Dr. Artesius Miller, Founder and CEO of Utopian Academy for the Arts Charter School Network

A visionary education executive, Dr. Artesius Miller, Ph.D., has worked for more than a decade to expand access to 21st century learning opportunities and career pathways for K-12 and college students across the state. His contributions to the success of students as Founder and CEO of Utopian Academy for the Arts Charter School Network (UAFA), Georgia’s first arts-focused public charter school system, have paved the way for children from low-income communities to earn full scholarships to Ivy League and other prestigious institutions, work as actors on Netflix shows, star in musicals at the Alliance Theatre, appear in Hollywood feature films, as well as to dance professionally with the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and the Atlanta Ballet.

Under Dr. Miller’s leadership, UAFA made history in 2014 as the first school authorized by the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia. To further increase education options for families, Dr. Miller soon expanded UAFA from a single middle school to four campuses, adding an elementary school in 2020 and a high school in 2021, both in Clayton, and a Fayette County middle school with a statewide attendance zone in 2023.

UAFA’s flagship middle school was recognized as “School of the Year” by the Georgia Charter Schools Association (GCSA). That same year Dr. Miller was also named as the first African American to lead the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The TCSG oversees the state’s technical colleges, adult literacy programs, and a host of economic and workforce development initiatives. Last year, more than 40,850 students graduated from the 22 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia.

Atlanta-based rap sensation YELLOPAIN hails from Dayton, Ohio, where he was born and raised. Discovering his musical talent at the young age of 7, YelloPain quickly realized his life’s passion. Using rap as an emotional outlet, he sought to empower and amplify the voices of the unheard. Through his unwavering passion, drive, and unfiltered approach, he transitioned from a local artist to gaining recognition on major platforms like CNN, Forbes, BET, MSNBC, and more.

YelloPain is renowned for his viral tracks like “My Vote Don’t Count,” “Last Time,” and “Graduation,” which have garnered millions of views. His appearances on platforms like Oprah, Steve Harvey, ET, The Real, and others have further propelled his popularity. Noteworthy celebrities such as Sharon Stone, Jada Pinkett Smith, LeBron James, and Viola Davis have praised his work. YelloPain’s impressive track record speaks for itself and stands as a testament to his talent and influence in the industry.

Entrepreneur, Mentor & Community Leader

Ronald Joyner is a dedicated entrepreneur, mentor, and community advocate who has transformed his life’s experiences into a mission to uplift and inspire. As Co-Owner of The Kompound, a custom clothing manufacturing store in Queens, NY, and CEO of Catch22Logistics, a last-mile delivery service contracted with UPS, he is a testament to the power of resilience, redemption, and reinvention.
He is also the host of the HOODTHERAPY Podcast, a platform committed to breaking false narratives that often discourage inner-city youth from striving for success. Through open and honest conversations, he challenges the misconceptions that where you come from dictates where you can go.

Beyond business, Ronald Joyner is a community organizer and mentor, giving back through holiday meal programs, coat drives, and back-to-school giveaways—ensuring that the next generation has the support they need to succeed. His dedication to youth outreach and community reentry has led him to speak at Delaware University, Rutgers University, and various community-based organizations, where he shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges, making better choices, and creating a life of purpose and impact.

As a father to sons, a husband, and a leader, his experiences have shaped him into the man he is today, guiding him to become a better father, partner, and mentor to those looking for a second chance. At the 25th Anniversary of the World Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Show, he will take the stage on The Good Man Panel to share his powerful story—one of transformation, accountability, and the commitment to helping young men avoid the mistakes he made.

His journey proves that change is possible, success is attainable, and every man has the power to rewrite his future. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear his raw, real, and inspiring message!

Amin Waajid is a visionary entrepreneur whose innovative marketing strategies and leadership have made a lasting impact in the natural beauty and personal care industry. His contributions to the Taliah Waajid Brand and the World Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Show have helped enhance their growth and presence in the industry, supporting their continued expansion on a global scale.
As the owner of YO Skincare Products and founder of GO ESSENTIALS, Inc., Amin empowers brands to achieve breakthrough growth while staying true to authenticity and community values.
Alongside his wife, Kimmy, Amin is building a legacy of purpose-driven beauty, inspiring countless entrepreneurs through his commitment to quality, self-reliance, and social impact. His dedication to family—especially his daughters, Kamilah and Najiyyah—and to uplifting communities remains at the heart of his work.

Rush is a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual here in Atlanta GA.
He joined Northwestern, a fortune 110 wealth advisory firm, in 2015 and began building his advisory practice.   Since joining he has thrice been named as a 40 under 40 financial advisor by the national association of insurance and financial advisors (NAIFA).   He also received the NAIFA Quality Award in 2024.   Prior to joining Northwestern, Rush was a collegiate athlete at Cornell university and briefly a professional athlete with the Jacksonville sharks.   Recreationally he practices jiu jitsu and spends time with his wife Jessica (who is an awesome filmmaker).

Alvin Singh is an author, DJ, archivist and entrepreneur who has worked with a Fortune 500 company, non-profits and small businesses. He serves as an advisor to technology start ups and has developed multiple mobile applications. He is the lead archivist for the Lead Belly estate looking over thousands of historical items from receipts, letters, concert flyers, pictures and records.
He is the author of the book Manage Your Web: Methods to make your digital life easier, productive and profitable and Freedom Papers. His work includes discovering productivity hacks that assist businesses when discovering their core customer base. While working on a full length documentary about Lead Belly, Alvin talked with music legends such as the late Pete Seeger, Odetta, Harry Belafonte, Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, BB King and many more.
Singh has spoken at conferences, diversity summits, SXSW Interactive, museums and the Library of Congress

Ta’Miya is the youngest in her family and just recently celebrated her 7th birthday—but don’t let her age fool you! In just one year, she has captured the hearts of over 300,000 followers from around the world with her bold, unapologetic personality and authentic charm.

It’s her big personality that first caught the attention of so many. Ta’Miya isn’t shy about speaking her mind, and it’s this fearless honesty that has people saying she has an “old soul” beyond her years. Whether she’s sharing her hilarious takes on everyday life or simply being her candid, adorable self, her presence lights up every room—and every screen.

But Ta’Miya is more than just a firecracker; she’s also sweet, caring, and has a heart as big as her personality. Her natural humor and infectious energy have a way of drawing people in, leaving them smiling, laughing, and wanting more.

It’s no surprise that people everywhere have fallen in love with her. Whether you’re looking for laughs, realness, or a little bit of both, Ta’Miya is sure to bring the sparkle. Stay tuned—you never know what she’s going to say next, but one thing’s for sure, you’ll love every minute of it!

Desirae is a 5 year old Instagram and Tik Tok Influencer. She currently has about 250,000 followers on instagram and currently growing her presence on YouTube too .

Desirae has worked with kids brands like novaKids by fashionnova,  DollCake, PetiteMaison Kids, Angelface kids  and MamaLumaOfficial .

She loves dressing up in cute dresses and outfits she also loves cheerleading, ballet , swimming and being in front of the camera .

At an early age , she was a sweet and adorable baby who loved smiling . With lots of family abroad (Ghana, UK and France) being an influencer was a way of having family members and friends see how she was growing

Anastasia is a young triple threat talent…singer, actress and model. Her first single “Ode To My Afro” hit number one on the independent charts. She loves rocking her natural hair and is proud of her Ukrainian and African American Heritage. Anastasia wants to be a voice for her generation, and so currently working on her talk show “Staight From My Roots” where she explores how people’s heritages shapes their lives and achievements.

@straightfrommyroots