think deep: beyond the surface. into your future.
22
OCT 2026
DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY
Bank of America Building
09
AM
WELCOME TO DEEP DAY >> Message from the Dean THINK DEEP: Beyond the Surface. Into Your Future. In a world of constant information, rapid innovation, and endless distractions, success belongs to those willing to look beyond what is immediately visible. This year’s DEEP Day theme, “THINK DEEP: Beyond the Surface. Into Your Future,” challenges each of us to think critically, explore intentionally, and discover the possibilities beyond first impressions and conventional paths. At the Delaware State University College of Business, we believe education is about more than mastering concepts or earning a degree. It is about developing the curiosity, resilience, and perspective needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. The leaders of tomorrow will be those who ask deeper questions, seek meaningful understanding, and approach challenges with both confidence and purpose. DEEP Day reflects that commitment. It is a day dedicated to exploration, connection, and growth. Through engaging sessions, dynamic panel discussions, and meaningful interactions with industry leaders, alumni, and professionals, our students are invited to examine their futures from a broader perspective. These experiences provide more than information; they offer insight, inspiration, and opportunities to see beyond the surface of careers, industries, and professional success. As you participate in today’s program, I encourage you to be fully present. Challenge yourself to think beyond what you already know. Engage in conversations that expand your perspective. Ask thoughtful questions. Seek wisdom from those who have traveled different paths. Every session, every interaction, and every new connection has the potential to reveal a deeper understanding of who you are and who you aspire to become. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our corporate sponsors, the Office of Student and Corporate Engagement, our faculty, staff, planning committee, and the many student volunteers whose dedication and commitment make DEEP Day possible. Your partnership helps create transformational experiences that empower our students to grow academically, professionally, and personally. In closing, I encourage each of you to embrace the spirit of this year’s theme. Look beyond the obvious. Explore possibilities with intention. Invest in relationships that inspire growth. Most importantly, recognize that your future is not something you simply enter, but something you actively shape through the choices you make, the knowledge you pursue, and the depth of your engagement with the world around you. The College of Business remains committed to developing leaders who do not merely see what is in front of them but have the vision to see what is possible beyond it. Sincerely,
Michael H. Casson Jr., Ph.D. Dean | College of Business | Delaware State University
>> Message from the Assistant Dean THINK DEEP: Beyond the Surface. Into Your Future. DEEP Day was never intended to be just another event on the calendar. It is intentionally designed to create moments that challenge perspectives, spark curiosity, and encourage students to think differently about their future. This year’s theme, “THINK DEEP: Beyond the Surface. Into Your Future,” reminds us that growth often happens beneath what others can see. While grades, resumes, and accomplishments are important, the qualities that truly shape personal and professional success are developed through reflection, self-awareness, resilience, meaningful relationships, and a willingness to learn continuously. As you move through today’s program, I encourage you to focus less on collecting information and more on gaining insight. Listen closely to the journeys shared by our speakers and panelists. Look beyond job titles and success stories to understand the lessons, setbacks, decisions, and experiences that shaped their paths. Some of the most valuable takeaways from today may come from a conversation between sessions, a question you decide to ask, or a perspective that challenges your current way of thinking. The DEEP Day Planning Committee has worked diligently to create experiences that expose you to new ideas, broaden your understanding of different industries, and help you develop skills that will serve you well beyond graduation. Whether you are a first-year student beginning to explore possibilities or a graduating senior preparing for your next chapter, there is something in today’s program designed to help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence. I am incredibly grateful to our corporate partners, alumni, speakers, faculty, staff, committee members, and student volunteers who have invested their time and talent to make this experience possible. Their commitment reflects a shared belief in the tremendous potential within each of you. My hope is that when you leave DEEP Day, you leave with more than notes, handouts, or LinkedIn connections. I hope you leave with a clearer sense of purpose, a broader vision for your future, and the confidence to pursue opportunities you may not have considered before. Take advantage of every session. Engage in every conversation. Be open to every possibility. Sometimes the most important step toward your future begins when you decide to think a little deeper today. Warm Regards,
Dr. Yah Williams Assistant Dean | Student and Corporate Engagement College of Business | Delaware State University
2026 DEEP DAY
STUDENT Agenda
8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Check-In and Continental Breakfast
1st floor lobby
9 a.m.
