Real people,
in your corner.

Jelani Johnson

Karen Jackson, MPA, CNP

Karen Jackson, MPA, CNP, is a capacity-building strategist and award-winning marketing and public relations expert, dedicated to helping individuals and organizations transform obstacles into growth opportunities. As Capacity Building Manager for iBROC, she strengthens and empowers business entrepreneurs and leaders to maximize impact in the entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Karen is the Founder of Embrace Your Power, LLC, a personal branding and marketing firm, and 4 A Flourishing Life Network, a platform inspiring seasoned adults to thrive with purpose. She is also a speaker, author, and host of Through My Lens, where she equips others to repurpose setbacks into meaningful success.

The certified nonprofit leadership professional has earned numerous awards, including the Top 25 Women of Impact Award in 2021 by the BBB, commendations from the Air Force Research Laboratory, and recognition by the Alliance Management Institute for her research project, “What Does Love Have to Do With It: Embracing your Value and Value Proposition To Propel Your Life and Career.”

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Wright State University.

Utsey Shelton, CBA

Utsey T. Shelton is a certified business advisor dedicated to fostering growth and prosperity within the Miami Valley Urban League. With a keen understanding of business strategies, she passionately supports minority-owned enterprises in Montgomery and neighboring counties by facilitating access to crucial grant and loan funding, as well as forging strategic partnerships within Dayton's diverse business ecosystem.

Her extensive experience, coupled with a relentless commitment to diversity and inclusion, enriches the local business landscape. Utsey embodies the spirit of community, infusing her endeavors with unwavering enthusiasm and support. As the Vice President of the American Business Women Association Polaris Chapter ABWA), she is an advocate for empowering women in business and advancing professional opportunities for female entrepreneurs. Additionally, she actively contributes to various philanthropic initiatives, lending her expertise to organizations such as the Dayton Heart Association and the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ).

Serving on the advisory board and facilitating discussions for the Women in Business Network (WIBN) within the Better Business Bureau is another of her commendable roles, promoting networking and support for women in business.

Graduating from the Miami Valley Regional Environmental Justice Academy demonstrates her commitment to environmental issues and community advocacy. Being selected as one of the "Top 25 Women To Watch" in the City of Dayton, Ohio, further highlights her achievements and potential impact in her community.

Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in communications from Central State University, where she excelled as a Public Radio Producer, showcasing her talents through programs like Voices of Jazz and Drivetime Destination Jazz. As a published author of inspirational works such as Secret Moments and co-author of Success Powered by Relationships and The Audacity to Phenomenally Become Her! Utsey is a steadfast advocate for mentorship. Her unwavering dedication to connecting organizations and opportunities underscores her status as a premier liaison within the local and national community.

LeKeisha N. Grant

She is a Dayton native, an entrepreneur, and a firm believer that when we build infrastructure for the people who have been overlooked, the whole community rises.

Scott Koorndyk

Scott is president of the Entrepreneurs' Center (EC), a modern economic development organization that powers progress and prosperity through entrepreneurship. The EC supports more than 1,000 innovation-focused start-ups and small businesses through a variety of programs. Clients are primarily in the concentrated sectors of technology, lifestyle, and research.

Under Scott's leadership, the EC launched the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Technology Acceleration Project (TAP), a program to identify, assess and commercialize technologies within AFRL. Since inception, the TAP program has supported more than 200 small businesses across the U.S. In addition, the EC leads the Entrepreneurial Services Provider (ESP) Program, a $20M initiative to provide mentoring and support services to early-stage technology companies in the Dayton region.

Throughout his career, Scott has focused on small business growth, technology development, and commercialization in diverse for-profit and nonprofit businesses. Prior to his role at the EC, Scott was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Dayton Development Coalition (DDC). In that capacity, he led the Dayton Region Signature Fund, a $22.5M pre-seed venture program with over 30 companies in the investment portfolio management activities. Previously, Scott served 15 years at LexisNexis in business and venture development roles, including management of venture investment, strategic alliances, and a license with a combined value in excess of $480M, and the acquisition and operational integration of corporations ranging from $500K to $80M in size.

Scott resides in the Dayton area with his wife and is the proud father of two children.

Nikol Miller

Nikol Miller is the Executive Director of the Miami Valley Urban League, a division of the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. As a mission-driven lifelong public servant, Nikol brings extensive experience in community outreach, public policy, fundraising, and media relations to her role.

A proud alumna of Meadowdale High School in Dayton, OH, and Miami University in Oxford, OH, Nikol has deep roots in the Miami Valley. Before taking on her current role, she served as the Community Relations Manager for the Greater Dayton RTA. Her commitment to public service extends beyond Dayton; she played a pivotal role in developing the national outreach plan for the 2020 Census as part of a consultancy team and served as Chief of Staff for Chicago's 7th Ward Alderman.

Nikol is highly active in her community, holding leadership positions on the boards of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Greater Edgemont Community Coalition, the Five Rivers Health Center Edgemont Campus, the African American Community Fund, the City of Dayton's Community and Neighborhood Development Advisory Board, the OnMain Advisory Board, CityWide Development Corporation and the Greater Dayton RTA Board of Trustees.

Her dedication to community service is complemented by her membership at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Nikol resides in Dayton's Sunnyview-Catalpa neighborhood with her beloved dog, Neo. She is also a proud aunt, affectionately known as the FUNtie, to Bryanna Robinson and Eryanna Miller.