The 5th Annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference will delve into Charting the Path to Equity, July 11 at Trident Technical College.

We are excited to have an outstanding line-up of prominent researchers, activists, practitioners and educators join us to share their expertise and delve deeper into charting a path to equity through education, criminal justice reform and healthcare.

Meet this year’s speakers and learn a little more about how they got to where they are today.

Purchase your tickets by visiting the DE&I Conference event page.

Conference Emcee & Moderator

Herbert L. Drayton III – HI Mark Capital

 Herbert L. Drayton III is the managing partner of HI Mark Capital and Columnist for The Black Wall Street Times. Based in Charleston, HI Mark Capital invests in minority and women-owned tech-enabled early-stage companies in the Southeast, seeking both a financial return as well as a social impact. As the founder of the management buy-out firm, Vertical Holdings, he enjoyed more than 20 years establishing, buying, and managing businesses in a variety of industries including healthcare, IT management, software, and corporate training. Herbert served honorably in the US Air Force and the US Marine Corps Reserves. He has a Bachelor of Science in Business degree and an Associate of Applied Sciences. 

As a Charleston native, Herbert is passionate about community service and civic leadership in this region. He is the Chair of the Board of Directors for Palmetto Goodwill, where has deep connections to its community and mission— “changing lives by providing equitable access to training, education, and employment; and Immediate Past Chair of Coastal Community Foundation, the largest community foundation in South Carolina serving all nine counties on the coast. 

Herbert also serves on the Board of Directors of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce (Business Advocacy Committee Chair), The SC Quantum Association, Association of Black Foundation Executives, and St. Francis Hospital. He is an Advisory Board member for the Securities and Exchange Capital Advisory Committee, and Past Chair of the Board of One80 Place. 

ALICE Report Presentation

DJ Hampton – Trident United Way

David “D.J.” Hampton II joined Trident United Way as president and chief executive officer in April 2023.  

Hampton has held critical leadership roles at some of the largest nonprofits in the U.S., including over two decades within the United Way Network, having personally developed over $50 Million in planned gifts, led teams supporting over $1.2 Billion in annual individual giving and helped launch over $1 Billion in initiative and endowment campaigns.  

After United Way, Hampton led development for The ALS Association and worked to increase system-wide revenue 40% over three years following the Ice Bucket Challenge. He also served as the senior vice president of market leadership and chief development officer for March of Dimes where he drove transformation, grew $130 million in annual revenue and led over 300 staff.  

Most recently, Hampton founded and led ALoDay Consulting, where he advised and supported a variety of nonprofits globally. 

Hampton earned a Master’s in nonprofit management from Alfred University, a J.D. from the David A. Clarke School of Law and is a member of the D.C. Bar.  

Hampton met his wife Allison while both were working at a United Way in Birmingham, Alabama. They share a passion for philanthropy and extensive United Way experience. In fact, they consider themselves a United Way family and often say that the United Way tagline, “LIVE UNITED”, was the unofficial theme at their wedding, as their nuptials made the slogan a reality.  

Hampton, his wife and their two daughters relocated to the Tri-County area from Virginia. Look for him around town riding his Vespa or hosting movie night with his kids. 

Natasha Chatman – Trident United Way

Natasha Chatman, MEd, the newly appointed Chief Impact Officer for Trident United Way, is leading efforts to empower and uplift the Tri-county community in the space of education, health and financial stability through convening key community stakeholders, supporting nonprofit work and providing access to basic resources.  Over the course of her professional career, Natasha has collaboratively worked as a strategic thought partner in removing healthcare and academic barriers for the underserved regions of the Lowcountry. She served as the Chief Operations Officer of Fetter Health Care Network leading efforts to fund, build, and open health center facilities and mobile units in rural and underserved areas supporting access to healthcare services; as well as oversaw a diverse team dedicated to exceptional patient care and business operations excellence.  She also worked to positively impact workforce disparities by increasing the healthcare pipeline with underrepresented minority and disadvantaged students while working with Lowcountry Area Health Education Center. Natasha graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry, and she later obtained a Master of Education. She has also served on the board of directors for Trident Workforce Development and Trident United Way, as well as health advisory committees for local school districts. Natasha has been happily married for twenty years with 2 amazing boys.

Education Session

Dr. Jennifer Baez – Areito Consulting

Dr. Jennifer Baez has 22 years of experience in K-12 education in Texas and South Carolina. She has served in roles as a bilingual/dual language/ESOL teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal, school principal, educational project manager as well as the Interim Director of Multilingual Services and Outreach. In higher education, has also been an adjunct professor at the Citadel Military College of South Carolina. 

Dr. Baez earned a BA in Modern Languages from the University of Dallas, a Master’s in Educational Administration from Texas Woman’s University, and a PhD in K-16 Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Texas. Additionally, she has completed training in Project Management and Human Resource Management

Criminal Justice Session

Mayor Reggie Burgess – City of North Charleston

Reginald L. “Reggie” Burgess, a native of North Charleston’s historical neighborhoods Union Heights and Liberty Hill, is a man of dedication and diverse achievements. His early love for sports led him to excel in track & field, baseball, football, and basketball during his youth, with football emerging as his true passion. Reggie’s prowess on the field earned him a full scholarship to Morgan State University, where he shone as a wide receiver for the Bears. His college career was marked by numerous accolades, including Sporting News Division 1-AA All-American honors, a spot on the Historical Black College Sports All-American 1st Team, and multiple All-MEAC selections. Despite his aspirations for the NFL, life had other plans, and Reggie returned to South Carolina, embarking on a distinguished law enforcement career. 

Joining the North Charleston Police Department in 1989, Reggie’s commitment to justice and community service propelled him through the ranks. His roles ranged from Patrol Officer, DARE and GREAT Officer, to various investigative and supervisory positions, reflecting his versatility and leadership skills. By 2018, he reached the pinnacle of his police career as the Chief of Police for North Charleston, a testament to his dedication and expertise. His journey didn’t stop there, as on January 2, 2024, he was inaugurated as the Mayor of North Charleston, marking a new chapter in his service to the community. 

Reggie’s educational pursuits complement his professional journey, holding a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Claflin University and completing advanced training at the Southern Police Institute, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and the US Secret Service Academy. These experiences reflect his commitment to continuous learning and excellence. 

Guided by his mother’s wisdom, “to thine own self be true,” Reggie balances his professional endeavors with a rich personal life. He cherishes his family, including his wife Tracy Riggins Burgess, his high school sweetheart, and their two children, Reggie II and Kristen. A lifelong member of Royal Missionary Baptist Church and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Reggie embodies a deep commitment to his faith and community. His story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to public service.

Judge Ellen Steinberg – Charleston County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Ellen S. Steinberg is a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA degree. She earned her JD from South Texas College of Law Houston and has been admitted to both the Texas State Bar and the South Carolina State Bar. 

Ellen practiced as a Public Defender, an Assistant Solicitor and most recently as a Charleston County Magistrate, during which time the Charleston County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council was formally established. She was immediately drawn to the CJCC’s Vision: To foster a criminal justice system that is fair, just, and equitably applied. Ellen was a key member in the CJCC as a Magistrate and served as Vice-Chair on the Executive Committee before becoming the Director of the CJCC. 

The CJCC exists to assist in making sustainable, data-driven improvements to Charleston County’s criminal justice system and thereby improve public safety and community well-being.  An ambitious goal that keeps Charleston moving forward.  

Healthcare Panel Discussion

Dr. Renee Linyard-Gary – Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Renee Linyard-Gary is a health equity influencer in Charleston Lowcountry and the Carolinas. She is recognized as an expert in sound, data-based approaches for delivering patient-centered care that also addresses social determinants of health such as housing needs, food insecurity and financial stability for those in need. 

A Mount Pleasant native, Renee graduated from Wando High School and went on to complete her MBA and her BA in Business Administration and Management from Charleston Southern University. She is a Lifestyle Coach by the National Diabetes Prevention Program and a certified Community Health Worker. 

She joined Roper St. Francis Healthcare in 2013 as Director of AccessHealth Tri-County, a program that advocates on behalf of tri-county uninsured and underinsured adults. From January 2020 to March 2022, she served as Director of Health at Trident United Way, leading the Healthy Tri-county coalition. 

Now serving as the Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity at Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Renee leads the work of the Community Health division, which includes the AccessHealth program, senior services, the Greer Transitions Clinic, Roper St. Francis Health Services Center and new mobile health initiatives, as well as frontline services around diversity and inclusion efforts.  

Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad – DrJeannelle.com

Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad is a Licensed Family Therapist and Psychotherapist with more than 20 years of experience in counseling and coaching. She holds a BA in Organizational Communications from University of Maryland, a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Capella. She is licensed in GA, FL, NC, and SC. Dr. Jeannelle is a board member of Charleston Hope; an organization that increases access to mental and behavioral health programs in Title I schools to enhance student well-being. As an adjunct professor at The Citadel in Charleston, SC, and Practicum Supervisor for Capella and Liberty Universities, she focuses on building a new generation of culturally competent clinical counselors.  

