Dr. Laine Powell is the founder and CEO of Tech Sassy Girlz, a non-profit organization dedicated to
building the future workforce by transforming the lives of adolescent girls to pursue science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields through career readiness, mentoring and entrepreneurship.
Taking on the challenge head-on of addressing the notable shortage of girls and women in STEM fields, Dr.
Powell created the organization in 2012 to address the critical shortage of women and minorities being
represented in high-tech STEM careers. She firmly believes that leveraging technology is an opportunity for
girls to be content creators, makers and entrepreneurs. To date, Tech Sassy Girlz has served over 3,000
girls.
Dr. Powell is also the vice president for AceApplications, LLC, a technology solutions provider for
businesses, schools, and government agencies. AceApplications delivers custom software, systems
integration, mobile app and web development, data analytics and reporting, training and IT staff
augmentation.
Dr. Powell is also the Host and Producer of the podcast, Microdoses of Joy, a podcast and lifestyle brand
emphasizing tiny moments and big joy.
In 2026, Dr. Powell received the Linda Landman Gonzalez Leadership Award and the University of Central
Florida College of Business Entrepreneurial Knight Award. In 2025, Dr. Powell received the Frost
Luminary Award presented by Congressman Maxwell Frost. As part of this distinguished
acknowledgement, Dr. Powell’s name has been officially entered into the Congressional Record. Also in
2025, Dr. Powell was recognized by Winter Park City Magazine as a Woman of Influence. In 2024, she
received the Education Pillar Award from the Central Florida Black MBA Association, was recognized as
one of Orange Appeal Magazine’s 2023 Woman of the Year, 2022 Heart of Florida United Way Change
Maker, Onyx Magazine’s 2022 Woman on the Move, Orlando Business Journal’s 2021 Women Who Mean
Business, 2021Orlando Magic Social Justice Game Changer, Orlando Magazine’s 2020 Woman of the
Year, WESH 2 News and Orlando Magic Community Champion and received the 2021 WTS International
Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership award, African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida Eagle
Award, i4Business Magazine Spirit of Collaboration award, University of Central Florida Trailblazer
Award, featured on PBS, NPR, ABC, Fox and received a host of other community and professional awards.
Dr. Powell has been published in the Orlando Sentinel and the Orlando Business Journal.
Dr. Powell was featured in the Legacy of Excellence: Phenomenal Black Women in Central Florida
Exhibit at the Women’s History & Cultural Center. Created to highlight the lives and legacies of AfricanAmerican women who have significantly contributed to the Greater Orlando area, this exhibit featured
women from a variety of professional fields who have shattered glass ceilings and laid the foundation for
generations to come.
In the community, Dr. Powell is a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, a life member of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the University of Florida Alumni Association, and serves on the
board of Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, and the Women’s Business Center at Seminole
State College. Dr. Powell recently completed her four year term on the board of Florida Polytechnic
University.
Dr. Powell received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Florida, Master of Education from
the Pennsylvania State University, Master of Science in Management from the University of Central Florida
and her doctorate in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Powell is married to her college sweetheart, Courtney

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jaylen Christie

Author, Cartoonist, Sociologist and PR Practitioner

Jaylen Christie is an award-winning PR practitioner overseeing day-to-day execution of ongoing publicity initiatives that generate media coverage. He has worked with brands including The Walt Disney Company, American Heart Association, NAACP, Massey Services, Baker Barrios Architects, Sodexo, and The Salvation Army. Jaylen is the creator, author, and illustrator of the comic book “Stink Bomb Man and The Brain Kids,” and has been featured as a guest speaker at San Diego Comic-Con, which has become the focal point for the world of comic book conventions with attendance topping 130,000 in recent years. He has been recognized by Black Enterprise as a B.E.

Modern Man, an initiative honoring the essence, image, and accomplishments of today’s man of color. Additionally, Jaylen is a two-time international Hermes Creative Award winner, and has received a MarCom award, the Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and Florida A&M University's 40 Under 40. He was named Trailblazer Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America’s Sunshine District chapter in 2022. Jaylen has a master’s degree in communication from the University of Central Florida, where he is currently earning a PhD in sociology with a research focus on representation in comic book literature; a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Florida A&M University; and he is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated

Jaylen Christie
Writer | Cartoonist | Actor | Speaker | PR Pro, Superfly Nerd, LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ebony Russ
HR Leader and Expert Educator

Ebony Russ is a Human Resources Business Partner with 20 years of experience in HR and management. She began her career in the insurance and financial services industry and later worked in aerospace and defense, leading policy development, employee relations, investigations, and performance management.
She also serves as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Human Resource Management and Training & Development. Ebony earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bethune-Cookman University and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. She also holds certifications in Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Drawing from firsthand experience navigating corporate culture, Ebony helps professionals—from entry-level employees to executives—understand performance, perception, and opportunity.
She is the author of Tea, Tactics, and Tenacity, a guide inspired by the lessons she learned and now shares to empower others. Originally from Miami, Florida, Ebony is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and enjoys family time, cooking, traveling, and life as a proud dog mom to her Yorkshire Terrier, Creed.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.