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

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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

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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.

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BOYD KARREN
Business Broker, OTRO FINANCIAL

Boyd is a serial entrepreneur. He loves the world of small business and believes deeply that small business ownership is the key to strong communities and wealth creation.
Boyd has earned two master’s degrees in business: an MBA from Indiana University, and a Master of Global Management degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.
He became a business loan broker and started Otro Financial after experiencing his own difficulties in finding funding for his small business opportunities. He saw a serious gap in the marketplace seeing that it was very difficult for start-ups and new businesses to get the funding they need. So, Boyd specializes in finding funding for start-ups and new businesses.
Boyd and his wife, Kristi, just celebrated 31 years of marriage in August. They are the parents of four adult children and are enjoying their lives as empty nesters. In his free time, you will find him and his wife enjoying tacos, road trips, or finding yet another business to buy.

Karol Guevara
Business Loan Broker at OTRO Financial

Karol Guevara is a Business Loan Broker at OTRO Financial, a driven Latina, entrepreneur, and soccer mom, passionate about connecting with people from all walks of life and helping them succeed.
She is an honors graduate in International Relations and Political Science from the University of Rosario in Bogotá, Colombia, with entrepreneurial experience operating a LATAM e-commerce business. She moved to the United States in 2005 and became a U.S. citizen in 2013.
Karol is known for her strong problem-solving skills, approachable personality, and ability to quickly understand clients’ needs—creating trust from the very first conversation. She is a patient, positive, and dependable funding partner, capable of performing in high-pressure environments while guiding clients through customized financing solutions.
Today, she specializes in supporting startups, small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and Spanish-speaking clients, helping them access strategic funding options at every stage of their business journey.
📧 karol@otrofinancial.com | 📞 321-750-8413

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Nequosha Anderson, Esq.

Nequosha is a Small Business and Intellectual Property Attorney dedicated to helping entrepreneurs protect and grow their brilliance. With over a decade of experience, she guides creatives and small business owners across the U.S. through the legal side of building a business — from forming entities and drafting contracts to securing trademarks, copyrights, and brand assets — so they can focus on monetizing their genius and building lasting legacies.

ABOUT ALF:
Anderson Law Firm, or “ALF” was founded in July 2013. The firm's practice areas include business law, business consulting, and intellectual property. The firm is based in Orlando, Florida, but services clients nationwide.

Law Firm Website:

• https://www.andersonlawfl.com

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JONATHAN DESOUZA

(215) 820-1357 jadreambig@gmail.com

Distinguished, growth-minded, and resourceful business consultant with extensive experience providing strategic guidance focused on

the customer interface and brand strategy. Skilled leader with proven track record of creating new business opportunities, growing

existing business, and increasing revenue. Goal oriented professional, skilled at establishing strategic partnerships and strong client

relationships that consistently yield positive returns.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

DreambigU LLC, Philadelphia, PA & Ft. Lauderdale, FL 2018 – Present

Principal / Managing Partner

CONSULTING

• Appointed as president and managing partner of multiple LLCs, providing business expertise and guidance focused on increasing

revenues through strategic branding as well as organizing investors for all companies.

• Developed, designed, and directed restaurant & craft brewpub 2312 Garrett in Suburban Philadelphia – negotiated purchase of a

distressed building and revamped bar in building to make it to one of the most successful in the area.

• Conceived and built out a brand for HairTV/Doo-It-Yourself videos and acquired the products for an online retail business.

• Designed, built, and managed multiple beauty establishments which included retail components. Several of the designs received

award recognition in industry publications.

• Former Partner at both Echo Salon & Spa and the Wilton Manors Escape Room – served as an investor and strategic advisor.

• CEO and Founder at My Pool Boys – pool cleaning services company – served as an investor and strategic advisor.

• Partner with Azmi Agency – company providing in-home private styling services (hair, massage, make-up, light therapy, Reiki).

REAL ESTATE

• Created a financial system that quickly evaluates potential profit of real estate investments and successfully mentored over 100

real estate investors to achieve their desired business objectives.

• Teach students/apprentices this system of evaluation of real-time estimation of rehabilitation cost and a system to purchase

property with very little risk formula to purchase investment property offering no more than 80% of retail value minus fix-up

costs to ensure their success.

• Recognized as a real estate expert and interviewed on local radio show – Bob Diamond Show on B101 Radio.