Welcome Remarks
Longwood 113
9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Opening Keynote Address Longwood 113 Powered by Barclays
10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
Session I (Concurrent sessions) You and AI Own the Room: Building Your Executive Presence Networking 101: The Art of Professional Relationships
Room 217 Room 201 Room 205
Session II (Concurrent sessions) Speak Their Language: The Power of Adaptable Communication Change Management
Longwood 113 Room 206
11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Lunch & Networking Lunch 1st floor lobby Networking Luncheon Rooms 308 & 309
12:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Company Information Fair
Lobby, 1st & 2nd floor
1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Mock Interviews
Room 111
1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Panel Discussions Alumni Panel – The Innovation Advantage Sport Management Aviation Industry Money on Your Mind
Room 205 Room 201 Room 217 Room 208
Closing Business Case Competition
Longwood 113
2:45 p.m.
2026 DEEP DAY
CORPORATE
Partner Agenda 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Corporate Table Setup
Lobby, 1st & 2nd floor
8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Corporate Partner Breakfast
Innovation Cafe, 1st floor
9 a.m.
Welcome Address
Longwood 113
9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Opening Keynote Address Powered by Barclays
Longwood 113
10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
Session I (Concurrent sessions) You and AI Own the Room: Building Your Executive Presence Networking 101: The Art of Professional Relationships
Room 217 Room 201 Room 205
11a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
Session II (Concurrent sessions) Speak Their Language: The Power of Adaptable Communication Longwood 113 Change Management Room 206 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Company Info Fair Lunch Innovation Cafe 1st Floor 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Networking Luncheon
Rooms 308 & 309
12:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Company Info Fair
Lobby, 1st & 2nd floor
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Mock Interviews
Room 111
1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Panel Discussions Alumni Panel – The Innovation Advantage Sport Management Aviation Industry Money on Your Mind
Room 205 Room 201 Room 217 Room 208
Closing Business Case Competition
Longwood 113
2:45 p.m.
Opening
KEYNOTE
Powered by
Paul Beckles
Vice President & General Manager, Boardroom Paul Beckles is an award-winning marketing and business executive operating at the intersection of sports, culture, media, and commerce. With more than 15 years of experience, Paul is known for building brands, scaling platforms, and leading high-performing teams that drive both cultural relevance and commercial growth across global markets. Paul currently serves as Vice President & General Manager of Boardroom, the media and membership platform founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman. In this role, he oversees the end-to-end business, including strategy, content, membership, strategic partnerships, and operations. As GM, Paul is responsible for helping to craft the long-term vision and driving day-to-day execution—aligning culture, creativity, and commercial rigor to scale Boardroom into a multi-vertical media company spanning content, events, IP, and community. Prior to Boardroom, Paul spent over six years at Nike, Inc., where he held senior leadership roles across brand marketing, athlete marketing, and global partnerships. He joined Nike as Head of Global Brand Marketing for Converse Basketball, leading the successful relaunch of the brand in basketball after nearly a decade away from the sport. He later led marketing for Nike’s NBA and WNBA licensed businesses globally and played a key role in the brand’s first-ever NIL basketball partnerships. As a senior leader within Nike’s Global Athlete Marketing organization and later as Head of Men’s Brand Marketing for Nike’s New York Headquarters, Paul led city-driven brand strategy across basketball, lifestyle, and key men’s business categories—overseeing integrated marketing, storytelling, and cross-functional execution in one of Nike’s most influential markets. Earlier in his career, Paul built a foundation across professional sports, talent representation, and creative agencies, shaping his ability to bridge brand, athlete, and business strategy in high-growth, high-pressure environments. Paul earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and completed executive education at Harvard Business School’s Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports Program. He has been recognized as a “Marketer to Watch” by Marketers That Matter, featured in The Wall Street Journal, and named a 2024 honoree of the Black Sports Business Conference for his impact on the industry. Beyond his professional work, Paul is deeply committed to mentorship, education, and cultural legacy. He serves on the Board of Advisors for the Black Sports Business Academy, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to expanding access and career pathways for HBCU students pursuing sports and entertainment careers, and on the Board of the Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute, supporting the preservation and advancement of Shirley Chisholm’s enduring legacy.
