Dr. Raymond Dickey earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Fort Valley State University. Dickey discovered his passion for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery during his matriculation after completing his Dental Medical Doctorate (DMD) at the Medical College of Georgia College of Dental Medicine in 2013. Dickey pursued further training, including a General Practice Residency at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital and an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at Howard University Hospital. He completed a one-year reconstruction and cosmetic surgery fellowship in St. Louis, Missouri, enhancing his skills in temporomandibular joint, trauma, and nerve repair.

He currently serves as an attending physician at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Atlanta. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, American College of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, and a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

On impact

Dickey’s influence extends beyond his medical practice. He is proud to be an example for the next generation of young Black doctors, advocating for diversity in his field. Black doctors currently make up less than 4% of his profession. Dickey’s inspiration lies in changing the narrative of surgeons, showing enthusiasm, and encouraging others that this goal and lifestyle are attainable. “I’m proud to be a thoughtful, outspoken, and open-minded example for the next generation of doctors,” he says.

Best advice from a mentor

When I was younger, my father told me to remove ‘can’t’ from my vocabulary. He reminded me everything is possible, but I must work for it.”

His advice to up-and-comers

As a passionate and dedicated professional, Dickey has a list of advice for rising professionals to choose from, including:
“Don’t be afraid of rejection or ‘impossible’ challenges.”
“Embrace the journey with an open mind and heart.”
“Understand that it’s ok to make mistakes; that’s the only way to learn.”
“Never stop learning and never become complacent.”
“Never underestimate the power of networking. Your network can define your net worth.”
“Give yourself grace along your journey. Run your race, nobody else’s.”

His favorite quote

Dickey lives by the quote “Success is a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome” by Arthur Ashe. His life and actions are a testament to this. Recently, Dickey assisted passengers on a Delta flight after the plane got stuck on the runway without air conditioning for four hours. Several of the passengers passed out because of the heat, and Dickey and two nurses gave them oxygen, checked their vital signs, and elevated their legs. A photo of him helping passengers went viral.

Dr. Joseph Bonivel Jr. is a Subject Matter Expert at the Department of Defense and leads disruptive technology incubation for the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. He’s a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s GeoTech Center, where he provides science policy guidance on emerging technologies to ensure the use of “technology for good” among individuals, societies, and the international community. 

In tandem with his role in the defense sector and the Atlantic Council, Bonivel serves on NASA’s Translational Research Institute for Space Health’s diversity advisory board, focusing on deep space exploration challenges for humans. His career has been characterized by multifaceted roles in technical project management, policy analysis, and cutting-edge engineering.

He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Materials Science Engineering from the University of South Florida, with additional engineering degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of South Carolina.

On what he’s proudest of
“Given that less than 4% of PhDs in STEM go to minorities, having the ability to connect Black boys and girls to my network of Black PhDs is my calling,” Bonivel says. Helping people understand and recognize that minorities can be in top positions brings him the most joy.

His inspiration
“As cliche as it may be, my mother inspires me more than anyone else,” Bonivel says. He explains that her mantra, “failure is not an option,” has driven him his entire life. “It is vital to keep those around you who push you to greatness even if it’s uncomfortable.”

His personal mantra
“All avalanches are started by a single snowflake. Take that first step to greatness.”

Advice for people aspiring to work in STEM industries
Bonivel advises young STEM professionals to learn to network and work in collaborative teams. “Engineering is no longer siloed to a single engineer in a lab; all innovations are built as a team.”

Bonivel has been awarded Technologist of the Year by the Southern New England Association of Technical Professionals and featured in Black Enterprise Magazine and Wired, so take his advice when he says that everyone should gain a basic understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning. “This technology can propel you, but if you don’t understand it, you will be left behind.”

Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Emory Frazier is a Program Manager at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office. Frazier holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Morehouse College and a Master of Health Administration from the University of South Carolina. 

Frazier is an accomplished Program Manager with a proven track record in the healthcare administration industry. Frazier’s expertise is underscored by his certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB). Both certifications highlight Frazier’s ability to: successfully manage projects within specific constraints, apply strategic thinking to solve complex problems, and promote team collaboration.

Best advice from a mentor
“When a door is closed, look for a cracked window.” In other words, never let “no” be a final answer as there will always be another solution to the problem at hand.

Advice he would give to rising professionals
“Associate with mentors who are truly invested in helping you accomplish your career goals,” Frazier says. Mentorship can be an invaluable resource, providing you with guidance, support, and the tools necessary to reach your full potential.” 

On what he’s proudest of
“I’m extremely proud of the positive impact I have had on young minorities during mentoring opportunities over the years. I believe that giving back is a cornerstone of community development, as it fosters a spirit of unity. As a young black professionals, I believe we collectively are responsible for creating a safe, vibrant, and inviting space for young minorities to thrive.” 

His inspiration
Motivated by the desire to create a legacy his family can be proud of, Frazier leverages his past experiences to drive the success of his future endeavors. This not only applies to his career in healthcare administration but also to the shaping and molding of key characteristics that he must possess to be the best person for himself and the community he serves.