Albert G. EdwardsPresident & CEOCERMDonna M. EnnisDirectorDiversity Engagement and Program DevelopmentGeorgia Tech Enterprise Innovation InstituteHeather FatzingerPresident & CEOFull Circle Communications, Inc.Tiffany Callaway FerrellVice President | Operations Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga GasNykita HurtProgram Manager Diversity Program HNTB CorporationJulia Taylor-SettlesSoutheast Region Business Diversity Manager Burns & McDonnellShaquana TeasleyCEO & Founder Agate SolutionsBIOSBIOS
Albert G. Edwards Albert G. Edwards is the Founder and Chief Executive Oicer of Corporate Environmental Risk Management, LLC (CERM), a regional engineering, environmental, and program management firm. As CEO, Mr. Edwards’ responsibilities include chairing CERM’s Management Committee and providing day-to-day leadership and strategic direction to the firm’s business management, project delivery, and client management functions. Mr. Edwards has more than 25 years of experience in the environmental and engineering industry assisting organizations in managing environmental, engineering, infrastructure, and capital projects throughout the United States. Mr. Edwards holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree in Technology Management from Southern Polytechnic State University, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Industrial Technology from Mississippi Valley State University, and has received specialized environmental, engineering, and business management training through various organizations to include Georgia Tech Research Institute and Dartmouth College (Tuck School of Business). Mr. Edwards also served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Quartermaster Oicer and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Professional Ailiations American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), Atlanta Chapter Member Council for Quality Growth, Board Chair Atlanta Business League, Board Chair Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, Past Chairman Georgia Piedmont Technical College Foundation, Trustee, Executive Committee U.S. Small Business Administration Regulatory Fairness Board, Board Member, Region IV, Workforce Development Chair
DONNA M. ENNIS DIRECTOR, DIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMDEVELOPMENT
Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute Donna M. Ennis, C.P.F provides leadership across all EI2units to develop collaborative funding opportunities and provide support and services toassure the integration of diversity and inclusion into EI2’s programs andoperations. A certified professional facilitator, Ennis serves as director andoperator representative for the Georgia Minority Business DevelopmentAgency (MBDA) Business Center and the SE MBDA Business Growth Hub. Inthis role, she provides strategic direction, marketing, outreach, and operationsfor the Center and the Business Growth Hub and business assistance toMinority Business Enterprises (MBEs). Under Ennis’ leadership, the Centers have assisted companies in generating over $6.4 billion in contracts,financing, and sales and creating or retaining more than 6,000 jobs. Known for her thought leadership and passion for developing MBEs and smallbusinesses, Ennis has been at the forefront of helping MBEs learn andunderstand the role that technology plays in scaling businesses and haslaunched her Technology Enabled, Technology Owned platform. Sheestablished the NEXTTECH initiative for MBEs to bring technology solutions tofederal agencies and corporations and launched the Healthcare ExpertAlliance Round Table (HEART) for MBEs from all industries to connect withleaders in healthcare for opportunities, knowledge about trends, and
relationship building. Ennis played a key role in MBDA’s five-city InVision Tour initiative for technology transfer, serving as a speaker and partner in the development of the program. She has mentored hundreds of business owners and frequently presents to audiences on minority business issues, business challenges, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Ennis received her Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University and a B.S. in communications from Boston University. She is the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2021 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Outstanding Voice awardee and one of Georgia Tech’s 2021 Faces of Inclusive Excellence. Ennis is also a graduate of the Leading Women@Tech program, an awardee of the Georgia Tech Women Out Front program and has been named a tenured Atlanta’s Top 100 Black Women of Influence by the Atlanta Business League. She is on the Board of Directors of the Healthcare Supplier Diversity Alliance (HSDA) and the Atlanta Business League, and the Board of Advisors of Enhanced Capital. She is a mentor for Emory University’s Start: ME business accelerator and Georgia Tech’s MentorTech program.
