Eleversity

Latise Hairston is a radiant force—a devoted mother, doula, coach, poet, and community healer—who lives and leads by the spirit of Sawubona, a beautiful Zulu greeting that means, “We see you.” Latise brings this deep seeing into every space she enters, holding people with compassion, truth, and joy.
A true global citizen, Latise has traveled to over 30 countries, immersing herself in diverse cultures and soaking in wisdom from around the world. She once served as the Global Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for an international organization spanning those same 30+ countries, where she led transformational culture change initiatives—including for a multi-billion-dollar hospitality brand.

Latise is the visionary Founder and Chief Impact Officer of Harvesting Opportunities with People Everywhere, LLC and The Abundant Life Doula. Her heart beats for healing justice—supporting individuals and communities in recovering from the trauma of racism while disrupting systems of oppression. She's also an adjunct faculty member at Fielding University, where she helps shape the next generation of change leaders.

Her academic roots run deep: she holds two master’s degrees (one in Counseling & Human Services, the other in Creativity & Change Leadership) and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy with a focus on Organizational Behavior and Development. Latise’s work beautifully weaves together neuroscience, somatics, African-centered healing, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, change theory, conflict transformation, and transformational leadership.
At her core, Latise is a truth-teller, bridge-builder, and liberator who believes that healing is possible, joy is our birthright, and abundance is our legacy.

Dr. Maryann Rivera-Dannert is the CEO of MRD Empowerment Solutions, LLC, which is for the Woman who’s ready to HEAL and turn her FEAR into fuel for SUCCESS. She is a speaker, author, podcast host, and certified life coach dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey from uncertainty to a life filled with purpose and passion. Her story is one of resilience and triumph, shaped by personal challenges that could have kept her stuck but instead propelled her forward.

As the author of 20+ published anthologies, and two journals, her written works serve as a source of inspiration and practical guidance. Each piece reflects her commitment to helping others navigate their own challenges. Additionally, she launched a podcast, “Fearless Fridays with Maryann,” which provides a platform for meaningful conversations about life, motivation, hope, and personal/professional growth.

What sets Maryann apart is not just her professional expertise but her personal journey as well. She faced and conquered significant challenges in life, including surviving sexual abuse, being a high school drop-out, overcoming the hardships of teenage motherhood, and enduring domestic violence. These occurrences have shaped her understanding and empathy, allowing her to connect with her clients on a deeper level. She's not just talking the talk; she's walked the walk, and she's here to help others do the same.

Maryann has a Bachelor's degree from Roberts Wesleyan University, a Master's from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and an Honorary Doctorate from Trinity International University of Ambassadors (T.I.U.A.). Additionally, she is certified by the John C. Maxwell Certification Program as a Coach, Speaker, and Trainer.

Maryann loves the beach, traveling, and spending time with her family in Rochester, NY.

Maisha Beard is a dynamic speaker, business leader, and advocate dedicated to empowering others through entrepreneurship, health equity, and personal transformation. As the founder of Mai’Mission Inc., currently in its startup phase, she is building a movement rooted in breast cancer awareness, impact, and nursing scholarships, honoring the legacy of her late mother, Nurse Cheryl Denise Moore. Inspired by her father’s survivorship, she is also expanding her mission to raise awareness about prostate cancer in Black men.

Through The Maisha Experience, Maisha uses her voice to spark change, speaking on domestic violence, breast cancer disparities, and the power of entrepreneurship. As an ambassador for Voices of Black Women with the American Cancer Society, she’s committed to ensuring more Black women participate in life-saving research.

By day, she serves as the Coordinator of Business Asset Development and Kiva Capital Access Manager for the City of Rochester, helping entrepreneurs access capital to grow and thrive. She was recently honored as an Inaugural Rochester Business Journal Women of Impact and Inclusion Honoree and featured on the covers of Rochester Business Journal and Rochester Women’s Magazine.

With a Master’s in English & Creative Writing, Maisha is passionate about storytelling, advocacy, and helping others rise. Her motto: Show up and shine—because the world needs what you carry.

LaKisha N. Williams is the Director of #DegreesNYC, a data-informed collective impact movement co-lead by young people to achieve education equity in New York City.

As such, she represents #DegreesNYC and Goddard Riverside on many groups, including the Government Relations and Human Relations Committees of the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling, the National College Attainment Network's Policy Council, and the NY Education Equity Coalition. She serves on the New York State Poor People’s Campaign’s Coordinating and Faith Committees, where she organizes moral fusion direct action against systemic racism, poverty, militarism and ecological devastation.

She was honored with the United Neighborhood Houses' Award for Achievement in Civic Advocacy in recognition of her social justice work. She is the Youth & Young Adult Minister at Antioch Baptist Church in Harlem as well as for Women of Virtue, Honor and Purpose Ministries. She is the President
of the Reverend Dr. John L. Scott Associate Ministers Auxiliary of the United Missionary Baptist Association of Greater New York and Vicinity and is a Captain of the NYS Chaplain Workers Taskforce, Inc. Williams holds a BA from William Smith College and a
Masters of Divinity from the Union Theological Seminary of New York.