Aaron Westbrook, Founder & CEO of Form5 Prosthetics, emerged as a pioneer in prosthetics in 2015. Born  with only one hand, his journey into prosthetics began as a freshman at New Albany High School, after  personally encountering the limitations and gaps in upper limb prostheses. Undeterred, Aaron at age 14  embarked on a do-it-yourself mission to create his own device using a 3D printer. 

Aaron's determination extended beyond personal triumph. Having connected with the limb difference  community through his "Alive With Five" blog, he aspired to make this technology accessible to others. Inspired by his vision, a successful Kickstarter campaign enabled him to purchase a 3D printer, leading to the  establishment of Form5 Prosthetics as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2017. While growing Form5 Aaron completed  rigorous coursework at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and received his undergraduate  degree in 2022. 

As CEO, Aaron has propelled Form5 along a remarkable trajectory, guided by its strategic pillars of  Community, Research & Development, Education, and Manufacturing. The organization has consistently  realized its vision — a world where individuals with limb differences possess the confidence, resources, and  support to achieve their dreams. 

Aaron Westbrook's transformative journey exemplifies the power of one person's determination to make a  positive impact, and Form5 stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for those with limb differences.

Lauded as one of Media, Marketing & Tech's 50 "Most Indispensable Behind The Scenes Stars", Kai Deveraux Lawson is a thought leader, innovator, and advocate for truth-telling in marketing. With over 13 years experience in the industry, she’s helped shape strategies for Advertising's most recognizable agencies and brands.

Her experience led her to launch the culturally focused platforms, Mixed Company Podcast and her blog, Mylifeofkai.com. On these platforms, she shares her first hand experiences in life, travel and career.

Kai's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and her innovative approach to marketing, has garnered significant recognition throughout her career. In 2024, Kai was named the Ad Age A List & Creativity Awards Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year. Additional honors include The 2022 Adweek50 list and New York Moves Magazine’s 2023 Diversity Award, solidifying her status as a respected trailblazer in her field.

In January of 2024, Kai co-founded Valerie, a Hybrid Agency/Consultancy specializing in developing and executing strategy and creative for brands and businesses rooted in life experiences.

Janice Z. Gassam Asare, Ph.D. is the founder of BWG Business Solutions, an award-winning DEI consultancy designed to help organizations create cultures built on equity. Dr. Janice has had the opportunity to collaborate with Google, Amazon, Yale University, Nordstrom, H&M, and Paypal/Venmo among many others. She is the author of three best-selling books and is a senior contributing writer for Forbes having authored over 400 articles, a Harvard Business Review contributor and a LinkedIn Learning Instructor. In 2022, Dr. Janice was recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Racial Equity. In 2023 she was recognized by Gusto as one of the 25 Top Workplace Experts to Follow. She is a 2-time TEDx speaker, the host of the Dirty Diversity podcast and an adjunct professor at Columbia University.

Khalil Simmons is a driven digital marketing professional who thrives on helping businesses achieve transformative growth. With a solid foundation in Business Administration and a passion for sales and customer development honed at the University of Missouri, Khalil embarked on his career journey at General Mills. There, he skillfully managed the convenience business in Florida, gaining invaluable experience in consumer markets. Fueled by a desire to make a greater impact in the tech world, Khalil transitioned to Google as an Account Strategist.

Over the past 5.5 years, he's partnered with countless advertisers, empowering them to develop strategic, data-driven approaches that scale their businesses and deliver exceptional results. Khalil's expertise lies in crafting innovative solutions that not only meet but exceed client expectations, leaving a lasting impact on their digital success.

Imanuel (Manny) Larcher is a lifelong learner who enjoys digging deep into new technologies and nourishing ideas. He is a first-generation St. Lucian American born in Columbus, Ohio. He played a role in a venture-backed telehealth startup (Ardina) acquisition from 2015 through 2017. In 2017, he co-founded Stopwatch Creative, a marketing and tech agency assisting startups, artists, professional athletes, and brands all over the world with various marketing services.