PURPOSE of Deep Day
The Delaware Executive Exchange Program (DEEP) Day, sponsored by the College of Business at Delaware State University, is designed to develop students’ soft skills to help them become qualified business professionals.
HOST Blake Saunders
Entrepreneur, Owner and Creative Director of Front Street Video Productions Blake Saunders is a dynamic event emcee and host known for his charismatic presence and engaging style. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Saunders has successfully hosted a wide range of events, from corporate conferences to high-profile galas. His ability to connect with audiences and keep events running smoothly has made him a sought-after talent. Saunders’ passion for creating memorable experiences shines through in every event he hosts. As a proud alumnus of Delaware State University, he credits his time there for shaping his confidence, voice, and commitment to excellence both on and off the stage. After college, Saunders made the decision to take his leap of faith and became a full-time entrepreneur as the Owner and Creative Director of Front Street Video Productions. Saunders believes in growth and success through one’s failures, coining the phrase “Failure is Dope,” a movement that redefines failure as a stepping stone to success. Having faced and learned from personal and business setbacks, Saunders speaks from experience, sharing real-life lessons on resilience, adaptability, and growth. Through powerful storytelling and actionable insights, Saunders challenges conventional thinking, inspiring audiences to embrace setbacks, transform obstacles into opportunities, and unlock their full potential. Their journey proves that failure isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something greater.
In the College of Business, our top priority is to ensure that students get a quality education and are empowered with academic and professional competencies to succeed in today’s global workplace. Each student has an Individual Development Plan (IDP) built on the Business Education Student Transformation (BEST) model. The BEST model creates a road map for student success that includes: soft skills, mentoring, conferences, field trips, business case competitions, internships and job placement. To this end, the DEEP Day agenda supports BEST by allowing students to gain relevant knowledge on such topics as: driving innovation, collaboration and teamwork, personal branding, and the art of the interview. DEEP Day helps lead students down a cocurricular pathway which prepares them to transition from the Delaware State University classroom to the executive boardroom. College of Business students are given an opportunity to build on their academic foundation and expand their experiences with a focus on career readiness. DEEP Day is a premier event that assists students on their journey toward becoming successful business executives with a global perspective.
