CEOs You Should Know - Washington DC

Catherine Meloy serves as President and CEO of Goodwill of Greater Washington (Goodwill) and the Goodwill Excel Center Adult Charter High School. Before joining Goodwill in 2003, Catherine had a successful management career in the broadcast radio industry.

Over the past 20 years, Goodwill has grown to over 1,000 associates, 21 brick-and-mortar retail stores, an eCommerce operation, nine government janitorial and grounds maintenance contracts, and a sustainability and recycling center.

Presently, Goodwill provides sector training programs in Hospitality Energy and Construction to the underserved in the DC region. In further serving and expanding the mission of Goodwill, the first adult charter high school to award diplomas to DC residents – The Goodwill Excel Center – opened in August 2016, with the second campus opening in August 2022. In 2023, the Excel Center will have successfully graduated over 500 students.

Catherine’s involvement in the greater Washington business community includes sitting on the Boards of Directors of the Greater Washington Board of Trade; Federal City Council; MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Center (Board Chair); and a national board, Source America, that serves and expands the employment of people with disabilities through the Ability One program. She was honored to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Richmond, Virginia.

Catherine is a recipient of the Greater Washington Board of Trade’s “Leader of the Years Award”; was honored by Washingtonian Magazine as “Washingtonian of the Year”; inducted into the American Marketing Association-DC Chapter Hall of Fame and highlighted as a Most Admired CEO by Smart CEO Magazine for her successful organizational turnaround of Goodwill of Greater Washington.

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Nicole Morris is the inaugural Executive Director of Women Giving Back, the largest and most impactful nonprofit provider of free clothing, and basic essentials in the Greater Washington DC area. Nicole entered the nonprofit arena in 2009 when she left her corporate property management career to pursue a more fulfilling role in affordable housing.

During her career, Nicole acquired and preserved hundreds of affordable housing units in Northern Virginia and provided housing, and resources to thousands of vulnerably unhoused, low-income individuals and families. Nicole was inducted into the Virginia Housing Alliance’s Top 40 Network in 2015 for her innovative work.

As a Black Caribbean immigrant who grew up in Northern Virginia, Nicole has been a strong voice in bringing to light and addressing key issues like generational poverty, undocumented immigrant vulnerabilities, racial disparities, and discrimination and segregation in affordable housing.

Nicole currently serves on Loudoun County’s Housing Advisory Board and is the ViceChair of the Loudoun Human Services Network. Nicole is a graduate of Palm Beach State College and earned her Housing Development Financial Professional designation through the National Development Council in 2016.

The wife and mother of four is also an advocate for child growth disorder awareness. This advocacy work holds a special place in her heart as her youngest daughter has a rare form of primordial dwarfism.

Nicole has a passion for genealogy work, particularly researching the African American genealogy in Loudoun and Fairfax County. Nicole often visits local landmarks with her children, so they understand where their ancestors came from and what their lives were like in the region over 100 years ago.

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Lonye Nicole Ford is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arlo Solutions, a minority/veteran/8a/HUBZone-owned and operated business headquartered in Washington, DC. Arlo offers Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and a full range of cutting-edge Program Management and Strategic Communication solutions to the United States Government. The combination of these service offerings allows Lonye to lead Arlo into new frontiers capturing significant market share as a small business. With over 10 years of duty in the United States Air Force, Lonye acquired a love for, and ultimately the expertise in, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. Through her extensive involvement in these disciplines, she gained an in-depth knowledge of information technology and began her career as an Information Technology Specialist. At age 21, as a young professional exuding exemplary leadership quality, Lonye was hand selected to lead 24/7 helpdesk operations servicing 7,000 customers.

As a government contractor for 20+ years, Lonye led large teams and managed projects and portfolios ranging from $2M to $1.5B. She developed a myriad of innovative solutions and policies that were implemented at the highest level in the government, including co-authoring the Air Force Fast Track process and assessing, developing and streamlining the United States Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Framework process. Lonye’s strong work ethic afforded her numerous outstanding performance and leadership awards. Her quick wit to identify and solve complex problems, and her positive and astute business acumen, deem her a highly sought-after tech executive and teaming partner.

Lonye is a Hampton University graduate. She holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Known for being honest and forthright, Lonye is well respected in the business community. She has an amiable and genuine persona and a passion for mentoring youth in underserved communities. As part of her outreach, she partners with UrbanPromise, a nonprofit youth organization in Camden, NJ, to equip children and young adults with the skills necessary for academic achievement, life management, spiritual growth, and Christian leadership. She gives unselfishly of her time and resources to underprivileged communities in the Washington, DC, and Chicago metropolitan areas. Lonye’s desire to one day organize a legacy nonprofit of her own is beyond mere thought, but rather a life goal she undoubtedly will achieve.

