We are dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
Dr. Joseph Bonivel Jr. is a seasoned R&D engineer with a profound wealth of expertise and a remarkable track record in shaping innovation policies and forging strategic partnerships. His career has been characterized by multifaceted roles in technical project management, policy analysis, and cutting-edge engineering. Currently serving as a Project Director and Subject Matter Expert for the Department of Defense’s Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Dr. Bonivel is at the forefront of interdisciplinary science and technology integration. In this capacity, he leads a dynamic team dedicated to sourcing and harnessing innovative technologies from various DoD laboratories to empower the warfighter in critical technology domains. He is also a Nonresident Senior Fellow for the GeoTech Center at the Atlantic Council where he provides science policy guidance on emerging technologies and development of strategies to ensure the use of “technology for good” among individuals, societies, and the international community. His expertise is widely recognized, with peer-reviewed publications and panel discussions covering diverse topics, from semiconductor supply chain logistics to the Data Divide. In tandem with his role in the defense sector and the Atlantic Council, Joe is a diversity advisory board member for NASA’s Translational Research Institute for Space Health, which focuses on solving the challenges of human deep space exploration.
He is a former AAAS Big Data and Analytics Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In his NSF fellowship role, he fostered entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology commercialization of research that was previously funded by the federal government. Joe’s role at USAID was twofold in helping to understand how digital technology can stop the spread of health epidemics (Ebola) and designing and developing predictive algorithms to measure USAID’s influence on their bilateral donors and partners. Prior to his AAAS fellowships, Joe was a Senior Research Engineer for United Technologies Research Center (UTRC). At UTRC he was responsible for developing, identifying, and implementing protocols to evaluate the mechanical performance of novel materials and structures within the various businesses of United Technologies Corporation (Raytheon).
Dr. Bonivel’s holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Science with a dual focus on Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Florida. He also holds an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a dual focus on Mechanical and Material Science Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of South Carolina, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, also from the University of South Carolina.
Joe was awarded Technologist of the Year by the Southern New England Association of Technical Professionals and was profiled by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of its 100 Modern Men. He has been awarded top 40 under 40 and top 100 innovators of 2022 by Top 100 Magazine. Bonivel has also spent time teaching engineering and physics at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. In his free time, he is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and cyclist.
Emory Frazier was born and raised in Charleston, SC, where he graduated from the Charleston County School of the Arts (SOA). He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Morehouse College and a Masters of Health Administration from the University of South Carolina. Emory is an accomplished Program Manager with a proven track record in the healthcare administration industry. With a wealth of experience, Emory has consistently delivered exceptional results in program and project management. Emory’s expertise is underscored by their prestigious certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB). Emory enjoys triathlon training, traveling, watching sports, and cultivating bonding experiences for family/friends.
Mike Utaegbulam is the Founder & CEO of Black Digital, an award-winning digital creative agency based in Washington DC. He founded the firm in 2018 to address the widespread need for mission- based organizations to craft tailored digital marketing that optimally inspires their key audiences to act. He has consulted on digital marketing strategies for some of the biggest organizations in the country. His wealth of insights from 16 years of leading nonprofit and higher-education organizations has made Black Digital a thriving, change-making organization. He is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, The Southern Diplomats, and Men of Color in Communications.
Jay Cuttino, a 40-year-old Bronx native with deep roots in Georgetown, SC, embodies a diverse tapestry of experiences and expertise. As a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a Prince Hall Affiliated Mason, he engages deeply in community outreach. Jay’s passions encompass cycling, hiking, boxing, yoga, reading, and immersive cultural travel experiences, all interwoven with cherished moments spent with his family.
With a robust academic background, Jay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management with a concentration in leadership from Purdue University. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and possesses several other technical management certifications, showcasing his 16 years of expertise supporting the Department of the Navy (DON). Currently serving as the Service Delivery and Operations Principal Assistant Program Manager (PAPM), he oversees the Navy Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, a global financial, acquisition, and logistics IT nexus. In this pivotal role, his strategic acumen ensures compliance with IT-related laws and policies, driving the modernization of the Navy’s financial, workforce, and supply chain management for operational efficiency and federal adherence. Working in tandem with his dedicated team, he ensures the seamless execution of the technical refresh of the Navy ERP system, thereby delivering the essential Naval Enterprise Business Solution (NEBS).
