Speakers | Tedx Kelly Ingram Park

Meet the Speakers

TEDx Kelly Ingram Park is thrilled to present a diverse lineup of inspiring speakers who will share their powerful ideas at our event. Each speaker is a thought leader in their respective fields, and their presentations will spark meaningful conversations and inspire action.

Event Hosts

Alycia Levels Moore

Alycia Levels Moore is a strategist, storyteller, and ecosystem builder working at the intersection of entrepreneurship, economic development, and culture. She is the founder of ASL Creative Firm, a consulting company helping organizations across the South design place-based strategies, launch programming, and build capacity for growth. Alycia also founded POLARIS BHM, a flexible innovation space, and the Vanguard Development Collective, focused on economic resilience through ownership, opportunity, and education.

She currently leads the Breaking Barriers to Business Initiative, a regional partnership between Main Street America, Living Cities, and the Truist Foundation. This multi-city collaboration delivers capital and community-driven strategies to 15 business communities across the Southeast.

Alycia’s impact includes building business accelerators, developing culturally relevant curriculum, advising entrepreneurs, and guiding municipalities on equitable small business development. Her work blends data, culture, and empathy to drive momentum in underserved communities.

A classically trained artist, Alycia also leads ASL Music Group, where she released More Fight, a mental health awareness project in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Alycia is a wife, mother of four, and unwavering believer in the power of possibility. Through every endeavor, she works to move people from where they are to where they dream to be—infusing every step with both strategy and soul.

Jeremy Ervin

Jeremy Ervin is a Birmingham native and proud graduate of A.H. Parker High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Stillman College and a Master of Business from the University of Phoenix. A certified Workforce Development Professional, Jeremy brings over 20 years of experience in human resources and workforce development.

Currently, Jeremy serves as the first-ever Workforce Development Administrator for Birmingham Water Works, where he designs and implements programs to strengthen employee skills and career growth. He is also the CEO of Ervin PR LLC, having led successful campaigns for leaders such as District Attorney Danny Carr, Judge Ruby Davis, Representative Ontario Tillman, School Board Representative James Sullivan, and Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard.

Jeremy is deeply committed to community service and actively serves on multiple boards across Birmingham. He also leads the Paragon Purpose People Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals overcome employment barriers and gain meaningful careers.

Whether in public service, workforce strategy, or civic engagement, Jeremy is passionate about empowering individuals and creating lasting community impact.

Featured Speakers

Pete Blank

"The Relationship Renaissance! Why Human Connections are Making a Comeback"

Pete Blank brings a wealth of leadership experience from his 13-year career at Disney, where he helped shape the company’s world-renowned employee culture. At the Disney University, he led the Traditions program and trained thousands of college interns, later serving as a Segment Learning Manager for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line.

Currently the Training and Organizational Development Manager for the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, Pete also speaks nationwide on leadership, employee engagement, and customer experience. He holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and Certified Facilitator of Training (CFT) credentials and received Disney’s prestigious “Partners in Excellence” award.

Pete is the author of Employee Engagement: Lessons from the Mouse House and 55 Ways to Add Disney Magic to Your Organization. With humor, insight, and actionable strategies, he helps leaders create meaningful workplace experiences that drive results.

Danielle N. Baskin

"The Invisible Hat: Living, Leading, and Laughing Through a Beautifully Complicated Neurodivergent Mind"

Danielle N. Baskin is a visionary event strategist and creative entrepreneur, operating and managing a full-service event management and design company. With over 15 years of experience, Danielle has curated impactful events for corporate, cultural, and civic clients across the Southeast. As the Senior Event Manager at Birmingham’s historic Boutwell Auditorium, she leads large-scale productions and civic initiatives that enrich the city’s cultural fabric. Danielle is also a passionate advocate for mental health and neurodiversity, using her personal journey with ADHD and dyslexia to empower others — particularly Black women over 40 — to embrace their unique gifts and lead boldly. Danielle holds multiple degrees and certifications and is most proud of her HBCU education form Stillman College. She's a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc and the mom of one son Korey D. Baskin, 21, a junior at Alabama A & M University and Buddy, the family's fur baby.

Dr. Mikel D. Whittier

"The Invisible Game: How Organizational Politics and Imposter Syndrome Keep Us Playing Small"

Dr. Mikel D. Whittier is a nationally recognized healthcare strategist, executive, and certified leadership coach focused on transforming health systems through equity and excellence. As the inaugural Director of the Office of Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence at UCLA Health, he leads initiatives impacting 35,000 employees and over 2 million patients annually. With 16+ years of experience, Mikel has worked across academic medical centers, public health systems, and national movements to drive justice-centered innovation. His leadership helped implement the Ferguson Commission’s health equity recommendations, reallocating $2 million to community-based public health. He co-developed UCLA’s JUST Excellence Framework and led successful Medicaid expansion campaigns in Missouri. Mikel is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and founder of Splice Strategies, a consultancy supporting mission-driven leaders in advancing equity through action. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master’s in Health Administration. Known for his ability to help leaders navigate power, purpose, and perception, Mikel equips changemakers to lead with clarity, courage, and community.

