Simone Curls
Prospect Business Association

Simone is the Executive Director of the Prospect Business Association. Prior to her current role, Simone owned and operated a thriving business consulting firm in Los Angeles for over fifteen years. Through her firm, she provided invaluable business development services, leveraging her extensive expertise in strategic planning, project management, capacity building, change management, auditing and compliance. Upon returning to Kansas City, she utilized her extensive experience to assist local businesses in accessing the resources they need for growth. Today, Simone offers one-on-one business consulting, conducts workshops, and provides training sessions. Simone received her Bachelor degree from Xavier University and Masters degree from Southern University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Simone has received recognition as the Economic Development Champion at LISC KC Thrive Awards, Most Valuable Partner by the Heartland Black Chamber, Small Business Champion by COMTO. Simone wishes to acknowledge her mother, Dr. Karen Curls, and two daughters, Nina and Maya.

David Davis
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City

David is an Account Executive at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. With the company over 5 years, David is responsible for managing the day-to-day relationships and corporate initiatives of Large Group Employer health plans. Each day he aims to strengthen partnership affinity and to ensure optimal outcomes for our members. David received a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies from the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL). David’s current focus outside of work is building and supporting the growth and development of youth ice hockey athletes in the Kansas City Metro. He serves as the House Director and Head Coach for the 14 age division for the Mid America Hockey Association. David is grateful for the support of his wife, Maggie.

James Easaw
Kansas City National Security Campus – Honeywell Federal Manufacturing and Technologies

James Easaw serves as the Director of Special Programs, Global Security, in the Department of Energy’s Kansas City National Security Campus, managed and operated by Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies. With over seven thousand employees in Kansas City and Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Kansas City National Security Campus provides diverse engineering, manufacturing, and secure sourcing services for national security. James holds the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (University of South Carolina); the Master of Arts in International Politics and Security (University of Denver); the Executive Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Management (Thunderbird School of Global Management); is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth; and has studied graduate Economics at the American University. James has volunteered his time in support of numerous Kansas City causes including Junior Achievement Biz Town, Veterans’ Community Project, Harvesters’ Food Bank, Children’s Hospital of Kansas City MLK Volunteer, F.I.S.H – Friends In Support of Heroes Veterans’ Organization, Rise Against Hunger and KCNSC Kansas City Symphony Business Alliance. He is married to Dr. Minnette A. Bumpus of Kansas City, MO.

Tausha Hammett
LC’s Bar B Q

Tausha has had a distinguished career spanning over 20 years, building and leading organizations with a focus on excellence and innovation. She currently serves as the owner of LC’s Bar B Q, an establishment founded by her grandfather, BBQ legend LC Richardson, which has been a cornerstone of the community since 1986. Tausha is passionate about inspiring and empowering others, particularly in helping emerging leaders build roadmaps for success and strengthening community ties. Tausha holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Tennessee State University. She later earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Ottawa University. As a dedicated community volunteer and active member, Tausha is deeply involved in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Tausha wish to acknowledge her husband, John Coffee, who she has been rocking with for 10 years.