Mr. Wendell Cole
Manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City

Wendell is a Manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC).  In his role Wendell is responsible for initiating and implementing initiatives to increase cultural competency and inclusion throughout the organization.

Prior to his management role, Wendell worked in Learning and Development as a Senior Training Specialist and was responsible for the Commercial Customer Service Program.  Wendell earned a Training Certificate from the Association of Talent Development, a Certificate of Project Management from Cornell University, Bachelor’s Degree from Calvary University and a Master of Theological Studies.

Wendell joined Blue KC in August 2018 and enjoys the culture of helpful friends and colleagues.  Outside of work Wendell enjoys spending time with his wonderful wife and has three children that keep him busy.

Ms. Denise Doolin
Quality Engineering Technology Leader
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

Denise Doolin joined the bank in 1999 and has taken on various roles supporting financial services and technology.  She currently serves as a Technology leader within the Federal Reserve Financial Services Retail Payments Division with responsibility for supporting Quality Engineering for Check and ACH payment processing applications.  Denise has received the President’s Award for Excellence in 2019, Outstanding Student Award in 2021 and Employee Excellence Awards in 2002 and 2023.

These awards exemplify the level of excellence in the work that she does.  Denise participates in multiple workgroups including Women in Technology, People of Color in Leadership, Green Team and serves as a mentor in the FRB KC Mentoring Program.  She has championed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives at the bank by serving as Employee Diversity Committee member, Diversity Liaison/DL Coordinator, and founding member of the group establishing a new ERG – Disability Unlimited.  Denise has proven herself as a role model for her peers and staff by demonstrating the core values and leadership competencies of the 10th district.

Denise holds an AA degree in business from Baker University in Baldwin, KS, a BA in Applied Organizational Leadership from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS and is nearing completion of her MBA in Human Resource Management from Baker University.  She is committed to improving leadership skills, enhancing strategic Planning and leading change management in organizations.

Denise is very active in giving back to the community.  She volunteers with and has professional affiliations with groups such as Giving the Basics, Global Association of Women in Payments, KC Women in Technology, KC STEM Alliance, Lead to Read KC, Baker University Alumni Group, Habitat for Humanity, FRB KC Community Involvement Program and United Way Steering Committee.

Denise has a wonderfully supportive family including her partner Desmond, three amazing children: Brandon, Jordan and Lauryn and a small, but mighty circle of friends.

Mrs. Crystal Everett
Manager of Career and Technical Education
Kansas City Public Schools

Mrs. Everett currently serves as the Manager of Career and Technical Education for Kansas City Public Schools.  This position is an integral part of KCPS as she assists in leading Manual Career Technical Center, as well as supporting the KCPS goals and initiatives for Real World Learning.  Manual Careen Technical Center is the area career center for Kansas city, not only serving the six KCPS high schools, but students from four area charter schools are eligible to attend to earn industry recognized credentials, stackable credentials and have access to college credit opportunities.  As KCPS strives to ensure that its graduates are both college and career ready, the role that Mrs. Everett plays within the district is critically important.

Mrs. Everett is a 2010 graduate of Drake University, where she earned degrees in Public Relations and Sociology.  Additionally, she earned a Master of Education in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University in 2012.  Mrs. Everett is also a published children’s book author.  Her first book, Mari and Mommy Move It! has sold over 500 copies to date.

As a community volunteer, Mrs. Everett serves as a facilitator in the Parent Leadership Training Institute Kansas City Scholarship, an Application Reviewer for KC Scholars and 20/20 Leadership and in the Centurions Leadership Program (2021  – 2023); completing 100+ hours of community service as part of the program and co-led the Early Childhood Education Task Force.  Mrs. Everett is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Drake University Black Alumni Association and past mentor in the KCPS Mentoring Program.

Mrs. Everett enjoys spending time with her spouse, Marquis Everett and daughter, Mari Everett.

Dr. Joseph Hamlett
Diversity and Inclusion Lead
Kansas City National Security Campus
Managed by Honeywell FM&T

Dr. Hamlett serves as a Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Honeywell FM&T. Dr. Hamlett has been with Honeywell FM&T since 2019 and in his role, Dr. Hamlett actively implements plans to promote inclusion, diversity, equity and acceptance within the organization and facilitates D&I workshops and training across the business. Dr. Hamlett builds strong relationships with eight partnering Diverse Chambers in both the Kansas City, Missouri and Albuquerque, New Mexico metro areas. Dr. Hamlett is also responsible for expanding the Honeywell FM&T footprint in the Kansas City and Albuquerque areas by exploring and joining other Diverse Chambers and organizations focused on the betterment of underrepresented individuals within surrounding communities.

Dr. Hamlett earned two associate degrees; Aviation Maintenance Technology and Human Resources Management from the Community College of the Air Force. Dr. Hamlett holds Bachelor’s degree in Computer Operations Technology from Southwestern College, an MBA in Information Technology Management from TUI University and a Doctorate in Business Administration specializing in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University.

