

Josh Davis is a hospitality activist and Founder of Brown & Balanced. He is dedicated to highlighting the craft and talent of Black and Brown hospitality professionals. He is a bartender at The Bureau Bar, Chicago, and 2022 Bartender of the Year from the Bar & Restaurant Expo.

Brooklyn, NY

Jackie Summers is a James Beard Finalist, seasoned public speaker, and serial entrepreneur. Summers is the founder of JackFromBrooklyn Inc. and the creator of the award-winning Sorel Liqueur. He served 3 years as co-chair of the Education Committee for Tales of the Cocktail and 3 years as co-chair of the Education Committee for Bar Convent Brooklyn. He currently sits on the Vibe Advisory Council. His flagship brand, Sorel Liqueur, is the most awarded liqueur of 2022 and 2023, having garnered over 100 gold (or better) awards.

Denver, CO

Alana Koenig-Busey lives by the motto, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” She is happiest when she can serve and uplift her community and nature positively. As a born and raised Coloradoan, it is no surprise that craft beer is near and dear to her heart. When she is not homebrewing with her partner, she is getting lost in the Rocky Mountains with her pups, and imbibing in local breweries. As both a TIPS and Safe Bars trainer, and in her work with the Brewers Association and Crafted For All, she has helped to foster and create safe and inclusive spaces in the craft beer community. In her current role as Program Manager at the National Black Brewers Association, she looks forward to bringing her passion and skills to do the same and more for Black brewers and brewery-owners everywhere.

Brooklyn, NY

John McCourt is the VP of Social Impact at Weber Shandwick and works with a broad portfolio of companies, brands, and non-profits in building and activating their impact strategies to address some of the most pressing social and environmental issues we face today. His passion and expertise collide when supporting brands and organizations to develop and implement cause-related impact programs that factor in key stakeholders beyond consumers. Prior to Weber Shandwick, John served as Deputy VP of Strategic Partnerships at GLAAD, where he helped lead their corporate fundraising and brand partnerships to increase annual revenue and expand awareness of GLAAD. Over the past decade, he has worked on LGBTQ-inclusive campaigns and programs for brands such as Absolut Vodka, Amazon, American Express, Kellogg’s, PUMA, Skittles, Target, Wells Fargo and more. John is an Adjunct Faculty Advisor at NYU’s School of Professional Studies.