Dr. Jeannelle was Foundation Fellow of Roper St. Francis Hospital and recipient of the Charleston Area Black Caucus “40 Professionals to Know” award. As a 2024 TEDx Charleston participant, Dr. Jeannelle challenges America to consider how racism impacts black intimacy in the structural, institutional and systemic complexities of cultural conditioning. Her recent book, Into-Me-See, explores the cultural and personal factors that can make it challenging for Black couples to develop and maintain intimacy while offering solutions that strengthen their unity.  

As an international speaker, Dr. Jeannelle is sought after by podcasts and organizations on topics ranging from Mental Health and Relationships, Cultural Immersion and Humility, Emotional Intelligence and Resilience, Enhancing Intimacy, Personality Disorders, Military Trauma, Racial Anxiety, Sexual Wellness, and Depression, and much more. Dr. Jeannelle is a consultant on TVOne’s hit show Fatal Attraction. She has been featured in Skirt Magazine, Newsweek, Charleston Magazine, and Vice Magazine. She has been seen on the AFRO News Chicken Boxx, eHealthRadio, Divorce Magazine-Canada, Fox 24 Charleston, Lowcountry Live, Reicy G., Black Family Table Talk, Growth State-of-Mind, and Her Point of View. Her lived experience with blended families, adoption, divorce, family personality disorders are key to her ability to bring research to life.  

Dr. Jeannelle has her pulse on the community’s mental and emotional health. In her private group practice she assist individuals, families, and couples; in rehabilitating, repairing, and revitalizing their commitment to authentic living as a characteristic for building healthy relationships and vibrant communities. She is compassionate, direct, and unapologetic in teaching clients to overcome their challenges. Her spiritual experience and evidence-based therapeutic approach are a hallmark of allowing you to change your life trajectory. 

Dr. Aretha Polite-Powers – Fetter Health Care Network

Aretha R. Polite-Powers, DHA, MPH, MALPSis the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Fetter Health Care Network (FHCN) in Charleston, SC. With over 20 years of experience in not-for-profit, community-based health and human service organizations. Dr. Polite-Powers oversees a team of more than 205 professionals and manages the operation of over 25 health care sites, 3 medical mobile and 2 dental mobile units throughout Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, and Colleton counties. These sites include primary care, dental, behavioral health, school-based, migrant/agriculture health, and persons experiencing homelessness programs. She also is responsible for four Graduate Medicine Education Programs in collaboration with Trident & Summerville Medical Hospitals: Family, Internal, Obstetrics and Gynecological and Transitional Medicine Programs.  

Dr. Polite-Powers has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, those with substance abuse and mental health issues, and people living with HIV/AIDS. She has managed federal grant programs such as Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), Ryan White, and 330 FQHC. Her educational background includes a Doctorate in Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina, a Master of Science in Public Health, and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Professional Development from Georgia Southern University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Savannah State University. Dr. Powers is also a 2009 Graduate of Leadership Savannah.  

Dr. Polite-Powers dedication to improving access to healthcare and her leadership has earned her recognition and awards from various organizations: 2023 SC Women in Leadership  and 2008 National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Geiger Gibson Emerging Leader. Some of her proudest recognitions were a result of her leadership planning, implementing and execution of Fetter Health Care Networks’ Mobile COVID-19 community education, testing, vaccine and treatment programs. As a result of her impactful efforts, she was the recipient of awards -2023 Closing the Gap in Healthcare Disparities, 2021 South Carolina Primary Health Care Association (SCPHCA), Margaret J. Weston Healthcare Pioneer, 2022 Mt. Moriah Missionary Church Essence of Character Health & Wellness, 2021 Summerville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., Leader in Physical & Mental Health and Charleston Alumnae Chapter for Outstanding Community Service, and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Gamma Xi Omega Chapter for Community Impact and Contributions.  

Additionally, Dr. Polite-Powers is actively involved in professional associations. She serves as the Vice-Chairwoman of the SCPHCA, is a Treasure of the Community Integrated Management Services, LLC (CIMS), and is a member of the Health Center Excellence and Training Committee with the NACHC. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Personal Reflections

Amy Barch – Turn90

A strong sense of equality and justice led Amy Barch towards a legal profession, but she found her calling during a college internship at a local jail. In 2012, Amy founded Turn90, a nonprofit with the mission to equip men with the skills and opportunities to succeed after prison. Turn90 has two locations in Charleston and Columbia, SC and has received national attention for its innovative, therapeutic, and evidence-based approach to reentry. Amy credits Turn90’s success to grit, luck, her amazing team, and the many people who have helped along the way. Not a day passes when she does not think of the many gifts and talents locked behind prison walls, and what we find when we are willing to make the investment.

Phyllis Martin – Jewish Endowment Foundation of Greater Charleston