Deep Day
SESSIONS Session I
Session II
>> YOU AND AI
>> SPEAK THEIR LANGUAGE: THE POWER OF ADAPTABLE COMMUNICATION
The future isn’t human versus AI; it’s human plus AI. Learn how successful professionals are combining technology, creativity, critical thinking, and relationship-building to drive innovation and impact. Speakers: Eric Brown, Tariq Hook
>> OWN THE ROOM: BUILDING YOUR EXECUTIVE PRESENCE The way you show up matters. Executive presence is not about having a title; it is about how you communicate, connect, and create confidence in those around you. This session helps students understand how to develop a leadership presence that allows them to contribute ideas, build relationships, and influence outcomes. Speaker: Isaiah Nathaniel
Effective communicators know that one message does not fit every audience. Students will learn how to adapt their communication style, understand different perspectives, and deliver messages that connect with diverse audiences. Speaker: Melissa Stamper
>> CHANGE MANAGEMENT This session develops students’ ability to adapt to evolving workplace expectations, navigate uncertainty, and respond constructively to organizational change. Students will strengthen the flexibility, resilience, and problem-solving skills employers value in professionals who can support innovation, collaborate through transitions, and contribute to organizational success. Speakers: Troy Swittenburg, Leticia Santiago
>> NETWORKING 101: THE ART OF PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Success in today’s professional world is built on more than academic achievement. It is built on meaningful relationships. This interactive session will help students understand the value of networking as a lifelong professional skill and provide practical strategies for building authentic connections with peers, faculty, alumni, employers, and industry professionals. Speaker: Aija Peace
ALUMNI
>> THE INNOVATION ADVANTAGE: CREATIVITY, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Panel Discussion Bazeline Medard
Jaden Weatherspoon
Dr. Jalaal Hayes
Jasmin Jackson
The most successful professionals don’t just follow trends; they create them. This alumni panel explores how business leaders use curiosity, creativity, and strategic thinking to navigate uncertainty, launch ventures, and create opportunities in today’s evolving workplace. Students will gain insight into the mindsets and habits of innovators who have built businesses, leveraged emerging technology, and led strategic initiatives across industries. Speakers: Bazeline Medard, Dr. Jalaal Hayes, Jaden Weatherspoon, Jasmin Jackson
MOCK
Interviewers
Diane Bogle Jose Carazana Danielle Craig Shelvia Draper Kimberly Henderson Anastaisa Jackson Nikita Robins-Thompson Pia Stokes Charmaine Whyte
CORPORATE Participants Fred Armstrong Fred “Jazz” Armstrong is an aviation professional whose Federal Aviation Administration experience includes serving as Section B Manager in the Flight Operations Group within the Flight Technologies and Procedures Division. He has also contributed as an FAA Aviation Safety subject matter expert to the NextGen Integration Working Group’s performance-based navigation initiatives. His background spans flight operations, aviation safety oversight, and collaboration on the modernization of the National Airspace System.
Cierra Brown C
Cierra Brown is a sports administration professional currently serving as Executive Assistant to the Athletic Director at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). She brings experience in executive support, athletic department operations, budgeting, event coordination, and collegiate sports management. Previously, she served as Recreation Leader II with Baltimore City Recreation & Parks and held roles in tournament direction, special events, and football operations at Coppin State University. A former Division I track and field student-athlete, Cierra holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Delaware State University and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Sport Administration, with expected graduation in December 2026.
Eric Brown Eric Brown is a technologist, solutions engineer, and innovation coach who helps organizations, entrepreneurs, and communities turn AI into meaningful, humancentered impact. As founder of ELVTE, he connects technology with creativity, critical thinking, and purpose. His work focuses on responsible AI adoption, building confidence with emerging tools, and helping people translate ideas into action. EB’s approach centers on a simple belief: technology should amplify human potential, judgment, and connection.
Khalil Brown Khalil Brown is a sports business professional and athletics administrator with experience across high school, collegiate, and professional sports. He serves as General Manager of Corporate Partnerships for the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) through Teall Properties Group, leading corporate partnership development and community engagement statewide. Previously, he was Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs at Delaware State University, overseeing corporate partnerships, marketing, fan
engagement, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) operations. His experience also includes leadership roles with the XFL and Peak Sports Management, focusing on revenue generation, sponsorship development, and strategic partnerships. A two-time graduate of Delaware State University, Khalil earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sport management and sport administration, respectively. He is pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership, furthering his commitment to leadership, student development, and creating opportunities for future professionals.
Kaliya J. Garcia Kaliya Garcia serves as Executive Assistant for Delaware State University’s Women’s Basketball program and Graduate Assistant in Sport Management. She began as Head Manager (2021–2022) before serving as Assistant to the Head Coach (2022–2026), supporting program operations, travel, and practice preparation. As a two-term president of the Sports Management Organization, she coordinated game-day operations and student workers across nine athletic programs. She is also a founding member of DSU’s Women in Sports Organization. In 2026, Kaliya coordinated student staffing, communications, and game-day operations for the MEAC Basketball Tournament.
