Adriana Lopez is an Army veteran originally from Colombia who grew up in New Jersey. She is the lead financial counselor for Crusaders for Change and has worked in the federal government, private sector, and nonprofit organizations as a financial counselor. A volunteer financial coach for Women's Money Matters, she was also a 2020 FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship recipient and became an Accredited Financial Counselor in 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing and traveling.

Alana Cook is a Maryland native who finds joy in being creative and solving puzzles. In 2023, she graduated with a B.A. in environmental policy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, with a special focus on human geography and urban policy. In line with her passions her professional goals are to create policy to aid in poverty alleviation particularly in underserved communities.

Founded in 2011 by twin sisters Anshia Crooms and Anshay Tull, Project Hygiene was created with a vision to uplift and empower youth by fostering safe, healthy environments where they can thrive with confidence and dignity.

In 2012, the organization launched with a series of toiletry benefit concerts, hygiene drives, workshops, and guest speakers who emphasized the importance of proper hygiene. These events also addressed the connection between poor hygiene and bullying, shedding light on challenges many adolescents face.

From this foundation, Project Hygiene has expanded into a variety of impactful programs, including the Project Hygiene Closet Program, annual toiletry drives, toiletry box workshops, bullying prevention seminars, and the Women Give, Women Receive Campaign.

As President & CEO of the Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Dewan Clayborn oversees an organization serving over 2.8 million residents. He is also President & CEO of the Central Maryland Chamber's Educational Foundation, which has invested over $1 million in scholarships. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Dewan earned a degree in Business Administration. 

Dewan has certifications in the Institute of Management (4 years), Chamber of Commerce Executives (3 years), and Social Justice, Nonprofit, and Fundraising Leadership through Texas A&M. Dewan's impact extends beyond his professional achievements. He is a published author of "The Next Generation of Nonprofit Leadership." He is active in his church, facilitating bible studies, and mentors youth. He organizes toy drives, spearheads back-to-school initiatives, and established a scholarship fund. He serves on multiple non-profit boards and mentors children through his program, BRANCH.

Johnetta Thurston, MBA, PMP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR - Founder & Principal Consultant, JDA Management and Consulting Group, LLC

With 30+ years in HR, leadership, and project management, Johnetta Thurston has led major initiatives for government, private, and nonprofit sectors—including the historic relocation of Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Holding an MBA and Doctorate in Strategic Leadership, she is a certified SHRM-SCP, SPHR, PMP, and John Maxwell Coach, dedicated to helping organizations and leaders excel.

Crusaders for Change, LLC Financial Counselor

Larry Lancaster is the Host of Throwback Saturdays Radio Show on WEAA 88.9 FM or WEAA.ORG every Saturday morning, 10 am –12 pm. His accomplishments include appearances on The Apollo, BET Comicview, national television commercials, clubs, theaters, colleges, and churches throughout the East, West, and Southeast Coasts.

He has opened for: Mike Epps, Paul Mooney, Bruce Bruce, Rodney Perry, Cedric The Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, Tony Rock, Sommore, Michael Blackson, Tracey Morgan,  Musiq Soulchild, Chrisette Michelle, The Manhattans, and  The Temptations, to name a few.  

Haneda is a certified Maxwell DISC consultant with acquisition management

expert and a travel agent/coordinator. Her motto is  “Helping Leaders

Grow.” She is the founder and CEO of HLG Resources LLC and HG Travels and In

a career of over 22 years spanning diverse functions, ranging from logistics

to talent acquisition, organizational development, and learning and

development (L&D), she has acquired extensive experience in driving

strategies, processes, systems, and metrics to accelerate contract/program

life cycles, source top talent from diverse backgrounds, streamline

operational infrastructure, and build continuous improvement cultures

across multiple global locations. 

Senior cosmetologist and owner of Textures LLC, Montoya Silver blends passion with expertise to help women find freedom and confidence in how they look and feel. Licensed through Aspen Beauty Academy with advanced training from Paul Mitchell and Graham Webb, she also holds a B.S. in Marketing from UMUC. Specializing in textured hair, Montoya pairs creativity with precise technique to flawlessly execute her clients’ visions while sharing her knowledge to empower the next generation of stylists.

Nathaniel Cook Jr. is a retired US Air Force veteran and a systems engineer based in Maryland. A proud Baltimore native, he holds a B.S. in Computer Networks & Security. He and his wife of nearly 26 years, Shay (Yahweh's Money Host), are the proud parents of their adult daughter, Alana. Outside of his professional life, Nate is a passionate collector of whiskey and bourbon! 

Steven Waddy is President of the Anne Arundel County NAACP Branch. He most recently served as First Vice President and the Political Action Chair, where he worked on the branch's legislative agenda. Mr. Waddy has been a member of the branch since 2017, initially serving as Youth and College Division advisor. He looks forward to helping to build up the membership through education and mobilization around concerns of the Black community in Anne Arundel County. 

Tanisha Allen is a disciple of Christ, a first-time mom, a military spouse, and an Accredited Financial Counselor. She is the Founder and God’s Chosen Steward of Financial Theologian, with over 20 years of experience in the finance industry.  You can catch her enjoying the little moments of her son growing up, her last few months in Hawaii, and a good book.