Vern Howard Jr. is the CEO and Co-Founder of Hallo, the AI-powered platform that connects qualified candidates with on-demand access to digital coaching, interview training, and a network of executives at companies that students actually want to work with. The platform is the brainchild and solution to what Vern wished he had when he graduated high school early at 16 and struggled to figure out what he wanted to do next.

Since founding Hallo in 2017, Vern has worked with over 1300 active universities including Carnegie Mellon, Fordham University, Stanford University, and USC, and a number of HBCUs to help place students with jobs at top-tier companies. The AI platform backed by machine learning connects qualified candidates with on-demand access to digital coaching, interview training, and an actionable network of companies looking to place them in their future careers. Backed by Fortune 500 companies, Hallo is quickly becoming one of the go-to platforms for top brands and universities looking to discover diverse new talent in lieu of traditional recruitment measures, and is revolutionizing the way students approach their careers. Vern has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company and has appeared on podcasts such as The Entrepreneur Way and Something Ventured.

Jonathan Fowler has over 20 years of experience in data analytics, data strategy, and data-driven change. His prior humanities and education background provides a unique perspective in data analytics in organizations, which drove his doctoral research and the development of the Kulturata Data Quotient. Dr. Fowler regularly consults with companies for assessment, training, and implementation of data analytics solutions that empower and engage all employees. In addition to his industry work, he teaches analytics and data ethics courses for both undergraduate and graduate students, is a conference speaker, and published author. He is an alumnus of Clemson University.

Katrina “KT” Thornton is Taco Bell’s Sr. Executive - HR and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Since joining Taco Bell in October 2021, KT has been energetically leading Taco Bell’s efforts in advancing Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (EI&B). She leads with the belief that EI&B needs to be woven into the business strategy and rooted in action. She is leading Taco Bell’s equity evolution with over 15 years of experience. Before her time at Taco Bell, KT spent her career with Kellogg’s, Sears Holdings Corporation, and Target Corporation in multiple HR leadership assignments.

Tawana Gardner is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with a focus on minimizing process pain points to maximize results. She began her career as an Industrial Engineer. Shortly after earning both a Lean certification and a Six Sigma Black Belt certification, she implemented many successful continuous improvement projects. She eventually accepted a new opportunity as a project manager implementing capital projects. There she spent four years before moving on to further her career in manufacturing ultimately landing an opportunity as a consultant. She has implemented proven management operating systems, many continuous improvement initiatives, training in management and continuous improvement.  She has led, designed, and implemented many continuous improvement projects in addition to teaching six sigma principles to yellow belt, green belt, and black belt candidates. She has published several articles including ” Time to Stop.” Quality Progress Magazine (ASQ), July 2022, pgs. 30-35.

Tawana Gardner is currently serving as principal consultant at AIM for Change, LLC. AIM  helps business improve their bottom line by teaching lean concepts to reduce lean waste.

Katie O'Malley is a Career Coach and Workplace Consultant with fifteen (15) years of professional experience serving the nonprofit, corporate and education sectors. Across these workplaces, Katie noticed her strengths and values consistently steered her toward the
support and development of others. In 2012, Katie translated this observation into action, earning a Master's Degree in Counseling and Board Certification in Coaching.  

Since 2018, Katie has worked alongside more than 125 clients as the Founder and Principal Coach of (en)Courage Coaching. Founded with the noble mission of providing exceptional, financially accessible coaching services to Chicago area professionals, (en)Courage Coaching
has grown to support individuals and businesses from coast to coast, as well as in the United Kingdom.

Coaching clients in the design of authentic career paths, effective leadership practices, and courageous workplace cultures is in the DNA of (en)Courage Coaching. By leveraging a mix of evidence-based practices from the fields of counseling, organizational development,
and leadership education, Katie equips her clients with customized strategies to meet their individual needs and aspirational goals.

Prior to opening the doors of (en)Courage Coaching, Katie served as a leadership coach and course instructor to MBA and graduate students at Chicago Booth, The University of Texas at Austin, and DePaul University. Recently featured in Fast Company and Thrive Global,
Katie's research and writing supports both sides of the workplace equation, encouraging employers and employees to remember, "We're all in this work-thing together."

Mitch is a bestselling author and sought-after speaker to organizations across a broad range of industries, bringing his practical experience to bear to help leaders around the world. His clients include NASA, Aflac, Citrix, Universal Studios, and Intermountain Healthcare.   

Mitch carries his experience as a proven leader into his speeches and facilitation, dynamically bringing Arbinger’s concepts and tools to life through his powerful stories and hands-on experience. His audiences leave inspired to improve and equipped with a practical roadmap to effect immediate change.