Emery Gomez Emery Gomez is a senior at Delaware State University majoring in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing. She currently serves as the 2026–2027 Miss College of Business and President of Women of COB, where she focuses on empowering students through leadership, professional development, and community engagement. Along with her involvement on campus, Emery is a student-athlete and entrepreneur, and has owned her own nail business, Naileddbyemmy, since 2019. She is passionate about giving back, creating opportunities for others, and pursuing a future career in marketing.
Dr. Jalaal Hayes Dr. Jalaal A. Hayes is an applied chemist, entrepreneur, and educator specializing in hydrogen storage materials and clean energy innovation. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry from Delaware State University at age 22, becoming the institution’s youngest doctoral candidate. His research at the Center for Hydrogen Storage Research contributed to a U.S. patent, four peer-reviewed articles, and a book chapter. He is co-founder of Elyte Energy (d/b/a Evince Innovations), a Dover-based research and development startup advancing hydrogen storage and production technologies. The company has secured more than $1 million in grants and received White House recognition for sustainable energy innovation. Dr. Hayes also serves as an associate professor at Lincoln University, where he teaches chemistry. His honors include Top Influential Chemist of the Year (2018), and he has delivered a TEDx talk and keynote address at Oxford’s Innovative Applied Energy Conference.
Greg Hodge
Bazeline Medard
Greg Hodge is Vice President and Executive Board Member of AvDyne AeroServices, LLC, overseeing operations, compliance, workforce development, partnerships, and external affairs. He began his career as an aircraft mechanic in 2004 and later worked at Micron Technology before returning to AvDyne in a leadership role. He also chairs the Virginia Aviation Business Association, where he founded and leads the Workforce Development Working Group. His work connects students and early-career professionals with opportunities in aviation maintenance and aerospace.
Bazeline Medard is a Delaware State University student majoring in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources. She is also the owner of ElevatedStrandz, a hairstyling business specializing in hair installations and protective styles that help women feel beautiful and confident. Originally from Haiti, Bazeline takes pride in her heritage and aspires to inspire young women from similar backgrounds to pursue their goals despite challenges. Her long-term vision includes creating opportunities for others while building a successful career and growing her business. After graduating in 2027, she plans to pursue opportunities in business and human resources while continuing to expand ElevatedStrandz.
Michael Ifegwu Agbai Michael Ifegwu is a senior Management Information Systems student from Union, NJ, with a strong commitment to leadership and finance. A former United Summer Associate, Michael serves as the President of both the College of Business Investment Club and the Pi Eta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Drawing on his Nigerian heritage and business technology background, Michael is dedicated to fostering financial literacy, technological innovation, and strong community leadership.
Peninah Kimani Penny Kimani serves as Finance Manager for United Airlines’ Dulles hub, with previous experience in aviation compliance, regulation, and safety. A graduate of Delaware State University’s Aviation Program, she gained piloting experience before earning her degree in Aviation Management.
Evan Knox Evan Knox is a Detroit native and 2026 graduate of Delaware State University who majored in Aviation with a Concentration in Professional Pilot. Evan is currently a Certified Flight Instructor and former scholarship track and field student-athlete. He will continue his career with Alaska Airlines.
Kelvin Lesene Jr. Kelvin Lesene Jr. serves as Director of Aviation at Delaware State University, where he leads program operations, strategic planning, and student success initiatives. As an educator and administrator, he is committed to expanding access and strengthening career pathways for underrepresented students in aviation. His leadership emphasizes accountability, mentorship, and preparing the next generation of aviation professionals.
Armoni Moody Armoni Moody is an Atlanta-based wellness educator, curriculum developer, and youth program director with over ten years of experience helping others find balance through movement and mindfulness. With degrees in Education and Human Development & Psychology from Barnard College of Columbia University and Harvard University Graduate School of Education, she blends her training and professional experience in dance, psychology, and education to create healing-centered spaces for young people. As founder of the wellness education brand, Mantra Movements, Armoni empowers women and youth to care for their minds through the choices they make with their bodies.
