OUR BOARD
Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization
Drive Social Impact
Our programs, centered on entrepreneurial education, shift thinking from curiosity to action — preparing the next generation of Black changemakers to thrive in any career path they choose. As our in-demand educational framework continues to expand across the country, each of our board members play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization with their expertise and guidance helping us to amplify our impact.
Meet Our Board
Britney Robbins
As a catalyst for social change, Britney Robbins leverages entrepreneurial values to maximize opportunities for economic inclusion. In her role as Founder and CEO of The Gray Matter Experience, she empowers young people to strengthen their ties to self and society through experiential learning and leveraging entrepreneurial values. An innovator within Chicago’s business and tech community, Britney has partnered with some of the city’s top venture capital firms and incubators. Through her work with CAST US, a multi-million dollar Black-owned Capital firm and Accelerator, Britney has built connections across generational, financial, and status divides, creating more access and resources for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Most recently, Britney designed and spearheaded the Frederick Douglass Entrepreneurial Development & Leadership Institute (EDLI), a non-profit spinoff of CAST-US dedicated to empowering disinvested entrepreneurs to succeed with personalized connection to an ecosystem of resources and support. She has been awarded and recognized as a trailblazer and champion for social justice by Essence, Ebony, Forbes, Chicago Bulls, Ariel Investments, City of Chicago and others for her significant contributions to the corporate, finance, and civic leadership communities.
Chika Umeadi
Chika Umeadi is the co-founder of tiphub, a firm specialized in supporting African and African Diaspora focused startups at the intersection of technology and impact. Since its inception in 2014, tiphub has engaged over 100 companies through programs, funding, mentorship, and technology assistance yielding to top partnerships with companies like the NBA, Uber, Google, and State Farm and $10 million USD raised by companies to date. While he’s not working with start-ups through tiphub, Chika is a Product Manager at Google. He also advises and supports Cornell Pharma, a pharmaceutical company based in New Jersey with operations in Nigeria and Kenya. Cornell Pharma’s mission is to bring cost-effective oncology and anti-infective therapeutics to underserved markets leveraging innovative manufacturing and delivery mechanisms. Chika received his MBA from the Kogod School of Business at American University and his Bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Sara Wasserteil
For nearly 20 years, Sara has developed and scaled social impact programs exceeding $160 million. Currently, she serves as a strategic advisor to companies, workforce organizations, and philanthropies working to build a more inclusive economy. Previously, Sara served as Managing Director at Cara Collective, where she founded the organization’s national expansion and inclusive employment practices, and spent 12 years leading programs across Sub-Saharan Africa and as a social impact strategy and measurement consultant for the City of Chicago, Google.org, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, TD Bank, YouTube, and more. Sara serves on the Executive Board of Fast Company Magazine and Selection Advisory Council of the Chicago GreenLight Fund. She holds a BA from Boston University and an MPP from the University of Chicago.
Will Busch III
Will Busch III is a seasoned business builder with nearly 20 years of experience in M&A, business transformation, and value creation across public and private equity-backed businesses. With a track record of scaling and optimizing companies, he specializes in acquiring, growing, and exiting businesses through operational efficiency, commercial effectiveness, and data-driven decision-making. Most recently, Will was Managing Director at Tilia Holdings, where he designed and executed value creation initiatives, led executive recruiting, and optimized post-investment integration to drive sustainable profit growth. Before that, he led the Private Equity Practice at FMG Leading, growing the practice 180% in one year by successfully leading large-scale organizational transformations for investment firms and their portfolio companies. Will earned his undergraduate Business degree with honors from Tennessee State University and later earned a Masters of Business Administration from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Business. Outside of work, Will enjoys creating memories and volunteering with his wife Elizabeth and their three children.
Milissa McClaire Gary
Milissa McClaire Gary is an experienced educational leader, coach, consultant, and National Board Certified Teacher with an M.A. in Educational Research and Policy. She began her career as a high school teacher in Chicago and is a micro-school founder. She has since acted as a consultant and director for several national nonprofits, focused on coaching, adult learning, leadership and program strategy + design. Her entire career has been driven by a deep desire for young people to have choice-filled lives.
Tristan Slemmons
Tristan Slemmons is a passionate advocate for social change. With over a decade of experience in the corporate social responsibility sector, Tristan has dedicated her career to bridging gaps and fostering collaborations that create lasting impact. She currently serves as a Senior Manager at Deloitte, serving as the National Social Impact Activation Marketplace Lead. Tristan is known for her innovative approach to community outreach, leveraging her network to amplify the voices of those she serves. She envisions a world where companies, non-profits, and individuals come together to cultivate thriving communities and knows that exposure opens doors to opportunities and dreams. With the right support and engagement, she believes that Chicago's incredible youth can achieve anything. Her affiliations reflect her commitment to youth, education, and communities. Most recently, she served as the chair of My Block My Hood My City and is a founding member of Youth Guidance’s WOW (Working on Womanhood) Advisory Council. On a personal note, Tristan is very curious and has a love of learning and laughter. She is a dedicated sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. Her nephew and niece are her constant sources of inspiration and joy. Chicago has been her home, and is a proud native of Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.