NAREB-Mid-Winter Conference-2021-Ditigal-Journal

2021

74 Years Strong
History Made Then & Now

nareb.com #NAREB74

Congratulations!!

PRESIDENT BIDEN &
VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in
moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at

times of challenge and controversy.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

We stand with you!

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS

2021

Virtual

Mid-Winter
Conference

74 Years Strong

History Made Then & Now

1st National Conference of 2021
1st Ever Virtual Mid-Winter Conference

Record Breaking Registrations

NAREB 2MN5
PRESENTS

RESTORE RESTORE STABILITY
REBUILD REBUILD COMMUNITY
RETAIN RETAIN LEGACY

BUILDING
BLACK WEALTH

PROGRAM #1 5 BUILDING PROGRAM #2
BLACK WEALTH
2MN5 INITIATIVES - SHIBA

2 MILLION NEW THE 5 PILLARS STATE OF HOUSING
BLACK IN BLACK AMERICA

HOMEOWNERS IN 5
YEARS

WOMEN MULTI-
IN GENERATIONAL

REAL WEALTH
ESTATE
FAITH (WIRE) DIVERSITY & GOVERNMENT
BASED & INCLUSION/ RELATIONS &
ADVOCACY
CIVIC SMALL
ENGAGEMENT BUSINESS

National Association of Real Estate Brokers

9831 Greenbelt Road, Suite 309
Lanham, MD 20706

Office: 301.552.9340 * Fax: 301.552.9216

March 3, 2021

Greeting Realtists and Friends,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to our NAREB 73rd
Virtual Mid-Winter Conference.
Since 1948, NAREB have crusaded the streets, overcome barriers
and became the voice for the community in Fair Housing and
Equal Opportunity. Our struggles in homeownership rates are still
at a low as African Americans, and it is our vision to advocate building black wealth through
Homeownership.
Throughout the Mid-Winter Conference, NAREB will identify and recognize trailblazers,
educate our members in their businesses, learn about our NAREB Affiliates.
NAREB will continue to evolve as we are Building Black Wealth through our five Initiatives
that focuses on Faith Based & Civic Engagement, WIRE (Women Investing in Real Estate),
Generational Wealth, Diversity & Inclusion and Governmental Affairs. These Pillars will
broaden the communities we serve and increase membership.
A Special Thanks to Mid-Winter Conference Team that have worked tirelessly to make this
event possible!
So, look out for a couple of days of virtual fun and education. I hope all of you enjoy the
conference and GET a wealth of knowledge!
Thank you,

Lydia M. Pope
President-Elect
National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc.

National Association of Real Estate Brokers

9831 Greenbelt Road, Suite 309
Lanham, MD 20706

Office: 301.552.9340 * Fax: 301.552.9216

March 3, 2021
Greeting Realtists and Friends,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Real Estate
Brokers (NAREB), I bring greetings to our Realtist family, friends and partners!
NAREB, like the rest of the world, has had to "adjust and pivot" during the global
pandemic and we are so grateful to all who have provided continual support of
our efforts to keep issues affecting "Black Home Ownership" in the forefront of
America.
Our leadership and planning teams have worked tirelessly and diligently to ensure
that you will have a memorable, beneficial, and educational experience. We will share strategies, information,
data, and "nuggets" intended to create new, and to recapture Black wealth lost during these trying times that
hit Black America disproportionately harder than any other diverse market.
Realtists are optimistic about the direction of NAREB and our impact on the future of our communities. We are
resolved that our programs, policies, and partnerships will continue to be a positive example to forge our
agenda of Democracy in Housing.
NAREB brings people and organizations together as a convener for getting things done. With that being said,
our leadership team will introduce you to the "5 Pillars", which are 5 Black wealth building initiatives that are
sustainable, forward thinking, and comprehensive in nature. All of the classes, sessions, speakers, facilitators,
and moderators will carry the message of "2 Million New Black Homeowners" and will include professional and
business development opportunities to ensure that Black Real Estate Professionals are competitive in the
marketplace.
I applaud Madame President-Elect Pope and her leadership team for the thoughtful programs crafted which
enable us to significantly teach more members, and raise our brand and value proposition to our communities.
While this virtual conference will be hyper focused on business and industry, we have also planned some
exciting entertainment experiences. We realize that it may not be the same as an "in-person_ experience, but
we know that the Realtist Spirit will be felt from device to device, and heart to heart!
I thank everyone involved in the weeks, days, and hours of planning and preparing for this Mid-Winter
Conference. Your work has created this successful event.
Thank you members, friends and partners for joining us.
Sincerely,

Michele Calloway

Michele Calloway
Chairman
National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc.

National Association of Real Estate Brokers

9831 Greenbelt Road, Suite 309
Lanham, MD 20706

Office: 301.552.9340 * Fax: 301.552.9216

March 3, 2021

Dear Realtists and Friends:

Welcome to the Virtual Mid-Winter Conference hosted by the National Association
of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). NAREB, the nation’s oldest, minority professional
real estate trade association was founded in Tampa in 1947. We are the conscious
of the real estate industry. Our association is forever committed to our motto of
Democracy In Housing.

We have some very exciting and powerful speakers such as Don Peebles, black real estate mogul;
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; Hill Harper, author and actor; and Faith
Evans, national R&B recording artist, just to name a few. It is our hope that this conference helps you grow both
professionally and personally. NAREB provides online and virtual trainings throughout the year too.

Again, thank you for attending the Mid-Winter Conference. I would like to thank Lydia Pope, President-Elect;
Michele Calloway, Chair of the Board of Directors, and Harold Carter, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for your
leadership. I want to thank the NAREB National Office team members Dianne Little, Rubye Wright, Jill Harrison, C.
Renee Wilson, Joanne Williams, Monica Lee, Bishop Craig Worsham, Amon Chafukira, Dianne Simmons, Lola
Ajayi, James Privette, and John Kelly.

NAREB is on the Move!

In Solidarity,

Antoine M. Thompson

Antoine M. Thompson
National Executive Director

NAREB

Staff & Consultants

Antoine M. Thompson
Executive Director

Amon Chafukira Dianne Simmons
Website/Social Media Coordinator Realtist Nation Newsletter Editor

Jill Harrison Sonjia Simpson Gardner
Communications Team Lead Meeting Planner
John Kelly Joanne Williams
Finance Accounting Manager Public Relations Consultant
Monica Lee C. Renee Wilson
Membership Coordinator Relationship Manager

Dianne Little Bishop Craig Worsham
Administrative Assistant National Director of Faith Based &
Community Partnerships
Gerald Neal Rubye Wright
General Counsel Executive Administrative Assistant
James Privette Adelola (Lola) Ajayi
Policy Advocacy Coordinator
Intern

CONFERENCE

Team & Volunteers

Shanta Patton Amy McCoy
Education Chair Technology Chair

Shawneequa Badger Anna Tutt
Shawneequa Badger Ramona Jones
Sherita McCray Nekaya Carter
Stacy Carter Denise Matthews
Monique Winston

HISTORY

After World War II, the nation found itself facing a mood of deep-seated social
segregation it could no longer tolerate or afford. Yet the South, confidently
proclaimed itself to be the new plus ultra (uppermost limits) of Southern tolerance.
Thus, was born the Civil Rights movement- a period of the most difficult but necessary
struggle to topple the crumbling walls segregation had erected between Americans
who had fought- and died together.

The postwar years indeed gave African Americans inspiration, confidence, strength
and hope for a better America. The United Nations had been formed, and Ralph J.
Bunche had become the United Nations Division Trustee. African Americans were
gaining better paying jobs, and the Supreme Court had finally passed a ruling that
restrictive covenants and private agreement to exclude persons of designated race
from the ownership of real property were not enforceable under the law.

Although the lives of African Americans were now changing for the good, and a few
victories had been won, schools were still segregated under the “separate but equal”
theory- and equal housing had yet to become a reality. This is what drove the men and
women who met in Tampa, Florida, on the sweltering night of July 29, 1947, to form the
National Association of Real Estate Brokers- NAREB.

These twelve pioneers, one woman and eleven men hailing from seven states across
the country are NAREB’s recognized founders.

Nannie Black, Detroit, MI Macco Crutcher, Detroit, MI
Carleton Gains, Detroit, MI W. D. Morrison, Jr., Detroit MI
O. B. Cobbins, Jackson, MS W.H. Hollins, Birmingham, AL
George W. Powell, Jacksonville, FL J. R. Taylor, Miami, FL
F. Henry Williams, Jacksonville, FL Horace Sudduth, Cincinnati, OH
J. W. Sanford, Oklahoma City, OK A. Maceo Smith, Dallas, TX

On this night, these people dedicated themselves to fair housing for all. They began
by electing temporary officers as follows:

W.D. Morrison, President
Horace Sudduth, Vice President
W. H. Hollins, Treasurer

Word soon spread, and NAREB's first convention was held at the Convention Hall in
Atlantic City, NJ, on July 19-20, 1948. It was a resounding success- a moment of
synergy when men and women across the country were able to come together to
voice their opinions as one- and to take a stand against inequity and injustice.
Since then, NAREB and its REALTISTS® have gone on to win victory after victory in
support of equal housing opportunities for all. We are an association proud of our
past, relentless in our struggle, and 100% dedicated to the REALTIST® creed-
Democracy in Housing.

PAST PRESIDENTS
1947-PRESENT

Jeffrey Hicks Ronald Cooper Donnell Spivey Julius L. Cartwright

2017-2019 2015-2017 2013-2015 2011-2013

Vincent Wimbish Maria Kong Clifford H. Turner Ronald L. Branch

2009-2011 2007-2009 2005-2007 2003-2005

Edward C. London *Ernest Clark, Jr. H. Bernie Jackson *Fred Blair

2001-2003 1999-2001 1997-1999 1995-1997

*Larry Cameron *Frank A. Clay, Jr. Evelyn A. Reeves *Albert H. Johnson
1991-1993
1993-1995 1989-1991 1987-1989

PAST PRESIDENTS
1947-PRESENT

Thom L. Holmes *Otis L. Thorpe *Robert G. Buckner James E. Haynes

1985-1987 1983-1985 1981-1983 1979-1981

*Harold A. Dawson, Sr. *John D. Thompson *Daniel Spaulding *Willis Carson

1977-1979 1975-1977 1973-1975 1971-1973

*William J. Hamilton *Q.V. Williamson *Charles L. Warden *George Harris

1968-1971 1963-1968 1960-1963 1953-1960

*W. H. Aiken *W. B. Morison
1947-1951
1951-1953

REGIONAL VP's

Mayarani Smith Arlene Wayns-Thomas Chandra Patterson

Region II Region III Region IV

Sheryl Merritt Marcus Brown Sherita McCray

Region V Region VI Region VII

Jerry Isham Sidney Martin Terrell Walls

Region VIII Region IX Region XI

Bill Pitre Shanta Patton

Region XII Region XV











NATIONAL PARTNERS ADVISORY BOARD

Advisory board consists of representatives from the
following partner organizations:

BBVA
BANK OF AMERICA
BERKSHIRE/REAL LIVING

CHASE
CITI

EQUITY PRIME
FICO

FREDDIE MAC
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® - (NAR)

PRIMELENDING
QUICKEN LOANS

REALOGY
RE/MAX
TRUIST FINANCIAL
UNION BANK
US BANK
WELLS FARGO

Keynote Speaker

Don Peebles
Chairman &
CEO of The Peebles Corporation

Don Peebles is founder, chairman and CEO of
The Peebles Corporation, one of the country’s
few privately held national real estate
investment and development companies in the
United States with a multi-billion dollar project
portfolio spanning key markets in the nation
including New York, Los Angeles, Boston,
Miami, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Washington
D.C.
In an era where social responsibility, social inclusion and making change are often
seen as buzz-phrases, Don Peebles is creating change and making opportunities
happen in communities by leveraging his expertise and entrepreneurial skills in Real
Estate investment and development. Don Peebles and The Peebles Corporation
uniqueness is guided by his company’s own principles of Affirmative Development
(TM) to empower women and minorities to close the wealth gap – with the aim of
developing not just land or buildings, but opportunities and people also.
For more information, visit peeblescorp.com.