Isaiah Nathaniel Isaiah Nathaniel serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Delaware Valley Community Health, Inc., overseeing IT strategy, cybersecurity, and integrated healthcare systems across 11 locations. He also advises the National Association of Community Health Centers as CIO Executive Advisor and leads Calcom Technologies, an IT consulting firm, and MadOptics Productions, a film and photography company. A Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems and member of the Forbes Technology Council, he received the 2025 HIMSS Changemaker CXO of the Year Award and the 2019 Philadelphia Business Journal Minority Business Leader Award. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Delaware State University and completed the DiverseForce OnBoards Leadership and Board Governance program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Aija Peace Aija Peace is a Senior Management Development Specialist with Pepco Holdings, an Exelon company, where she has spent six years advancing leadership development, talent strategy, and organizational effectiveness. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and an MBA specializing in Organizational Leadership. Known for her visionary approach, creativity, and ability to build genuine connections, Aija is passionate about helping individuals develop their personal brand, strengthen professional relationships, and achieve their career goals.
CORPORATE
Participants (continued) Dr. Chanelle Reynolds
Troy Swittenburg
Chanelle S. Reynolds is an NFL professional, two-time author, international speaker, and host on REVOLT. She began her sports career with the Delaware Blue Coats before joining Washington’s NFL team in 2018. In 2021, she became the organization’s first full-time leader of employee engagement initiatives, overseeing employee resource groups, HBCU and women-in-sports pipeline programs, heritage celebrations, and local business partnerships. She is the author of The Success Playbook and The Art of Taking L’s, a two-time TEDx speaker, and host of The Success Playbook Podcast. Chanelle earned her bachelor’s degree from Delaware State University and a doctorate in Business Administration in 2025. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and advocates for career development opportunities for HBCU students pursuing careers in sports.
Troy Swittenburg is an Account Executive Underwriter at Travelers Insurance with more than five years of underwriting experience and a background in retail and supply chain management. He holds a degree in Retail Management and Consumer Studies from Syracuse University, where he played football on an athletic scholarship. Troy is a founding member of Norristown Men of Excellence, a nonprofit focused on community advocacy, and mentors youth through the KB Foundation in Philadelphia. He also has extensive coaching experience, including serving as Defensive Backs Coach for La Salle College High School’s football program and coaching youth flag football.
Leticia Santiago Leticia Santiago is Managing Counsel of Santiago & Associates, Travelers’ Staff Counsel office for Eastern Pennsylvania, overseeing nearly 30 attorneys and staff across Liability and Subrogation while maintaining her own caseload. She joined Travelers in 2011, served as Associate Managing Counsel from 2018 to 2025, and assumed her current role in October 2025. Previously, she spent 14 years with the New York City Law Department defending federal civil rights cases. She earned her B.A. in Political Science and J.D. from Howard University and has tried more than 50 jury trials in state and federal courts. She is an Advanced Litigation Strategies instructor and has led Staff Counsel NITA programs and the Capstone Trial Experience. Admitted in Pennsylvania and New York, she serves as President of the Foundation for Pottstown Education Board.
Melissa Stamper Melissa Dent Stamper is the Regional Engagement Manager at Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, where she has served since 2013 in roles spanning accounting, community affairs, and external relations. Promoted to Community Affairs Director in 2021, she led community engagement initiatives across nine states before transitioning to her current role in September 2025. She brings extensive experience in community and employee engagement, project management, vendor coordination, event planning, design, and public speaking. Melissa serves as Chair of the YMCA of Middletown Board, on the Finance Committee for Jobs for Delaware Grads, as Community Outreach Chair for the American Association of Blacks in Energy’s Delaware Chapter, and on the Board of Visitors for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Virginia State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix, along with additional certifications in human resources, leadership, and professional communication.
