Speakers

Ari Takata-Vasquez

Entrepreneur, Designer, Artist and Community Builder

Ari Takata-Vasquez is a passionate artist committed to fostering Oakland’s creative community. As the founder of Viscera, a USA-made brand and shop established in 2014, Ari promotes intentional living through ethically sourced products that highlight craftsmanship and storytelling. She also leads Viscera Studio, providing creative consulting to startups and businesses, and serves as the executive director of the Oakland Indie Alliance, advocating for local independent businesses.

Chandra Brooks

Best Selling Author, TEDx Speaker, Entrepreneur

Chandra Brooks is a mother of four, author, entrepreneur, community leader, and TEDx speaker. Raised in San Jose, California, she has a deep passion for community, civil rights, social justice, and civic engagement. She graduated from Emerge California’s Political Training Program for Democratic Women and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Chandra has held key roles, including Vice President of the NAACP, Vice-Chair of Santa Clara County’s Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and Delegate for the California State Assembly, District 27, focusing on enhancing civic engagement among women and communities of color.

Chandra founded Chandra Brooks International, LLC, and the Powerhouse Academy™, where she empowers women to achieve their business ambitions and community goals. Recently, she has incorporated AI into her services and business strategy, enhancing the coaching and consulting experience for her clients. Chandra is also the co-owner of Scrublyfe Uniforms, which supplies medical uniforms to schools, hospitals, and clinics.

Recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal, Chandra has received numerous accolades, including the Women of the Year in Advocacy award from 100 Black Women of Silicon Valley, The Latina with Vision Award from New York Life, and The Leadership Award from The League of United Latin American Citizens. She has also been honored with the 2020 Leadership in Business Award from The California State Assembly, the Drum Major Award from The Annual MLK Luncheon, and the 2023 Legislative Business Brunch honoree from the California Black Chamber of Commerce and Legislative Black Caucus. In 2024, she received the Collaboration Award from Supervisor Cindy Chavez at The 2024 Women Leadership Summit.

Charlese Banks

Business Owner, Consultant, Strategic Partnerships, Brand Development, Marketing Strategies

Charlese Banks is a business owner and consultant based in Oakland, renowned for her multifaceted interests and expertise. She excels in brand development, marketing strategies, and event production. Charlese is dedicated to creating impactful experiences that celebrate diversity and culture, whether through organizing fashion shows, curating art activations, or hosting community events. Since 2014, she has been instrumental in the East Oakland Black Cultural Zone Collaborative Partners, working to empower local communities through strategic initiatives aimed at sustainable neighborhood development.

Dr. Dene’ Starks-McGee

CEO of DJS Business Solutions

Dr. Dene’ Starks-McGee is the CEO of DJS Business Solutions, specializing in helping individuals plan, optimize, and launch new businesses. With over 15 years of experience in Business Management & Development and Organizational Training, she excels in technical assistance, workshop presenting, and business advising.

Kevin Jenkins

District 6 Councilmember

Kevin Jenkins, a lifelong resident of East Oakland, California, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as the City Council representative for District 6. With a background deeply rooted in community service and education, Kevin has been a pivotal figure in local governance and advocacy. He holds a B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning from San Francisco State University and a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, East Bay.

Before his current role, Kevin served as a trustee for the Peralta Community College District, where he championed initiatives for student housing and navigated the district through challenging times, including the global pandemic. His commitment to public service extends further as a former commissioner for the Alameda County Public Health Commission and Director of Housing for an anti-poverty organization. Kevin’s collaborative efforts with community organizations have significantly impacted issues such as housing affordability, public health, and environmental stewardship in Oakland.

Mashama Thompson

Co-founder, Creative Director of 510media

Mashama Thompson is the Co-founder and Creative Director of 510media, a vibrant creative and brand strategy studio in Oakland, California. With over fifteen years of experience as Chief Brand Strategist, Mashama has led creative and strategic teams across various industries, focusing on human-centric design that evokes emotion and drives behavior. He developed the acclaimed course ‘PLAY Sessions: Unlocking Brand and Behavior’ and is a guest lecturer on Branding, Evolution, Emotions, and Behavior. Mashama’s expertise extends to serving on the Adobe Design Awards panel, nurturing future design leaders.

Trevor Parham

Artist, Entrepreneur and Investor

Trevor Parham is the Founder & CEO of Oakstop, a Black-owned business that transforms commercial real estate into spaces empowering communities of color with workspace and creative environments. Trevor co-founded the Oakland Black Business Fund to support black-owned businesses with capital and growth strategies. Named Executive of the Year (2020) by the San Francisco Business Times, Trevor is recognized for his leadership in community empowerment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oakstop, under his guidance, received the Small Business of the Year Award (2020) for its dedication to providing affordable space for local nonprofits.