Keynote Speaker

Hill Harper
Actor, Author, Philanthropist

Hill Harper is an award-winning actor, best-selling
author and philanthropist. Harper currently stars as
Dr. Marcus Andrews on TV's #1 new drama, The
Good Doctor on ABC. Additionally, Harper
headlines HLN’s How It Really Happened with Hill
Harper and stars in the just released podcast, Legal
Wars. Previously, Harper starred on CSI: NY and
Showtime's award-winning series Homeland.
Theatrically, he can be seen in the Sony Pictures
film Concussion, the Tupac Shakur biopic All Eyez
on Me, and the 2018 summer hit New York play Our Lady of 121st Street directed by Phylicia
Rashad - a role for which he’s been nominated by AUDLECO for ‘Best Lead Actor in a Play’.
Harper has earned seven NAACP Image Awards for his writing and acting and is a 4-time
New York Times best-selling author for his books: Letters to a Young Brother (named “Best
Book for Young Adults” by the American Library Association), Letters to a Young Sister, The
Conversation, and The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in its Place. Harper ’s most recent book
is the groundbreaking Letters to an Incarcerated Brother. Harper founded The Manifest
Your Destiny Foundation which is dedicated to empowering, encouraging, and inspiring
underserved youth to succeed through education, mentorship, and grant programs.
Hill Harper graduated magna cum laude as valedictorian of his department with a Bachelor’s
Degree from Brown University and cum laude with a Juris Doctorate degree from Harvard
Law School. He also holds a Master’s Degree with honors from Harvard University's Kennedy
School of Government and holds Honorary Doctoral Degrees from seven universities.
Harper served on the President's Cancer Panel having been appointed by President Obama
in 2011. Harper travels worldwide as a motivational speaker, addressing current affairs and
life-awakening topics to a wide array of audiences of youth, educators and business
leaders. He is also a job creator, as an entrepreneur; Harper owns The Roasting Plant Coffee
Roastery in Detroit, a hotel in New Orleans, and The Architect & Co - a health and wellness
company. In 2014, People Magazine named him one of their Sexiest Men Alive.

Featured Entertainer

Faith Evans
Multi-platinum Grammy Award Winning
Recording Artist, Songwriter, Arranger and
Record Producer

Faith Renée Evans is a multi-platinum Grammy Award winning
recording artist, songwriter, arranger and record producer. Faith
is also a New York Times best-selling author, an entrepreneur,
a TV executive producer and most importantly — a mother.
With so many hats to be worn, it is undeniable that Faith has a
little something for everyone. Through what has been an equally
rewarding and trying career, ask her how she’s come this far and
she’ll simply reply, “FAITH.”
With a music career spanning over two decades, Faith has
released eight studio albums, with over 18 million albums sold
and spawning over 30 singles. Faith has also performed on 20+
soundtracks and a host of guest appearances during her career.
Faith Evans is a seven-time Grammy nominee; winning “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group” in 1998 for
“I’ll Be Missing You,” an homage to her late husband and hip-hop legend Notorious B.I.G. And Faith has three
Platinum-certified albums under her belt.
In 2008, Faith penned her New York Times Best Selling Book, “Keep the Faith: A Memoir” with Aliya King,
which won the 2009 African American Literary Award in the “Best Biography/Memoir” category.
In 2010, Faith released her first independent album through her music imprint Prolific Music Group and E1
Music, titled “Something About Faith”. The lead single “Gone Already” was nominated for “Best Female R&B
Vocal Performance” for the 2011 Grammy Awards. In August 2012, Faith co-created, executive produced and
starred in an original reality series, “R&B Divas”, which became cable network TV One’s most watched original
premiere in the history of the network and later released a compilation album of the same name. The “R&B
Divas” album earned Faith her seventh Grammy nomination for “Best R&B Album” for the 2014 Grammy
Awards.
In November 2014, Faith released her eighth studio album, “Incomparable”, on Prolific Music Group, with
distribution through BMG Chrysalis. “Incomparable” reached number 17 on Billboard’s Independent Albums
chart and number 27 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. “Incomparable” includes the lead single “I
Deserve It” featuring Missy Elliott and Sharaya J and the follow up second single “Make Love”, featuring Keke
Wyatt, is currently climbing up the Urban AC radio airplay charts.
In 2016, Faith was one of the featured performers on the acclaimed “Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour,” playing to
thousands of fans in 19 cities and two countries. In 2017, Faith released “The King & I“, her long-awaiting duets
album with The Notorious B.I.G. on Prolific Music Group & Rhino Records.
“I remember telling Ms. Wallace years ago that one day it would be really dope if I could do something similar
to Natalie & Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable,” says Evans. “Knowing the love that B.I.G. had for Tyanna & Ceejay,
I feel it’s my duty to uphold & extend his legacy, especially his musical contributions. This project is my
creative reflection of the love we had & the bond we will always have. I’m elated to share this musical journey
with our fans!”

Special Guest

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty
Ohio 3rd Congressional District

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty proudly represents Ohio’s Third
Congressional District in the United States Congress. She sits on the
exclusive House Committee on Financial Services and serves on three
Subcommittees: Chair of Diversity and Inclusion, Housing, Community
Development and Insurance, and Oversight and Investigations. As the
first-ever Chairwoman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on
Diversity and Inclusion, Beatty leads efforts to ensure the financial
services industry works better for all Americans. Congresswoman Beatty

is known for using her powerful voice to connect people to policy and
politics, and for being a bridge-builder.
Recently, Beatty received national attention when she was peppered sprayed while standing with
peaceful protesters over the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. In
response, she introduced H.Res. 990, Racism is a ‘National Crisis.’ Beatty has written 93 pieces of
legislation and cosponsored over 1,600 bills. A sought after public speaker and recognized by Ebony
Magazine as one of the 150 most powerful African-Americans in the United States.
She is leading the charge in Congress to ensure greater diversity at the Federal Reserve, introducing
a bill modeled after the NFL’s “Rooney Rule” that guarantees at least one gender diverse candidate
and racially or ethnically diverse candidate are interviewed when there is a vacancy among the
Federal Reserve Regional Bank presidents. Her bill is known as the “Beatty Rule.” Beatty has written
93 pieces of legislation and cosponsored over 1,600 bills.
Congresswoman Beatty is Vice-Chair of the powerful Congressional Black Caucus, Regional Whip
for Region 10, Co-Chair of the Financial and Economic Literacy Caucus and Congressional Heart and
Stroke Coalition, Deputy Vice-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and founder and Co-
Chair of the Congressional Civility and Respect Caucus.
Prior to coming to Congress in 2013, Beatty was Senior Vice President of Outreach and Engagement
at The Ohio State University. She also served in the Ohio House of Representatives and rose to
become the first female Democratic House Leader in Ohio’s history.
Congresswoman Beatty was the first African-American female to chair the Columbus Urban League
Board, and is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., NAACP, National Council of Negro
Women as well as a member of The Links, Inc., the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the
American Heart Association, and numerous other organizations.
She received her Bachelor of Arts from Central State University, her Master of Science from Wright
State University, and completed all requirements but her dissertation for a doctorate at the University
of Cincinnati. She has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees from Central State University and
Ohio Dominican University, as well as an honorary juris doctor from Capital University Law School. She
is married to Attorney Otto Beatty, Jr. and is the proud grandmother of Leah and Spencer,
grandchildren who lovingly call her “Grammy.”

Partner Presenters

Viola Solomon joined BBVA Compass Bank team in 2014 and serves
as the Senior Vice President, Director of Community Lending.
Viola, a 34+ year mortgage services veteran based in Houston, TX,
served as a Regional Diverse Segments Manager prior to her current
role which covers the BBVA seven state footprint.
She attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas and Texas
Southern University, where she majored in education. She was
chosen to attend the African American Leaders Program hosted by
University of California’s, John E. Anderson Graduate School of
Management in partnership with her former employer. She is active
with several community organizations and her church. Viola serves on
the boards of Avenue CDC; Houston Area Urban League CDC; Women of

Virtue Experiencing Newness, God’s Abundant Love Ministries. Viola also
teaches financial literacy programs for Houston- based community development corporations.
Additionally, she serves as an affordable lending partner, for the City of Houston Housing program. Viola is
affiliated with the Houston Black Association of Realtors an African American Real Estate organization; the
National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and the Asian American Real Estate Association.
She is most proud of her two sons and family.

Mitch Gibson is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Relationships.
Mitch manages Bank of America’s relationship with multi-cultural & specialty
real estate trade groups. Bank of America is one of the world's largest
financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-
market businesses and large corporations with a full range of
banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk
management products and services.
Mitch supports Bank of America’s commitment to being a
responsible lender by partnering with trade groups who have deep
roots in the communities they want to serve. He engages with the
national offices of these groups as well as aligning Bank of America
sales teams to their local chapters.
Prior to rejoining Bank of America in 2009, he was owner /general
manager of 1st Metropolitan mortgage a boutique brokerage with $274MM
in volume. Prior to this entrepreneurial stint, he was Director of Financial Reporting for Bank of America’s
Commercial Bank. Prior to this he held financial leadership roles at General Electric and Sara Lee.
He is active is his community. He has held board leadership positions with the University City YMCA, The
Greater Charlotte YMCA, the 100 Black Men of Charlotte, and the Mallard Creek High School Booster Club.
He also serves as trustee at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.
He holds a BS in Accounting from Furman University and an MBA from Winthrop University.

Partner Presenters

Teresa Palacios Smith
Diversity & Inclusion and Multicultural Strategies
Teresa Palacios Smith is the vice president of Diversity and Inclusion
for HSF Affiliates LLC, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Real Living
Real Estate. She oversees the organization’s commitment to
increase diversity among the company, its broker network and the
sales professionals affiliated with the brand with the goal of mirroring
the diversity found in the communities they serve. Teresa has
extensive experience in sales and marketing. She is a graduate of
Mississippi State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in
broadcasting and public relations. She also has more than 20 years of
experience working in the real estate industry and is a frequent speaker at
national and local industry events. In 2015, Teresa served as president of the

National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), one of
the largest minority associations in the country with more than 30,000 members. She is also one of the
founding members of the NAHREP Atlanta Chapter, which launched in 2005. Teresa has held numerous
leadership roles in the industry and currently serves on the board of some of the top housing organizations in
the country. Teresa was named by the Atlanta Tribune magazine as one of Atlanta’s “Superwomen” for her
leadership and advocacy in the Hispanic Community and was featured in Allan Dalton’s 2015 book “Creating
Real Estate Connections.” Prior to her current position, Teresa was vice president of Business Development
and Cultural Initiatives at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties, where she was responsible
for business development and marketing of corporate relocation services along with a portfolio of additional
programs and products. The daughter of Hispanic immigrants, Teresa has a strong commitment to traditional
values, family, service and southern hospitality.

