J. Vincent Williams is a distinguished executive with extensive experience in economic empowerment, business development, and diversity advocacy. Since June 2020, he has been serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (ChicagoMSDC), where he leads initiatives to support and grow minority-owned businesses in the Chicago area.

Prior to his current role, Vincent was the Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Vice President of Economic Empowerment at the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago from January 2019 to June 2020. His tenure at the YWCA was marked by significant advancements in supporting small businesses and fostering economic opportunities for underrepresented communities.

From 2017 to 2019, Vincent served as the Executive Director of Membership and Business Development at The Executives’ Club of Chicago. In this capacity, he played a key role in enhancing the club’s value proposition for its members and expanding its reach within the Chicago business community.

Vincent’s experience also includes a notable tenure as a Senior Investment Manager focused on business development, member engagement, and growth at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce from 2014 to 2017. His work here contributed to the chamber’s mission of promoting economic growth and improving the business climate in the region.

He is an alumnus of the Executive Leadership Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, having completed a Non-Profit Leadership Development Certification in 2020. Additionally, he holds an MBA in Finance and Management from the Morris Graduate School of Management at Roosevelt University/Robert Morris University, Chicago, and a BBA in Marketing Management.

Vincent’s contributions to the field have been widely recognized. He was named a 2021 Notable Executive in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by Crain’s Chicago Business Magazine and received the 2020 Men of Distinction Award from Black Enterprise Magazine. In 2018, he was listed among the Elite Top 100 Emerging Leaders/Executives under 50 by Diversity MBA National Publication. His alma mater honored him with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2014.

Committed to community service and volunteerism, Vincent serves on numerous boards, including the First Women’s Bank of Illinois, The Revitalize Foundation, and the Associated Colleges of Illinois. He is actively involved with Defy Ventures Illinois, the Woodlawn Community Association, and the Diversity Consortium. His mentorship efforts extend to youth programs such as MetroSquash in Hyde Park, Chicago.

Vincent’s dedication to diversity is further evidenced by his roles with the Illinois Diversity Council, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, and the 2020 Women on Boards – Chicago Chapter. As the National Diversity Chairman for the Private Directors Association’s Chicago Chapter, he continues to advocate for inclusive practices across various sectors.

J. Vincent Williams exemplifies leadership and commitment to fostering economic growth, supporting minority businesses, and advocating for diversity and inclusion. His impactful career and community involvement make him a pivotal figure in the fields of economic empowerment and social equity.

Leo Lillard is a seasoned Data Analytics Professional; he brings over 15 years of expertise in spearheading marketing analytics, and business intelligence across diverse industry verticals. With a rich foundation in statistical and financial modeling and an innovative approach to developing data-driven solutions, his career has been dedicated to enhancing enterprise-wide analytic capabilities through strategic leadership and technical excellence.

Educationally, he holds a Master of Science in Marketing Analysis and a M.B.A. with a concentration in Managerial Accounting from DePaul University, Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, alongside a Bachelor of Arts in Finance with a minor in Economics from Morehouse College. His commitment to professional development is further evidenced by certifications in SAS, PMP, Six-Sigma Black Belt, Change Management, CMA, and CFM. With a passion for leveraging data to drive business success, he is committed to fostering a culture of analytical excellence and innovation within the organizations he serves.

Aisha Dillard is the Human Resources Generalist at EDLI. Aisha holds a Master of Science in Human Resources and has extensive corporate experience in Talent Acquisition. Her professional journey has been driven by a profound passion for building diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizations. She is deeply committed to fostering environments where every individual feels valued and empowered.

Throughout her career, she has successfully implemented strategic initiatives to attract, retain, and develop top talent, always with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion. Aisha is adept at leveraging data-driven insights to enhance recruitment processes, streamline operations, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Aisha is inspired to contribute to values-based organizations that prioritize people-centric approaches, innovation, and operational efficiency. Her expertise lies in creating and nurturing workplaces that not only meet business objectives but also cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose among employees.

With a steadfast dedication to ethical practices and continuous improvement, Aisha is eager to collaborate with forward-thinking teams to drive impactful change and contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Kevelyn is a veteran marketing strategist with a diverse background in venture capital, consulting, CPG, advertising, and B2B industries. With over 20 years of experience, she has built a reputation as a creative troubleshooter and status quo challenger, bringing innovative solutions and strategic insights to every role she undertakes. She comes to EDLI via Cleveland Avenue where she engages with portfolio companies on their strategic plans and marketing projects. Kevelyn joined Cleveland Avenue in 2019 after spending a decade consulting with agencies and companies of all sizes from start-up to Fortune 500. As Marketing Director at Cleveland Avenue, Kevelyn is part of the Portfolio Resource Group that supports the Cleveland Avenue portfolio companies and investment team with subject matter expertise.