When the pandemic created unforeseen complications for entrepreneurs, Manny created Colaeb, a SaaS platform helping businesses grow affordably, now with thousands of brands supported all over the world.

Co-founder and CEO of Kiwibot North America and CEO & founder of Nickelytics is a Forbes NEXT 1000 Entrepreneur and active Techstars advisor on go-to-market strategies. He’s led multiple tech startups from concept to nine-figure exits.

Having transitioned from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, Judah leverages insights gained from his corporate experience, emphasizing metrics-informed decision-making to drive the growth, pivot, and scaling of his ventures. His success is underscored by the millions of dollars raised by prominent venture capital firms, including Bdev Ventures and Techstars.

As a member of the Forbes Technology, FastCompany, and Entrepreneur Leadership Councils, Judah remains authentic and true to himself, fostering connections with like-minded individuals to exchange value and advance a shared vision. In addition to his achievements, the recent acquisition has elevated Nickelytics to a T72 company, solidifying its position as a key player in the dynamic landscape of AdTech.

Bayadir Mohamed-Osman is a Sudanese American social impact consultant, author, poet, public health professional, and community activist. She completed her Master's in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in 2023. Racking in over a million views, Bayadir’s moving messages have been featured on multiple media platforms such as PBS, NowThis, AJ+, and The Washington Post. Her social justice-oriented poetry and activism have been showcased in dozens of cities throughout the USA. She currently consults and manages projects focused on humanitarian aid work for Sudan.  

Jim Gibbs is the CEO and Co-Founder of Meter Feeder, a company on a mission to  revolutionize the way fleets operate by facilitating seamless payment for parking, parking  tickets, and tolls. A native of Long Island, New York, Jim's interest in technology was  ignited at an early age when he watched the movie TRON and decided he wanted to  make video games. His parents nurtured this budding passion by enrolling him in a  programming camp. Jim later attended Carnegie Mellon University but left early to  venture into the entrepreneurial world, armed with business basics taught to him by his  father, who ran his own house painting business. 

Before founding Meter Feeder, Jim had already built a diverse portfolio of software  projects, including medical and real estate software. Notably, he worked with American  Eagle Outfitters to translate their website into 13 different languages, enabling shipping  to 53 countries, and contributed to a platform that handled over 30% of all mobile retail  sales in the U.S. 

In addition to his role at Meter Feeder, Jim serves on the boards of Ascender, which  helps entrepreneurs build their companies; Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting, a public  media organization; and Eden's Farm, a non-profit focused on aiding survivors of human  trafficking. He also sits on the Jack Heinz Advisory Board, which engages corporate and  community leaders in Pittsburgh Symphony activities. 

Jim's accomplishments have earned him considerable recognition. He has been  featured in Rebecca Fannin's book "Silicon Heartland," as well as in Forbes, Black  Enterprise, and TechCrunch. He is an alum of YCombinator and a recipient of Google's  Black Founders Fund, among other accolades. 

Guided by his philosophy of focusing on the goal while enjoying the journey, Jim brings  a balanced approach to both his professional and personal life. Outside of his corporate  responsibilities, he enjoys a range of hobbies including old-school b-boy dancing,  playing the trumpet, and practicing Muay Thai. Family is at the core of his life, and he  cherishes spending time with his five sons and finding moments to hug his wife. 

Jim Gibbs is more than just a CEO; he is a community leader, a tech visionary, and a  family man, committed to making a meaningful impact in both his professional and  personal communities.

Raj Mahalingam works as a Supply Chain Data Scientist at Intel Corporation in Global Supply Chain Operations. He has 8+ years of experience in solving challenging business problems supporting multiple business units including procurement, logistics, warehousing, inventory, and supply chain teams. In the past 5+ years He has taught professional development training curriculum and job readiness courses for new graduates in analytics and data science courses such as python, Structured Query Language (SQL), machine learning and Supply Chain/operations management. He has a Master of science degree in - Business analytics and project management from the University of Connecticut. In his current and previous roles, he has used problem solving and design thinking/ethnographic methodologies to refine business problems and to teach courses. 