Reverend Cerita Battles, Director, Head of Affordable Lending at JPMorgan Chase
Reverend Cerita Battles is an itinerant deacon at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, St.
Augustine, Florida where she leads the Financial Health & Wellness Ministry;
she is the adult teacher for Bible Discovery Hour and leads the worship
service. She graduated from the University of Phoenix where she earned
her Bachelor’s in Business Management. Cerita has been in the financial
industry for over 31 years and 23 years specifically dedicated to mortgage.
Cerita recently rejoined JPMorgan Chase as Managing Director, Head of
Affordable Lending where she is responsible for leading the execution of
strategies to help address historic barriers to homeownership among
minorities and low-to-moderate income borrowers and communities. Prior
to rejoining the firm, Cerita was the Senior Vice President and Head of Retail
Diverse Segments for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for over years. While there,
she was responsible for establishing the company’s strategic plan and lending
goals to increase and enable sustainable homeownership among low-to-moderate income homebuyers and
communities as well as ethnic minority homebuyers across the full economic spectrum. Before joining Wells
Fargo, Cerita worked for Bank of America as the Centralized Sales Site Executive and a Business Development
Executive for 5+ years. And, as a former JPMorgan Chase employee, Cerita spent 8+ years as a Business
Development Executive with JPMorgan Chase Home Finance. She was responsible for the development,
implementation and execution of Multi-cultural and Affordable Lending strategies within Retail, Wholesale and
Correspondent channels. She’s affiliated with several corporate boards within the mortgage industry such as,
Freddie Mac’s Advisory Housing Council, Fannie Mae’s Affordable Housing Corporate Board, the National
Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Corporate Board of Governor, National Association of Real
Estate Brokers and the Asian Real Estate Association of America’s Housing Advisory Boards and Wells Fargo
Home Lending Diversity & Inclusion Council. Cerita is a native of St. Augustine, Florida where she currently
resides with her husband Ronald Battles and their beautiful 16-year old daughter, Myka Renae.

Partner Presenters

Dionne Cuello leads Diverse Market Segments at Citi
She focuses on growing multicultural markets client base and better
serving clients. She is responsible for the development of internal and
external relationships with Strategic Markets and Diverse Realtor
Organizations. She oversees cultural marketing initiatives and diverse
sales tactics to cultivate relationships with Realtors, housing non-profit
organizations, affordable housing developers and consumers.
Previously, Dionne served as a VP business development Officer for
Texas to develop opportunities for low-to-moderate consumers to
purchase single family homes. Prior to that, she was a Lending Manager
for the DFW territory for Citi. Dionne has served numerous Executive
Board positions for National and Local Realtor Trade Organizations. She also

has held her Realtors license for the state of Texas, so she understands the
dynamic from both a lending and realtor structure.

Eddy Perez, CMB, is President and CEO of Equity Prime Mortgage based in Atlanta, Georgia
Eddy oversees overall operations, sales, revenue, marketing, compliance and technology. As co-founder of
Equity Prime Mortgage, recognized as part of the Inc. 5000, he has excelled within the mortgage industry being
named one of the nation’s top mortgage bankers, recognized in National Mortgage Professionals Magazine’s “
40 Most Influential Mortgage Professionals under 40.” Throughout his distinguished
career he has held multiple executive-level positions. Prior to co-founding Equity
Prime Mortgage, in 2008, he operated the top producing office for Global
Mortgage, Inc. He holds the prestigious Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB)
designation which he earned in October 2014. Perez is the chairman of the
MORPAC, panelist for MBA future leaders program, holds a seat on the
Board of Directors with the MBA and now co-chair of the new MBA
affordable housing council. Check out his Lending, Leadership and Life
videos on Linkedin or his President's Vlog www.eddygperezjr.com.

Julie Wooding, Sr. Director - FICO
Ms. Julie Wooding works with clients, consumer advocates and regulators to
help them better understand the power of credit scoring technology and
its benefits to the financial industry. As a key subject matter expert in the
FICO Scores group, Julie works with top-tier lenders in the U.S. to help
them evaluate and implement FICO scoring solutions. She delivers in-
depth credit scoring training to regulators and lenders, most recently in
the U.S., Canada, Russia, Mexico, Romania, the Philippines, and Qatar.
Julie has experience in behavior, bankruptcy, revenue and risk score
development, implementation and validation, and previously worked on
the development of FICO® Scores for U.S. and Canada. Julie holds a B.S. in
Finance and an M.B.A.

Partner Presenters

Michael L. Jackson - Diverse Markets Business Development Manager,
Northern/Central CA Region Corporate Social Responsibility for the
Americas Community Lending Division

Michael L. Jackson currently serves as Diverse Markets Business
Development Manager with MUFG Union Bank’s Corporate Social
Responsibility for the Americas department and Community Lending
division. Michael manages the Northern & Central California Region including
Central Valley and Fresno. The Community Lending division within Corporate
Social Responsibility, in collaboration with Home Loans, is focused on
providing access to solutions for First Time Home Buyers and people in the
low-to- moderate income communities to overcome the barriers to
homeownership. The Community Lending division provides a link between the
bank’s Home Loans strategy and implementation to ensure a sustainable
Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and Multicultural Lending plan. The strategy executed by Community Lending
supports the MUFG Union Bank’s commitment to increasing its markets share of CRA and Multicultural loans. The
Community Reinvestment Act calls for banks to make investments and loans in the communities where they do
business. Michael’s activities under the Community Lending division, develops strategies that use strategic
partnerships, real estate professionals, non-profits and other organizations to source referral partners and
business opportunities for MUFG Union Bank Home Loans in support of low-to-moderate income and multicultural
home buyers. Michael joined MUFG Union Bank in 2015 and is based in the Oakland, California Corporate Social
Responsibility headquarter office.
Marlana Scott is an Affordable Lending Manager at Freddie Mac

She is responsible for creating business development and educational
outreach opportunities with industry professionals across the country.
Marlana is committed to bringing awareness to Freddie Mac offerings
to support responsible lending, provide sustainable homeownership,
and to improve access to credit for all borrowers. Prior to joining Freddie
Mac in 2014, Marlana spent 8 years of her career at Bank of America,
where she held various positions including leadership roles. Marlana has
over 13 years of experience in the financial industry. She also currently
sits on the Pittsburgh chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals For
America board as the VP of Community Affairs. She has been a member of
this organization since 2014. Marlana is thrilled to be a part of a great
organization such as Freddie Mac where they focus on creating solutions
to provide affordable and sustainable housing. Today, Freddie Mac is making home possible for one in four
home borrowers and is one of the largest sources of financing for multifamily housing.

Emenyo Segbefia, Corporate Account Director, Chenoa Fund /
CBC Mortgage Agency Down Payment Assistance Program
Emenyo Segbefia is a Corporate Account Director with the Chenoa Fund.
He is originally from Ghana, Africa and moved to Utah in 2010 to attend '
the University of Utah where he studied Business Administration. He
previously worked with Chase Bank before joining the Chenoa Fund
team in 2018. His objective at Chenoa Fund is to increase affordable
and sustainable homeownership for credit worthy, low to moderate
income individuals. Emenyo truly enjoys working with the underserved
and increasing homeownership in our communities of color. He
continues to encourage and uplift his home country by buying land
that is able to be used for hospitals, hotels and affordable housing
for the Ghanaian community. While not working or spending time
in Ghana, Emenyo enjoys living in Salt Lake City with his wife Madi.

Partner Presenters

Bryan Greene, EVP, Policy Advocacy
National Association of REALTORS® - NAR
Bryan is responsible for representing NAR on all fair-housing-related federal
regulatory and legislative matters to ensure the interests of consumers
and the real estate industry interests are protected. He also manages
NAR’s new 45-member Fair Housing Policy Committee which allows NAR
to focus more attention on the public policy issues surrounding fair
housing and equal opportunity while better supporting its strategic priority
of enhancing housing equality.
Before joining NAR, Bryan served for ten years as the highest-ranking career
official in HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO), where he

oversaw the policy direction and operational management of the 600-person
office enforcing the nation’s housing anti-discrimination laws. Under Bryan’s leadership as FHEO General Deputy
Assistant Secretary, HUD pursued large-scale, high-profile cases that addressed systemic discrimination and
provided widespread relief. Bryan also managed HUD’s Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) and HUD’s Fair
Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), which together provide over $70 million to state and local government
agencies and nonprofit organizations fighting discrimination in local communities. Bryan held several senior
positions at HUD over three decades at the agency, including a stint as the Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Economic Affairs in HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R), where he worked to reduce
regulatory barriers to affordable housing. Bryan was the 2007 recipient of the Presidential Rank Award, the
highest federal honor bestowed upon federal senior executives for outstanding service.
Bryan earned his degree in Government from Harvard University.

Darren Huston, Mortgage Loan Originator with PrimeLending.
Darren join PrimeLending in 2018 and has twenty plus years of increasing
responsibilities and experience within the Mortgage and Financial
Services Industry.
Darren's primary emphasis is on purchase loan origination, financial
analysis, authorization of credit facilities and personal sales volume
production. He has been directly responsible for the achievement of sales,
profitability and day-to-day management and organizational goals. His
primary focus is specializing in delivering personalized transformational service.
Darren is deeply entrenched into serving his colleagues, peers and client base
and is currently serving as the 2021-2022 Local Board President for NAREB San Diego.

Stephen J. Harrington. Director, External Affairs, Quicken Loans
Stephen, who is based in Washington, D.C., responsibilities include
advancing the Advance the Rock Family of Companies’ (Quicken Loans,
Rocket Mortgage, Cleveland Cavaliers, Bedrock Real Estate) "for more
than profit" philosophy. He also spearheads the strategy, creation, and
implementation of partnerships with key stakeholders to increase
business growth and social impact. Fortifies the company's reputation with
consumer groups, advocates, trade associations, government officials, and
the media. Stephen diligently enhances Quicken’s public policy agenda and is

a key point person for infrastructure, housing affordability, and economic
development. He also advises his team on creation, marketing, and partnerships
for new products.

Partner Presenters

Doug Lucas, Regional VP for Franchise Development, Realogy (Roswell, GA)
Doug Lucas is no stranger to creating success in business. He has spent 25+
years across multiple industries ranging from Franchising and Consumer
Products to Technical and Entertainment Services. He sees transferable
skills in strategy development, field execution, human relations and
achieving customer expectations as a winning formula for Success.
As Regional Vice President for Franchise Development with Realogy
Corporation, Doug’s focus is on expanding the ERA Real Estate brand
presence and profitability through New Franchisee Affiliation, Territory
Account Growth, and Mergers & Acquisitions. He is responsible for brand
expansion from the Mid-Atlantic to Southeast Regions. He is also proud to
be the highest winning annual goal achiever in ERA’s franchise sales history,
and author of the “ERA Powered” and “Grow Your Way with ERA” brand expansion
concepts. His awards include the prestigious President’s Choice Award over multiple
years and proud recipient of the Realogy Franchise Group Diversity & Inclusion Award. Doug earned his B.S.
degree in Business Administration and Marketing at the State University of New York at Albany and holds a MBA
degree with a concentration in Marketing from Clark Atlanta University. Born in Baltimore and raised in New York
City, Doug now resides in Atlanta with his wife and three daughters. He is an avid fisherman and has passionately
served for the past 14+ years as a College & Career Coach in the Guide Right Youth Program in Atlanta. Doug’s
key phrase is “Find Your Passion and Excel”.

Madisyn Rhone
Manager, Government Relations, Genworth Mortgage Insurance

Madisyn Rhone represents Genworth Mortgage Insurance on Capitol Hill
and aids in the development of legislative and regulatory strategy. Prior
to joining the Government and Industry Relations team, Madisyn worked
in various departments across the company including Risk, Pricing and
Operations where she gained technical and holistic experiences that
inform her policy strategies today.