Kevelyn got her start in new product development at beverage packaging giant Tetra Pak, before moving on to brand management at The Coca-Cola Company. While there, she also spent several years working within the McDonald’s Group, leading new product launches and helping restaurants optimize their Coca-Cola programs.

Lisa Merchant-Harrell is the Chief Human Resource Officer for Cleveland Avenue, LLC., a Chicago-based Investment firm. She also serves as the Board Chair of the Entrepreneurial Development and Leadership Institute (EDLI), which prepares Black, Latino, and Women-owned businesses for funding.

Before joining Cleveland Avenue, Lisa founded AMD Business Solutions, a human capital consulting firm supporting entrepreneurs and corporations. Before founding AMD, she served as Vice President of Human Capital and Executive Development for United Health Group.  Previous roles include senior executive positions with CNA Insurance Company, St. Paul Travelers, the Sheraton Hotel and Resorts, and Monsanto Company.

In addition to her corporate roles, Lisa is passionate about education and service to her community. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Trustees for Governors State University and served as Board Secretary for her local school board.  She is also active in several service organizations, including as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and Top Ladies of Distinction.  Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Interpersonal Communications and a Masters in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership in Nonprofits and Social Entrepreneurship.

Lisa has received numerous honors for her contribution to human resources and leadership development. She was most recently recognized as a 2021 Chicago United Leaders of Color and 2024 Chicago Defender Woman of Excellence.

Lisa is the proud mother of 3 and a tireless champion for entrepreneurship and next-generation leaders!

Julian provides day-to-day leadership and management to a rapidly growing organization while maintaining the mission and core values of The Resurrection Project. He is responsible for the creation of Do Right Services Companies and the overall management of TRP Realty TRP’s business enterprises that generate earned income opportunities for the organization.  In addition, he is spearheading the development, communication and implementation of effective growth strategies and processes for the organization. Julian directly supervises key TRP’s Senior Executives including IT, HR, and Marketing.

Most recently, Julian was Executive Vice President of Marketing and Strategy for Wrapports LLC/ Sun Times Media.  Prior to joining Wrapports, Julian Posada was President of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club (MLS) where he oversaw the Fire’s day-to-day operations as and led the strategic planning and overall management of the club and stadium operations. Julian also served as Founder and General Manager for Hoy, Chicago’s only Spanish Daily Newspaper (Tribune owned and operated). He was responsible for the day-to-day activities of Hoy Chicago including editorial, sales, finance, marketing, circulation and production. In addition to launching Hoy Chicago, he was also part of the team that launched Hoy Los Angeles. Posada has held senior level positions at Citibank in Colombia SA among other senior positions.

Julian also has a long history of leadership service in the community and currently, serves on the boards of the WTTW Public Television, Chicago Public Media (WBEZ), Metropolitan Planning Council, Forefront, and Otho S.A. Memorial Institute. He also served on the boards of Public Allies, The Metropolitan Chicago YMCA, Taproot Foundation and as a Trustee of National Louis University among various other boards and committees within the Hispanic community.

Additionally, he has received several awards and recognitions for his business achievements and community service. He served as a McCormick Tribune Media Fellow (2006), was a winner of Press time’s 20 under 40 (2007) and was selected by Chicago United as a Business Leader of Color (2007), Cook County State’s Attorney’s Arnold Mireles Community Empowerment Award; the NSHMBA Brilante Award in 2009; the Exito Award from HACE in 2010 and the MALDEF Corporate Social Responsibility Award in 2104 among others.

Julian holds an MBA from Kellogg Northwestern University and a BS in Food Systems Economics and Management from Michigan State University.

Levoyd Robinson is a highly accomplished finance and investment professional with a robust career spanning over three decades. Currently, he serves as the Managing Principal at CFI Partners, LLC, a role he has excelled in since 2005. His strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in driving the firm's success and establishing its reputation in the industry.

Before his tenure at CFI Partners, Levoyd was the Managing Director and Head of Global Private at Citadel Investment Group, LLC from 2000 to 2005. At Citadel, he played a pivotal role in managing global private investments, demonstrating his expertise in navigating complex financial landscapes.

Levoyd's career in finance began at First Chicago Corporation, where he served as a Portfolio Manager from 1989 to 1996. His early experiences in portfolio management laid a strong foundation for his future leadership roles.