Dr. Hamlett is active in the community serving as a mentor for the Ray-Pec Learning, Experiences & Discovery (LEAD) Program, the Veterati and eMentor mentoring programs. Dr. Hamlett has volunteered for JA BizTown. Career Jumping program and the Martin City Ignite Program. Dr. Hamlett is a published author of five books on personal development, leadership and training, a Podcast Host and the founder of Leading 2 Changed Consulting.

Dr. Hamlett has been married to his lovely wife Kelena for nearly 38 years; they have three adult children; Joseph Jr, Torin and Kandace. They also have 5 grandchildren: Joseph III, Kamina, Treyson, Karter and Tai.

Mr. Leon Harden
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy Manager
Burns & McDonnell

Leon Harden serves as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Strategy Manager at Burns & McDonnell and is the first person to hold this role in the company’s history. The firm’s DE&I initiatives, programs and engagement have flourished beneath Leon’s leadership throughout the last two years. He cast a holistic vision for how the firm should approach DE&I by establishing our corporate DE&I pillars: talent, culture, community and clients. These pillars represent all the ways employee-owners are responsible to mindfully advance a more diverse workforce and create inclusive opportunities for all.

Leon received his bachelor’s degree in international business from Northwest Missouri State in 2005. He later received his Professional Human Resources Designation and certificate in Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration in 2015 from Colorado State University.

Leon is an active member of Diversity and Inclusion in Construction and Engineering (DICE), a peer collaboration group formed to address diversity and inclusion challenges in the industry. He also served on the board of directors of the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce and served as director of policy and advocacy up until 2022 while currently serving on LGBTQ+ Victory Fund board of directors, an organization that works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government.

Leon is a former member of the Colorado Diversity and Inclusion Think Tank (CDIT2), a team of executives challenged to develop measurable strategies for enhancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Leon also leads community efforts through speaking engagements to share about the importance of DE&I with local high schools, universities, nonprofits and civic organizations. He is also an active supporter of the Aids Service Foundation.

Leon and his husband Tom live in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mr. Michael Hobson
Owner, CEO
Hobson’s Limousine & Transportation

Michael Hobson serves as the CEO of Hobson’s Limousine & Transportation which is recognized as the largest Black-Owned limousine company in Kansas City. Hobson’s Limousine & Transportation business first began with Mr. Hobson and his wife and has been in operation for over 20 years. Mr. Hobson is a self-made business owner for over two decades. While operating his business, Mr. Hobson continued working full time at the US Postal Service as an MPLSM Clerk in the Kansas City Processing Plant in 1986. In 1987, Mr. Hobson received the Benjamin Franklin Pin–Outstanding Performance and later became Manager of Customer Service at Indian Creek Branch. He gives credit to his employees and their dedication and commitment to deliver “World Class Service.” This dedication extends to providing excellent customer experience and reliable and personalized services in luxury transportation.

Mr. Hobson achieved his Associates Degree in Accounting and attended the University of Phoenix, where he studied Business Management. Mr. Hobson plans to pursue his master’s degree in the Spring of 2024.

Mr. Hobson is passionate about serving in the community and being a catalyst for change, as he serves as the Present Board Chair, St. James UMC – 40 Acres Campus, Sumner High School Alumni Association and St. James United Methodist Church. Previous services as a Board Chair include James United Methodist Church, Kansas City Boys/Girls Choir and Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA).

Michael Hobson, Sr. is the son of Georgia (Hobson) Taylor. He is married to lovely Valinda Fisher-Hobson and is the father of two wonderful children, Michael Hobson, Jr. and Essence Fisher-Hobson.

Mr. Larry Lewis
Executive Director
Growing Futures Early Education Center

Larry Lewis serves as an Executive Director at Growing Futures Early Education Center of Kansas City Metro. With over 20 years of experience in youth development, Larry has been committed to serving children in the urban core, after school programs, tribal communities, sports leagues and Head Start agencies. In this myriad of settings, Larry continues to see the desire for all families to have access to quality, inclusive care and education for their children. In this diverse collection of entities, it has been motivational to Larry to discover the unity amongst it all.

Larry attended Kansas State University completing a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Human Services while also competing as a collegiate athlete. His opportunity to volunteer at a local after school program piloted him into a field that would ultimately become his career.

Larry has a strong commitment to served as a steering committee member for Framework OP: Planning the next 40 years for Overland Park, KC Centurions Pinnacle Program, and The Moran Company’s Peer Group Support Executive Round Table. As a servant leader, Larry has held leadership roles at Boys & Girls Clubs of KC, Guidepost Montessori, Washington County Child Care Foundation and Department of Human Services. Larry was awarded Top 30 Under 30 and KC Independent Magazine’s recent Trailblazers: KC Leaders for Black History Month.

Larry is proud of his wife, Dominique, who works to advance equity in education and wellness for young children at Children’s Mercy Hospital and they have two beautiful teenage daughters.