Sodi Nichols - Vice President, Sales and Business Development Manager -
National Strategic Markets, U.S. Bank.
In her role, Sodi has accountability for the creation of strategic engagement
and business development plans to advance homeownership and
representation for currently underrepresented and underserved
communities. Ms. Nichols has spent over 25 years working to
create access and opportunity for strategic markets and ensuring
that banks are delivering upon their responsibilities and commitments
to all communities served. Currently, Sodi is serving in a lead role
in the design, development and delivery of the U.S. Bank DREAM
Initiative coming to market in late summer. She will share with us
more on that initiative and how NAREB can be a partner in this important work.
A native of Milwaukee, WI, Ms. Nichols attended the University of WI—Parkside.
Her civic involvement includes terms on many non-profit boards of directors, each with a focus on advancing
communities and the people that live and work within them. She is a proud mother of two exceptional children
who are also developing a passion to serve the underserved.

Partner Presenters

Jemila Winsey, Co-Owner
RE/MAX Legacy Living & RE/MAX 1st Class (Houston, TX)
Jemila Winsey is an award-winning real estate broker and the co-owner of
RE/MAX Legacy Living and RE/MAX 1st Class. With 60+ associates, she
leads one of the largest black-owned brokerages in the city according to
the Houston Black Real Estate Association. In addition to her real estate
franchise, she co-owns with her husband, Motto Mortgage Prestige, Posh
Property Management and GSRE Management & Consulting (A Real Estate
Consulting and Coaching firm). Jemila has been named to the list of Top 20
Realtors Under 40 by the Houston Association of Realtors; the Greater
Houston Builders Association Million Dollar Circle; and one of the top RE/MAX
teams, among other accolades. Jemila's brokerages achieved $190 million in

sales in 2020 and $540 million since opening in 2016. She operates the number
one RE/MAX office located in Richmond, TX and the #4 Office located in League City, TX. Her career production
spans over 2,000 transactions in both residential and commercial. Prior to starting a career in real estate, Jemila
previously owned and operated several entities in the technology, retail and hospitality industries. In addition to
being a business owner, her track record of success also includes a corporate career, where she enjoyed roles
at some of the largest companies in the world. Jemila has served in several capacities with the Houston
Association of Realtors, Texas, National Association of Realtors and Houston Black Real Estate Association.
Currently she serves on the Texas Realtors Board of Directors, Board of Trustees for the Texas Realtors Political
Action Committee (TREPAC), Chair of Fort Bend Political Affairs Leadership Group and At-Large member on NAR’s
Federal Technology Policy Committee. She also serves as a committee member for HAR’s MLS, Technology and
HRIS among other appointments. Outside of work, Jemila is the author of the book The ABCs of BPOs, which
guides agents on creating cash flow for their real estate business. She enjoys giving back to the community, and
often serves as a mentor and coach to others, including her work as a member of the board of directors for Kids
Charity. Jemila graduated from the University of Houston, where she studied information systems and marketing.
When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her partner and husband Patrick and their two sons.

Eleni Sommerschield
Chief Operating Officer, Wise Agent

As the Chief Operations Officer of Wise Agent, Eleni oversee Wise
Agent's business operations and works hard to ensure superb
customer experience. She ensures the company has effective
operational and financial procedures in place while managing each
department’s daily operations.

Partner Presenters

Kristy Fercho, Executive Vice President & Head of Home Lending
Wells Fargo
Kristy Fercho is executive vice president and head of Wells Fargo Home
Lending. As head of Home Lending, Fercho oversees one of the nation's
leading combined home lenders and servicers, funding one of every 12
loans and servicing one of every eight loans in the country.
In her role, Fercho leads a team of more than 25,000 mortgage
professionals in sales, operations, servicing, capital markets, portfolio
management, andrelated business, risk management, and supporting
functions.

Fercho joined Wells Fargo in 2020 from Flagstar Bank, where she had served as
president of the company's mortgage division since 2017. Prior to joining Flagstar, she spent 15 years with Fannie
Mae, where she led the strategy and business performance of single-family customers in the western United
States and also served in customer engagement and human resources roles. Fercho began her career and
served in a variety of sales, operations, and human resources roles at Baxter International before moving to Pepsi
Co. Inc., where she ultimately was director of worldwide corporate human resources.
Fercho currently serves as Chairman-Elect of the board of the Mortgage Bankers Association, vice chair of the
MBA's Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, co-chair of the Affordable Housing Council, and a member of
its Residential Board of Governors. She also serves on the boards of City Year and the Detroit Zoological Society.
Her industry accolades include HousingWire recognizing her as a Women of Influence in the housing industry;
MReport honoring her as one of the Top Women in Housing; Diversity Journal listing her among its Women Worth
Watching; National Mortgage Professional Magazine naming her to its list of Most Powerful Women; and the
Michigan Chronicle selecting her for its Women of Excellence recognition.
Fercho is a graduate of the University of Southern California and holds a Masters of Business Administration from
Saint Joseph's University, where she serves on the Board of Trustees.

Alvin Odom, MCD
Senior Manager, Diverse Markets, Charles Schwab Bank
Alvin Odom is a Senior Manager with Charles Schwab Bank and is located
in Henderson, NV. Alvin has been with Charles Schwab Bank since 2017,
and has more than 13 years’ experience in the banking industry. His
objective at Charles Schwab Bank is to increase awareness of, and
access to, bank mortgage lending solutions among multicultural
communities.
Previously, Alvin spent 12 years at Bank of America where he
served in roles including; Commercial Real Estate Banking
Finance, Enterprise Profitability & Cost Measurement, Consumer
Real Estate Finance, and Neighborhood Lending.
Alvin received his Bachelors of Science from Florida A&M University.
When not working, Alvin enjoys spending time traveling with his beautiful wife Jessica of 14 years.

Partner Presenters

Phoenix Jackson, Chief Communications Officer
Rental Kharma

Phoenix Jackson is an award-winning social entrepreneur,
communications strategist, tech investor, author, and speaker.
Phoenix’s calling has been to empower women and men alike
concerning their abilities to influence and impact others
through entrepreneurship. Additionally, Phoenix is the Founder
of Phoenix Affect, a 16-year-old global public relations and
marketing firm. She has worked with many small business
owners, non-profits, professional athletes, entertainers, authors,
speakers, politicians and more helping them to manifest their
desired outcomes within business. Jackson has found a way to
highlight and further expand the reach to her clients by creating Fly with Phoenix, an online
lifestyle platform to aid the entrepreneurs on their spiritual journey. Phoenix is also the Partner
and Chief Communications Officer of two financial tech firms that are changing the landscape
of home ownership and credit worthiness for the American people. Rental Kharma and
Achroma were created to level the playing field in bridging the wealth gap in America. RK
reports your rental history on your credit report and Achroma is the first ever anti-
discrimination online mortgage marketplace, blind lending, circumventing all algorithms and
systems that cause discrimination in the home buying process.

Anthony L. Weekly, Senior Vice President,
Head of Mortgage Strategic Growth - Truist Mortgage
Anthony joined Truist Mortgage in September 2015 and brings over 30 years
of sales, sales leadership, strategic project management, and recruiting
experience with progressive responsibilities in the mortgage banking and
financial services industries. In his current role, he is a member of the senior
leadership team which oversees Truist Home Lending. He is the Head of
Mortgage Strategic Growth, which is responsible for identifying profitable '
growth strategies and opportunities in the market place through accessing
data science, demographics, and analytics with a primary focus on the
underserved, first-time homebuyers, millennials, and inclusive lending (African
Americans, Asians, Hispanics, LGBTQ, Veterans, Women, and People with
Disabilities).
Prior to joining Truist, Anthony served as SVP/Head of Mortgage Division at Fifth Third
Bank – Georgia, and prior to that SVP/Head of Mortgage Division at Fifth Third BankEastern Michigan. He has held
leadership roles in the mortgage industry at several banking organizations.
Anthony currently serves in an advisory capacity with the Fannie Mae Affordable Housing Advisory Council
(AHAC); Freddie Mac Affordable Housing Council (AHAC); MBA Advisory Council on Affordable Homeownership,
Co-chair; NHC National Advisory Council; NAREB National Partners Advisory Board; HomeFree_USA Advisory
Board; Southside CDC Board Member; Truist Enterprise Executive Co-Lead for the SERVE Business Resource
Group; Truist Foundation Steering Committee. He has also held other advisory posts with non-profit organizations.
Anthony earned his Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Detroit Mercy with
honors. He’s a graduate of the CBA Executive Leadership program hosted at Furman University. He’s a graduate
of the Michigan Military Academy, and a former 2nd Lieutenant in the Army National Guard.

Partner Presenters

Dwight Alexander
Senior Vice President and Industry Outreach for the Federal Home
Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBSF).

Dwight Alexander: Senior Vice President and Industry Outreach for the
Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBSF). The FHLBSF is a
wholesale banking institution with over $180 billion in assets, providing
liquidity for its over 350 member financial institutions. At the FHLBSF,
Mr. Alexander is responsible for representing the Bank before Congress,
The White House, Treasury and bank regulators. Prior to joining the
FHLBSF, Mr. Alexander spent 12 years as an investment banker and financial
advisor for professional sports teams, states and local governments. Mr.
Alexander specialized in the financing of stadiums, sports facilities and large
transportation infrastructure. In that capacity he structured and managed the
issuance of over $10 billion in debt securities. He served as lead financial advisor or
lead banker on 13 stadium and arena projects including the, Tennessee Titans stadium, Oakland Coliseum
(arena and stadium), Camden Yards (baseball and football), the New Boston Garden, and the Phoenix Suns
arena. He also served as lead financial advisor to the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) on their SFO
extension project as well as other general infrastructure and housing projects. Prior to his work in banking Mr.
Alexander was a judicial clerk to the Honorable Linda Taliaferro, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utilities
Commission and served on the economic development policy staff of the Honorable Rudy Perpich, Governor
of the State of Minnesota.
Mr. Alexander is very active in the community and served as President of the City and County of San Francisco
Planning Commission (2004-2008), San Francisco Community Building Council for United Way of the Bay
Area, The Fiscal Advisory Committee of the San Francisco Unified School District, the San Francisco Chamber
of Commerce Workforce Housing Committee and has served on the boards of several Bay Area companies
and non-profit organizations.
Mr. Alexander holds J.D. degree from the Syracuse University College of Law, a Masters degree of Public
Administration in Finance (M.P.A.) from the Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public
Affairs and is a graduate of Carleton College where he received a B.A. degree in Political Science.

Kimani S. Little, VP, Government Relations Officer,
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
Kimani S. Little is the Government Relations Officer for the Federal
Home Loan Bank of New York. He brings to this role nearly two
decades of public service, and experience in the intersection of
housing and banking. He previously worked for the Federal
Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, the U.S. House of Representatives
Committee on House Administration, the U.S. House of Representatives
Committee on the Judiciary, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the
District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights
Division, and the White House. He is a graduate of Tulane University
Law School and the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown
University. Prior to law school, he worked both domestically and
internationally as a civilian analyst for the U.S. Department of Defense.
He and his wife live on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. with their daughter and two dogs.