Raj is passionate about developing human capital and to bridge the gap in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and data science between academic and Industry and about technologies for social good, especially those that have the potential to help underdeveloped communities climb the economic ladder. 

Raj has been involved in a few leadership roles at various non-profit organizations. He volunteers his time to mentor new emerging talent in operations and supply chain domain. He has been an active member of INFORMS, Association of Supply chain Management and Council for supply chain management professionals (CSCMP). In that he is a committee member for Sustainable Supply Chain Committee at CSCMP. He was a Board member for the Young Professionals Board at American Heart Association (Columbus, OH Chapter) from 2016 until 2020. Outside of work, He is passionate about Ayurveda, CrossFit, yoga, and Anthropology.

Stephanie co-founded Swob in 2017, aiming to simplify job searches and recruitment. Recognized for her innovation with the "Pitch To Rich" award by Virgin Mobile Canada, she actively mentors young entrepreneurs through the WE Incubation Hub Program. Her contributions have earned her a nomination for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award. Stephanie is also a featured guest on various media platforms including BNN Bloomberg and The Marilyn Denis Show.

Jorge Soto a serial entrepreneur within the software industry. He’s currently Co-founder at AssetMule, a sales asset creation and management software startup. Before AssetMule he’s started multiple startups, worked at Twitter via the acquisition of MoPub, and has worked with hundreds of founders around the world.

Morgan is a lawyer, former congressional candidate, and was an elected delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention. She's the Director of Policy & Advocacy at the American Economic Liberties Project, an antitrust organization that advises federal, state, and local officials on competition policy. Previously, Morgan served as a Senior Advisor to the first Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Morgan also co-founded the grassroots organization, Columbus Stand Up, which facilitates political engagement among less consistent voting populations.

Marc Alexander is a dynamic and visionary leader with an impressive track record as a successful serial entrepreneur, currently leading Lite Raise. With over a decade of experience driving multi-million-dollar businesses to new heights, Marc has cultivated a reputation for strategic thinking, innovation, and transformative leadership. His approach to business is both bold and inclusive yet always with a focus on empowering others to pursue their dreams.
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In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Marc serves as a dedicated advocate for social impact. He is an active Board Member for multiple organizations, including FreeStar Financial, Envision Liberia, Kiwanis, Amour Women Foundation, and Lite Tuition Foundation. Through these roles, he contributes to diverse initiatives, from financial empowerment and global education to community leadership and the advancement of women. His deep commitment to these causes reflects his belief in creating lasting, positive change.
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A former School Board Trustee and GenNext Nominee for Fortune 100 companies, Marc's influence extends far beyond the business world. He is also an accomplished author, motivational speaker, and social entrepreneur who leverages technology to drive global innovation. Marc’s personal mission is to help others achieve success and happiness, a value that resonates in every aspect of his work. His relentless passion for using technology as a force for good fuels his vision to create transformative solutions that shape the future.
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Marc’s leadership is marked by his ability to connect with people, inspire action, and push boundaries. His enthusiasm and determination are contagious, making him not only a successful entrepreneur but a true agent of change in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.

Gina Nacnac is a seasoned Social Media Strategist and AI Integration Specialist with a decade-long track record of elevating leaders in tech and media on social media and cultivating growth-oriented communities.

A true expert in branding, social media strategy, content marketing, influencer partnerships, and AI integrations, Gina is the go-to strategist for brands ready to scale and innovate. Known for her ability to build from the ground up, she has developed influencer programs, crafted impactful brand voices, and launched social channels and communities for Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups.