Mr. Maurice Moss
Executive Director of Corporate Compliance
Kansas City Board of Public Utilities

Maurice is the Executive Director of Corporate Compliance for the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU). In his role, he leads several teams responsible for environmental compliance, electric reliability compliance, risk management, and regulatory. Prior to joining BPU, he served as senior legal counsel at City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri; and prior to that he held several positions in the U.S. Department of Energy, Commerce, Agriculture.

Maurice has a Bachelor of Science from Oral Roberts University and law degree from Western Michigan University – Cooley Law School. He also holds an Executive Certificate in Business Management from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Maurice is proud to say that he has the privilege to serve as a board member for not one but three incredible organizations. He is a board member for Donnelly College, the KC Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Midwest Reliability Organization. Maurice and his wife were also Big Couple of the Year for Big Brother Big Sister.

Maurice is incredibly proud of his wife Christa, who is an Assistant United States Attorney. They have two children, James who is Six and Emma who is two.

Ms. Kim Randolph
President and CEO
Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Kim Randolph currently serves as the President and CEO of KBCC Inc., dba Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. As President and CEO, Kim provides strategic direction, vision, and management for the programs and personnel of the Chamber of Commerce. She demonstrates expertise in strategic planning, membership/partnership sales and services, program management and economic development. Kim’s impact also reaches areas of public policy, nonprofit governance and operations, finance and accounting, public speaking, and fundraising. In the five years as CEO/President of Heartland Black Chamber, Kim increased membership, partnership, and sponsorship by 66%.

Kim, who also serves as Principal/CEO of INC U LLC, and JV Partner of KWAMEkc. is a natural born entrepreneur/mentor and has guided businesses into success!

Kim earned a bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix and University of Missouri-Kansas City. Kim is recognized as a E-Scholar in the Regnier Institute and United Methodist Local Licensed Pastor.

Kim is the co-founder of the Minority Chambers Development Center, a joint venture partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. Kim has launched several successful programs: ENCORE, a 1:1 business coaching program to assist in the recovery, re-opening, and stabilization of small local black businesses and HYPE (Heartland Young Professional Empowerment) program. And under her leadership, is moving the organization towards working to amend the legal name to Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce Inc., a regional chamber registered in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska, (SBA Region 7).

Kim is a proud mother of two children, son Mylon Lucas and daughter Myecia Lucas. She has 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Ms. Tylaine Solomon
Nurse Manager
Saint Luke’s Health System

Tylaine Solomon has served as a nurse manager of approximately 60 employees at Saint Luke’s East Hospital. Since 2006, Tylaine has exceed customer expectations and currently oversees day to day operations of an inpatient nursing unit, and have been witness to tremendous department growth.

Tylaine obtained my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rockhurst University in 1989 and Master of Science in Executive Nurse Practice from Research College of Nursing in 2005. Tylaine is credentialed as a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse and serves as an active volunteer for SJUMC Health Ministry.

Tylaine was nominated for The Greater Kansas City Black Nurses Association recognition award in 2003 and inducted as a member of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society in 2008 from Research College of Nursing. Tylaine is recipient of the Nurse of Color award by the GKCBNA and recognized as “Leader You Should Know” Missouri Organization of Nurse Leaders.

Tylaine is an active mother to three sons, three step daughters, and seven granddaughters.

Mr. Justin Washington
Technical Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
Kansas City National Security Campus
Managed by Honeywell FM&T

Justin is a Technical Manger in the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering division at Kansas City National Security Campus – Honeywell. He leads a dynamic team of engineers and support specialists that help facilitate the manufacturing of mechanical safety devices, across multiple weapons programs critical maintaining the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile and national security. While his team faces daily challenges, he is responsible for ensuring they have the necessary tools and resources to meet production delivery schedules as well as identify and implement process improvements.

Justin has a bachelor of science in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee and a master of science in Organizational Development from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas.

Justin serves as KCNSC’s Education Lead for the Minority Serving Institute Partnership Program, a federally funded program that is designed to build a sustainable workforce pipeline between the Department of Energy’s labs/plants and minority-serving institutions.  In this role, Justin provides guidance and strategic support for educational activities (i.e., internships, conferences, etc.) provided to these consortiums. Justin is also the Lead Manager for KCNSC’s internship program supporting 100+ interns at 2 geographically separated sites and he also champions support for Operation Breakthrough’s Ignition Lab.

Another amazing organization that is near and dear to Justin’s heart is the Team Bradley Bear Foundation (TBB), which aids pediatric cancer patients and their families. Ran by his sister-in-law and her husband, the organization began in 2014 following the passing of their son. Justin’s family supports TBB through sponsorship and volunteering at charitable events such as the annual 5K Walk and Golf Tournament. TBB raises $150K annually to support its mission.

Justin enjoys celebrating his wonderful wife Chelsey and their three children; Avery, Talyn, and Nola.