Featured Presenters

Al Pina, Chair/CEO, FMCRC-Assets & Hope; Co-Founder,
National Minority Community Reinvestment
Co-Operative (NMCRC)

After a battle with a major illness, Al Piña decided to use his successful corporate
skills, as well as his military service experience, that led to several business and
military awards and medals, to give back to community and country.
He began working with minority community organizations around the United States
for the past 16 years to including serving in a senior executive role with the largest
community development corporation in the United States. Al Pina started out his
community economic development career as V. P. of Development for the National Council
of La Raza and then on to serve as Vice President of Development for the country’s largest Community
Development Corporation (TELACU-Los Angeles).
In 2005, in partnership with the Greenlining Institute, Al Piña took his efforts to Florida and founded the Florida
Minority Community Reinvestment Coalition, which is Florida’s first state wide minority focused community
economic development collaboration with over 105 participating minority community organizations. Seeing the
importance of access to capital for minority communities towards reducing the rising racial wealth gap, Al Pina had
a focus on access to capital for minority communities throughout the United States. Since 2005, Al Pina has
assisted in the development and launching of over 16 minority focused community development funds, with over
$6 billion dollars of capital. He also was a development team member of two national Hispanic investment funds
with a combined investment capital of $310 million. In addition, Al Pina launched and led the efforts for Florida’s first
ever minority focused affordable housing fund through a Tampa based CDFI.
Understanding the importance of job creation in low-moderate income communities to battle poverty, Al Pina
launched Florida’s first minority focused job creation event Let’s Do Business Florida a partnership with 150 minority
organizations and major banks and corporations that focuses on job creation through increased construction
contracts to minority construction firms and the development of self-sufficient minority nonprofits to allow them to
create incremental income streams to fund job creation programs.

Johnetta Paye, Founding Partner of J. Paye & Associates Attorneys at Law.

Johnetta Paye is the Founding Partner of J. Paye & Associates Attorneys at Law.
She started the firm in 2009. She is a member of the firm's Corporate,
Crowdfunding, Business Law, Crowdfunding, Copyright Law, Entertainment
Law, Trademark Law, Real Estate Law projects and client representation.
Savvy with real estate projects, Paye teamed up with two Chicago
professionals (MaryAnn Marsh, a real estate broker and co-owner of
Chicago’s M Lounge, and Michael Maze, Esq., of the Mazek Law Group
LLC) to work with both new and established homeowners. In the four-part
collaboration video series, they give real estate tips on short sales,
foreclosures, loan modification and more. Currently as outside legal counsel
for a nationally recognized real estate investor, Paye’s duties range from
legal advice to attending investor meetings and business initiatives. Paye is
also Of Counsel at Zuber Lawler and Del Duca, where she handles transactional
matters for the firm’s clients such as negotiations between condo owners and condo association disputes.
Johnetta is a graduate of John Marshall Law School, with experience in journalism, too. Past client work includes
films (“A Sunshine Day” at the 2016 Black Harvest Film Festival), film projects (Eugene Bush of E-Tre Productions),
and musicians (Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Belo from Do or Die, Tressa Thomas from “The Five Heartbeats” and
“Star Search”). In 2015, J. Paye & Associates hosted an entertainment law panel event and mixer, with the help
of panelist Valincia Saulsberry of Chicagolicious. The event was profiled in Rolling Out Magazine. Johnetta is also
the lead legal counsel and co-founder of The Tulsa Real Estate Fund (TREF), the first African American owned and
managed regulation A+, two tier real estate investing cowdfund in American history.

Featured Presenters

Marki Lemons Ryhal
Real Estate Keynote Speaker, Emcee & Event Host

Six-time REALTOR® Conference and Expo featured attendee, one
of 100 speakers selected out of over 500 speakers to speak at
REALTOR® Conference & Expo six times with high program

evaluations, and an INMAN Closing Keynote Speaker. Marki
Lemons Ryhal is a licensed Managing Broker, REALTOR®, avid
volunteer, Major Donor, and International Best Selling Author of
The Modern Real Estate Professionals Guide to Success. In 2019
Marki was nominated as an RISMedia’s Real Estate Newsmaker and
inducted into the REBAC Hall of Fame. Marki Lemons-Ryhal is
dedicated to all things real estate. With over 25 years of marketing
experience, Marki has taught over 300,000 REALTORS® how to earn up to a 2682% return on their
marketing dollars. Marki holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Chicago State University,
a Master’s in Business Administration from Saint Xavier University, and over fifty real estate related
licenses, certifications, and designation.

Robbie Wilson; RA, SRA, ASA
Broker-Owner of Park One Realty and a Certified
Appraiser and president of Appraisal Analytics, Inc.

Mr. Wilson is a licensed Broker-Owner of Park One Realty and a
Certified Appraiser and president of Appraisal Analytics, Inc.
Since graduation from the University of Texas with a BBA degree
in Real Estate, and earning an MBA degree in Business Finance,
he has built a professional real estate company with up to fourteen
associates, worked as a Consultant for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae,
and manage a portfolio of real asset valued in excess of
$250,000,000.
He is recognized in the appraisal industry as a subject matter expert (SME) on Appraisal Standards
and Ethics, FIRREA, Dodd-Frank Act, Government Regulations and Laws, and GSEs mortgage loan
underwriting guidelines, etc.
Mr. Wilson has taught and continues to teach AQB pre-licensing and Continue Education courses in
Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, New Jersey, and Indiana. He currently serves and
has served in numerous leadership positions including but not limited to: a former member of the
prestigious “Peer Investigative Committee” of the Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board
and a current member of “TALCB’s Texas ACE Course Working Group”.
Finally, he holds numerous professional designations both in brokerage and appraisal practice.

Featured Presenters

Zoritha Thompson, CEO/Broker, Goree and Thompson
Real Estate (Sacramento, CA)

Zoritha Thompson is the CEO/Broker of Goree and Thompson
Real Estate, she has been in real estate for over 30 years and
has owned her own company for over 25 years specializing in
working with Corporate/Institutional Clientele. Zoritha currently
serves on the Board of Directors of the Sacramento Realtist
Association (Treasurer) and also serves as the Sargeant at Arms
for the California Association of Real Estate Brokers (CAREB).
Zoritha is a Presidential Member (26 consecutive qualifying years) of the Sacramento
Association of Realtors. “Master Club”, top 10% of all real estate professionals in Sacramento
County. She is also featured as a Life Member of “Who’s Who in America”. She was named
the 2019 "REALTIST of the Year” by the Sacramento Realtist Association.
During her leisure time, she can be seen riding one of her Harley Davidson Motorcycles!

Sanina Ellison Jones
CEO & Managing Broker for Chicago

Homes Realty Group

Sanina Ellison Jones has a B.A in Business Management and a
passion for interior design. She has a background in Finance.
She holds FINRA Series 6 & 63 investment licenses and she
worked for JP Morgan Chase for 12 years as a Business Banker.
Sanina is the Founder, CEO and managing broker for Chicago
Homes Realty Group, a boutique Real Estate Brokerage now
licensed in IL and FL, where she is an active Real Estate Broker who
specializes in residential real estate, multi-family real estate and property management. She has
served in many capacities on various boards including The Women’s Council of Realtors, The
Chicago Association of Realtors Board of Trustees, The Education Foundation, The Global
Committee and Young Professionals Network. She has served on the board for My Favorite Outfit,
an organization that works to improve the positive self-image of girls through clothing, which she
found very rewarding.
Sanina is most proud to have served as the 2017- 2019 President of the Realtist Women’s Council
of IL an affiliate of the Dearborn Realtist Board. She currently serves tirelessly as 1st Vice President
for The Dearborn Realtist Board, a local NAREB Chapter. She serves as the Corresponding
Secretary for the Women’s Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. Sanina is a
servant leader who takes pride in helping others and executing at a high level. She is passionate
about increasing home ownership in the communities she serves and has a special affinity for
helping small business owners and sellers.
Sanina is a mother of 4 and a proud wife. When she is not serving, Sanina loves to read, listen to
music, travel and spend time with her family and friends.

Featured Presenters

Cheryl Muhammed, Broker/Owner,
Assured Real Estate Services (Memphis, TN)

Cheryl has been a full-time real estate professional for over 20
years. She started Assured Real Estate in 2005 as the
Broker/Owner, building an awesome firm for Realtors to thrive
and be innovative in the field of Real Estate. With
accomplishments on the local, state and national level, Cheryl
has excelled in providing exemplary service in the industry that
she loves. She was a Director of the Memphis Area Association of
Realtors (MAAR) board and served on many committees. Also, she
was a Director of Tennessee Realtors, serving on the Diversity & Inclusion
committee of TN Realtors. Cheryl served as a member of the Housing Opportunity Committee
& Diversity Committee of The National Association of Realtors (NAR). Now she is the
Secretary for Build Memphis Now (BLDG) and TREEF Trustee of TN Realtors. Cheryl is the
immediate past President for NAREB Memphis Realtist and currently the Secretary - Treasurer
of NAREB Region VII. The goal during her tenure were to help Realtist become more
prosperous, professional and knowledgeable, aiding in their success in the industry. She
works tirelessly to help with the goal of N.A.R.E.B. in closing the national homeownership gap
of African Americans in the U. S. She was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for
N.A.R.E.B. and NATPAC 1947. Cheryl a native Memphian that graduated from State Technical
Institute of Memphis with honors with a Degree in Business Accounting. She is the mother of
three, Rodriga, Christopher and Keshia and has three grandchildren. Cheryl will continue to
serve Tennesseans.

Maurice Muhammad
Progressive Realty inc. Allentown Pa /Plainfield New Jersey Offices
President, NAREB-REMBI

Maurice Muhammad was first licensed in the year 2000 in the state of New
Jersey. as a result of going to real estate school to learn how to be a better
landlord to tenants in his rental properties, as he went through the class
he learned that he liked The business side of real estate and that It had
filled a void within himself, as well as complemented his entrepreneurial
side. After acquiring a New Jersey Real Estate Lic. and then Moved to
Allentown, Pa, in 2004 he worked for Progressive Realty, he then
acquired a brokers lic in 2006 and purchased Progressive Realty
in 2008, (Made them A offer They could not Refuse) newly Adding
the New Jersey Office in 2013,(A Torchlight Realty) the current
designations held are as follows: NJ/PA licensed Real Estate Instructor,
CCIM Candidate , ABR, Reos, CRM, CREM Property Manager, Notary,
REMBI Current President, The Founding and Past, President of the Allentown
budding Local Board of NAREB, (National Association Of Real Estate Brokers) one
of the oldest trade associations in existence I am a Husband, Father of a blended family and grandfather of 13
(have physical custody of 3)energetic Grandchildren, he is committed to service he have been in service since
1995. having served on the NAREB. National Board, PAC Committee, Grievance Committee,(NAR) PA state
diversity Committee, Newly Published Author of Property Management 2.0 Vol1 (The sacred Text to Property
Management) see it on Amazon, currently the director of A Torchlight Real Estate Academy & Business School
where we, teach and train licensed and un licensed Persons in the Field of Real Estate including but not limited
to. Property Management, Commercial, development, The Host Of The Everything Real Estate Podcast, you
can find it on Anchor and multiple podcast platforms, the host of The Property Management Podcast REMBI
(Property Management Specific) The Host of Blog talk Radio Real Estate Related talk show

