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Meet the Cohort

Building Pathways to Board Leadership and Equity in Corporate Governance

Welcome to the Incoming Cohort

The Black Corporate Board Readiness (BCBR) program, hosted by the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University, prepares accomplished Black executives for service on public and private corporate boards. Its mission is to increase representation in boardrooms, driving stronger business performance and advancing racial equity in corporate governance.

BCBR provides a comprehensive approach to board readiness, equipping leaders, connecting organizations with exceptional talent, and fostering a powerful network of peers and mentors. Through education, access, and community, BCBR accelerates pathways for leaders to influence, innovate, and lead at the highest levels of corporate decision-making.


Cohort 16 – Spring 2026

The Leavey Center at Santa Clara University is proud to present the 2026 Spring Black Corporate Board Readiness Cohort 16.

Through education, mentorship, and community, BCBR equips leaders to excel in governance roles while fostering a powerful network of peers, alumni, and corporate partners. We accompany BCBR Participants and Alumni on their board journeys, partner with organizations and individuals seeking qualified, exceptional leaders to serve on boards, and facilitate meaningful networking across the BCBR community.

Each participant in Cohort 16 exemplifies excellence, integrity, and leadership at the highest levels of business and governance.

 

Black Corporate Board Readiness (BCBR) – Cohort 16

BCBR Cohort 16

Katrina Baker

Baker & Advisory | Founder & CEO

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BCBR Cohort 16

Stephanie Baker

Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA) | Chief Experience Officer

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BCBR Cohort 16

Dr. Samantha Butts

Penn State Hershey Medical Center | Chief, Div Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility

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BCBR Cohort 16

Roniesha Copeland

Vercel | VP, Sales
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BCBR Cohort 16

Christopher Donald

District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency | Chief Executive Officer

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BCBR Cohort 16

Dr. Pamela Ellis

BCBR Cohort 16

Terry Goode

Investment & Risk Oversight Executive | Public Finance & ESG Governance

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BCBR Cohort 16

Nicholle Harris

City of Avondale, Arizona | City Attorney

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BCBR Cohort 16

Maja Hazell

Career Prep Coaching Services LLC | Founder & CEO

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BCBR Cohort 16

Kimberly Allen Jackson

American Cancer Society | Executive Vice President

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BCBR Cohort 16

Jayson Johnson

Genentech | Chief of Staff and Head of Strategic Partnerships
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BCBR Cohort 16

Leo Olebe

Olebe Media Group | Founder & CEO

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BCBR Cohort 16

Melissa M. Proctor

Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena | EVP and Chief Marketing Officer

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BCBR Cohort 16

Yvette Radford

BCBR Cohort 16

Valyncia Saunders

Nestle USA | Division General Counsel

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BCBR Cohort 16

Meisha Sherman

FranklinCovey | Immediate Past EVP, Chief People Officer

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BCBR Cohort 16

Avril Ussery Sisk

Experienced Board Member | AI Governance & Privacy | ERM

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BCBR Cohort 16

William A. Taylor, Jr., CPA, CFP®, MACCT

BCBR Cohort 16

Levi Thompson

University of Michigan| Dean, College of Engineering

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BCBR Cohort 16

Andrea Wright

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BCBR Cohort 16

A. Toni Young

Community Education Group | Executive Director

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