Alexis Kimbrough

"How Generational Food Habits Shape Our Hormones, Health & Happiness"

Alexis Kimbrough is the founder and CEO of Herban Soul Café, a wellness brand dedicated to redefining health through herbal, plant-based food and beverage innovations. With a background in mental health and holistic wellness, Alexis empowers communities through products and storytelling that nourish the mind, body, and soul.

Lisa Blackmon

"Courage to be You- The Death of the Clone"

Lisa Blackmon is a seasoned attorney, executive coach, and leadership strategist with more than 25 years of experience across the legal and business sectors. As Managing Attorney at Blackmon & Blackmon, LLC, and Founder of Lifechangers International Inc., she blends legal expertise, entrepreneurial insight, and a passion for transformational leadership. Lisa specializes in real estate law and has guided clients from individuals to corporations in using property investment as a wealth-building strategy. She holds certifications in executive leadership, business coaching, and public speaking. Her signature programs and keynotes inspire measurable personal and organizational growth. Lisa is the force behind the “I AM A Lifechanger” movement, reaching thousands through workshops and speaking engagements. She serves on the Executive Board of the Jimmie Hale Mission and is a charter member of both the Black Women Lawyers Association and NAWBO Birmingham. Lisa also contributes her time and expertise to the Volunteer Lawyers Program. With a mission to help leaders unlock their full potential, Lisa empowers individuals and organizations to align purpose with performance and lead with clarity, confidence, and conviction.

Jason Burroughs

"Agent of Change"

Jason Burroughs is a transformative entrepreneur, coach, and CEO of Sky Blue Logistics, a freight brokerage firm specializing in commercial construction materials. He also leads Coach Jason Cultivates, where he mentors entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses and personal growth. A Top 40 Under 40 honoree by the Birmingham Business Journal, Jason’s rise from financial hardship to founder of a thriving logistics company has been spotlighted by AL.com. He co-founded the Magic City Joint Trucking Venture, a coalition of minority- and women-owned firms working to win Tier 1 contracts and promote inclusive procurement. Jason’s book, In Transit: From Moving Boxes to Moving Souls, shares his powerful story and leadership insights. In addition to running two businesses, he serves as Program Manager for YouthBuild Up Birmingham, where he empowers underserved youth with education, construction training, and leadership development. Jason holds an MBA certificate from the Birmingham Business Alliance Supplier Scale Program and is deeply involved in civic life through the Chamber of Commerce and Birmingham Business Alliance. His mission is clear: build pathways of opportunity so others can rise, lead, and thrive.

Dr. Kate McCombs

"Self-Leadership: Before You Influence Others, Can You Influence Yourself?"

A professor at Samford Brock School of Business, I specialize in leadership and organizational management. With a B.S in Finance, a M.S in International Business and a , Ph.D in Business Management and publications in respected journals, I am passionate about helping leaders and organizations reach their full potential. My experiences in corporate environment, academia, and leadership development background give me a unique perspective on bridging the gap between personal growth and organizational success.

I bring a blend of academic expertise and real-world experience to leadership development, focusing on practical strategies that drive lasting impact. My approach is customized to your needs to ensure actionable insights and measurable results. I’m passionate about helping professionals and teams thrive by fostering accountability, synergy, and leadership effectiveness in today’s evolving workplace.

As featured in: Leadership, Personality and Individual Differences, Leadership & Organizational Development, Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology and many others.

Dr. C. Allen Gorman

"Leading With Heart: Harnessing the Power of Compassionate Leadership"

Dr. C. Allen Gorman is an Associate Professor of Management in the Collat School of Business at UAB, where he teaches classes in Leadership and Human Resource Management. In addition to his academic role, Dr. Gorman provides consulting services within the domains of human resource management and organizational development, particularly in the areas of employee selection, performance management, and leadership development. His expertise and experience make him a sought-after speaker and consultant in the field.

Dr. Tammy L. Hodo

"Cognitive Dissonance"

Dr. Tammy L. Hodo is the founder and CEO of All Things Diverse LLC, a consulting firm that partners with organizations to build inclusive, high-performing cultures through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies. With over 20 years in higher education and a Ph.D. in Urban Studies, Dr. Hodo blends academic expertise and real-world insight to drive institutional change. Her work spans government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors—including DEI training for cities like Jacksonville, Tampa, and Sanford, and federal agencies like the VA. She co-authored How to Engage in Difficult Conversations on Identity, Race, and Politics in Higher Education and is writing chapters on healthcare and justice for an upcoming book on Race & Ethnicity. A U.S. Navy veteran, TEDx speaker, and contributor to Vector Solutions, she develops workplace learning content on microaggressions, cultural competency, and communication. Through All Things Diverse, Dr. Hodo helps clients align DEI with strategy and impact, turning values into measurable outcomes.