Featured Presenters

Marvin J. Owens, Jr.,
Chief Engagement Officer for Impact Shares

Marvin J. Owens, Jr. currently serves as Chief Engagement
Officer for Impact Shares. In this role, Marvin has engagement
responsibility for both fund managers and corporations, as well
as cultivating and maintaining relationships with financial
intermediaries with the goal of AUM growth. Marvin is also
responsible for strategic relationships with our social advocacy
partners, and leads the firm in broader Social Impact and
advocacy conversations. Prior to joining Impact Shares, Marvin
served as Senior Director of Economic Programs for the NAACP. In this
role, Mr. Owens was responsible for the NAACP's national Economic Inclusion agenda which
includes Asset and Wealth Creation programs with efforts that support financial education,
homeownership, minority business development, franchising, workforce development and
diversity; Advocacy and Sustainability with efforts around economic justice and social impact
investing; and Research with ongoing efforts to track and report economic conditions, as well
as recommended public policy changes. Prior to joining the NAACP, Mr. Owens served a
consultant, lecturer, and technical assistance provider in the areas of Community and
Economic Development, Small Business Development, and Community Organizing. Mr.
Owens serves as an Advisory Board Member of the Stonehenge Capital NMTC fund, where
he advises, recommends, and monitors fund investments for economic impact. Guest
lecturer credits include Oxford University’s Saïd School of Business on the subjects
“Responsible Leadership,” and “Economic Development in the Black Church.” Prior to
becoming an independent consultant, Mr. Owens served as Vice President for Economic
Empowerment at the National Urban League (NUL) where he managed all aspects of NUL’s
corporate, foundation, and government relationships with specific focus on affiliate economic
development activities, small business development, and finance. Mr. Owens was
responsible for implementing business and economic development efforts in more than 20
US cities. Mr. Owens oversaw implementation of the National Urban League’s Empowerment
Fund, and was the lead staff in creating NUL’s current model of economic empowerment
centers. [email protected]

Chantelle Owens, Tax Lien Investing Expert
Founder, Ga Tax Lien Bootcamp

Chantelle Owens has been investing in real estate since 1999 and
has been a fulltime real estate investor since 2001. She began
her real estate investing career as a credit investor which
eventually escalated into No Money Down Deals, Wholesaling,
Flipping and Landlording. To help with her investment ventures,
Chantelle obtained her Real Estate Salesperson License in
2006. In 2009, after going through a second real estate market
crash, Chantelle found her passion with Tax Lien Investing, she
currently invests in Tax Liens fulltime. As Tax Lien Acquisitions
Expert, Chantelle is also a Real Estate Mentor & Coach and has lead
seminars, workshops and training in Tax Lien Acquisitions for individuals as well as small to
large organizations after creating her powerful educational organization of GA Tax Lien
Bootcamp. [email protected]

Featured Presenters

Latisha Carlisle
VP Housing, NID, a National HUD Intermediary

At NID –HCA National we invest in Realtists that are committed to
making an impact in their communities that foster lasting change.
Latisha Carlisle is NID’s National VP of Housing. Prior to her position
at NID she balanced her time between the family real estate
business, completing a degree program and taking care of her great-
grandmother.
When presented with HUD’s housing counseling opportunity, Latisha
dedicated herself to learning all aspects of each position, from delivery of counseling and
education to program administration. Thru her years at NID she has coordinated and hosted national
conferences, worked with The White House Office of Liaison, established and maintained
numerous initiatives with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and
other stakeholder’s, government agencies, community/faith-based groups and financial partners.
She also manages NID’s HUD approved housing counseling program. The agencies housing
program provides grant opportunities, training and technical support to its branch network while
serving thousands of families each year, with a hyper focus on African American’s and other
marginalized communities nationwide. She acts as a liaison between NID National and NID’s 55
branch network, nationwide, while co-managing the NID- Freddie Mac Borrower Help Center in
Detroit, MI.
Latisha serves on NeighborWorks America Intermediary IT Advisory Committee, committee
member of the National Housing Resource Center, The National Low Income Housing Coalition,
committee on Housing and Homelessness, the NAACP’s Economic & Inclusion plan and a host of
other civic duties & commitments focused on breaking through both real and perceived barriers to
safe, healthy and affordable housing and equal access to healthy and safe communities.
Awarded Emerging Young Leader Award in 2017 and An Appreciation of Service Award in 2018
by The National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Latisha continues to work on making an
impact on industry that is reflected in the innovations around counseling and real estate and to
the community realized by sustainable homeownership.

Stacey Mollison
President/CEO of Libra Management Group

Libra Management Group (LMG) is an SBA 8(a) certified minority woman
owned small disadvantaged business with 8(a) expiration in 8/2023.
Established in 2006, LMG is a management and consulting firm with
core competencies in facilities management and support services,
construction management, event management, real estate asset
management, IT Solutions and administrative and general
management consulting. LMG is adept at working through change,
by bringing an integrated and seamless results driven service approach
to problem solving and innovative solutions for today’s complex issues.

Featured Presenters

Denise Williams, Real Estate Broker & Author
founder of CEOwner Academy

Denise Williams is one of the youngest real estate brokerage
owners in the United States and now has the largest Black
woman owned brokerage in Atlanta. She sold millions of
dollars of real estate as an agent, but sales alone were not
enough. She acquired her broker's license and went on to
manage a real estate start-up, which under her leadership
grew to 75+ agents in its first year. Denise (often referred to
as Denise The Broker) has personally trained 125+ agents and
has coordinated agent services at one of the largest real
estate firms in the world. Now, as the founder of CEOwner
Academy, she has mapped out a proven blueprint to show newly
licensed Brokers and experienced Agents who desire to start their own teams how to dominate
their market(s) and build Breakout Brokerages. Her system can be used throughout the country,
and she is quickly becoming the go-to expert for training and development in the real estate
industry.
In the spring of 2020, Denise authored an autobiography entitled “From Broke To Broker” in
which she peels back the curtain and shares some of the most sought-after success secrets in
the real estate business. This once small-town star grew-up as the middle child in a working-
class household of eight but decided early on that she would one day control her own financial
destiny – she has done just that. As the first in her family to go to college, Denise obtained a BA
in Finance from Valdosta State University and then secured a Dual MBA in International
Business and Supply Chain/Logistics Management, all while mothering a young son and closing
real estate deals between classes. “From Broker To Broker” offers readers an inside look at
what it took for her to journey from small-town poverty to scaling repeatable profits in one of
the nation’s most competitive markets.
Denise has shared her story with millions of readers and listeners via news media features and
interviews. Her work in the industry led her to be inducted into the Atlanta Realtors’ Association
2020 Class of Emerging Leaders as well as the Atlanta High-Rise Network, a community of
Atlanta’s top CEOs and experts from across industries. Denise donates a portion of her
company profits to charity because she truly believes in giving back to the community. Denise
has been named Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Rap Snacks Foundation. In this role, she
has created the Buy Our Blocks Investing 1.0 curriculum to teach young adults how to purchase
their first investment property. Denise is also one of the youngest members of the Education
Council for the Commercial Board of Realtors. Denise The Broker is the American dream made
real and delivered in a way that will inspire millions more to pursue life on their own terms. For
more information on Denise, please visit www.DeniseTheBroker.com IG @denisethebroker

Featured Presenters

Evelyn Reeves
NAREB, Past President

Evelyn Reeves embodies the very essence of what is means to be
a powerhouse in business, a trusted leader in her community, a
vital force within her procession, and an organizational
trailblazer. Her many honors, recognition’s and professional
awards are testimony to her deep belief in excellence,
perseverance, and goal-setting. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Ms.
Reeves holds the distinction of growing the successful First
Security Investment Company (FSICO) into a multi-faceted, full
service real estate brokerage firm and being elected the first woman
president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB),
recognized as the nation’s oldest minority real estate trade association. She
is a valued and trusted expert advisory to municipal, state and federally-appointed and elected
officials on issues affecting real estate industry practices, housing and home ownership
opportunities.
Under Ms. Reeves’ direction, FSICO offers its clients an array of real estate and investment
services that include sales, acquisitions, financing, new development and re-development
project management now in excess of $50 million. In addition, FSICO currently manages more
than 2,000 private sector apartments, and maintains fiduciary responsibility for personal asset
and trusts totaling more than $12 million.

Shawneequa Badger
Team Lead of The Badger Real Estate Group

Shawneequa Badger is the Team Lead of The Badger Real Estate
Group, a full service real estate team specializing in Northern
California home sales, purchases, and investments properties.
We are a team with Corcoran Global Living. She is also a trainer,
speaker and entrepreneur. She helps investors, buyers and sellers
create their own economy through real estate investments.
Shawneequa is a transformational educator dedicated to teaching you
how to be a master wealth builder through real estate homeownership.
It’s my goal to make you an investment superstar whether it’s your first
purchase or your 50th. “I teach people how to create their own economy
through real estate investments.”
I am a Bay Area Real Estate professional that provides top-tiered selling services for my clients. I have
broad experience in real estate transactions from first-time home purchases to fine home and estate
sales to investment properties. I am interested in educating home buyers and sellers about realistic
market conditions that could benefit their long-term investment goals. Specialties: Home sale
negotiation, fine home and estate marketing, FREE home buyers and sellers educational seminars,
investment consultation. Currently she specializes in Distressed Home sales (REO/Short Sales) and
Buyer's Negotiation in today's market. She's worked with corporate clients in the disposition of
distressed properties such as: Aurora Loan Services, LPS Asset Management, Chase, US Bank, Green
River Capital and Bank of America.
CalBRE #01462104

Featured Presenters

Nikitra Bailey
Executive Vice President
Center for Responsibile Lending (CRL)

Nikitra Bailey is an executive vice president at the Center for
Responsible Lending (CRL), the policy affiliate of Self-Help, the
nation’s largest community development lender. Nikitra plays an
integral role in developing and driving the strategic direction of the
organization’s consumer protection and fair lending agenda as a
member of the executive team. She advances national and state
public policy reforms that provide access to safe and responsible
credit on affordable terms for families and communities traditionally
underserved by the banking system. She leads mortgage policy
advocacy and is the principal strategist for coalition partnerships that
span civil rights, faith, women, labor, and community advocates across the
nation. In addition, she oversees CRL’s resource development efforts. Nikitra is the author of
numerous reports and articles on predatory lending’s impact on people of color and women and a
frequent media contributor to the New York Times, American Banker, Washington Post, and the
National Newspaper Publishers Association outlets. She has also served as an expert witness to
the House Financial Services Committee on housing finance reform and mortgage lending
discrimination.
Currently, Nikitra serves on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Consumer Advisory Board, as
vice-chair of the NC Housing Coalition, and as a board member of the NC Institute for Minority
Economic Development. She is a member of the Insight Center's Closing the Racial Wealth Gap
Initiative Experts of Color Network. Nikitra holds a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of
Law, and a B.A. from the Pennsylvania State University.

Lionel Bohanon,
Former President of REMBI, Real Estate Investoroup

Lionel Bohanon is Broker/Owner of L.B. Unique Properties, Inc. and
LB Financial Group, Inc. providing full service Residential sales,
REO disposition and is a Certified HUD Counselor, pre-purchase
counseling, loss mitigation, home buyer certification. The Financial
arm provides traditional and non-traditional mortgages, hard money
and reverse mortgages. He is a long standing member of the National
Association of Real Estate Broker (REALTIST) as well as National
Association of REALTORS for over 22 years. Lionel is immediate past
Regional Vice President the National Association of Real Estate Brokers Western states covering
Arizona, Colorado, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. He is a past President of the Solano
REALTIST Association. Lionel is a current Board member of the Solano County Black Chamber of
Commerce. Lionel is also currently the President of (REMBI) Real Estate Management Broker Institute
for NAREB. Between 2008 and the present he has sold and participated in sales totaling $75 Million
traditional sales, short sales and REO’s. Lionel is born and raised in Vallejo now a Fairfield resident of the
past 25 years. He is also a retired Clinical Engineer from Kaiser after 35 years.