Lonye’s commitment to Arlo, family, and the community is none other than paramount!


Arlene Wube is Cofounder of Arlo Solutions (Arlo) and serves as the company’s President and Chief Operations Officer. Arlo is a minority/veteran/8a owned and operated small business headquartered in Washington, DC.

Arlo offers intelligence, cybersecurity, and a full range of cutting-edge program management and strategic communication solutions to the United States government. As President and COO, Arlene has helped evolve Arlo to compete in the federal market and strategically analyzes, develops, and implements company functions such as day-to-day operations, IT & security, contract compliance, and numerous financial and human resources activities.

Arlene graduated from Howard University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. During her time at Howard, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. After she graduated, Arlene held positions as a Financial/Business Analyst and Data Administrator at several Fortune 500 companies, including Allstate Insurance Company in Northbrook, IL, and Northrop Grumman Information Technology in Alexandria, VA.
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Arlene has more than 10 years of experience running a small business and exhibits a strong understanding of marketing, operational needs, and...

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Ms. Higdon is the Principal/CEO of HH Logistics Planning, LLC providing turnkey Business Solutions, including Project Management, Facilities Support, Construction Management, and Furniture Procurement/Management for Federal, State, and Local Agencies. Our clients also include K-12, Universities, Libraries, and Medical Facilities. Our team has over 28 years in the construction/project management industry, specializing in providing seamless transition/relocation services for clients from existing locations into newly constructed or renovated facilities. Coupled with the passion for delivering a seamless relocation for our clients, the team provides tremendous value to the facilities management culture. Interfacing with architects, construction managers, facility managers, contractors, and administrative teams, we assist in reviewing plans for relocations to interim spaces, future operations, assessing equipment needs/purchases, information technology integration, and planning for grand openings and facility closures.

Our team of professionals tailors and devise a unique plan of action to meet, exceed and accomplish each client’s goals by offering a high level of attention to detail, knowledge, and customer satisfaction on every project. We continuously exceed our client’s expectations for efficiencies, cost controls, and timely project completion.

HH Logistic Planning, LLC is 8(a) Certified, B-Corp Certified, MBE/SBE/DBE certified through MDOT, WOSB (SBA), CBE, WBE (WBENC), SLBE/MBE (Charles County), and MBE certified through MSDC.

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AvDyne AeroServices, LLC is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered at BWI since April 2000 with two other locations at Washington National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International (IAD). AvDyne operates as an Award-winning FAA-approved Part 145 Repair Station and a station authorized by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to provide the Mid-Atlantic region with aircraft maintenance, repair, and ground support services as well as over and under-wing services for commercial, government agencies, corporate fleets, general aviation, and privately-owned aircraft.

As President/CEO of AvDyne AeroServices, Jerome Hodge has developed a high work ethic as a Small Business Owner whose skills were honed as the Director of Maintenance for Signature Flight Support with 40 years of Aviation Maintenance experience. Mr. Hodge served as a United States Air Force Master Sergeant and Flight Engineer Supervisor for 21 years in the military Aviation Sector. While in the Civilian Aviation Sector, Mr. Hodge has owned and provided maintenance for 24 years on aircraft from Two-Seat Cessna 152s to Boeing 747s.

Mr. Hodge is an aviation leader with a vision of addressing the industry’s personnel shortage by providing realistic Aviation Maintenance training for students by opening an FAA-approved Airframe & Powerplant School. AvDyne has also provided annual support for other community outreach projects, such as Sarah’s House of Anne Arundel County, for over 16 years. Additionally, Mr. Hodge has served in various officer positions as a dedicated member of the local East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (ECCTAI) and Other Chapters throughout the Organization for over 30 years using aircraft programming and maintenance experience to help further the STEM experience with our young people.

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New Endeavors by Women Executive Director Wanda Steptoe has more than 20 years of experience working in various residential settings, including group homes for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities, and has extensive experience in capacity building, supervision, quality assurance, and compliance monitoring for federal, state, and accreditation standards and regulations. Before coming to work with NEW in 2005, Ms. Steptoe worked at Covenant House Washington, where she established a crisis center and transitional living program for homeless youth. Under Ms. Steptoe’s leadership, New Endeavors has realized significant growth and expanded its service capacity by adding a family program, two programs for women 55 and older, and one for unaccompanied women. In addition to her program development, administration, management, monitoring, and evaluation experience, Wanda Steptoe brings a strong personal drive to her work with NEW. Ms. Steptoe holds a degree in Special Education from Old Dominion University.