Gina provides Social Media Consulting tailored for tech and media companies aiming to scale their social channels, launch influencer initiatives, and streamline operations with AI-driven workflows. She also empowers founders and executives to establish and monetize their personal brands.

As a Content Creator, Gina shares educational videos covering social media strategy, personal branding, entrepreneurship, and AI tools. She’s currently developing custom GPT solutions to streamline branding and content creation for her clients.

Jeff leads the Partnerships Team at Forecastr, a leading software company that helps make financial modeling easy for founders raising capital.  He is the founder of The Startup Stack and Founders N' Funders.  Jeff is an active angel investor and currently serves on the advisory boards of several startup companies.  Previously, Jeff was the founder and CEO of a successful consumer goods company that was ranked #138 on the Inc. 500 list of fastest growing companies.  He is passionate about startups and enjoys working with founders and mentoring entrepreneurs.

As a co-founder and Executive Director of Black Tech Columbus, she is on a mission to foster community and innovation in Central Ohio. When Jariatu isn't working, she volunteers on local boards and works with youth organizations to teach technology and design thinking to K-12 students.

‍With a background in chemical engineering and trauma-informed counseling, Jariatu began her career in technology focused on finding and implementing outside-of-the-box solutions for organizations of all sizes. As a people-focused product consultant she has a passion for empowering teams and driving results. From training small businesses in cloud technology to developing product strategy for Fortune 100 companies, Jariatu helps organizations align their product visions with business outcomes.

Jerrel Beamon has been consistently performing stand up since he was 17 years old. He performs all over the Midwest with his witty stories and engaging crowd work. Jerrel is young in the game of stand up but has already hit milestones. Such as performing at the World Famous Apollo Theater at the age of 21, performing on Brew HaHa Comedy Festival, Columbus Comedy Festival, and Fresh Faces at the Laugh Factory in Chicago. He's currently producing Comedy for the People one of the hottest showcases in the Midwest at Brickys Comedy Club.

Amongst all these achievements one of Jerrel's favorite performances was in 2024 when he was invited out to Marion Correctional Institution to perform for the inmates. He has also opened for well known acts such as Hannibal Buress, Desi Banks, Sam Tallent, Faizon Love and Tim Meadows. You can also follow him on all social media platforms to get a good laugh from his stand up clips and crazy skits that he does with his dad!

Jordan Herbert - Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Jordan Herbert is a dedicated husband and father of two, deeply rooted in his community. With over a decade of real estate experience, he has successfully managed transactions exceeding $16 million and built dynamic sales teams that drive results. Jordan is passionate about innovation and is recognized for his ability to solve complex real estate challenges while minimizing transaction friction.

As the founder of DealMate, Jordan is committed to transforming real estate transactions into a more accessible, straightforward, and peer-to-peer experience. His vision is to empower individuals in the real estate market and make transactions as easy as ordering takeout with DoorDash.

Mariah Howard is a visionary leader and renowned as the Muva of Marketing, with over a decade of experience transforming industries through innovative marketing strategies, technology solutions, and venture capital initiatives. As the Project Director for the Liberia Library and Cultural Center, Mariah is leading a global project that promotes education, preserves cultural heritage, and strengthens communities. She is an advocate for economic equity, serving on the Council on Underserved Communities for the Small Business Administration and the Leadership Advisory Council for the National Small Business Association. Passionate about closing the wealth gap, Mariah empowers businesses by providing access to public and private funding. Featured in Forbes, Wonder Women Tech, and FOX, Mariah’s expertise spans federal procurement, blockchain technology, and global marketing, making her a force for change.

Tayo Adesanya is the Founder & CEO of Lola Vision Systems, a fabless AI semiconductor chip company building computer vision and generative AI solutions for edge devices.

As a decorated national and global athlete, Tayo found his passion for athletics early.But despite being an NCAA Track & Field All-American and former Nigerian National HighJump Champion, Tayo Adesanya chose a different path, driven by an even deeper passion for technology.