Russell Cox is a DoD Financial Manager in the Business Consulting workstream at Ernst & Young, LLP’s Government Public Sector practice. Born and raised in Harlem, New York, Russell now resides in Fort Washington, Maryland, with his wife and two sons, Malachi and Micah.

Russell has a background in civil service, having previously served as a Firefighter and EMT for the City of Richmond, VA. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & History from SUNY Buffalo, a Master of Business Administration from American University, and is an ASMC Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM).

What impact are you most proud of?
The birth of my two beautiful boys, affectionately known as Bean and Gummi.

What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the temporal nature of life—it reminds me to enjoy every moment while it lasts.

Best advice you’ve received:
“You can do ANYTHING, but you can’t do EVERYTHING.”

Best advice you’ve given:
“People’s opinion of you is none of your business.”

Kevin R. Hollingsworth, M.S. is an FMS Transportation Officer at CACI and the CEO of Paradigm Transportation Group. Born in Florence, SC, and raised in Raleigh, NC, Kevin embodies a unique blend of southern hospitality and global perspective. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fayetteville State University and a Master of Science in International Transportation and Supply Chain Management from SUNY Maritime College.

As a Transportation Subject Matter Expert, Kevin supports the Department of Defense through Security Cooperation Foreign Military Sales and Building Partner Capacity programs. His extensive defense background includes multiple deployments as a contractor in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Kevin is also an aspiring author, speaker, and the founder of Paradigm Transportation Group.

What impact are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being a mentor. From being paired with a 1st grader as a 5th grader to my current work with the DC Rhinos youth group, mentorship has been a humbling and rewarding experience. My mentors shaped my life, and I view it as my mission to “lift as I climb.”

What inspires you?
My legacy inspires me. Reflecting on my past motivates me to focus on the future—on the man I’m becoming and the impact I want to leave behind. The possibilities are endless, and I’m driven by the idea that my best is still ahead.

What is the best advice you’ve received?
“It is what it is.” This simple yet profound statement has helped me navigate life’s challenges and triumphs with clarity and acceptance.

What advice do you have for rising professionals?
You belong. Whether it’s the boardroom, the title, or the opportunity—you’ve earned it. Trust your skills, live in your purpose, and embrace the doors that open for you.

Waymon D. Tyson is a strategic leader and public servant within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Waymon’s transformative leadership has earned him the prestigious 2024 Pension and Fiduciary Service Executive Director’s Golden Lion Award, reflecting his unwavering commitment to excellence and organizational success.

What impact are you most proud of?
I am most proud of mentoring 17 young Black boys and girls in my family and community, guiding them to gain acceptance to the University of South Carolina, my alma mater. My journey—from overcoming personal challenges as a teenager to becoming a leader—serves as a testament to resilience. Through mentorship, I strive to challenge systemic barriers and inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter their circumstances.

What inspires you?
My family is my greatest source of inspiration. Their unwavering support and sacrifices have fueled my professional journey, motivating me to push boundaries, pursue excellence, and approach every challenge with integrity and purpose.

Best advice you’ve received:
“The tongue is one of the most powerful things that one possesses. It has the ability to make or destroy your plans. Therefore, it should be used wisely.” – Denzel Washington

What advice do you have for rising professionals?
Create a detailed 2-year and 5-year career roadmap, identifying your strengths, growth areas, and strategic steps to achieve your goals. Combine this with a commitment to lifelong learning—stay curious, seek relevant certifications, and embrace opportunities to grow. Remember, success is not linear but a journey of continuous development. Stay resilient and never underestimate the power of strategic networking.

Trenton Brooks is the Founder and CEO of Visual Torch, a Virginia-based cybersecurity consulting firm. His passions include technology, community outreach, and serving in his local church. He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma.

What impact are you most proud of?
Helping people in my church find and take the next steps in their journey with God.

What inspires you?
My grandfather, who, with only a 3rd-grade education, built a successful landscaping company in Miami. From a young age, he taught me invaluable lessons about treating clients well and running a business with integrity.

What is the best advice you’ve received?
“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”

What advice do you have for rising professionals?
Find a mentor to learn from, build a network to learn with, and document your learning so you can guide and teach others.

