Dorothy Spearman Clark is General Partner at Clarke & Associates, LLLP and President of LCS Tax Preparation & Financial Services, LLC.  Both entities include expert tax preparation, tax related financial services, bookkeeping, payroll, auditing, consulting and forensic accounting.  With an experience span of over 20 years, Dorothy is a Certified Forensic Accountant in studies for the Master’s Degree in Accounting, emphasizing auditing and economic fraud. In addition to expert administrative skills, Dorothy’s technical skills include: Information Security Management; Privacy Management; Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP) Mobile and Remote Computing; Electronic Archiving and Data Retention Data Mining/Warehousing; Document, Content and Knowledge Management. Her career includes certifications as a FinCen Registered Money Services Business; I.R.S. Acceptance Agent; and I.R.S. Certified Tax Preparer.  Since 1992, Dorothy’s philanthropic efforts have included the American Red Cross, March of Dimes and Alzheimer’s Association assisting in the acquiring of thousands in contributions. In addition to being resourceful and effective at acquiring contributions and gifts in-kind for charitable organizations, Dorothy has co-authored operations, employment and tax related instructional manuals.

Karen Gordon received a BS in Biology from Clark Atlanta University and a MS degree in Microbiology from Howard University.  Karen’s background spans 27 years in the scientific field, specializing in microbiology as a Research Assistant and Quality Assurance Lab Analyst.   Gordon’s early years of research and development began in Washington, DC working as a Research Assistant with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, further as a Research intern with the Smithsonian Institution of Research and then as a Laboratory Technician with the Food and Drug Administration.

For the last 23 years Karen has worked for major food and beverage corporations as a Microbiologist and Quality Assurance Laboratory Analyst.  Karen’s greatest satisfaction however, comes from her commitment in serving the community.  As a former member of the Atlanta Urban Chapter of BPW, she devoted her time to such programs as the Battered Women’s Shelter, Feed the Homeless program, March of Dimes, Welfare to Work Program, YWCA and also volunteered as a judge for the Virginia Allan Young Careerist Program.   In addition, Karen is a Licensed Real Estate Agent and recently achieved her Six Sigma Green Belt Certification for Process Improvement.

Christopher Pollard is a graduate of Morris Brown College, Atlanta Georgia where he earned a BA in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology. Christopher has also earned a MBA in finance, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. For over 14 yrs., Christopher has navigated a career in sales that has spanned several industries including education, banking, mortgage lending, insurance, and now finance.  Christopher is licensed as a financial advisor and holds Series 7, Series 66, and Life insurance licenses as founder of his own Financial Services firm.

Christopher realizes the power of financial literacy, and has dedicated his practice to educating his clients and people of the communities he serves on the importance of financial health and education.  Christopher has also partnered with several non-profit organizations that focus on serving the community and providing resources for under privileged individuals and families.

Will Gorham has devoted much of his life to public service. He served in the U.S. Navy for over twenty years. Following retirement, he worked as a senior systems Engineer for Northrop Grumman Aerospace assisting commercial satellite providers in supporting international disaster relief efforts and national security.   Will has always felt the need to contribute to the improvement of educational opportunities in underserved communities. He holds several US patents and lectures students on the process of innovation in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. It was this experience that led him to create The Vector Scholar Initiative, a program which helps communities develop STEM workforce readiness skills and internships for underserved, high potential students.

Will Gorham earned a B.S. from Florida A&M University, M.S. in Management of IT from the University of Virginia, M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He is a graduate of the Georgetown University Executive International Business Program and holds a Certificate in Management Development from Cornell University.

Alvin J. Alexander II, is a combat veteran with over 22 years of service in the United States Army.  In 2013, he founded Orion Applied Science & Technology, LLC for the purpose of pioneering an industry dedicated to remediation and mitigation of orbital debris, with a secondary goal of orbital asset protection and recovery. He has worked on a number of key Department of Defense acquisition programs as systems engineer where he advised senior program managers and key leaders as to best practices for system development.

Most notable, his work in support to the F-35, Joint Strike Fighter program office pioneered efforts for data and sensor integration. Alvin maintains a broad experience base of advance sensor phenomenology, and application, which led directly to his selection as the lead engineer on multi-million dollar projects supporting the “warfighter” in ongoing theaters of operation. Alvin is a Master of Science Candidate at Johns Hopkins University, Whiting School of Engineering, and possess a Bachelors of Arts in Aviation, from The Ohio State University.

Dr. Vedas Burkeen is the CEO and Founder of Excel Science Education Consulting LLC. She started the company in 2010 with the mission of helping students become more successful in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines by providing supplemental education services from elementary to the collegiate level. As CEO of Excel Science, Dr. Burkeen has provided supplemental educational services to numerous students of all ages and backgrounds in math and science. She has also written STEM curriculums and has implemented STEM educational programs for organizations such as Westwood‘s Summer Technical Enrichment Program (WE-STEP) for Westwood College ATM Atlanta Campus in 2013 and 2104. Recently, the WE-STEP program was recognized as a top finalist for the third annual STEM Education Awards by the Technology Association of Georgia and the TAG Education Collaborative in 2014.