Featured Presenters

Reneika Lightbourne,
Business Development Specialist, Advanta

Reneika Lightbourne has an undergraduate degree from
Lindenwood University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
As a Business Development Specialist, for Advanta IRA, Reneika
educates clients and investors about self-directed IRAs to invest

in real estate, and other alternative assets. Reneika actively self-
directs her personal retirement account.
Advanta IRA is one of the nation’s top self-directed plan
administrators. Advanta helps individuals use qualified retirement
funds, IRAs and old 401ks to invest in alternative assets, whether it's real
estate, notes, private placements, startups, peer to peer lending or
cryptocurrency. Advanta IRA have been in the business for nearly 20 years, with clients nationwide,
Advanta holds over $2 Billion in assets. Advanta provides clients high quality concierge service and
is committed to offering cutting-edge educational tools for all types of investors to invest in what
they know and understand.

Milton G. Dyer
John Maxwell Independent Certified Speaker,
Trainer, & Coach

Milton Dyer is an Independent Certified Speaker, Trainer, and
Coach for the John Maxwell Team offering personal and
professional growth through study and practical application of
John’s proven leadership methods. Milton's passion is to
empowered, inspired communities, small businesses, and non-
profit organizations to influence and impact their lives by adding
value through personal and professional growth in leadership
development. Mr. Dyer professional career extends as Business
Operations Consultant for small start-up businesses in Prince George Country Maryland and
Washington DC area and provides personal and professional leadership development training for
small businesses and non-profit organizations. He had previously served for 24 years in key
management position for the Public Housing Authority affordable housing (section 8 program) in
Washington, DC where he had overseen multi-million dollars in federal and local subsidies for
low-income families.

Dana Christian, Founder of Datona Financial Services and
Ladder to Passive Income Financial Solutions

Dana Christian hails from the great state of New York but currently
resides in Metro Atlanta. She has had a very lengthy and successful
career with the US Postal Service since 1996. She is a certified
credit consultant, a mentor, a business credit pro and business
funding wonder who has facilitated $20million + in funding for
small businesses. She is also the founder of Datona Financial
Services and Ladder to Passive Income Financial Solutions.
[email protected]

Featured Presenters

Jim Carr, Chairman & CEO,
Turquoise Bay Investment and Forbes Contributor

Jim Carr is the Coleman A. Young Endowed Chair and Professor in
Urban Affairs at Wayne State University, Visiting Fellow with the
Roosevelt Institute, and Contributor to Forbes Magazine. He is also
Chairman and CEO of Turquoise Bay Investment Partners, an Expert
with the Institute for New Economic Thinking and consultant with the
Gerson Lehrman Group, Inc. Previously, Jim served as Senior Fellow
with the Center for American Progress. Prior to that he held the
position of Chief Business Officer for the National Community
Reinvestment Coalition where he established and managed minority- and
women-owned business centers in Washington, DC, New York, NY, and
Houston, TX., that assisted their clients to access $1.8 billion in capital and $350 million in federal
contracts. Jim also held the position of Senior Vice President for Financial Innovation, Planning and
Research for the Fannie Mae Foundation where he built one of the nation’s most prestigious
housing and urban policy research centers that attracted subscribers for its research and policy
publications from more than 30 countries. He also served as Assistant Director for Tax Policy and
Federal Credit with the U.S. Senate Budget Committee. Jim currently serves on the Boards of
Directors of the Center for Global Policy Solutions, Homeownership Preservation Foundation,
Woodstock Institute, and Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago. He also serves as an
Advisory Committee Member for OWN Home Finance, P.B.C. Jim previously served on the
Corporate Advisory Board of the Urban Financial Services Coalition and as an instructor for the
Neighborhood Reinvestment Training Institute. Jim's speeches have been awarded top honors,
including the “Best of the Best” award by the International Association of Business Communicators.
Jim is the founder and former editor of the scholarly journal Housing Policy Debate (now published
by Routledge) which, during Jim’s 18 years as editor, was routinely rated one of the nation’s premier
urban studies research journals by the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI). He also served for
more than a decade as editor of the peer-reviewed publication Journal of Housing Research. Jim’s
recent books include Replicating Microfinance in the United States and Segregation: The Rising
Costs for America. Jim holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree with honors from Hampton
University, a Master of Urban Planning degree from Columbia University, and a Master of City and
Regional Planning degree from University of Pennsylvania.

Bishop James W.E.. Dixon II, Pastor
The Community of Faith Church, Houston, TX

James was educated in Houston area public schools. Upon high
school graduation, he was accepted and entered Houston
Baptist University. He also attended Texas Southern University.
He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Oikodome College of
Biblical Studies in 2003. James has studied extensively in pursuit
of a Masters of Divinity Degree at Houston Graduate School of
Theology. James Dixon, II has received numerous awards from an
array of public officials including U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-
Lee, Texas Congressman Al Green, State Rep. Al Edwards, State Rep.
Sylvester Turner and Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia. He has also been
recognized by national organizations such as the N.A.A.C.P., Reverend Jesse Jackson & Rainbow
P.U.S.H., and Reverend Al Sharpton & National Action Network.

Featured Presenters

LaDonna Parker, NAREB Director

LaDonna Parker is a Graduate of Cornell University and a Full-Time
Broker Associate with over 32 years in business. Her professional
designations span from Texas Affordable Housing Specialist to
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist with Keller Williams.
She is a consistent Top Producer and Mentor to new agents. Her
client base truly reflects the United Nations, as she provides
Exemplary Service to clients from every continent-- from Builders
to First Time Home Buyers, Sellers, and Investors. Giving back to
the community is also an important facet of LaDonna's life. She is a
retired Affordable Housing Commissioner, an Instructor for local home buyer down payment
assistance programs, a dedicated Community Development Volunteer, a huge Advocate for the
homeless and underserved populations accessing higher education, a Motivational Speaker, and
a dependable public servant when called upon. She has most recently served on the Keller
Williams Southwest (Sugar Land) Agent Leadership Council (ALC),the Houston Association of
Realtors Risk Management Advisory Board, Houston Community Land Trust Board, Texas
Association of Realtors Board, & she is the current President of the Houston Black Real Estate
Association (HBREA).

Matthew Garland, Mortgage Broker

With over 19 years in the mortgage industry and more than 1 billion funded
in home loans, Matthew Garland has emerged as the top advisor and
leader in the mortgage industry.
After specializing in as well as becoming equipped with a variety of
mortgage programs and carefully crafting his own lane in the industry,
Matthew dedicated to providing first time home buyers, investors or
seasoned buyers and investors with quick and easy access to the
mortgage process and behind the scenes with a touch of a social media
app. Matthew turned free social media platforms into an education source
providing a wealth of information for all information seekers on any level.
Through his YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or live stories he has become one
of the most sought-after social media influences in the country.
@mgthemortgageguy IG, YOUTUBE, CLUBHOUSE [email protected]

Wiley Sturns
Member, REMBI-NAREB

Wiley Sturns is a seasoned real estate broker who resides in the Lone Star
State of Texas. Mr. Sturns' experience in the industry is vast, but one of his
specialties is in the area of property management. He served as a former
President of NAREB's robust affiliate - REMBI - Real Estate Management
Brokers Institute (REMBI) where his passion is to train his peers and
colleagues how to deal with the whole concept of preservation of property,
landlord-tenant relationship and economic analysis of managing conventional
as well as subsidized real property.t

Featured Presenters

Ramon Tookes
President - University of Wealth Building
Real Estate Investor, Coach, Author, Mentor,
Wealth Builder

Ramon Tookes, a native Atlantan, has been surrounded by
entrepreneurs for his entire life, watching his grandfather, father
and uncles manage lucrative businesses. Tookes inked his first
real estate deal as a freshman at Georgia State University where
he earned his BS in Criminal Justice, and financed his entire
college career, which includes a Juris Doctorate (JD) from Emory
Law School, with the proceeds from his real estate investments.
Ramon is a seasoned Real Estate Investor with over 25+ years of industry experience. He has
mastered flipping houses, wholesaling, buy and holds, residential, commercial, developing,
project managing, and new construction. He has been involved in over 1k projects over his
robust career. To satisfy his appetite and passion for teaching and philanthropy he introduced
his weekend signature event, Flipology 101: The Bootcamp, as a medium by empowering
others to utilize real estate as a viable wealth building vehicle. Flipology is defined just as it
sounds “The science of flipping houses”. During this intense learning experience he introduces
his proven strategies and tactics, along with his entire team comprised of a closing attorney,
credit specialist, Realtor partner, lender partners, and more to his students. Due to the success
an interest in Flipology 101, other courses have been offered as well that focus on wholesaling,
commercial wholesaling, buy & holds and passive income. Ramon is also the author of
Flipology 101: The Book, which is the real life instructional and semi-autobiographical journal of
his experience of using the Flipology 101 formula. And from 2017-2019, Tookes and team
hosted a weekly real estate investing focused radio show called Flipology Radio. For his
birthday June 2018, he launched, www.UniversityofWealthBuilding.com which is a storehouse
of training modules, resources, and more that can be implemented for living a wealthy life!
ramontookes@gmail IG @ramontookes or @universityofwealthbuilding

James Privette
Policy & Advocacy Coordinator.

James Privette is a Third Generation Washington, D.C. native and
currently works as a Policy and Advocacy Practitioner who
began his advocacy journey during his senior year in high
school. A graduate of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA with
a double major in Economics and Political Science, James has
used his life experiences and knowledge to bring a unique
perspective of American politics in a wide array of professional
roles ranging from campaigns to non-profit organizations. He has
served at all levels of government covering policy portfolios like
education, environmental, and housing. In addition to being a 3rd
generation Washingtonian, he is also a 3rd member of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity Inc. and serves on his chapter’s political action committee.
James enjoys Washington Sports, historical documentaries and trying new
recipes in the kitchen.

Featured Presenters

Quiana Watson
Broker/Owner, Watson Realty Group

Atlanta real estate broker Quiana Watson is a graduate of
Fayetteville State University where she received her BA in
Marketing. Shortly after, she obtained her MBA. Her ability to
successfully leverage her marketing and management expertise
has been the key to her successful real estate career. She is
devoted to serving the needs of real estate buyers and sellers
throughout the Metro Atlanta area. Quiana is renowned among
colleagues and clients alike for her integrity, loyalty, and
professionalism. Quiana has been ranked in the top 2% top
producing real estate professional by the National Association of
Realtors.

