Deborah Catchings-Smith is a Vice President of Risk Management in the North America Consumer Bank Division of Citi, where she’s served in leadership for the past two decades. Including Ms. Catchings-Smith’s career at Citi, she has worked in financial services for more than 30 years.

Ms. Catchings-Smith served as the 24th International President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. from 2016-2020. In this position, she was responsible for more than 100,000 members within 500 chapters internationally.

Evelyn Woods, EdD is the Director of Human Resources and Evaluation at the Hazelwood School District. Dr. Woods has more than 16 professional years in the St. Louis educational community. She has spent 8 of her 11 years as a turnaround-focused school principal. Before she served as an administrator, Dr. Woods taught middle school communication arts. She has a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a master’s degree in legal studies, a master’s degree in teaching with an emphasis in communication from Webster University, and an educational specialist degree from MIZZOU in 2012. Dr. Woods earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Maryville University.

LaTonya Jackson, MBA, is in her seventh year in banking. She has served as a BankCentre Leader, the VP of Community Development, and she currently serves as the Asst. VP of Business Services at St. Louis Community Credit Union.  Her focus was, and continues to be, building and expanding relationships between Banks and the communities within the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. With more than 20 years of professional experience in social services, LaTonya has a unique understanding and intimate knowledge of how to best serve under-served St. Louis communities. Jackson has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Benedictine College and a master’s in business administration degree from Fontbonne University.

Kim Scott is a seven-time published author, screenwriter, TV producer, non-profit founder, speaker, and overall creative. She has worked and written for some top TV networks, including ABC, FOX, BET, NBCUniversal, TV One, Cleo TV, and YouTube Space. Kim has a passion for helping people become the best version of themselves. As a speaker and coach, she has mentored and coached hundreds of people on effective goal setting that yields results. She has touched the lives of thousands of girls and women across the globe through her books, speaking engagements, online community, and simple but meaningful daily conversations.

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Dr. Robert K. Payne is a dynamic K-12 instructional leader, adjunct professor, and

professional speaker with over 25 years of experience in education, business, and

telecommunications. As an Assistant Principal, he leads school-wide initiatives focused

on equity, restorative practices, student support, and professional learning. He is known

for building inclusive, high-performing teams and creating collaborative, student-

centered school cultures. As an adjunct professor, he prepares future educators and

professionals by connecting real-world leadership practices with academic growth. Dr.

Payne proudly serves on the boards of the St. Louis Voices Academy, the YMCA of

Greater St. Louis, and the Guide Right Foundation of St. Louis, and is a member of

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

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