Stanley Dove, a Professional Services Account Executive at Adobe, was born in Accra, Ghana, and raised in North Jersey. He is a seasoned professional with a strong foundation in technology and business, holding a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Temple University and a Master of Science in Information Systems Management from Stevens Institute of Technology. In his role at Adobe, Stanley leverages his technical expertise and strategic insights to deliver exceptional client solutions.

What impact are you most proud of?
I am most proud of giving back to the community. Whether mentoring, volunteering as a teacher’s assistant, or serving the homeless, these efforts allow me to share the blessings I’ve received, make a meaningful difference, and help others succeed.

What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the younger generation stepping up to lead and make a positive impact in their communities. Helping them achieve their goals and watching their growth makes it all worthwhile.

What is the best advice you’ve received?
“Never give up. No matter how hard things may seem or how much you struggle, things will eventually improve.”

What advice do you have for rising professionals?
The best advice I can offer is to leverage your network and connections. You don’t have to navigate your journey alone—collaboration and support are invaluable.

Anthony Baise, a Senior Systems Engineering Consultant with CACI International Inc., is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is a proud graduate of Southern University and A&M College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Anthony actively contributes to his community as the 1st Vice President of the Southern University Alumni Federation Washington, DC Chapter and as a member of Thursday Network, the Greater Washington Urban League Young Professionals affiliate. In his professional role, he supports the Department of Homeland Security.

My Story

What impact are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Southern University Alumni Federation. This achievement reflects not only my personal growth and commitment to excellence but also my dedication to making a meaningful impact in my profession, community, and alma mater. It motivates me to continue working toward positive change and serving as a role model for future generations.

What inspires you?
What inspires me most is the opportunity to uplift others and create a positive impact. Whether mentoring youth through STEM programs or serving my community, I’m driven by the chance to make a lasting impact and making my family proud through my actions and achievements.

What is the best advice you’ve received?
My favorite quote is “There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance next time.” – Malcolm X

What advice do you have for rising professionals?
Continue learning. Stay curious and invest in your personal and professional development. Once you’ve attained your goals, reach back and help the generations behind you.

Board Member Mike Utaegbulam is from Jacksonville FL and is the CEO of Black Digital, an award winning marketing agency that helps social impact organizations extend the reach of their impact. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Marketing from the University of South Florida.

Best advice from a mentor
View the truth as your friend, always. When you’re younger, you sense that the truth is out there, but you don’t really want it. As you get older, you know the truth is out there, and you welcome it. It’s just a data point. It’s not going to destroy your world. The sooner you find the truth, the better: in relationships, in business, in creativity, in your own skills. Welcome the truth. It’s always your friend.

Advice he would give to rising professionals
Establish a personal board of directors. This dream team genuinely cares about you and your growth: a mentor who will help you connect the dots; a sponsor who will advocate for you in rooms you have yet to enter; a challenger who says what everyone else is thinking (often unfiltered); and a dreamer who pushes you past your mental limitations. Just like any board, you have the right to switch up the members when you have received the gifts they can offer.

Also read, drink water, and go for a walk daily.

On what he’s proudest of
Moving to DC in 2017. I was in the middle of Club Aja with the fellas when I made the decision. Two months later, I packed everything into my car and took the Auto Train from Orlando to Lorton. No job, no place to stay, no real plan, just a deep desire to do something greater….and it worked out better than I could have ever imagined. Will replicate the same success in NYC.

His Inspiration
My family, my fraternity and my confidants. They are my reason.
“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”

Hampton Watson III, hailing from Middletown Connecticut. Owner of Complete Move Solution LLC, Dj Hamp The Stampede LLC, and The Watsons LLC Lessor & Property Management. Hampton holds A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Elizabeth City State University.

Best advice from a mentor
“Life It’s Hard But FAIR, everything that comes your way, good or bad, expect it.”

