As a strategic human capital management and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging leader with 20+ years of experience working with C-suite executives, senior leaders, and teams, I have the keen understanding of the intersection between human resources, organizational culture, and strategy. I partner with a diverse client base within private, public, and nonprofit sectors, to develop high performing leaders and teams, enable business transformations, and develop equitable and inclusive cultures that honor the identities and experiences of team members and the communities in which they serve.

Dr.  Ahlishia Shipley is a strategist and educator with deep expertise in organizational capacity building, program management, and building partnerships. A former USDA leader, she managed over $350M in federal investments to address family life, health disparities and rural development. As founder of AJS Relationship Strategies, she partners with nonprofits to strengthen internal capacity, align strategy, and build equity-centered teams. With a Ph.D. in Family Studies and a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designation, Dr. Shipley brings a practical, people-first approach to helping mission-driven organizations thrive.

Tom Clendenin is a lifelong Marylander, born and raised in Montgomery County. He is the owner and CFO of Becraft Plus Inc, a design-build construction company with nine employees. In his current role, he manages financial aspects of the budget, overseeing a budget averaging $1.6- $2 million per year.

Julie Dobies has an undergraduate degree from University of Minnesota with emphasis in Marketing, Speech Communication and Psychology and worked for large corporations for over 15 years. Later, she earned her State of MD teaching certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and her Masters of Arts Degree in Teaching from Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore.