MEET THE
2023 Fellows
ALISHA BROOKS
THE BLACK HAIR EXPERIENCE
Alisha is a Midwest girl with big-city ambition. She is a wife, mother, and a highly-rated entrepreneur & curator of experiences. After years of working as a graphic designer and creating in the digital space, she launched her first business, Hello Tee in 2016, and soon after she launched her second business, The Black Hair Experience in 2019.
With The Black Hair Experience Alisha took an idea and turned it into a movement celebrating Black hair, beauty, and culture. Alisha’s passion is creating spaces and experiences that celebrate and amplify the experiences of Black audiences.
Alisha has been featured on Media platforms such as Essence, Teen Vogue, NPR, and Ebony. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc she continues to positively impact her community through creating events and programs that positively impact the lives of others.
BLAKE VAN PUTTEN
cise inc.
Blake Van Putten is a designer and business owner who has made a significant impact on the fashion industry with his clothing line, CISE. Originally from Los Angeles, Van Putten began producing and designing clothes in 2010. After receiving his B.B.A. in Supply Chain Management, he worked in New York City as a Senior Project Manager overseeing projects across financial institution groups.
As an experienced business owner, Van Putten has owned and operated four businesses. However, he recently left his position to pursue CISE full-time. CISE is a Los Angeles-based clothing line with a unique mission: to create apparel that gives a voice to those in society who are typically ignored. The apparel produced by CISE is designed to be both socially impactful and fashion-forward.
In addition to creating clothing that makes a statement, CISE has also committed to donating to organizations that support minority and disadvantaged groups within society. As the company grows, the goal is to become a platform for Black creatives and the Black dollar. CISE believes that by creating stronger threads, they can create a stronger community.
Van Putten's dedication to using fashion as a tool for social change is inspiring and admirable. Through CISE, he has not only created clothing that is both fashionable and meaningful, but he has also committed to using the success of his business to support marginalized communities. CISE is truly making a difference one purchase at a time.
DAVID PRICE
The Safety pouch
David Price first conceptualized the idea for The Safety Pouch at age 16 after having "The Talk," a conversation on handling police interactions during traffic stops with his parents. David knew he needed to create a product to facilitate safer traffic stops for drivers and police officers. David officially brought The Safety Pouch to market in 2020, and he has been on a mission since to create equitable traffic stop interactions for everyone.
Evangeline Bundi
The Kibanda
I am Evangeline Bundi, a Chef, Entrepreneur, and Creator of The Kibanda. Born and raised in Kenya, I have always been passionate about sharing the unique and delicious flavors of Kenyan cuisine with the world. I currently live in Austin, TX, where I run my company and create dining experiences that incorporate Kenyan and African cooking practices into fine dining.
My love for food and cooking started at a young age when I would help my mother prepare traditional Kenyan meals. I learned about the importance of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the unique spices and seasonings that give Kenyan cuisine its distinctive flavor. Over time, I developed my own style of cooking, combining traditional techniques with contemporary presentation and global influences.
I launched The Kibanda to share my passion for Kenyan cuisine and provide a platform for other African chefs to showcase their talents. Through The Kibanda, I create bespoke dining experiences for clients, highlighting the flavors and diversity of African cuisine.
I also developed my own line of products, including Eva's Potion, a chili oil and chili jam that captures the bold and spicy flavors of Kenyan cuisine.
My goal is to inspire others to explore and appreciate the rich culinary traditions of Africa. Whether I am teaching cooking classes, hosting pop-up dinners, or developing new products, I am always looking for new ways to share my love for food and bring people together around the table.
Hyacinth Tucker
The laundry basket llc
Hyacinth Tucker is a veteran of the United States Army. Born in Jamaica, West Indies and raised in Brooklyn, NY, she is a true example of the American Dream. Hyacinth received her bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in English from Towson University, and later earned her MBA. Currently, Hyacinth is the proud owner of The Laundry Basket, LLC, a mobile laundry and dry cleaning delivery solution servicing the Greater DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia area. Hyacinth is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and The Order of The Eastern Star. She is also a member of Toastmasters International, where she has honed her public speaking skills.
Hyacinth is happily married and a devoted mother of two children named Amir and Jasmine. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing board games, and reading. Her favorite quote, "With God all things are possible," is a testament to her unwavering faith and determination to succeed in all aspects of her life.
javier Wallace
Black austin tours
Javier Wallace, Ph.D., is the "Master Storyteller." He is the founder, owner, and principal guide of Black Austin Tours (BAT). Javier started BAT in 2019 as a continuation of AfroLatinx Travel, which he co-founded in 2015. In all endeavors through curation and narrative storytelling, Javier seeks to amplify the themes explored in his lived experiences and academic research. In 2021, Javier received a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin from the College of Education. Javier is the inaugural Race and Sport Postdoctoral Associate at Duke University in the African and African American Studies Department. Javier's first book project(under contract with Duke University Press), Sueños del Norte: Black Panamanian Hoop Dreams & the Realities of Basketball Trafficking, which explores basketball trafficking in U.S. High School Basketball, was selected as a top topic on Afro-Latin studies part of the Afro-Latin American Research Institute (ALARI) at the Hutchins Center, Harvard University. Javier's work centering on the histories, experiences, and contributions of Black people has led him to be featured on the Travel Channel, ESPN Longhorn Network, and The Discovery Channel documentary on self-emancipating Africans. Various articles have been written on Javier's work in publications such as Conde Nast Travel and Travel & Leisure. He was awarded the "Top Travel Influencer" in 2021 by The Texas Travel Awards. Javier earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Florida A&M University, an HBCU, where he also played offensive lineman for the Rattler Football Team. He is of U.S. and Panamanian heritage and has served as athletic director and physical educator in the Republic of Panama.
