Dr. Jessica S. Samuel is a Black Caribbean American woman who hails from the U.S. Virgin Islands with roots all throughout the wider region. She is a scholar-activist with a Ph.D. in American Studies from Boston University. Dr. Samuel studies race, education, colonialism, and the environment, including where they all might converge, in the United States and the Caribbean. Her scholarship and activism have been featured in several publications, and she has also received several awards for her teaching, research and writing. Since 2018, she has served on the Racial Imbalance Advisory Council of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Prior to obtaining her Ph.D. in American Studies from Boston University, she taught high school English and Writing as a Teach for America corps member in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Samuel is an alumna of the Institute for the Recruitment of Teachers Fellowship program and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and African American Studies at Wesleyan University. Dr. Samuel began local political advocacy work as a high school student and was a founding member of the St. John Youth Committee and Co-Vice President of the Virgin Islands Youth Advocacy Coalition.

Keisha N. Woodrup possesses over a decade of experience in logistics and project management. Her expertise in business operations ranges from supply chain to administration. Keisha leads, develops and manages people and company assets. In addition to her role as the Director of Operations for TVA, Keisha also works at TAS Energy, Inc., the fastest-growing business in the modular data centers market. At TAS Energy, Inc. she coordinates the movement of cargo by verifying project requirements, carrier selection, and documentation of movement. Her previous roles include working as project lead for both TransCanada and National Oilwell Varco, two renowned North American energy companies. Keisha’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Networking as well as certifications in strategic negotiations and Six Sigma. As a Caribbean-American living in the state of Texas, Keisha is committed to using her skill and expertise to make a difference at home and abroad.

As a financial planner of Somali origin, Amal works with individuals to help them make sound financial decisions that will increase their assets and establish financial longevity. A graduate from the University of California Los Angeles and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Amal's background in economics and education has equipped her with the wherewithal to help communities build generational wealth and develop financial literacy. Amal is a member of several service organizations, including Soroptimist International, through which she combines both her passions of women's rights and education.