2026 CULTIVATE Digital Program Booklet

Welcome to Cultivate 2026

Today is all about stepping into new possibilities. It is an opportunity to grow, connect, and be inspired in a space intentionally designed to celebrate your potential and prepare you for what’s next.

So lean in, soak it all up, and make every moment count. You belong here!

Event Flow

Dear Friends and Partners,

If you’re reading this, you are part of something very special to us.

CULTIVATE is not just an event we host. It is personal. As mother and daughter, and as Founder and Executive Director of the Dr Shirley Davis Foundation, this work is woven into our everyday lives Our mission to Motivate, Cultivate, Elevate, and Celebrate extraordinary individuals and businesses is not just language we use It is how we choose to live and serve

Serving our community together brings us real joy and a shared sense of purpose We have the privilege of witnessing confidence restored, doors opened, and people reminded of what they are capable of Every student encouraged and every professional supported is a reminder of why this matters

Last year’s inaugural CULTIVATE was a milestone for us. With the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay as our strategic partner, we gathered professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders in one room with a shared commitment to growth Because of our sponsors and partners, we were able to donate more than 300 professional clothing items, provide over 35 complimentary headshots, offer coaching and resources, and create meaningful networking and recruiting opportunities.

But what stayed with us most were the stories The quiet conversations The emails afterward The moments where someone said, “I needed this”

With Feeding Tampa Bay as our strategic partner this year, we are expanding the vision. When we toured their facility and saw classrooms, working spaces, and conference rooms built alongside food distribution, it was clear that their mission goes beyond meeting immediate needs. They are building pathways. That alignment with our heart for long-term empowerment made this partnership a natural one

We are also introducing something deeply personal to us the Shirley’s Higher Learning Annual Scholarship Award

Both of us know what it feels like to be on the receiving en else’s generosity Long before the titles, the accomplishm recognition, there were people who simply believed in us something in us and chose to invest in our education, our and our future. That kind of belief stays with you. It shapes path, and it reminds you how powerful it is when someone to pour into another person’s potential Through this scho initiative, we are committed to raising more than $25,000 deserving students and emerging leaders It is our way of forward what was once sown into us

To our attendees, welcome to your safe space to thrive!

To our strategic partner, Feeding Tampa Bay, thank you fo in this mission.

To every volunteer and supporter, thank you for serving alo

You are helping us cultivate something that will outlive

Meet Our Panelists

This afternoon, our workshop facilitators will lead two dynamic tracks designed to support professionals at different stages of their journey.

Each of our panelists brings not only deep professional expertise, but also lived experience, practical insight, and a genuine commitment to helping others grow We are grateful to have them guiding these conversations and sharing their wisdom with our community.

Dovev Weaver

DDovév Weaver, often known as “Coach D,” is a visionary leader, author, and entrepreneur based in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is the CEO and founder of Closer To Our Dreams LLC, a marketing and branding agency and motivational platform that helps individuals and small business owners turn their visions into reality His career includes more than five years at Nike, where he developed expertise in customer service, branding, and team leadership before launching Closer To Our Dreams in 2019 with his cousin, Elliot Martin

Guided by his philosophy, “Dream It, Plan It, Do It,” Weaver delivers keynote speeches and workshops focused on high-performance mindsets, strategic leadership, and personal growth. He also hosts the Manifest Your Dreams podcast and leads the YouTube platform Closer To Our Dreams TV An accomplished author, his books include Chasing Your Dreams: Bound for Success and 10 Things I Wish My Mother Taught Me About Money A proud native of South St. Petersburg, he is also committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of leaders

Dante Moss

Dante Moss is a financial advisor and entrepreneur based in Tampa, Florida, committed to advancing economic empowerment and financial literacy in his community. A graduate of Syracuse University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies, Dante has built a career focused on helping individuals and families achieve financial stability and long-term success through practical wealth-building strategies and informed decisionmaking