AJ STEPHENS

"The Blueprint"

AJ Stephens is a business strategist, certified financial educator, and founder of The Kaizen Agency—a consulting firm committed to transforming underserved communities through entrepreneurship, access to capital, and small business development. A Birmingham native, AJ began as a part-time bank teller in 2020 and rose to Vice President of Community Lending at Valley Bank by 2023, breaking racial barriers in Alabama’s banking industry. He’s helped clients secure over $2.5 million in funding and delivers financial education across classrooms, churches, housing communities, and Fortune 100 firms. As a thought leader and Birmingham Business Journal contributor, AJ shares expert insights on business growth and financial literacy. He serves on multiple nonprofit boards and is a recognized NextGenBHM honoree. Through Kaizen, he partners with nonprofits and agencies to design outcome-driven programs rooted in equity and opportunity. Under 30 and already a regional changemaker, AJ is proving that when communities gain financial tools, they gain futures.

Dr. Erica Jewel Littleton

"How Solving My Problem, Served Many"

Dr. Erica Jewel Littleton is a serial edupreneur, leadership strategist, and proud graduate of
Birmingham City Schools. With 20 years in education, she has served as a teacher, turnaround specialist, and founder of Learning Little People. Her TEDx talk draws from her doctoral research, The Urban Pedagogue to Principal Pipeline, and her mission to elevate educators as system-builders. She is also the creator of The Edupreneurship Academy and
co-creator of The Dream Builder Experience. Dr. Erica Jewel is a member of the Leadership Birmingham Class of 2026.

Dr. Henry J. Henderson

"Communicating with Everyone Throughout the World"

Dr. Henry J. Henderson III is a cancer biologist, medical science liaison, and passionate advocate for health equity. A Mobile, Alabama native, he earned his B.S. from Southern University and Ph.D. from Tuskegee University, followed by postdoctoral research at Vanderbilt. Dr. Henderson’s impact spans from Capitol Hill, where he has lobbied for cancer research funding, to international speaking engagements on cancer equity. Named one of the 40 Under 40 Leaders in Health by the National Minority Quality Forum, he’s also a Southern University 40 Under 40 alumnus. Beyond science, Henry is a champion for global citizenship and cognitive health, promoting French language learning as a tool for connection and cross-cultural understanding. Through his work in research, education, and public engagement, Dr. Henderson inspires a future where knowledge, equity, and human connection drive transformative progress in healthcare and beyond.

Dr. Bhagyashree Barhate

"Reimagining Career Success: What Gen Z is Teaching Us"

Dr. Bhagyashree Barhate is an Assistant Professor of Adult, Professional, and Community Education at Texas State University. Her research and teaching focus on how individuals construct meaningful careers in an increasingly complex and uncertain world. As a scholar, Dr. Barhate intends to bridge theory and practice to help individuals and organizations thrive amidst volatility. Her work advances human-centered
approaches to career development, advocating for systems that honor identity, purpose, and sustainability in the workplace.

Mildred Black

"Alignment is Health"

Mildred Black is a nationally respected human resources strategist and founder of People Optimum Consulting. With two decades of experience, she helps organizations transform workplace culture, develop leadership capacity, and drive performance through data-driven solutions. Her proprietary Organizational Performance Optimization System™ is used by Fortune 100 clients like Amazon and Mercedes-Benz to align people, strategy, and outcomes. Mildred has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, ABC, and Fox News and is the creator of the People+Culture Vodcast and LinkedIn newsletter. She holds an Executive MBA from Georgia State, studied at Harvard Extension, and earned her B.S. in Finance from the University of Alabama. Certified as a Senior HR Professional by SHRM and HRCI, she’s also an advocate for equity, healing, and opportunity in communities affected by systemic trauma. Mildred’s work bridges leadership, inclusion, and innovation—fueling transformation from the inside out.

Don Mosely

"Disatrous Hope"

Don Mosely is a civic leader, legal professional, and champion for community safety and equity. He currently serves as Project Oversight Manager for the City of Birmingham’s Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI), where he leads strategic planning to enhance public safety and well-being. Previously, Don was the County Court Administrator for Alabama’s 10th Judicial Circuit, improving judicial efficiency and access. A Miles College graduate and first-generation college student, he earned his Juris Doctor from Birmingham School of Law. His career includes roles with FEMA, AmeriCorps, UAB, and the Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity. Don also led TRIO programs and managed $1.3M in federal education funding. Deeply involved in civic life, he has held leadership roles with the UNCF, Toastmasters, and multiple nonprofit boards. Recognized by Birmingham Business Journal, Birmingham Times, and the Alabama Legislature, Don exemplifies servant leadership. His career is rooted in justice, education, and building systems where communities—and individuals—can thrive.