2024-2025 Board of Directors

Lethia Owens, CSP

President
Known for her unparalleled ability to educate and inspire people from every walk of life Lethia Owens is a best-selling author, Tech CEO, international leadership expert, and speaker who is ranked #8 among the top 30 brand gurus in the world.
Visit Website

Jecara Rivera

President-elect
Jecara Rivera is the CEO of Empower You. As a coach, keynote speaker and author, her mission is to empower, inspire and equip individuals and corporate teams to discover their inner power, overcome adversities and work fearlessly towards achieving their personal and professional goals.
Visit Website

Robert Kennedy III

Immed. Past President
Robert Kennedy III – RK3 is the founder and CEO of Kennetik Kommunications, a leading communication and presentation training firm for the real estate industry. Through keynotes, workshop programs, coaching, consulting and emcee-ing, Robert works with leaders who need to deliver critical messages with confidence.
Visit Website

John McCarty

Treasurer

BIO

Coming soon.

Jasmine Romaine

Member-at-large
Jasmine Romaine is an International Keynote Speaker, Radio Personality, Communications Strategist, and International Best Selling Author of Speak to Profit: Speak with Confidence and Jazz Up Your Sales! Jasmine was also part of the cast in the bold remake of the film, The Color Purple (2023) and several other film projects.
Visit Website

Jason Murray

Member-at-large
Jason Murray is an experienced speaker, sales & marketing consultant and bestselling author with a proven track record for success, by consistently delivering results throughout an extensive career in sales and marketing, healthcare, financial services, and leadership development.
Visit Website

Traci Ruiz

Member-at-large
With over 25 years of distinguished service, Traci Ruiz, M.Ed, retired as one of the highest-ranking Latina police officers in the United States. She served as Michigan’s sole woman of color subject control officer, training law enforcement in hand-to-hand combat, survival skills, and de-escalation techniques for two decades...
Visit Website

Nicole Van Valen

Member-at-large
Nicole Van Valen, M.S., L.M.F.T, SHRM-SCP, is a distinguished leader, advisor, board member, and professional speaker with over two decades of experience in healthcare, behavioral health, and the entertainment industry.
Visit Website

Leila Kubesch

Secretary
Leila Kubesch, inducted into the Teachers Hall of Fame, is an award-winning educator and photographer known for blending her talents to inspire. As a communication strategist, she ensures her audience engages, laughs, and leaves ready to join her 3C movement: Communicate, Connect, & Collaborate.
Visit Website