Beyond his professional work, Dante remains actively engaged in civic and community initiatives. His experience includes leading community programs such as ‘Cuse Spot in Syracuse, teaching high school students in New York City, and supporting local organizations and faith-based efforts Since relocating to Tampa, he has helped co-found several businesses, partnered with organizations like Solitas House to promote financial education and homeownership, and most recently served as Co-Chair of the 45th Annual MLK Leadership Breakfast presented by the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA)

Kadian Douglas

Kadian Douglas’s story began in Jamaica, where resilience and discipline became her foundation. As an immigrant, she learned to adapt and excel, lessons that carried her from earning All-American honors in track and field to breaking barriers as an all-star athlete with the Tampa Bay Inferno in the Women’s Football Alliance All-Star Game.

Her drive for excellence fueled a successful career in finance and cybersecurity as a CPA and CISA, where she mastered structure, precision, and leadership

Today, as founder of Kadian Performance Institute and community leader, she brings together the mindset of an athlete, the strategy of a corporate leader, and the vision of an entrepreneur to help others reach peak performance through her proprietary framework the Human Balance Sheet.

Sherrel Sampson

Sherrel Sampson is a charismatic, results-driven executive who founded Canviiy, LLC, an innovative, award-winning national health & wellness company Sampson's proven track record includes driving year-over-year growth for the company. In addition, Sampson has led the retail expansion of the Canviiy into over 6,000 Food/Drug/Mass retail stores & drives the sustainability of the business to improve the scalp and hair health of patients through leading healthcare institutions including Moffitt Cancer Center, AdventHealth, Harris Health, and Bon Secours Mercy Health

Prior to founding Canviiy, Sampson led teams as an executive with a history of delivering omnichannel success across personal care, shopper marketing, consumer healthcare (OTC), grocery retail and enterprise software verticals. She holds a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University and a BA in Marketing from Stetson University.

Allie Braswell Jr.

Mr Allie L Braswell, Jr is a distinguished entrepreneur, author, speaker, and civic leader with extensive experience in business leadership and community engagement. As Founder and CEO of The Braswell Group®, he specializes in helping organizations translate big ideas into actionable strategies that strengthen leadership, workplace culture, and corporate community engagement. Guided by his C.A.R.E. philosophy

Compassion, Appreciation, Respect, and Empathy Allie works with leaders to build people-centered cultures that drive lasting impact.

A 12-year US Marine Corps veteran, Allie previously served as Senior Vice President at VyStar Credit Union, where he led initiatives that enhanced workplace culture and leadership representation His earlier roles include leadership positions with The Walt Disney World Company and the Central Florida Urban League, where he advanced talent development, job creation, and economic opportunity. He is also the author of Engage, Invest, Grow!, a guide to building strong, mutually beneficial relationships, and a nationally recognized advocate for leadership that strengthens both organizations and communities.

Chantelle Johnson

Chantelle L. Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Talent4dCulture LLC and brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience helping organizations strengthen talent strategy, employee engagement, and inclusive workplace culture. Throughout her career, she has led high-impact initiatives focused on talent management, leadership development, and retention strategies that align people-centered practices with business growth and organizational performance.

Known for her ability to connect strategy with culture, Chantelle has built a reputation for designing innovative programs that foster inclusive environments where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive Her work focuses on helping both organizations and individuals navigate the evolving workplace with clarity and purpose. At CULTIVATE, Chantelle will lead the session “Cultivating Courage: Reinventing Your Career with Purpose, Peace, and Profit,” offering practical insight for professionals seeking to realign their careers with purpose while building sustainable success.

“Every place I go, Every person I meet, and Everything I touch ...I want to leave better than the way I found them”

-Dr. Shirley Davis

Our Vision

We envision a world where every individual has access to the support, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed. Through education, guidance, and strategic programs, we help people overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and build stronger communities Our commitment is to foster growth, inspire progress, and create pathways to success for a brighter future

Our

Mission

Motivating, Cultivating, Elevating, and Celebrating extraordinary individuals and businesses in Tampa Bay and beyond!

