Meet the Board

2024-2025
Board of Directors

Meet the dedicated leaders who champion our mission of empowering, elevating, and excelling within the speaking profession. Our Board of Directors brings together accomplished speakers and industry professionals who volunteer their time, expertise, and passion to advance BlackNSA’s vision of fostering excellence and inclusion in the speaking industry.

Each board member embodies our commitment to transformative leadership and professional development. Together, they work tirelessly to create opportunities, develop innovative programs, and build a supportive community that helps speakers of color thrive. Their diverse experiences and expertise guide our organization’s strategic direction while ensuring we remain true to our founding principles of empowerment, elevation, and excellence.

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.
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Jecara Riviera

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.
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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.
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Dr. Anthony Richiez

Treasurer
Dr. Anthony Richiez is a recognized expert in the niche area of Dynamic Teaching. He empowers educators with actionable strategies, inspiration, and research-based solutions to enhance classroom performance. He is an experienced, leader, educator, and strategist with a history of working in various industries.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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Join Our

Community

We are a vibrant community of speakers who understand your journey and are committed to your success. At BlackNSA, we provide the training, resources, and connections you need to build a thriving speaking career while staying true to your authentic self. Since 1993, we’ve helped countless speakers command stages, inspire audiences, and create lasting impact. Your voice matters, and your time is now.

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