Carlos Ward Jr. Carlos E. Ward Jr. is the CEO and founder of Efficient Frontier Group, LLC. Born in Colón, Panama, he is a first-generation college graduate with a BBA in Finance from Howard University. He is a Certified Financial Planner® and investment principal with more than 25 years of experience in investment and retirement planning. His practice focuses on helping clients achieve their financial objectives, mitigate risk, and manage resources in alignment with their goals. Carlos is committed to community service and financial education. Through his nonprofit organization, KBTI (Kingdom Business & Technology Institute), he introduces young people to technology and finance while sharing career and educational resources.
Jaden Weatherspoon Jaden Weatherspoon is an Analyst in the Product practice at Barclays, where he is part of a two-year rotational program. He studied Management Information Systems at Delaware State University, earning President’s and Dean’s List honors and serving as a SIEML and TMCF Scholar. Before joining Barclays full-time, he interned at Barclays, The Coca-Cola Company, and Exelon, building experience in product development, supply chain, and data analytics. He also completed the Black Venture Capitalist Consortium’s Product Management Track, which deepened his product foundation. Jaden is passionate about solving meaningful problems and creating value through technology, data, and collaboration.
Karen Alabi
Malcolm Coley
Tariq Hook
THANK YOU To Our Sponsors! PRESENTING BUSINESS CASE
GOLD
SILVER
COMPANY FAIR
The College of Business would like to sincerely thank you for your continued support of our students! Your contributions made DEEP Day possible.
Business Case
COMPETITION
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR!
>> Case Premise Cross-Border Diaspora Neo-Banking & SME Trade Corridors The Challenge: Design a digital financial platform or banking service that facilitates frictionless, low-cost capital flows, trade financing, or investment pathways between African/Caribbean diaspora communities in the U.S. and emerging markets (specifically targeting regions like West Africa or the Caribbean).
Green Energy Microgrids & Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
The Concept: A proposal to design a decentralized, community-owned solar or renewable microgrid system for an underserved region (e.g., a Caribbean island vulnerable to hurricanes or a community in Sub-Saharan Africa facing grid unreliability), financed through tokenized green bonds or blended finance.
WEF Priority: Energy transition, climate action, and community resilience.
International Business: Cross-border climate financing, importing specialized renewable hardware, and navigating international carbon offset markets or bilateral trade agreements.
Banking Angle: Provides the sponsoring bank with high-impact ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) lending opportunities, green bond structuring fees, and infrastructure project finance portfolios.
AI-Driven Supply Chain Traceability for Agro-Exports
The Concept: A B2B platform utilizing IoT sensors and lightweight AI tracking to verify the origin, quality, and ethical labor practices of agricultural exports (such as cocoa, coffee, or specialty crops) moving from developing markets to Western economies.
WEF Priority: Responsible supply chains, ethical artificial intelligence, and food security.
Banking Angle: Opens doors for trade finance, letters of credit, and treasury management services, allowing the bank to mitigate risk while financing high-volume international commodity shipments.
International Business: International trade compliance, customs regulations, export logistics, and connecting smallholder farmers directly to global retail buyers.
Digital Health Passports & Cross-Border Telehealth Infrastructure
The Concept: A secure, interoperable telehealth and digital credential platform that allows healthcare providers, insurers, and patients to seamlessly manage cross-border medical records, insurance claims, and remote consultations (targeting medical tourism corridors or underserved diaspora populations).
WEF Priority: Universal healthcare access, data privacy, and digital trust.
International Business: Navigating foreign healthcare regulations, international medical data compliance (like GDPR-adjacent standards), and global insurance underwriting.
Banking Angle: Creates lucrative opportunities for merchant processing for healthcare providers, specialized asset-backed lending for medical clinics scaling up operations, and high-net-worth deposit acquisition.