How do we do this? We support individuals and communities facing social and economic challenges by providing educational resources, mentorship, development programs, scholarships, and strategic partnerships Through these efforts, we help transform aspirations into achievements and accelerate success for those striving to overcome adversity

Our Values

Our values represent a transformative journey for every individual we touch. Each phase builds upon the last, creating a progression that empowers personal growth, fosters success, and honors their unique achievements along the way

Who We Serve

We serve individuals 15-65, with special attention to students, graduates, entrepreneurs, professionals, and those in career transition.

Process 1

Our work centers on empowering individuals from vulnerable communities who show remarkable determination to rise above challenges and pursue their aspirations.

We are equally dedicated to supporting small businesses with a vision for growth, providing them with resources, mentorship, and professional networking opportunities Through this dual commitment, we aim to counter the systemic barriers they face and cultivate sustainable pathways toward long-term success.

Our Pillars

These pillars reflect the heart of our work, highlighting the meaningful ways we serve our community while embodying the values that drive our mission and vision

Meet Our Board

Our Board of Directors is a vibrant, diverse community of leaders who guide the Dr. Shirley Davis Foundation with wisdom and heart. From corporate boardrooms to classrooms, nonprofits to small businesses, and the arts to public service, each member brings unique insight and expertise that enrich our work. Together, they shape strategy, champion equity, and help us create programs that open doors, inspire leadership, and spark cultural impact across the communities we serve

HIRLEY AVIS R.

FOUNDER, BOARD CHAIR

hirley Davis is an organizational psychologist, globally recognized workforce gist, and President & CEO of SDS Global Enterprises, where she helps nizations create winning, welcoming, and world-class workplace cultures. With than 30 years of experience across Fortune 100 companies, global nonprofits, and nment agencies, she has worked in over 40 countries, served 300+ organizations, elivers 100+ keynotes, workshops, and training sessions annually Her insights on rship, culture transformation, and employee engagement have been featured in es, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Oprah Daily, NBC’s y Show, CNN, and Fast Company.

lific author, Dr Davis has written six books, including Diversity, Equity & Inclusion ummies, Inclusive Leadership For Dummies, and her 2026 release, Leading Highrmance Teams For Dummies She is also the creator of ten LinkedIn Learning es, with Leadership Foundations recognized among the Top 20 Most Popular es of 2024. She holds four earned degrees, including a Ph.D. in Business and nizational Leadership, and more than ten professional certifications.

ccolades include Inclusion Magazine’s Hall of Fame (2021), Toastmasters national’s Golden Gavel Award (2022), induction into the Prince George’s County c Schools Hall of Fame (2025), and recognition as one of Tampa Bay’s Top 50 esswomen (2025).

mmitted philanthropist, Dr Davis co-founded the Dr Shirley Davis Foundation her daughter, Gabrielle, to empower emerging leaders from underserved munities. She consults, coaches, and trains leaders at all levels, from CEOs to board bers, helping organizations build high-performing, inclusive, and transformative place cultures. Known for her wit, candid approach, and eloquence, she combines ht with energy, leaving every room and conversation better than she found it

ABRIELLE GNEW

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CO-FOUNDER

e is a dynamic entrepreneur, strategist, and millennial thought leader dedicated to g culture, empowering communities, and elevating personal and professional She is the CEO of GV Innovative Strategies LLC, Executive Director of the Dr. Shirley oundation, and Venue & Special Events Manager at Bible-Based Fellowship Church Bay, where she blends business acumen with her passion for creativity, innovation, tural impact

e’s philanthropic journey took off in 2009, when, at 15, she won a Miss America t system title and began using her platform to raise awareness about cyberbullying, equality, and other social issues As a high school senior, she raised over $10,000 for es like Invisible Children and the Anti-Defamation League A transformative mission outh Africa further shaped her commitment to service, and she graduated Summa ude from Elizabeth Seton High School in 2012 laying the foundation for her work in philanthropy, outreach, and community empowerment.