• Developed, managed, and grew a Philadelphia-based real estate business by 60% cutting costs and increasing revenues by adding

amenities such as concierge, welcome, and cleaning services to improve tenant base. Took quarterly cash flow from $38K to

more than $73K in 3 months.

• Successfully coordinated with sub-contractors to complete residential and commercial sites for rental use. Partnered with Neil

Rogove Builders acting as co-general contractor and project manager of more than 20 buildouts of university of campus housing.

Historic Lansdowne Theater, Philadelphia, PA 2011 – 2016

Elected Board Member

Raised funds as a board member at the Historic Lansdowne Theater, to renovate 1920’s theater to its glory. Raised $16.4K at first

event hosted at home, in a matter of an hour and a half and secured money from producers of the Silver Linings Playbook film to use

as theater back drop for the movie starring Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper.

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS HELD

Held Principal / Managing Partner at the following organizations:

33 Street Cabana LLC, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

My Pool Boys, LLC, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

AIJon Management, LLC, Philadelphia, PA

HairTV, LLC, Philadelphia, PA

Paradisio, LLC, Elkins, PA

Vog Saloon LLC, Philadelphia, PA

2310 Garrett, LLC, Drexel Hill, PA

EDUCATION & LICENSURE

Real Estate License, State of Pennsylvania – 2004

Business Coursework, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Business Coursework, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Hebron Academy, Hebron, ME

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Paolo, is a global strategic executive and business advisor with over 20 years of leadership experience across North America, Europe, and Asia. He has a proven track record of leading large, multi-billion-dollar organizations in the automotive, industrial, and consumer goods sectors, having held senior roles including President & CEO, Executive Vice President, General
Currently, Paolo is the President & Founder of Vannini & Associates LLC, an international advisory firm that supports European companies entering and expanding in the U.S. market, and is also President of Boosting Roi LLC, a C-level business coaching company focused on the learning and delivering of Blue Ocean Strategy projects, where he helps executives and organizations unlock new market spaces and drive profitable growth. His advisory work spans startups, corporations, institutions, and private equity groups, with a focus on strategy, leadership, communication, and business growth implementation.
Earlier in his career, Paolo served as President & CEO of Fiat USA, where he led the North American operations of the Fiat Group, overseeing 23 companies, 17,000 employees, and $13 billion in revenue. During his tenure, he streamlined operations, supported major M&A initiatives, and expanded the company’s regional footprint. He also held senior leadership roles in corporate communications, playing a key role in raising the global visibility of the Fiat Group through high-profile media, IPOs, and institutional engagements.
In addition to his corporate career, Paolo co-founded Alta Cucina Inc. in New York, a pioneering marketing platform promoting authentic Italian food and wine, successfully launching large-scale campaigns and events and achieving strong commercial growth.
Paolo began his international career managing joint ventures and market expansions in Europe and India, demonstrating early expertise in global business development, market entry strategies, and operational leadership.
He holds a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing and is fluent in Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French

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Tadar Muhammad
Chief Operating Officer, First Vice President of CareerSource Central Florida

As Chief Operating Officer and First Vice President of CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF), Tadar Muhammad delivers strategic oversight on administration and workforce operations for all federal, state, and local workforce development programs and grants. He spearheads all operational aspects of the organization that invests $30 million to serve more than 38,000 career seekers with career development opportunities and nearly 3,500 businesses with skilled talent annually. He helps forge new partnerships within CSCF’s five-county footprint in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, and Sumter counties.

Prior to joining CSCF, Tadar was the Chief Development Officer with the Heart of Florida United Way where he was responsible for driving and growing revenue for the organization and creating new partnerships.

Tadar’s success comes from his commitment to understanding the community he serves through his Board service and active participation in many Central Florida organizations.

He is a member of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) and Evans High School Giving Back programs. He serves on the Board of Directors for Sunshine Charter High Schools in Orange and Osceola County, The Poinsette Foundation, Route 7 Orlando and Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida.
A native Chicagoan, Tadar moved to Orlando in 1983, after receiving a scholarship to attend Valencia College. He has a B.A. in Organizational Management from Warner University and earned his Executive MBA from Rollins College's Crummer Graduate School of Business.
He lives in Orlando with wife Gina along with four children Elijah, Ciera, Mariyah, and Malik.

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