Tiffany Haddish is more than a Hollywood star—she’s a powerful advocate for community empowerment, especially within Black and Brown communities. As co-founder of Diaspora Groceries, Tiffany champions a mission to increase access to nutritious food, uplift BIPOC food entrepreneurs, and create real ownership opportunities.

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Rooted in her South Los Angeles heritage, Tiffany’s vision for Diaspora Groceries is to keep resources circulating within the community, opening doors for business, land, and home ownership. Her dedication to making a difference continues to inspire, creating pathways for true, lasting change.

Freddy Cameron brings over 20 years of expertise in retail and consumer products, having led operations for major brands like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Cookies, a global cannabis retailer. Freddy is passionate about creating opportunities for minority-owned brands, ensuring they thrive in both big box and local stores. At the Summit, Freddy shares his insights on building inclusive retail spaces and strategies for success that help small suppliers compete on a national scale.

Tambra Raye Stevenson is a food justice trailblazer and founder of WANDA, advocating for Black women’s leadership in food and health. With a background spanning the USDA, health policy, and nutrition advocacy, Tambra champions the idea that healthy communities are powerful communities. At the Summit, she shares her vision of “food as medicine,” rooted in heritage and the strength of the African diaspora.

Meet Richea Jones, Co-Founder of Diaspora Groceries—a grocery concept that celebrates culture, diversity, and community support! Richea leads the charge in building a grocery experience that’s truly by the people, for the people. At the Summit, she’s connecting with fellow game-changers and visionaries.

Meet David Sheldon from Perkins & Will! With nearly 30 years in design and business leadership, David brings a global perspective to local impact. Known for his work across 50 countries and his current focus in Los Angeles, David’s insights at the Summit explore how equity, diversity, and inclusion are woven into creating spaces that reflect their communities.

As a loan officer with CDC Small Business Finance, Iman Cotton has dedicated over 15 years to helping small businesses access the capital they need to grow. Iman provides expert guidance for entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented communities, offering funding solutions that break down barriers to success. At the Summit, Iman shares resources and financing options, empowering businesses to thrive in competitive markets.

Marva Smith is the owner and principal consultant of Marva Smith Consulting, a boutique firm offering expert support to nonprofits and businesses. With a diverse service portfolio—spanning grant writing, project management, strategic planning, and community engagement—Marva is dedicated to helping organizations make a lasting impact. As a California Notary Public with a solid background in administrative and legislative processes, Marva brings over a decade of experience working with a member of Congress and decades leading nonprofits. Her unique insights into public service and community impact guide her work with Diaspora Groceries, supporting its mission to uplift minority-owned businesses.

Beyond consulting, Marva is a vocalist and actor, bringing creativity and a personal touch to her professional endeavors. Join her at the Summit to explore her vision for community empowerment through expert guidance and advocacy.

Monaya Cleveland has been empowering African Diaspora entrepreneurs since 2014, offering guidance on business foundations, growth, and sustainability. An NAACP award-winning coach, Monaya’s work spans brand management, community outreach, and production roles, including work on FX/Hulu’s Hip Hop Uncovered. As a consultant for Diaspora Groceries, Monaya provides coaching and business planning support to BIPOC businesses, driving economic empowerment. Join her at the Summit to learn more about her approach to building impactful brands.

Celia Ward-Wallace from South LA Cafe is dedicated to community empowerment and access to fresh, local food. Her work aligns with Diaspora Groceries’ mission, and at the Summit, she shared her passion for creating spaces that support health and unity through food.

Joe Wallace is the co-founder of South LA Cafe, a community-driven establishment that he and his wife, Celia Ward-Wallace, opened in 2019 to provide fresh, affordable food options in South Los Angeles. Rooted in a mission to address racial, social, and economic inequality, South LA Cafe offers more than just coffee—it’s a gathering place designed to strengthen community bonds and empower local residents. A lifelong South LA resident, Joe saw the impact of food deserts and rapid gentrification in his neighborhood and decided to make a change.

Today, South LA Cafe has grown to five locations, most recently launching an exciting partnership with the Natural History Museum. Join Joe at the Diaspora Groceries Supplier Summit, where he’ll share insights on building resilient communities through accessible food and meaningful connections.