ds degrees in Interpersonal Organizational Communication and Event ement from the University of Central Florida and Rosen College of Hospitality Her onal experience spans corporate events, hospitality, and entertainment, with roles M, The Orlando Magic, Hyatt Grand Cypress, and the Dr. Phillips Center for the ming Arts, where she championed community engagement through arts and

ate about celebrating and curating artistic and cultural contributions across art, music, and design, Gabrielle has cultivated a keen eye for interior design, creative n, and experiential storytelling. Through GV Innovative Strategies LLC and her hropic work, she continues to create platforms that uplift culture, artistry, and nity impact Based in Tampa, FL, she enjoys exploring art, design, and travel, always to inspire and connect through creativity

ERESA WHITEACRE

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

ief Operating Officer, Teresa applies a business-minded approach to maximizing relationships for mutual benefit Her interpersonal skills resonate with leadership he public, and she excels in establishing and streamlining operations. Her analytical ng, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills contribute to our firm’s tional efficiency. Some of Teresa’s responsibilities include staff scheduling, taining project plans and client activity tracking, client and consultant invoicing, g up assessments, data analysis, and maintaining various platforms, applications, ommunication channels to ensure efficiency in delivering on services

e joining SDS Global Enterprises in 2017, Teresa served as Business Manager for a court reporting agency in the Tampa Bay area She expanded the firm’s services to de interpretation and translation, formalized standard operating procedures to mline operations, and strengthened marketing through a branding redesign, SEO mization, and social media outreach. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Marketing iate for a prominent real estate development firm, supporting marketing aigns, advertising initiatives, and community event coordination During her early of motherhood, Teresa launched two businesses, including a nationwide ation and interpretation agency and an after-school art program for elementary middle school students

olds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from the University of South a and has Level II background clearance with the State of Florida Teresa is highly d in business strategy, administrative systems, and operations, bringing both tise and precision to every project she leads She is deeply committed to orting others and serving as an ally in her workplace and community. She is happily ed to her husband of 17 years and has two children.

AVON RACY DAVIS NATOR

BOARD MEMBER

LaVon Bracy Davis represents Florida’s Senate District 15 in West Orange County lifelong advocate for justice, equity, and the arts. A proud West Orange native, she d Dr Phillips High School’s visual and performing arts magnet program before a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Arts from Howard University Driven by a ment to service, she earned her Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College and served as a Senior Attorney for the Department of Children and Families. She ntly a partner at Bracy Davis, Gantt and Rayner Law.

r fifteen years, LaVon served as Senior Director of Community Programming at the tionally acclaimed Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, where she expanded ersified community programming, producing more than 175 performances y in partnership with local arts groups, nonprofits, and community organizations. dership in the arts earned her appointment as Chair of the Florida Council on Arts ture, where she helped select the sculptor for the Dr Mary McLeod Bethune now in the National Statuary Hall in Washington, DC, and currently serves as 2nd air of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies

first to the Florida House of Representatives and now to the Florida Senate, LaVon ons causes that amplify the voices of marginalized communities, including voting public education, affordable housing, social justice, and access to the arts She has ved on the board of Pace Center for Girls – Orange County and volunteers with a College’s Take Stock in Children/Horizons mentorship program. A recipient of ando Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” award, she is a proud member of Alpha Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

s married to Rev Dr Adrian R Davis, pastor of Bethel Independent Free Methodist in Mount Dora, Florida

TEVE MIRANDA

BOARD MEMBER

Miranda is an Executive Partner at Gartner, Inc Previously, Steve held a Senior er role at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, the Central Bank of the United s where he was responsible for both Human Resources as well as Technology cations.

