For over two decades, Janean has been in the IT Industry for Corporate America as a Senior Technical Manager, leading and motivating teams to reach new heights in supporting commercial collaboration services clients. Amidst the hustle, she discovered her passion for fitness, which she believes is a transformative tool for every woman out there. By night, she swaps her corporate hat for a fitness instructor's cap, guiding and inspiring women to unveil their inner and outer beauty through invigorating workouts. She hosts community wellness events to inspire women to look at and appreciate their whole selves through a holistic approach.

Liz Monterrey Duvall was elected as an at-large member of the Board of Education in 2023. A seasoned business and marketing professional at a Fortune 100 technology company, Monterrey attended public school and earned a bachelor's degree in Finance and a Master's of Business Administration. Fluent in both English and Spanish. Monterrey is originally from Miami, FL, but proudly considers Charlotte her forever home as a resident of the East side. Liz and her husband have three dogs and one child who will be attending CMS next year.

Susan Shorters leverages her 30+ years of professional experience leading projects and programs to serve at the helm of High Impact Partners. For over three decades, Susan has worked in both private and public sectors — specializing in program development, coaching, training, project management, and organizational capacity-building. Susan founded HIP in 2009 and has grown the company from the roots of her professional and personal philosophy: to have a positive impact on people, projects, and performance. She is a Certified Professional Coach whose focus and approach are grounded in building relationships, fostering collaboration, and creating solutions.

Alma Angeles-Parvaz’s passion for sports has driven nearly two decades of success in sports and entertainment marketing. Throughout her career, she has led global teams, negotiated major deals with Fortune 100 brands, and secured innovative partnerships. Notably, Alma played a key role in the first-ever NBA deal with an influencer and was instrumental in securing one of the most impactful WNBA jersey sponsorships of its time, which set a new benchmark for the league’s commercial growth. She has also served as a liaison for the Mexican National Soccer Team within the U.S. commercial space. Alma’s work has earned two Telly Awards and contributed to breaking two Guinness World Records.

Garima Gupta is a seasoned HR professional with over a decade of experience in career coaching, HR consulting, and talent advisory, focusing on driving social impact through strategic HR initiatives and organizational development. As a Fractional HR Business Partner, Garima has successfully led large-scale projects, including implementing global policies and creating mentoring programs, to enhance employee engagement and performance. She is known for her ability to foster inclusive work environments and build cohesive teams, leveraging her expertise to drive positive change within organizations.

Lenore Culpepper is a seasoned business leader, currently transitioning as the Carolinas Business Banking Market Executive at US Bank, following 24 years as a Regional Executive at Bank of America. She brings a wealth of experience in business banking, leadership, and strategic growth, having managed multiple markets and over 100 associates throughout her career. Lenore is also the Co-Owner of Culpepper Capital LLC, an investment real estate firm with her husband, and Strategic Shepherds LLC, expanding her expertise in business strategy and leadership development.

Ola McClean is the owner of Ola McClean Signature Events and Senior Vice President, Site & Market HR Business Partner at Insert Bank, where she oversees strategic HR initiatives impacting over 19,000 employees across 14 lines of business. She drives employee engagement, talent development, and inclusion strategies, working closely with senior leadership to align HR solutions with enterprise goals. Her leadership fosters a culture of inclusivity, operational excellence, and innovation, demonstrated through initiatives such as achieving an 87% ESAT Index and launching enterprise-recognized development programs like Women Ready to Lead (WRTL).

Kimberly Evans is a dedicated leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for social impact. With over 30 years of experience as a small business owner and a 21-year career with the United States Postal Service, she has built a diverse portfolio across multiple industries, including fashion, software sales, fintech, healthtech, SaaS, quality assurance, and client support. As a fourth-generation entrepreneur, Kimberly has a proven track record of building and scaling businesses, including founding a call center that served clients in highly regulated industries. She is currently the Founder & CEO of Just Her Rideshare, Inc., a women-centric rideshare company, prioritizing women's safety, comfort, and empowerment, made for women by women.

Elaine Buxton is CEO of Confero, a leading customer experience research firm serving major brands since 1986. Clients include Coca-Cola, AMC Theatres, Jiffy Lube, Staples, and more across the US and Canada. Prior to joining Confero at start up, Elaine served as Retail Operations Manager for Wedgwood China Company’s European Concession Division, managing administration, buying, and logistics for thirty-two (32) retail stores in five (5) European countries. These stores operated on U.S. and NATO military bases as part of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).

Shell is passionate about creating meaningful connections and building lasting relationships. With a strong background in hospitality and event planning, she understands the value of cultivating genuine connections that stand the test of time. Shell believes in the power of Her dedication to fostering authentic relationships makes her an invaluable asset in both personal and professional settings.

Nina Mace, CEO of HER Naturally Connect, a premier natural hair consultation agency. Nina is a Healthy Hair Strategist and Business Coach, empowering busy professionals and young girls to embrace natural hair. She leads a team addressing the unique needs of on-the-go women with tailored lifestyle solutions. HER Naturally Connect provides holistic hair health through personalized digital consultations, product recommendations, and wellness-focused routines. Nina also mentors future and licensed hair professionals, teaching them to offer premium healthy hair services and foster client relationships.

Tiffany Jordan is a forward-thinking strategist with extensive experience in advocacy, community engagement, and policy. Over the past decade, she has been dedicated to enhancing educational and economic opportunities for underserved communities in North Carolina, Virginia, New York, and Washington, D.C.