Quiana has her Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Designation (CLHMS) which is an elite
network of professionals focused on offering luxury buyers and sellers the highest level of client
service and business integrity. To sharpen her negotiation skills and ensure she had all of the
negotiation strategies to handle almost every type of transaction she acquired her RENE, real estate
negotiation expert designation.
With many years of real estate experience, Quiana is known for her sales achievements and has a
reputation as one of the most trusted and admired agents in the Atlanta real estate market. When
working with her, you can count on nothing less than an executive staff of seasoned professionals
with an intimate knowledge of the Metro Atlanta real estate who are devoted to serving your needs
around the clock.
To ensure that her exclusive clientele receives the best service she has launched her real estate
firm Watson Realty Co. Her real estate firm is the culmination of many years spent developing
relationships with leading brokers in her industry. Her agents are committed to delivering the best
outcomes to your real estate needs by offering greater flexibility with a focus on providing high-
quality real estate services.
She has been an Ambassador for several non-profit organizations and is recognized for her support,
charitable work, and continuous efforts to enhance the community.
Her personality and style blend exceptionally well with the perseverance and stamina that has
earned her a reputation as one of the most honorable and respected real estate professionals in her
area. Having earned the esteem and admiration of her associates, she has built an incredible
network of fellow agents. Quiana possesses a natural repertoire of dynamic qualities that set her
apart and enable her to successfully procure the goals of the buyers and sellers she represents.
Quiana is ready to show you the finest, most exclusive listings while being mindful of your own,
style, taste, and needs. You can rely on Quiana to help you realize the full potential of your real
estate investment while maintaining your privacy in the strictest fashion. Excellence and high-quality
service is her motto.
[email protected]
IG: @quianawatson_

Featured Presenters

Rashan Ali
Multi-Media Personality

With a passion for all things media and empowering young women,
Rashan Ali is as a formidable and revered personality within the

sports and entertainment industries. She believes in “Doing Media
Differently.” While attending Florida A & M University as a
Broadcast Journalism major, Rashan knew that she wanted to
share her voice with the world, and set out on a quest to make

that happen. She became heavily involved in the entertainment
scene in Atlanta, working for LaFace Records and as the personal
assistant to the late Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes. Rashan entered a
contest searching for new talent on Atlanta radio station HOT
107.9 FM and was handpicked from over 500 applicants to join
popular radio personality Ryan Cameron on-air. Her charisma and
grace appealed to millions of listeners, which quickly propelled the
program’s rating into the #1 position during its 6-10 AM time slot. She then
went on to become the host of the “A-Team” Morning Show on the same station.
Rashan’s journey in radio came full circle in 2010 when she reunited with Ryan Cameron for a year as
the co-host of The Ryan Cameron Show on V-103 FM, Atlanta’s #1 urban formatted station. She
later joined new hip hop station 94.5 as the host of “The Streetz Morning Grind” in 2012.

Rashan's unique perspective and passion for sports has resulted in sideline reporting for the Atlanta
Hawks (2005 – 2009), the Southern Conference Sports Network (2011), the Atlanta Football Classic
for NBC Sports Network (2011-2012), college football and basketball for CBS Sports Network (2012-
2015) and for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl Preview Show, which aired on ESPN 2 and ESPN U. She was also
the Social Media Correspondent for NBA TV’s “GameTime” during the NBA Playoffs (2010 – 2013)
and worked on the network’s show “Fantasy Insider” in the same capacity for two seasons. Ali
hosted Atlanta and Company After Noon on NBC (Atl), Under Armour Highlights of the week on the
NFHS Network and “HBCU Playback” on Aspire TV. She freelanced for CNN and HLN’s Bleacher
Report. and served as the co-host of “Rise Up Weekly” on Atlanta’s CW 69 for four seasons. Ali
also freelanced as a sports anchor on NBA TV. She is the host of her own podcast, “The Cool Soror
Podcast” which explores the stories of women and men in black, greek lettered organizations. She
has since expanded the brand incorporating all “Cool People.” Rashan formerly served as one of
four co-hosts on "Sister Circle" - a nationally syndicated talk show on TV One, which ran for three
seasons.

Ali remains involved in countless charities and organizations. She is an active member of the Pi Alpha
Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and she serves on an international committee
for the oldest black, greek lettered sorority. In 2006, she founded Sporty Girls, Inc., -a non-profit
organization that encourages personal growth through participation in non-traditional sports like golf,
tennis, soccer, swimming and lacrosse. Sporty Girls, Inc. has made an indelible impact on young,
female athletes through her Camp Elite, Sporty Tract to Scholarship, Get Girls Sporty and Sporty
Clinics programs. Sporty Girls has served more than 1,500 girls throughout the Metro-Atlanta area.
She serves on the Board of Directors for Rising Media Stars, an organization that grooms young
women to pursue careers in sports journalism. Ali is also the author of a delightful children’s book
entitled, “Piper Sky’s Pink Popsicle Shoes.”

Ali enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and is the proud mother of two wonderful
daughters, Bailey and Carter. For more information about Rashan Ali, please visit
www.rashanali.com, www.sportygirlsinc.org & www.coolsoror.com. IG @rashanali

Featured Presenters

William Spriggs, Chief Economist, AFL-CIO

William Spriggs is a professor in, and former Chair of, the
Department of Economics at Howard University and serves as
Chief Economist to the AFL-CIO. In his role with the AFL-CIO he
chairs the Economic Policy Working Group for the Trade Union
Advisory Committee to the OECD, and serves on the board of the
National Bureau of Economic Research. He is currently on the

Advisory Board to the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank
Opportunity & Inclusive Growth Institute. He served on the joint
National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Public
Administration’s Committee on the Fiscal Future for the United
States; and with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and
Medicine Committee on Closing the Equity Gap: Securing Our STEM
Education & Workforce Readiness Infrastructure that produced the report: Minority Serving
Institutions: America’s Underutilized Resource for Strengthening America’s STEM Workforce.
In 2014 he was a recipient of the NAACP Benjamin L. Hooks “Keeper of the Flame” Award, and
in 2016 he received the National Academy of Social Insurance’s Robert M. Ball Award for
Outstanding Achievements in Social Insurance. From 2009 to 2012, Bill served as Assistant
Secretary for the Office of Policy at the U.S. Department of Labor. At the time of his
appointment, he also served as chairman of the Healthcare Trust for UAW Retirees of the Ford
Motor Company and as chairman of the UAW Retirees of the Dana Corporation Health and
Welfare Trust, vice chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership
Institute; and, as Senior Fellow of the Community Service Society of New York. Bill has played
a leading role in economic policy development serving: as Executive Director for the Institute
for Opportunity and Equality of the National Urban League; with various federal agencies; and
the Democratic staff of the Joint Economic Committee of Congress. He graduated from
Williams College, and holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Wisconsin-
Madison. He has taught at North Carolina A & T State University (in Greensboro) and Norfolk
State University (in Virginia).

Sherita McCray, NAREB - Regional VP, Region VII

Sherita McCray is the current Region VI Regional Vice Presodent,
and served previously as the local Board President of NAREB
Memphis Chapter. She’s a very innovative thinker, who has had
several successful businesses. Sherita became the owner of a
used car dealership at the tender age of 19 while pursuing her
interest in electrical engineering at Memphis State University. She
proceeded to increase her interest in the automotive sector and

started a towing service that would flourish into the largest minority
owned towing service in Memphis. Sherita is a loving mother of 2
fabulous young men Justin, 20 and Cameron, 15. They are the reason why
she strives to be the best and successful. Becoming a leader in NAREB, has
been a highlight in Sherita’s eyes for some time. Her heart is as big as her purse. She loves to give
back to her community by hosting several things such as the school supply drives, fundraisers for
sickle cell anemia and help build new homes for homeowners through the Habitat for Humanity
program. These events hosted by NAREB helps grow the chapter in which she serves and allow the
community to reach out to NAREB for information on housing needs and questions. Sherita’s vision is
to Reconnect with our neighborhoods, Realtist and Realtors and our government so we all can grow
together. Building Wealth through Homeownership is our Priority as we embark on creating 2 Million
New Black Homeowners.

Featured Presenters

Charmaine Brown
Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)

Named “A Leading Lady in Housing” by MReport in 2016 and
Diversity Journal’s Woman-Worth Watching 2018, Charmaine
Brown is recognized as a diversity and inclusion thought leader,
innovator, and advocate. Mrs. Brown previously led Fannie
Mae’s Diversity and Inclusion Engagement and Outreach in its
Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) for the last
decade, where she was responsible for developing and
implementing diversity and inclusion external engagement and
outreach strategies for the enterprise.
With 24 years of experience in housing and financial services, Mrs. Brown has been lauded for her
success as a leader in business development, corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion,
and community relations. Prior to joining Fannie Mae’s Diversity and Inclusion Practice, she
developed and implemented strategic initiatives for multicultural and underserved markets as part of
Fannie Mae’s Housing and Community Development Division and Single-Family Mortgage Business.
In her current role as Director of Diversity and Inclusion at MBA, Ms. Brown is the lead strategist for
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for MBA. She is responsible for expanding MBA’s strategic framework
to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded throughout its programs, practices, and
member-services. She has consulted with Alignment Strategies before recently accepting her new
role as the Director of Diversity & Inclusion for the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
Mrs. Brown holds a Master of Arts degree from The Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, she is
credited with completing the Diversity Management Program at Cornell’s ILR School, as well as the
Harvard Kennedy School for Executive Education, Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Program. She is
also certified in the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), a cross-cultural competency
assessment tool, and ranks in the top 2% for cultural competency.
Mrs. Brown is a member of the American Association for Access, Equity, and Diversity, a former
member of Securities Industries and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Diversity and Inclusion
Committee. She serves on the Vice-Chair of the American Mortgage Diversity Council (AMDC) and
sits on the Housing Advisory Board of HomeFree USA. She is also the recipient of the Council for
Inclusion in Financial Services (CIFS) Prism Award for promoting diversity and inclusion education in
expansive thought as well as the National Urban League’s McGannon award for relationship
management and promoting diversity and inclusion. In 2019, Charmaine was a Five Star Keystone
Award Winner and named one of the Top 25 Influencers in the Mortgage Industry.Charmaine is also
a member of the National Speakers Association.

Featured Presenters

Lora Washington
Civic Engagement Chair - NAREB.

Lora L. Washington is the President/Owner of LorCo Incorporated dba
Washington Realty Group & Associates and Washington Mobile Notary
Services. She is also a Managing Partner with JW ED Holdings, LLC. She
has been in the real estate business for over 18 years. She is an
accomplished Real Estate Broker, Instructor, Consultant, and Developer.
Bringing extensive knowledge of the real estate market, strategic
leadership, management, and consulting to her position, Lora offers her
clients an outstanding level of service in Residential and Commercial Real Estate.
Lora serves on the board of several non-profit organizations. She is currently the
President of the North Texas Association of Realtist, a local chapter of The National Association of Real Estate
Brokers (NAREB); Director for NAREB; NAREB Region XII – Treasurer; Director for Veterans Association of Real
Estate Brokers (VAREP), and Site Director for Denton County Medical Reserve Corp. She is the Past President
of Women’s Council of DAREB. Lora successfully chaired the Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers
(TAREB) State Conference in 2015 & 2016 leaving the conference both years with a great financial gain.
Known by her tenacity, perseverance, and hard work afforded her the opportunity to be awarded Dallas
Association of Realtist® (DAR) 2014 Realtist® of the Year award, Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers
(TAREB) 2015 Realtist® of the Year award, and Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP)
Patriot’s Medal for her service in working with veterans. Berbicara tentang situs sabung ayam yang ada di
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was named one of the “Best Real Estate Agents in Dallas” in 2017 & 2018 by D Magazine.
Lora holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Clothing & Textile Communications from Louisiana State University,
Master of Science (MS) in Human Relations & Business, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) in
Strategic Leadership both from Amberton University. She also holds a certificate in Project Management. She
enjoys traveling, cooking, volunteering, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Matthew W. Harrell, Sr. is President & CEO of APK
Development & Construction
President, United Developers Council - NAREB

Matthew W. Harrell, Sr. is President & CEO of APK
Development & Construction, an acquisition and
development real estate company based in Louisville, KY.
He began his career in the real estate industry in Indianapolis
as Assistant Vice President of Approved Mortgage Corp., the
largest mortgage brokerage in Indiana. After several years,
Matthew relocated to Louisville to launch a career in Real Estate
Development and formed APK Development & Construction. APK
has quickly become a recognizable, minority-owned, development company, acquiring and
developing single family, multi-family and commercial properties that all serve
disadvantaged populations. Matthew is a member of Louisville’s Affordable Housing Trust
Fund Board, which allocates millions of dollars annually for housing development. He serves
as Chair of the African American Initiative Housing Committee; a policy think tank headed by
Senator Gerald Neal and is the current National President of United Developers Council of
the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.