The HBCU Nation Radio Show

This week on #ItsEasySon, Gerald talks with Linval Johnson, Head of Consumer Banking at Proven Bank.

Mr. Johnson's Bio

With over a decade of experience in the banking and finance industries, Linval Johnson has cultivated a deep passion for exceptional customer service and enhancing the client experience. His career, starting as a Bank Supervisor and later progressing to more senior roles such as Operations Manager, Credit Manager, Electronic Services Manager, Project Manager and now Head of Consumer Banking, reflects his comprehensive understanding of the field. Alongside a Master’s in Business Administration and PMP certification, Linval leverages his expertise as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University College of the Cayman Islands. He is committed to assisting clients achieve their financial goals and providing personalized services for their unique needs. When not immersed in banking, Linval unwinds with music and following his favorite sports teams.

Ericka Dunlap is an Orlando native, devoted daughter, mother to one daughter, Mikelle Antoinette,

philanthropist, businesswoman, and serial entrepreneur who graduated from William R. Boone High School in 2000. She then rose to national acclaim during her junior year at the University of Central Florida, when she became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Florida 2003 in the 100-year history of the program. Later that year, she became the seventh Black woman to win the national title, cementing her legacy as Miss America 2004.

Listen to this inspiring conversation that is uplifting and enlightening on It's Easy Son with Host and Creator, Gerald Hector!

Dr. Bonnie Simpson Mason is a nationally recognized educator, innovator, author, and speaker. She is a Clinical Professor of Surgery at Creighton University, an alumna of the Kellog School of Management of Northwestern University, Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and the inaugural Medical Director of Inclusive Excellence for the American College of Surgeons, the largest professional organization of surgeons in the world. Throughout her career, she has developed groundbreaking DEI educational programs, worked to increase diversity in medicine, and prepared thousands of aspiring orthopedic surgeons for successful careers.

Read More:

https://www.hbcunation.org/post/mr-gerald-hector-welcomes-dr-bonnie-simpson-mason-to-it-s-easy-son

Charles J. Gibbs, Ed.D. became President of Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) on July 1, 2024. With a distinguished 25-year career in higher education, Dr. Gibbs has led numerous institutions to growth and success. Prior to MCNY, he was CEO of 100 Black Men of America, the nation's largest African American male mentoring organization. He also served as President of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium, where he worked to expand opportunities for Black students in health, social justice, arts, agriculture, and technology.

Dr. Gibbs has held key leadership positions at Clark Atlanta University, Miles College, and Howard University, focusing on policy, accreditation, and strategic development. Known for his hands-on approach, Dr. Gibbs has made significant strides in fundraising, enrollment, and

community engagement, all while maintaining a strong commitment to student success. A triple alumnus of Howard University; Ed.D., 2020, M.Ed., Education Administration and Policy, 2004 and Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, 1991, he is a visionary leader dedicated to transforming education and inspiring future generations.

Delphia L. Howze serves as the CEO and Founder of D. Howze Solutions, LLC, a consultancy specializing in Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), and as the Chief Inclusion Officer for a large scale national laboratory. With over two decades of experience, she is recognized as a forward-thinking leader in Human Resources and D&I, adept at helping organizations harness human capital and diversity to cultivate inclusive environments. Known as the Inclusion Strategist, Delphia's expertise lies in developing and implementing HR and D&I strategies, facilitating talent development through training, mentorship, and leadership coaching, managing Affirmative Action Plans, and delivering impactful keynote presentations.

As a thought leader in the field, Delphia is often sought after for her insights and expertise on diversity and inclusion matters. She has served on panels, contributed to publications, and spoken at conferences and events, inspiring others to embrace inclusion as a strategic imperative. In her capacity as an HR and D&I leader, Delphia collaborates with senior executives, key stakeholders, and HR professionals to craft, refine, and implement HR and D&I strategic initiatives aligned with the organization's objectives.

Throughout her professional journey, Delphia has honed her expertise as an executive leader, HR practitioner, and D&I advocate through a progression of roles across diverse industries including retail, banking, energy, transportation, logistics, consulting, and higher education. She contributed as a member of the Diversity & Inclusion Expertise Panel for the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and held the position of President for SHRM of Tompkins County, NY. Delphia consistently demonstrates her dedication to advancing HR and D&I initiatives by actively participating as a board member and trustee for various organizations.

Additionally, she engages with college students as an Adjunct Instructor, imparting knowledge in HR, D&I, and business principles.

Delphia earned her BA from the University of Pittsburgh, followed by an MBA from Point Park University and a Project Management certification from Villanova University. Currently, she is working towards a doctoral degree and maintains a SHRM-CP certification. Additionally, she has emerged as a new author with her new book, "Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are."

With her unwavering commitment to valuing diversity and activating inclusion, Delphia is dedicated to driving meaningful change and creating inclusive environments where everyone

has the opportunity to thrive.

Dale Jones is the Chief Executive Officer of Magna Vista Partners, a leadership advisory firm helping leaders think through business strategy, board issues, corporate governance and human capital. He serves as a trusted advisor to CEOs and leaders.

Formerly CEO of The Diversified Search Group and previously Vice Chair of Heidrick & Struggles, Jones focused on finding and attracting CEO and board-level talent for clients seeking authentic leadership — and capacity to lead. He is particularly adept at identifying those with heartfelt desire to serve others combined with “competencies in context” that are often difficult to find.