In addition to overseeing Excel Science initiatives, Dr. Burkeen is an Adjunct Faculty member at Westwood College, Devry University and the Upper Iowa University (online) teaching in the areas of anatomy and physiology, microbiology, physical science, environmental science, and mathematics. Dr. Burkeen holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Science and Food Microbiology from the University of Georgia – Athens and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (A&M).

John Stevens is a graduate of Savannah State University, Savannah Georgia. After graduation he attended both graduate schools at Clark Atlanta University and John Marshall Law School, Atlanta, Georgia. Upon obtaining his Juris Doctors degree, he attended the University of London, King’s College, and the London School of Economics, London, England, where he obtained his Masters of International Financial Law. He went on to attend London Metropolitan University, where he completed his Solicitor’s First examination. He also attended the College of Law, Chancery Lane for his Solicitors Final Exam. He has served as a Legal Executive for the then African Society of International and Comparative Law, where he facilitated membership to the United Nations ECOSOC II. While working with the African Society he served as an Observer to the African Union and the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights. He facilitated conferences and special projects all over Africa, particularly in Algeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania. When back in London, he worked as a lawyer for the Refugee Legal Center, representing refugees, asylum seekers and business immigrants from many countries around the world. Thereafter he served as a Legal Executive with the Capital Markets Group of Clifford Chance Rogers and Well, PC. Upon leaving Clifford Chance he joined Fisher Khan Solicitors serving in both their Immigration and Housing departments, respectively. From there he went on to serve as Moves Manager at Genesis Housing Group, where he established and headed the Moves Department which had a capitalization of more than $500 million. He has also served in the capacity as Legal Adviser with Davies and Associates (London). He now serves as Chief Legal Adviser with Global Assets Development Group, Inc., (GADG).

John Stevens currently resides in metropolitan Atlanta, GA.

Norris L Tucker is a former United States Marine serving in the Gulf War – Operation Desert Storm.  Following his discharge after serving 13 years in the marines, Norris began a career working in the entertainment industry which included film, television and live entertainment that has spanned over twenty years.  Currently, Norris serves as the Tour Manager and Media Director for Chris Tucker Enterprises, LLC while also serving as a board member and Vice President of the Board for the Chris Tucker Foundation.  As Vice President, Norris believes strongly in the organization’s mission, which is “to make a positive impact on youth and families locally, nationally and internationally through implementing innovative initiatives and funding life-changing programs.”

Norris L. Tucker is a native of Atlanta, Georgia and holds a Bachelors of Information Technology from American Intercontinental University.    His passion for promoting and inspiring the youth, especially those in underserved communities, is the driving force behind his work as an advocate for creating and providing access to educational opportunities, especially in STE[A]M related careers.

Steven E Brown is a freelance artist and designer. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, he was reared in Georgia’s Deep South and now lists Decatur, GA as home. He began a working career in art and design in 1984 in Atlanta after studying fine art and music at the University of GA, which then led to further study and work in New York City with the inclusion and implementation of dance, film, performance and production as added elements in his portfolio. He served three years as Wardrobe Assistant for Dance Theatre of Harlem and worked for 25 years with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  Steven retired as Senior Studio Manager from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2012.   “I look upon collaboration as one of the highest forms of artistic expression. I am forever thankful to be skilled enough to share and experience the whole of life as a continuous creative piece.”

 Rose Thomas, CPA is a graduate of the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, where she earned a BS in Commerce and Business Administration with a major in Accounting.  For over 30 years her career has been focused in the Nonprofit Industry.  She has worked on both sides of the ball as Auditor and Auditee.  She currently serves as Vice President Finance and Accounting for a local Nonprofit Agency with a budget of $26 million per year.  Rose has an active Certified Public Accounting license in the State of Georgia.  She is also an active member in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

LaKwanza Perry is a native of Atlanta, Georgia and received her BBA in Marketing from Georgia State University. Upon graduation LaKwanza began her 16-year career in Account Management in the telecommunications industry. She later obtained her MBA from the University of Phoenix and her Project Management Certification from Clayton State University.

LaKwanza enjoys volunteering with the youth and has served as the PTA President for a local Atlanta High School, a Girl Scout Troop Leader, and a mentor for young girls.

Helen Graves received her Bachelor’s Degree from American InterContinental University and has been in the Business Administrative Field for over 20 years mainly in the field of finance.  Helen has worked in various companies in the administrative field and because she sees the need to offer strong administrative assistant support to companies, she is currently in the process of opening a Virtual Executive Assistant Company.  Helen has volunteered with “As I Am”, a girls mentoring group which helps young ladies grow to become strong women through guidance with college, entrepreneurship and choosing careers.  She also has volunteered with AHRC New York City a family governed organization committed to finding ways for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to build full lives as defined by each person and supported by dedicated families, staff and community partners.  Helen is originally from New York and relocated to Atlanta in 2006.