John York
Spokehub, inc. (Frequency People)
John York is a tech entrepreneur and enthusiast and co-founder of the Frequency People app - (formerly known as SpokeHub). His company was one of the first recipients of Google’s Black Founders Exchange back in 2017. John has an extensive background in advanced analytics and a strong desire to bring people together from all around the world to have real engaging conversations. He is based in Atlanta, Georgia where he lives with his wife Ava and their dog, Monty.
kayla wright-jackson
transition cna inc.
Kayla is an ambitious entrepreneur from Denver, Colorado who is passionate about making an impact in the healthcare industry with goals to improve the workforce shortage and patient care outcomes. She lost her grandpa in 2013 due to a lack of home health care. Kayla possesses extensive experience in both recruiting and healthcare training. She moved to Atlanta, GA in 2019 to lead human resources at a home-health organization where she identified the challenge of consistently recruiting and retaining in-demand talent. She then delved deeper into an aspiring professional’s journey into the workforce by working at a healthcare training school. Kayla’s insightful perspectives are essential in disrupting this market and she is determined to change the current trajectory of healthcare staffing.
lola pyne
oasis soul llc
Lola Pyne is a multi-faceted and highly experienced marketing and IT expert who melds her profession with award-winning creative entrepreneurship.
Lola founded Oasis Soul Scent Co. as a way to encourage self-care and well-being not only in others but also in herself and her family. This candles and scented goods company with soothing products inspired by soulful music offers an array of luxurious candles, body scrubs, body oils, sprays, and shower steamers all made with natural ingredients. Prior to becoming a scent-obsessed, candle-making entrepreneur, Lola’s life looked quite different.
A graduate of Spelman College and Bank Street Graduate School of Education, Lola touts a career span of 20+ years that includes leading Marketing and Advertising at the Library of Congress for more than a dozen years, and advanced web development for several noteworthy organizations, namely The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the Montgomery County Government.
A successful career granted her many incredible opportunities in the marketing, outreach, and web development sectors. However, long hours spent commuting and in offices left little time for Lola to spend with her young son—not to mention, care for her mental and physical well-being.
In 2018, Lola set out to start a business that would allow her to slow down and be more present with her family. Having recently become fascinated by the power of scent, the direction of her business was an easy choice.
Today, Lola runs Oasis Soul Scent Co. full-time, taking great pride and joy in offering products that help people care for themselves in mind, body, and soul.
roy scott
healthy hip hop
Roy Scott is CEO of Healthy Hip Hop Inc., a platform that infuses hip-hop culture with innovative technology, education, and positive attributes for children. After spending over a decade in the music industry and corporate communications, Roy knows what truly moves people; creating engaging products, technology, and content that resonates with the culture.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, this devoted husband and father of three experienced first-hand how influential hip-hop music was on himself as a child. Roy was inspired to create a positive alternative that focuses on uplifting the youth through promoting mental and physical health, educational achievement, and personal empowerment.
Roy is a battle-tested former corporate executive turned driven entrepreneur who has a wide range of experience from pitching on Shark Tank to securing over $300K in non-dilutive grants to build a tech company from scratch. Healthy Hip Hop has been highlighted in business journals across the country and most recently selected for the Legacy Classic Pitch Competition with Michael B. Jordan, TechStars Social Impact, Collab Capital, and the Google for Black Founders Fund. Roy relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, and is dedicated to his craft, yet more importantly self-improvement, faith, and family.
roydon jeffrey
listedb
Coming from a very entrepreneurial family, I've been in love with the idea of business from a very young age. Growing up in South America and the Caribbean, I got my first run at business & entrepreneurship around the age of 7 where I would sell mangoes, coconuts, and other fruits in my community to earn money for my piggy bank. One of the earliest teachings from my mom that I can remember is the importance of saving and I fell in love with the idea of being able to generate money for myself on my own terms.
All my life I felt like an outcast in my own community even after coming to America. I was always different and intellectually more advanced than my peers but my mother wasn't in a financial position to do anything about it so I suffered physically, mentally, and emotionally. I know there are many other kids out there who are feeling limited and confined to their surroundings. My goal is to show them that the world is much bigger and better than their neighborhoods and inspire them to create a change for their families.
I am a deep thinker who loves to engage in thought-provoking conversations. I have a strong interest in business, technology, beauty services, and psychology. I am a fast learner, solution-oriented, and production-focus individual who never forgets to always remain a student regardless of where I go or how much I know. Ever since getting my first haircut at the age of 5, I've been obsessed with the influence barbershops and salons have in our communities. But I never saw myself becoming a barber or hairstylist because I wanted to do something that would enable me to impact the global industry rather than serving just my local neighborhood. I started ListedB because my team and I want to build the largest and most valuable community for the beauty & wellness industry to spread more awareness and appreciation for the importance of these services.
shante frazier
havitu inc dBa wellcapped
Shante Frazier is the cofounder/CEO of WellCapped, the first tech-enabled Wig Rental Company. Shante founded the company with her cousin, Lauren Grant after their aunt gave them the idea to start a company that enables consumers to rent expensive hair extensions and wigs instead of paying thousands of dollars to purchase.
Shante is a graduate of Spelman College and served as an intelligence officer in the Army National Guard prior to receiving her MBA from NYU. Before going full-time at WellCapped, she held roles as a Senior Consultant at PWC and a Senior Merchandising Manager at Wayfair. She currently resides in Atlanta, GA with her daughter, Legacy.