also the CEO and founder of Four Forces Consulting, LLC Previously, Steve was the utive Director for Cornell University’s ILR School Executive Education and Center for nced HR Studies Prior to joining Cornell, Steve was the CHRO as well as Strategy and Ethics Officer for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Before M, Steve was an HR VP at Lucent Technologies (currently Nokia). At Lucent, Steve 3-1/2 years in Hong Kong providing HR leadership for Lucent’s 14,000 person Asiac business He also led the development of HR strategies for Bell Laboratories, the famous R&D engine that has generated eight Nobel Prizes

dition to sitting as a Director on multiple non-profit Boards, Steve has been an or to four start-up organizations as well as a past United States representative to the h American HR Management Association (NAHRMA) His team’s work has appeared Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, the BBC and others Steve has presented at multiple events worldwide, including the American mber of Commerce, Major League Baseball, The George Bush Center for Intelligence he National Institute for Health. He teaches at the graduate level as an adjunct ssor at Cornell University, Georgetown University, Seattle Pacific University, and the Business School of Chulalongkorn University in Thailand Steve holds a Bachelors in al Arts and a Masters in Computer Science as well as the SPHR, GPHR and SHRMertifications.

g travelled to or worked in over 35 countries, he is intimately familiar with the many enges facing global leaders as they develop their teams to face the challenges of asingly volatile markets and economies

YRONNE TOUDEMIRE

BOARD MEMBER

ne Stoudemire is a globally recognized executive and highly sought-after speaker. the SVP of Global Diversity Equity & Inclusion for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. At Hyatt s Corporation, Tyronne collaborates with senior leadership team to implement re, talent, and marketplace strategies that leverage diversity and inclusion globally the Co-Chair of Hyatt’s Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion Counsel (GDEIC)

ne identifies and leverages the opportunities and challenges presented by the nding multicultural mosaic of worldviews and attitudes regarding Diversity Equity & sion Tyronne has consulted numerous Fortune 100 clients on diversity strategy, with ht around how organizational leaders can understand and harness the shifts evident ional and global demographic trends Tyronne employs a unique talent that results raordinary benefits for individuals and organizations.

ne was named one of the Top Executives in Diversity by Black Enterprise Magazine; honored as one of the 50 Diversity Champions by Diversity Woman Magazine He is he recipient of the Top Executive’s in Diversity Black Enterprise Magazine, Who’s in Black Chicago: The Inaugural Edition, Thurgood Marshall College Fund of ence Award, Most Influence African American People Voice, Push for Excellence d (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Scholarship Breakfast), National African ican History Month by President of the United States of America, President Obama

ne is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, adjunct professor at Kellogg ol of Management, serves on the Metropolitan Planning Council Broad (MPC), PUSH Broad, Senior Advisor for the Music Institute, Senior advisor to the People’s Music ol, Treasurer for the Arthur M Brazier Foundation, Chairman of the Board for The Ensemble Theater, Gov Pat Quinn appointed Tyronne to the board of Illinois ping commission, Gov JB Picketer appointed Tyronne to Chicago State University ing Group to Create an Equity Agenda for Black College Students in Illinois recently he was appointed by President Robert Isom (AA) to serve on American es, founding Diversity and Equity Community Council focusing on Black travelers.

R. ATRINA SAU

BOARD MEMBER

ina Esau is the President and CEO of KE3 Worldwide Enterprises, LLC, the founder OLE (Wives Healing Openly Leaving Him Exalted)™, and the creator of The LE Academy, which offers programming that cultivates healing and forgiveness seasoned business leader with over 25 years’ experience in the financial services y. She is known for helping multiple Fortune 500 companies successfully complete s on-time, yielding over 40% increase in revenues and increasing efficiencies. Dr. regularly sought out for her expertise in Project Management and Consulting and y regarded as a ‘big picture’ thinker, problem solver, thought leader, who brings decision-making to the most challenging scenarios She is a former board er and program committee member of the YWCA of Tampa Bay where she helped programs to build community amongst women of various sectors and diverse ounds, explored solutions to the barriers women of color face, and collaborated e board of directors and potential partners on ways to educate and create ctional inclusion for diverse women

u holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management, Master’s degree in Managerial ship (both respectfully from National Louis University), and a Doctorate of ion in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University She is a Certified te in Project Management and a licensed, Series 99 Operations Professional Dr also a Certified Christian Life Coach & Certified HIScoach that helps kingdom d women gain the spiritual and mental tools that they need to HEAL from the and hurt of infidelity; so they can birth their way into purpose!