Dale is a current corporate board member for Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL), Trilith Film Studios — one of the largest purpose-built movie studios in North America — Chick-fil-A, and Outset Medical. In the past, he has served on corporate boards for Northwestern Mutual Corp., Hughes Supply, and Kohl’s Corporation. He additionally serves other not-for-profit roles with Morehouse College (emeritus trustee), The Special Olympics (current), the Andrew Young Foundation (current) and the Salvation Army’s national advisory board. He’s frequently quoted in the media and contributes regularly as a speaker/instructor at Georgetown University.

Since reimagining his calling, Dale has focused his time and energy cultivating the next generation of leaders through public speaking, board service and philanthropy. Dale and his wife Yolanda make their home in both Atlanta Georgia and Washington DC. They have two adult children attending graduate schools in Providence R.I. and NYC.

Special Guest, the legendary, Mr. Herman Bulls, joins our Host, Mr. Gerald Hector on #ItsEasySon!

"Herman Bulls is Vice Chairman, Americas, as well as an International Director and the founder of JLL’s highly acclaimed Public Institutions Division, which specializes in delivering comprehensive real estate solutions to federal, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions. Mr. Bulls works with the firm’s largest public and corporate clients to devise and implement integrated real estate strategies to lower occupancy costs and increase productivity. During over 35 years at JLL, Mr. Bulls has worked in the areas of development, investment management, asset management, facilities operations and business development/retention. He provides thought leadership and strategic guidance to senior level executives. Mr. Bulls has served as an expert witness on real estate matters in court and testified before Congressional committees on real estate issues.

Mr. Bulls co-founded and served as President and CEO of Bulls Capital Partners, a multi-family financing company. Additionally, he founded Bulls Advisory Group, LCC, a management and real estate advisory firm. Prior to joining JLL, Mr. Bulls completed almost 12 years of active-duty service with the United States Army. His last active-duty assignments were working in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management at the Pentagon and as an Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance at West Point. He has completed the Army’s Airborne, Ranger and Command and General Staff College courses and served overseas in the Republic of Korea. He retired as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves in 2008.

Mr. Bulls received a BS degree in engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an MBA in finance from Harvard Business School.

Mr. Bulls serves on several public, private and not for profit boards. He is Chairman of Fluence Energy (NASDAQ: FLNC) and Vice Chairman of USAA. He is Vice Chairman of the West Point Association of Graduates and serves on the Department of Defense Policy Board. He also serves on the boards of Host Hotels (NASDAQ: HST), Comfort Systems, USA (NYSE: FIX) Collegis Education, the American Red Cross National Board of Governors, the Real Estate Advisory Committee for New York State Teachers’ Retirement System. He is director emeritus of the Military Bowl, a NCAA sanctioned football bowl game played in the nation’s capital each December. Mr. Bulls former board service includes Tyco International, Exelis, Inc., Computer Sciences Corporation, American Campus Communities, and Rasmussen, Inc.

Mr. Bulls has received various awards including:

2023 Alabama Business Hall of Fame Award

2022 Marriott School of Business Brigham Young University International Executive of the Year

2020 Executive Leadership Council Achievement Award

2020 Savoy Magazine Most Influential Black Directors in Corporate America

2018 Savoy Magazine Most Influential Black Directors in Corporate America

2017 USAA National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Top 100

2017 USAA National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Fellow

2015 Morgan State University Apex Award

2009 Washington Business Journal Minority Business Leader Award

2008 Global Real Estate Diversity Conference Trail Blazer Award

2007 Commercial Real Estate News & Commercial Property News National Minority Leader of the Year

2007 African American Real Estate Professionals (AAREP) Passing the Torch Award

courtesy of https://www.us.jll.com/en/people/herman-bulls

Special Guest, the legendary, Dr. Johnetta Cole, joins our Host, Mr. Gerald Hector on #ItsEasySon!

Dr. Cole's bio can be read here : https://www.neh.gov/award/johnnetta-b-cole

Gerald Hector welcomes the legendary, Mr. Lincoln Phillips to #ItsEasySon

Bio Credit: Walts Legacy

https://waltslegacy.com/lifetime-achievement-award/lincoln-phillips

Former Two Time Presidential Appointee

Author, Exceptional, Being the Exceptional to the Rule

Head of Strategy & Managing Partner, Capital

Global Leader Group

Executive In Residence

Mercer University

Stetson-Hatcher School of Business

Professor, Morehouse College

"Professionally, I have either lead or worked for financial institutions and served or advised during four U.S. presidential administrations leading efforts in the economic development, housing and small business sectors. My book, Exceptional: Being the Exception to the Rule, encourages leaders to discover their passion, walk in their purpose and realize their potential as they chart their own path to success.

In 2019, I was appointed to serve on the Biden-Harris Agency Transition Team. That same year, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp invited me to return to my appointment as chairman of the Fort McPherson Local Redevelopment Authority, and, in 2020, he appointed me to serve on the Georgia Economic Development Board. As a proud alumnus of Morehouse College, I was honored to be invited to serve on the Morehouse College Department of Business & Economics Board of Advisors. Additionally, I contribute time as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees to Morris Brown College.

In addition to being a graduate of Morehouse College, I also hold a masters degree from Clark Atlanta University (MPA), and obtained a Grant Writing certificate from Emory University’s - Osher Life Long Learning Institute."