>> Judges Alaysia Gregory
Jasmin Jackson
Graduate Analyst — Barclays US Consumer Bank
Graduate Analyst — Barclays
Alaysia Gregory is a 2025 graduate of Delaware State University, where she earned a degree in Business Management. She currently works as a Graduate Analyst at Barclays, supporting Customer Experience, Strategy, and Market Intelligence initiatives within the U.S. Consumer Bank. Beyond her professional role, she serves on the leadership teams of multiple employee resource groups, is a member of the Barclays Creator Network, and is committed to developing future leaders through mentorship and community engagement.
Hanif (Adam) Ahmad Community Reinvestment Act Officer — Barclays US Consumer Bank Adam Ahmad is the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Officer at Barclays US Consumer Bank in Wilmington, Delaware. Adam has risen through the ranks at some of the financial industry’s biggest names — utilizing his background in real estate and control as well as his passion for the surrounding community — to reach his current position with Barclays. As CRA Officer, Adam takes lead on Barclays’ commitment to return a share of its capital back into the community in which it operates. He is responsible for identifying opportunities for capital investment and working with business owners, nonprofits and real estate developers to determine how Barclays can best help each organization be successful in their ventures. He currently oversees a $250M portfolio of loans and investments. Adam joined Barclays in 2013 as a Partnership Control Lead (CCO), looking at the processes involved in various business ventures and putting controls in place to ensure the company stayed protected throughout new product launches and initiatives. Prior to Barclays, he worked in real estate at JPMorgan Chase and as the Senior Risk and Control Analyst at Bank of America. During these past positions, he honed his forecasting skill as well as his ability to identify and mitigate reputational risk, both of which are necessary in his current role.
Jasmin Jackson is a Graduate Analyst at Barclays, where she works in Data Analytics supporting partner portfolio performance and strategic insights. A 2025 graduate of Delaware State University, she earned a degree in Business Management, founded the DSU Real Estate Club, and was recognized as a Presidential Award recipient. Driven by a commitment to service and growth, she is passionate about creating opportunities for others and making a meaningful impact in every space she enters.
Andi Williams Director of Existing Customer Strategy for American Airlines — Barclays US Consumer Bank Andi Williams is a Director and General Manager for Luxury Card & AARP within the US Consumer Bank at Barclays. Prior to this role, she led Portfolio strategy for American Airlines as well as the largest and most complex deconversion project in US Consumer Bank history. Andi brings over 20 years of financial services industry experience, spanning product and relationship management roles at Chase, Citi and TD Bank. Since joining Barclays in 2017, she has led several significant initiatives including the migration of over 1 million cardmembers into new, customer-driven card products and for which she earned Barclays’ Exceptional Achievement Award. She also brings deep experience across both Marketing and Partnerships, with a proven track record of leading large, complex portfolios and delivering results through strong internal and external partnerships. Andi’s leadership approach is grounded in integrity, excellence and creating an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued. She combines a customer-centric mindset and attention to detail with an empathic leadership style, bringing cross-functional-teams together to navigate complexity, build consensus and deliver results. Andi holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Delaware, with majors in Marketing and Finance, and an MBA from Rutgers University, with concentrations in International Business and Marketing.
About The Steve Fund
The Steve Fund is a leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people, particularly those from underserved and under-resourced communities.
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ank you to all the faculty and staff who contributed to making the day a huge success! A special thank you to all the faculty and staff who contributed to making the day a huge success!
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2026 DEEP DAY PLANNING COMMITTEE Dr. Michael Casson, Chair
David Hawkins
Dr. Yah Williams, Co-Chair
Christian Mills
Amanda Anderson
Dr. Praveen Pinjani
Dr. Nancy Bookhart
Jennifer Rickard
Jordan Davis
Dr. Wade Robinson
Aleasha Dorsett
Alexxis Sanchious
Tamekca Faria
Danniel Simmons
Darius Godwin
Kyle Spaulding
A special thank you to all the faculty and staff who contributed to making the day a huge success!
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Bank of America Building 1200 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901 302.857.6900 https://business.desu.edu
Delaware State University’s College of Business is an accredited member of AACSB International — The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the longest standing, most recognized form of specialized/professional accreditation an institution and its business programs can earn.