He further honed his skills and expanded his responsibilities as the Senior Managing Director at PPM America, Inc. from 1996 to 2000. His tenure at PPM America was marked by significant achievements in investment management and client relations.

Levoyd holds an MBA in Finance, Investment, and Banking from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BBA in Finance-Banking, Magna Cum Laude, from Howard University School of Business. His academic background is complemented by his status as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder, a testament to his profound knowledge and expertise in the field.Beyond his professional achievements, Levoyd is dedicated to giving back to the community. He serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors for The Chicago Academy for the Arts and has been a Board of Visitors Member and Honors Program Advisory Board Member at Howard University School of Business since 2015. Additionally, he is a sponsor for The Academy Group, Inc., an organization committed to empowering young talent.

Levoyd Robinson's career is a testament to his unwavering dedication, strategic insight, and commitment to excellence in finance and investment. His contributions have not only advanced the organizations he has been a part of but also positively impacted the broader community.

Kenya Merritt has more than 20 years of community building experience in the public sector. She currently holds dual roles as the First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Small Business Officer for the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. She is responsible for setting the City's small business agenda and strengthening programs that support business growth and invigorate communities in every corner of Chicago.

She’s been at the forefront of rolling out the Mayor’s $100M fiscal business support programs, assisting entrepreneurs through the re-opening and recovery, and has worked with nearly 100 business support organizations setting equitable standards and supporting essential workers through this crisis. 

She also leads Chicago’s efforts to invest over $40M through the Chicago Recovery Fund to support initiatives that drive small business growth, build organizational capacity of local nonprofits, and create opportunities to access capital for food-based entrepreneurs. 

Kenya previously worked as the Chief Financial Officer with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Department of Family and Support Services, as well as an analyst for the Office of Budget and Management.  Kenya has a wealth of institutional knowledge including fiscal and administration management. 

During her public service tenure, she has worked to improve communities by forging partnerships to develop and implement initiatives and policies that range in the areas of financial management, arts administration, community, and economic development, each with the goal of making Chicago better.  

Kenya holds a MS in Public Service Management from DePaul University and a BA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a resident of the Austin Community and the proud mother of Caleb.

J. Vincent Williams is a distinguished executive with extensive experience in economic empowerment, business development, and diversity advocacy. Since June 2020, he has been serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (ChicagoMSDC), where he leads initiatives to support and grow minority-owned businesses in the Chicago area.

Prior to his current role, Vincent was the Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Vice President of Economic Empowerment at the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago from January 2019 to June 2020. His tenure at the YWCA was marked by significant advancements in supporting small businesses and fostering economic opportunities for underrepresented communities.

From 2017 to 2019, Vincent served as the Executive Director of Membership and Business Development at The Executives’ Club of Chicago. In this capacity, he played a key role in enhancing the club’s value proposition for its members and expanding its reach within the Chicago business community.

Vincent’s experience also includes a notable tenure as a Senior Investment Manager focused on business development, member engagement, and growth at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce from 2014 to 2017. His work here contributed to the chamber’s mission of promoting economic growth and improving the business climate in the region.

He is an alumnus of the Executive Leadership Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, having completed a Non-Profit Leadership Development Certification in 2020. Additionally, he holds an MBA in Finance and Management from the Morris Graduate School of Management at Roosevelt University/Robert Morris University, Chicago, and a BBA in Marketing Management.

Vincent’s contributions to the field have been widely recognized. He was named a 2021 Notable Executive in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by Crain’s Chicago Business Magazine and received the 2020 Men of Distinction Award from Black Enterprise Magazine. In 2018, he was listed among the Elite Top 100 Emerging Leaders/Executives under 50 by Diversity MBA National Publication. His alma mater honored him with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2014.

Committed to community service and volunteerism, Vincent serves on numerous boards, including the First Women’s Bank of Illinois, The Revitalize Foundation, and the Associated Colleges of Illinois. He is actively involved with Defy Ventures Illinois, the Woodlawn Community Association, and the Diversity Consortium. His mentorship efforts extend to youth programs such as MetroSquash in Hyde Park, Chicago.

Vincent’s dedication to diversity is further evidenced by his roles with the Illinois Diversity Council, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, and the 2020 Women on Boards – Chicago Chapter. As the National Diversity Chairman for the Private Directors Association’s Chicago Chapter, he continues to advocate for inclusive practices across various sectors.

J. Vincent Williams exemplifies leadership and commitment to fostering economic growth, supporting minority businesses, and advocating for diversity and inclusion. His impactful career and community involvement make him a pivotal figure in the fields of economic empowerment and social equity.