u is also an international best-selling author of “The Pain of Infidelity Births e”, “The Blueprint to Becoming Whole”, and “Woman, Be Made Whole” She is a coof “Called to Intercede: Volume One”, “Wellness for Winners”, and “Step Up and Out”. Her desire is to help women walk out their healing process and Normalize g Openly™ so, they can change the trajectory of their families and impact their unities While her hope is, they would experience the level of restoration she has, han that, she wants the women to be free of all unforgiveness and hurt

UQUANDA AWKINS R.

ARD MEMBER

uquanda "Neekey" Hawkins brings to our board a deep commitment to education, rship, and transformative impact With over 30 years of experience in teaching and emic administration, she has dedicated her career to shaping learning environments empower students and elevate communities. Currently serving as Dean of Students eading the Let Them Speak project, she combines her expertise in educational rship with a passion for creating spaces where voices are heard, potential is realized, ves are meaningfully enriched

ong learner and scholar, Dr Hawkins holds an EdD in Educational Leadership, ng on her undergraduate focus in mathematics and education, where she stently ranked in the top 10 percent of her class. Her extensive research and study of ational theory and practice, combined with practical experience in the classroom dministrative leadership, give her a unique perspective on the intersection of ation, equity, and community development

resence on our board brings a strategic, student-centered lens to our work, ensuring nitiatives are grounded in both evidence-based practice and the transformative r of education Her unwavering conviction to “change the atmosphere for good” ever she goes aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire impact, elevate munities, and foster meaningful growth

KANYERE ATON R.

ARD ADVISOR

r Kanyere Eaton brings to our board a wealth of experience in faith-based rship, community engagement, and social impact. As the first woman to serve as herd of Fellowship Covenant Church in the Bronx, New York, she has guided the regation through significant growth and spiritual development since 2010, fostering ure of worship, service, and leadership

over 30 years of active ministry and professional experience in social work, nthropy, substance abuse recovery, and hunger prevention, Pastor Eaton offers a ue perspective on community needs and strategies for meaningful impact. Her work ts a deep commitment to equipping and empowering individuals and organizations hieve their full potential, making her insight invaluable in guiding our board’s on and initiatives

r Eaton holds a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University, a Master of Science in l Work from Columbia University, a Master of Divinity from Union Theological nary, and a Doctorate in Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary She is ed to James Dennis, with whom she shares a passion for ministry and service

Partner With Us

We believe that real change happens when passionate people come together and that’s where you come in.

Process 1

The Dr Shirley Davis Foundation is on a mission to empower, uplift, and create opportunities for those who need it most By partnering with us, you can be part of something truly transformative.

VOLUNTEER

Have a skill, a passion, or just some time to give? We’d love to have you!

Whether it’s volunteering at an event, coaching someone on their career journey, or simply lending a helping hand at an event, your support makes a world of difference

Email us at foundation@drshirleydavis.com to get involved today!

DONATE

Every dollar, every gift, every act of generosity big or small fuels our mission Your donations go directly toward providing career clothing, professional development resources, and critical support for individuals and families in our community

To donate online: Click Here

To donate by check: Please make checks payable to The Dr. Shirley Davis Foundation Mailing Address:

The Dr Shirley Davis Foundation 3152 Little Rd, Ste 152 Trinity, FL 34655

Dr Shirley Davis Foundation

Stay Connected