Creators and Guests

Anthony Shop believes in the power of people-centered branding and marketing to create a bright future. He chairs the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony also is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and non-profits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, creative, and advertising. An enthusiastic presenter and teacher, he has led executive-level training for Amazon, PepsiCo, NASA, The British Embassy and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times, “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal, and Business Leader of the Year by the DC Chamber of Commerce. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Washington and LearnServe International. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he teaches as an adjunct lecturer.

Anthony Woods is the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. After serving two tours of duty in Iraq and earning a Bronze Star, Anthony was discharged from the US Army under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy. Through his work and the work of many dedicated others, that law, which barred members of the LGBTQ community from serving openly in themilitary, was repealed and Anthony was able to rejoin the US Army.

Bruce Mehlman is the Founding Partner of Mehlman Consulting and a renowned lobbyist. The quarterly infographic analyses that Bruce shares for free are packed with high-level insights that aren’t found anywhere else.

Chris Ullman is the Founder and President of Ullman Communications, LLC. Chris is also the author of two books, Find Your Whistle and his newest publication, Four Billionaires and a Parking Attendant.

Member of the Virginia House of Delegates and currently a candidate for the Virginia State Senate. Danica is most well known as the United States’ first openly transgender state legislator. She is also a heavy metal vocalist, award-winning journalist, and author of the bestselling Burn The Page.

Daniel Buezo is the Founder and CEO of Kids of Immigrants, a Los Angeles-based, purpose-driven streetwear brand. Alongside Co-Founder Weleh Dennis, Daniel has collaborated with top brands and celebrities such as Apple, Nike, Vans, and Bad Bunny, among many others.

Dean Fealk is the Co-Managing Partner of DLA Piper, founding member of the Halifax International Security Forum, Co-Founder of Transatlantic West, and Co-author of the Wall Street Journal Best-selling book Impact the World, a motivational guide to becoming a superpowered individual committed to improving your community―and the world―through your values and actions.

CEO of the Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, one of the largest school districts in the nation. Dr. Goldson is a longtime educator and leader that has been recognized time and time again for her commitment to bettering her community.

His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and Consul General in New York representing the United Kingdom.

Frances Reimers is the Founder and CEO of Firestarter Communications LLC and is a personal branding expert. Frances has helped some of the country’s leading high school, collegiate, and professional athletes, coaches, and sports executives develop, manage, enhance, and protect their brands. Among those that Frances has helped are the Denver Nuggets, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers.

Gina Schaefer is the Co-Owner of A Few Cool Hardware Stores, Board Member at CCA Global Partners, and the Author of Recovery Hardware, a book about Schaefer's path to building a business that revitalized her neglected urban community and provided opportunities for everyone to thrive, no matter their past. While expanding to 13 hardware stores in the Washington, D.C. Gina established a culture of acceptance, respect, and community.

Jean-Claude Brizard is the President and CEO at Digital Promise, a non-partisan non-profit organization focused on shaping the future of education and advancing equitable education systems by bridging solutions across research, practice, and technology. Jean-Claude was recognized by the Carnegie Corporation of New York as a member of the 2023 Great Immigrants, Great Americans class.

Katie Harbath is the Founder and CEO of AnchorChange, a civic tech strategies firm focused on developing solutions at the intersection of technology, policy, and business, focusing on global issues related to democracy, elections, and civic engagement online. She is also the writer of a popular Substack (AnchorChange), along with her work as a Non-Resident Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, Senior Advisor for Technology and Democracy at the International Republican Institute, Fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center, and more.

Founder and Music Director of The American Pops Orchestra. Luke is committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of music makers and lovers through touring live shows, assisting underserved schools, and providing free children's programming.

Michael Ricci is a Partner at Seven Letter, a leading strategic communications firm. Prior to his current role, Michael was a long-time leadership aide on Capitol Hill with senior communications roles in the speakerships of both John Boehner and Paul Ryan.

Managing Director and Global Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability Lead at Accenture. Nedra is also the Chair of the Board of Directors for WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council).

Oscar-winning filmmaker and the Founder of The Trevor Project, the first 24/7 suicide prevention service dedicated to LGBTQ young people. Peggy is a venerated supporter of the LGBTQ community and was recognized as a Live-Action Icon by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts. In addition to producing award-winning films, she has taught at New York University and served as the Dean of Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television.

Robert is an Executive Director for The Communications Board, an organization with the mission of providing high-quality professional development for every communicator in every location. He is also the Global Lead for Partnership Communications at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Prior to his current role, he performed executive and CEO communications for Gensler, and was the senior director of public relations and social media at the Urban Land Institute. He obtained an MA in Communications and an MA in History from George Mason University. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Robert has taught communications at universities including George Mason University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Robert currently serves as Immediate-Past President for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) -- the nonprofit’s largest chapter.

State Auditor of Iowa and the author of The Winning Ticket. Rob is the only elected Democrat in state or federal office in Iowa.

Stacey Hanke is a renowned orator, speaking coach, and Owner of Stacey Hanke, Inc. Stacey is also the Author of two books, Influence Redefined and Yes You Can!: Everything You Need From A to Z to Influence Others to Take Action. Stacey helps leaders become more effective communicators, build trust, and drive engagement.