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Imagine an exciting motivational speaker who’s also a servant leader, cybersecurity consultant, DEI Executive, insightful educator, and serial entrepreneur. Howard R. Jean is all of these and more, delivering dynamic results that are empowering, educational, entertaining, and powerful to businesses and schools around the country.

Black Meta Agency is the hub where Management Consulting, Business Development, Lifestyle Experiences & Web 3.0 (Blockchain, NFT, & Fintech) align, creating rich, dynamic, & sustainable solutions for Web 2 & the Metaverse. Black Meta Agency connects government, entrepreneurs, business owners, & the next-gen to workforce development opportunities in the web3 & Fintech.

We curate experiential "Think TECH Tanks" & events for various stakeholders, educating stakeholders on Blockchain Technology & related opportunities. We're passionate about developing career pathways for professionals in WEB3 & Metaverse industry. We also Incubate BIPOC startups & companies with a global business network. We have a Startup in Metaverse/Web3 Tanzania, East Africa, that we fund/support.

Over the years, Jean has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Tavis Smiley Radio Show, USA Today, Associated Press Articles, Jet Magazine, Essence Magazine, on the cover of ARETE Magazine, and a plethora of online articles for his work in entrepreneurship, education with minority males and community service projects.

He's an active member of the Lions Club of Alexandria, VA, and the Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria. He's the Vice Chair for Support Options for College, located in Chicago, IL, a Founding Member of The Gathering Spot DC, and a Board Member/Chairman of Events for the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce.

Jean regularly travels across the US, speaking to youth groups, professionals, parents, and related members in student development, teacher training, and community development. While in Higher Education, Howard was the youngest Executive Director of the nationally recognized, Call Me MSITER Teacher Leadership program, where he garnered support from Fortune 500 Companies, Civic Minded Celebrities, national press, but what he is most proud of is recruiting, training, and graduating minority male teachers; prepared to serve at the elementary, middle and high school level. Howard is committed to creating unconventional leaders with non-traditional approaches.

Through his consulting firm, SEIL LLC, Howard consults with successful companies in business development, leveraging his ability to create solutions while building relationships. Howard also works with various companies supporting their internal development goals. Howard R. Jean holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from HBCU Claflin University and a Master of Science degree in Education in Social and Philosophical Foundations from Troy University.

Jean currently resides in Rosslyn, VA, and Manhattan, NY, where he volunteers with educational programs for youth, mentors the next generation of classroom educators, and serves on various boards that allow him to give back, empower others and increase entrepreneurship amongst young people and minorities.

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Shawn Townsend, RAMW President & CEO, joined the Association in January 2023. Townsend is a veteran communicator and leader with a career dedicated to building trusted expertise in public-private partnerships. No stranger to the restaurant world, he grew up in the industry in his father’s restaurant. As he built his career, Townsend spent more than a decade in the District of Columbia government, eventually appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser as the inaugural Director of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture. In that role, he advised the administration on the issues affecting much of the city’s hospitality industry, serving as a conduit to the business community while identifying engagement opportunities. He was integral in developing the District’s strategic hospitality engagement plan both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and brings to his role at RAMW a wealth of knowledge and contemporary expertise.

Previously a Principal at Dewey Square, he supported the firm’s State and Local Affairs and Multicultural Strategies practice, engaging with clients to provide strategic guidance and awareness campaigns to address public policy issues. The insights, best practices, and relationships he brings to RAMW will be integral to the organization’s continued success.

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Interview with Dr. Laytrayal Simmons, Owner of Reignite Psychological and Consulting Services, LLC.

Dr. Simmons is a licensed psychologist and professional counselor with over 18 years of experience providing therapy to individuals and families. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology in 2012 from Howard University. She previously earned her Master’s Degree in 2002 from Georgia State University in Professional Counseling.

Her practice focuses on adolescents and adults of all ages. Dr.Simmons conceptualizes issues from a cognitive-behavioral approach. She will explore the thoughts and feelings related to your behavior patterns and examine the impact of any biological, psychological, and social factors. At Dr. Simmons's practice, you will work together to make manageable changes to feel better and move forward to reach your goals. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to problems, and reduced anxiety and stress.

With her background in vocational training and experience interpreting IQ and aptitude tests, Dr. Simmons will assess your interests, skills, and personality type. This will help you (1) learn more about your strengths and weaknesses to articulate them to employers better, (2) develop the skills needed for your search, and (3) deal with the stress related to your search or success in the workplace.

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