In addition to his remarkable career, Jay is a dedicated scholar pursuing a Master of Divinity degree from Howard University School of Divinity (HUSD). Jay is also the creative force behind Street Disciple Clothing, a faith-inspired urban clothing brand seamlessly fusing spirituality with street style, and the visionary founder of Street Disciple University, a non-profit organization fostering religious diversity and promoting programs that facilitate spiritual growth, healing, and holistic well-being. Jay’s multifaceted journey reflects his unwavering commitment to personal and collective growth, creating a lasting impact on those he encounters. His dedication extends to establishing a mentoring program nurturing young boys into positive black men, empowering them for success in their communities. His future endeavor includes establishing a rites of passage program, shaping the future for young boys, and nurturing them into positive black men. This transformative initiative aims to instill a strong sense of self, achievement, and responsibility, envisioning a nation of noble black men making impactful contributions to their communities. Through his multifaceted pursuits, Jay Cuttino emerges as a beacon of inspiration, weaving spirituality, education, and community empowerment into the fabric of his purposeful life.
DJ Hamp/ Hampton Roosevelt Watson III, born and raised in Connecticut. DJ Hamp played football and graduated from Elizabeth City State University with a degree in Business Administration in 2009. He is a National Senior Director and owner of Hamp The Stampede LLC. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. And 100 Black Men of America. He is The Creator of This Might Be Risky YouTube Channel. Being a Black man in America is his passion, once being a proponent of the stereotypes, his goal is to be an influencer masses and the youth to be better than him.
An accomplished professional offering 19 years of experience in the Federal Government, Private Industry, and Higher Education sectors in contracting, budgeting, accounts payable, general accounting, purchasing, billing, public administration, and student services.
Eulvid Rocque was raised in Boston, Massachusetts and attended South Boston High School, where he excelled academically, graduating in the top ten percentile. Determined to translate obstacles he faced into stepping stones, Eulvid continued his higher education at Suffolk University in Boston, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management with a minor concentration in Accounting in May 2004 and a Masters in Public Administration in May 2006.
He was very active in extracurricular activities on campus and held numerous leadership positions as a student at Suffolk University including President of the Caribbean Student Network, Editor and Chief of the Beacon Yearbook, and Orientation Leader, to name a few.
Eulvid also worked in the Business Office at Suffolk University and served as the Staff Advisor to the Caribbean Student Network from January 2004 till March 2007 where he received the award for outstanding Staff Advisor to a student organization in 2006. After leaving Suffolk University, Eulvid accepted the position as Budget Analyst at Georgetown University Lauinger Library from March 2007 to March 2008. In March of 2008, he joined The Department of Interior Government-Wide Acquisition Management Career Development Program class of 2007 as a Contract Specialist. He completed the program and graduated with his Level II 1102 Contracting Series in 2009 and was permanently placed at the Environmental Protection Agency, where he currently serves in a senior role as Program Analyst-Budget.
Eulvid has long been drawn to the public sector because he is driven to “play a vital role in improving life for all”. He hopes to be able to work to focus our community’s resources and efforts to efficiently resolve difficulties residents have in seeking employment, personal development and enhancing their quality of life and believes that working within a team would balance his shared desires to contribute to the community and enhance his professional skills.
Dr. Dickey is a native of Roberta, Ga., where he graduated from Crawford County High School. He then attended The Fort Valley State University, where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Biology in 2008.
He then moved to Augusta, Ga. in 2009, where he attended the Medical College of Georgia College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Dickey completed his matriculation earning his Dental Medical Doctorate (DMD) in 2013. While in dental school, he received honors and awards, as well as being a member of the Admissions Committee for three years. Also, during his matriculation, he discovered his passion for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery where he shadowed numerous surgeons.
Dr. Dickey then moved to New York where he completed his General Practice Residency at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital in 2013. His next venture started after he accepted an internship in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Harlem Hospital Center. Dr. Dickey then left New York City for residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC. While there, he trained in the broad scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with extensive training in outpatient sedation. He served as department liaison for the Committee of Interns/ Residents (CIR). Dr. Dickey completed his residency in June 2019 and then moved to St. Louis, Missouri where he completed a 1-year Fellowship in Reconstruction and Cosmetic Surgery. The additional year also provided enhanced skills in Temporomandibular Joint, Trauma, and Nerve Repair.
Dr. Dickey is a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, American College of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
He currently resides in Atlanta, GA. He enjoys hiking, basketball, traveling and spending time with family/ friends.