Anthony Vasquez, owner of PFC Farms, is a true innovator with two patents and a passion for rare crops like Chinese Spinach. At the Summit, Anthony will be sharing his journey of securing patents and planting the seeds for successful food ventures. His insights offer a fresh look at agriculture and entrepreneurship, bringing expertise and encouragement for food innovators.

Dr. Shica Little turned her passion for baking into Dr. Shica’s Bakery, now featured in over 4,100 stores. Her unique recipes blend southern roots with plant-based goodness, creating mouthwatering desserts that make customers smile. Sharing her journey at the Summit, Dr. Shica brings inspiration and tips on scaling a brand with heart and quality.

Chef Damon Stalworth is a master of flavor with over two decades in the culinary industry, offering premium seasonings, sauces, and meals. Co-owner of D’s Original Take Out Grill, Chef Damon is also committed to giving back through D’s Feeds the Streets LA, his nonprofit supporting individuals in need. At the Summit, he shares his journey in building a flavorful legacy that serves both taste and community.

Wendy Stalworth brings her expertise in marketing and operations to D’s Original Take Out Grill, co-owned with her husband, Chef Damon. Wendy has expanded the brand’s reach and impact, and she’s deeply invested in their nonprofit D’s Feeds the Streets LA, which tackles food insecurity. Her Summit talk highlights the intersection of business growth and community care, making her a champion for sustainable impact.

Kiano Moju is a culinary storyteller, producer, and author of AfriCali: Recipes From My Jikoni. With roots in Kenya and Nigeria, Kiano’s work at Jikoni Studios and her nonprofit, Jikoni Recipe Archive, preserves and celebrates African culinary heritage. Her recipes blend African-inspired flavors with fresh California ingredients, bringing new dimensions to home cooking. At the Summit, Kiano offers insights on her journey and the power of food to connect communities.

Meet Apryl Sims, the visionary behind Apryl’s Life in a Bottle, a raw, cold-pressed juice line dedicated to bringing high-quality natural juices to communities in need. With nearly two decades managing Simply Wholesome, a beloved Black-owned health food store in Los Angeles, Apryl has empowered countless small vendors and introduced more than 125 diverse suppliers into retail.

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Now, with her own business, Apryl combines her passion for health and wellness with a mission to create accessible, nutritious options. Her dedication to the community is clear: “I care and I share,” she says, as she helps others pursue their goals in wellness and entrepreneurship.

As the Small Farm Business Liaison for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Carmen Carrasco Cortés champions the Farmer Equity Program, working to ensure small farms have the resources and support needed to thrive. With over three years in this role and a background in international business, Carmen connects farmers with critical resources, training, and funding opportunities. She’s dedicated to uplifting Black and Brown farmers, enhancing food security, and fostering sustainable practices across California.

Meet Charleston Wilson, the visionary CEO and founder of Exotic Pop, a trailblazing Black-owned beverage company based in Houston, TX. Charleston is dedicated to uplifting the community through a range of impactful initiatives—from financial literacy programs and entrepreneurship mentorship for young people to community sponsorships and educational partnerships with local schools. With millions in sales, Exotic Pop channels its success back into the community, transforming neighborhoods into networks of opportunity and family.

Meet Aeriq McNayre, also known as Simply 44, a dedicated personal trainer and Executive Director of Simply For the Community. As the author of Simply Motivate Your Mind, Transform Your Body, Aeriq empowers individuals to reach their fullest potential through the power of mindset and physical health.

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Through his nonprofit work, Aeriq is committed to strengthening communities by promoting wellness, fitness, and motivation from the inside out. His philosophy centers on mental resilience as the key to lasting transformation, making him a true leader in holistic health and personal empowerment.

Dr. Bill Releford is a renowned podiatric surgeon, visionary entrepreneur, acclaimed author, and dedicated advocate for health equity. With a commitment to empowering individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, Dr. Releford’s journey spans over three decades, with a focus on diabetic limb preservation and an emphasis on the life-changing impact of nutrition and mindset on health

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Dr. Releford’s work goes beyond traditional healing. He pioneers advancements in diabetic limb preservation, promotes sustainable agriculture at Bloom Ranch, and advocates for health equity with his groundbreaking Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program, which has provided health screenings for over 30,000 Black men. His writing and initiatives inspire resilience and underscore his vision: to create a healthier, more equitable world for all.