Advice he would give to rising professionals
if you are the smartest person in the room, become the president of that one and a steward of another. “Once you stop learning you start dying.” – Albert Einstein

On what he’s proudest of
Intestinal fortitude in all things. testicicular in the off chance that intestinal wasn’t enough. Hamp has never been afraid to try a thing and create his own way. Freedom to say, “Owner” has always been his pursuit for himself and those around him. To coach young black boys to become men not only on the football field but in life is a conjures a feeling that only giving back can give.

His Inspiration
Legacy for any man is the motivation, a father of six including two sets of twins, the husband of a WIFE, and a leader of men. To leave this world is never ok without making an impact FIRST. If no one remembers your name when tied to impact and accomplishment’s, it is imperative to do more! You are your motivation, let those around you be your inspiration.

Eulvid Rocque, a Senior Budget Specialist at the Environmental Protection Agency, boasts an impressive career spanning more than 15 years in public service. His expertise encompasses various sectors, including contracting, budgeting, accounting, and student services.

Rocque earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management with a minor in Accounting from Suffolk University in 2004. Later, he pursued a Masters in Public Administration from the same institution in 2006. Throughout college, he actively participated in campus activities and held leadership positions, including president of the Caribbean Student Network and editor-in-chief of the Beacon Yearbook.

Rocque was raised in Boston, Massachusetts, and has Caribbean roots from the Commonwealth of Dominica and the West Indies.

Rocque’s early career involved positions at Suffolk University and Georgetown University before he landed in the Environmental Protection Agency. He is attracted to the public sector because of his desire to improve life for everyone. 

His inspiration
His parents’ dedication and sacrifices. “My parents’ decision to prioritize [their children’s] well-being meant putting their own dreams on hold,” Rocque reflects. Witnessing their sacrifices and realizing the milestones they put on hold fueled Rocque’s ambition and instilled an unwavering determination in him to pursue his personal and professional aspirations.

On hopes for the future
Rocque hopes to focus community resources and efforts to help residents find employment and enhance their quality of life. He believes strongly in making a positive impact on the community and enriching the lives of others.

His favorite quote
One quote that resonates deeply with Rocque is from Colin Powell: “A dream doesn’t become a reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.”

His advice for rising professionals
“Stay open to learning and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.”

Jay Cuttino, a Bronx native with roots in Georgetown, South Carolina, embodies a rich array of experiences and expertise. He has worked with the Navy for more than 16 years and currently serves as the Service Delivery and Operations Principal Assistant Program Manager. In this role, he oversees the Navy Enterprise Resource Planning system, driving its modernization and compliance with IT laws.

Cuttino earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Purdue University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity.

Cuttino is also the founder and creative force behind Street Disciple Clothing, a faith-inspired urban clothing brand that fuses spirituality with street style, and Street Disciple University. Cuttino’s multifaceted interests reveal his dedication to personal and collective growth, a commitment he passes to those he works with and mentors.

On what he’s proudest of
Cuttino is proudest of his role in fostering religious diversity through Street Disciple University. This non-profit organization is an educational platform for collaboration between individuals from various faith traditions. “Being a Street Disciple is not just a style; it’s a journey toward enlightenment and inclusivity,” Cuttino says.

On empowerment
Cuttino engages deeply in community outreach as a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a Prince Hall Affiliated Mason. “Empowering young Black men through mentoring programs is particularly fulfilling,” he says, “as it guides them toward their own positive community contributions.”

His inspiration
Religious and world leaders. “[I see] Jesus as the ultimate Street Disciple in the gospel narratives. His radical compassion, inclusive love, and unwavering dedication to justice inspire me deeply,” Cuttino says. Understanding Jesus’ ministry, where he embraced the marginalized and challenged oppressive systems, fuels Cuttino’s own passion for social justice and community empowerment. He also draws inspiration from Nelson Mandela, who said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

The best advice he’s received
“Be willing to learn and always be willing to teach.”

Advice he would give
“Embrace the journey with an open mind and a commitment to continuous growth. Seek mentors who can guide you with wisdom and experience. Never underestimate the power of networking and building meaningful connections. Stay resilient in the face of challenges, and always maintain integrity in your actions. Remember to prioritize work-life balance and nurture your well-being along the way. And above all, never stop learning and expanding your horizons.”