HEATHER FATZINGER President & CEO Full Circle Communications, Inc. Heather A. Fatzinger is President and CEO of Full Circle Communications, Inc. Full Circle Communications, Inc. Ms. Fatzinger has worked in the Communications field for over 20 years, with career experience in such areas as political campaign management, grassroots organizing, environmental justice, small business and motivational workshops and community engagement. Mrs. Fatzinger also serves as a trainer for the Anthony Robbins Organization and is a certified keynote speaker and executive life coach. Heather has a BA in Psychology from Spelman College (’95), and an MS in Human Services Administration/Non-Profit Management from Spertus College in Chicago, IL (’98). A patron of the arts, Heather also has six years of classical vocal training. She toured with an international touring company for two years and was a member of the Spelman College Glee Club. Ms. Fatzinger is very active in her community and has a passion for service. She donates her time to such programs as the Atlanta Business League (board member), Women in Transportation (D&I Co-chair), National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA – Corporate Advisory Committee), the Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation, Metro Atlanta Kiwanis Club (Past President), the League of Women Voters (Past Board Member), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., People TV (Past Board Member), West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, and many other service, environmental, and professional organizations. heather@fcc360.com
TIFFANY CALLAWAY FERRELLVICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas Tiffany Callaway Ferrell serves as vice president of operations for Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas Companies where she is responsible for day-to-day operations, including safety, compliance, operational excellence and financial performance, for more than 700,000 customers. Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas are subsidiaries of Southern Company Gas which serves more than 4.5 million utility customers in seven states. Most recently she was the General Manager of Shared Services, Georgia Power Company where she was responsible for leading several statewide organizations under the shared services umbrella, including Cable Locating, Geographical Solutions and Services, Land Engineering, Metering Services, and the Repair Shop. Previous roles held by Ferrell in the energy industry at Southern Company Gas and Atlanta Gas Light, include director of regional operations; Metro Atlanta, regional manager, Central Georgia and automated meter reading; asset
protection manager; operations manager of liquid natural gas facilities; and senior Federal Energy Regulatory Commission advisor. Ferrell also served as fleet operations manager for Southern Company Gas, which led to her gubernatorial appointment to the Commission for a New Georgia Fleet Task Force. Prior to joining Southern Company Gas, Ferrell held roles in logistics and engineering with General Mills Inc. Ferrell was a member of the 2005 inaugural L.E.A.D Atlanta class and Leadership Macon 2010 and Leadership DeKalb 2013. She currently serves on the Atlanta Business League Board of Directors, Chair and is an officer on The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Incorporated, Metropolitan Atlanta Board of Directors. She is an active member of the community and was honored in the 2012 issue of “Who’s Who in Black Atlanta for Corporate Brass.” She was honored as one of the 100 Most Influential African- American Women in Atlanta in 2017 by the Atlanta Business League and received the prestigious League Leadership Award in 2016. Ferrell received her chemical engineering degree from Vanderbilt University and was awarded the Gertrude Vanderbilt Scholarship. She earned a Master of Business Administration at Robinson School of Business, Georgia State University, where she was selected as a Nita Robinson Scholar and served as an adjunct professor. Tiffany and her family live in Atlanta. She spends her free time with her family and is actively engaged in her community through her church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
NYKITA HURT Program Manager, Diversity Programs HNTB Nykita Hurt, an accomplished graduate with Cum Laude honors, has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice and a BA in Business Administration. With an impressive professional journey spanning over 30 years in Justice, Education, Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity, and Contracts Compliance Management, she stands as a devoted advocate for workplace equity and inclusion. Ms. Hurt, distinguished as a trained mediator and Master Contracts Compliance Administrator, is also a successful entrepreneur, serving as the founding director of The Isaiah James Foundation Inc. Her extensive community involvement, characterized by mentorship and volunteering for youth, reflects her unwavering commitment to driving positive change. Having previously served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Dekalb County, Nykita played a pivotal role in supporting children deprived of love, guidance, and essential resources. Her active campaigns against youth sex trafficking in metro Atlanta, including the organization of workshops and forums to educate parents on associated dangers, underscore her dedication to community welfare. Notably, she personally financed search and rescue efforts for missing youth. Ms. Hurt’s philanthropic endeavors extend globally, contributing to shelters in Haiti, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. Her consistent collection of coats and provision of hot meals for the homeless during winter illustrate her compassion and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Previously serving as a district EEO officer for the Georgia Department of Transportation, Nykita effectively implemented and interpreted federal and state laws, executive orders, and departmental policies related to Civil Rights, Equal Employment Opportunity, ADA compliance, and the DBE program. In her role as the Diversity Contracts Compliance Manager for North Perimeter Contractors, LLC, Nykita led DBE recruitment efforts for the I-285/SR400 reconstruction project, displaying expertise in achieving federal compliance goals. She oversaw the diversity program’s activities, functioned as a liaison between local, state, and federal government agencies, and facilitated contractor compliance and DBE training. Through her efforts, 86 DBE firms secured contracts in both traditional and nontraditional roles, exceeding the projected DBE goal three years prior to project completion. Currently serving as the Program Manager for Diversity Programs at HNTB Corporation’s PMC P3 office, Nykita oversees day-to-day operations. Her responsibilities encompass managing DBE Mentoring Programs, Industry Outreach, and Contract Compliance. She actively educates and raises awareness about Diversity and Compliance programs, advocating for small business owners in procurement and educational development opportunities. Nykita implements strategic outreach initiatives, highlighting her strong interpersonal and leadership skills. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Nykita has earned numerous awards and accolades, most recently receiving the Trail Blazers Award from the Atlanta Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials.
Julia Settles Diversity Business Manager Transmission & Distribution, Atlanta Burns & McDonnell Julia the Southeast Region Business Diversity Manager with two decades of experience in the electrical transmission and distribution industry, working both for power providers and utility consultants. As a project manager, she cultivates stability for her clients and communities while delivering strategies and effective solutions. She has worked in engineering and project management, supporting fiber-optic networks, SCADA management and deployments, and other power delivery projects. She also specializes in supplier diversity within the utility sector, bringing fresh and underrepresented voices to the table to strengthen communities and project outcomes. Julia effectively manages her team to keep projects running within scope, time and budget constraints. She has a proven track record in utility project and program management, including oversight of more than $70 million in project work. She is an advocate for energy efficiency solutions, working with power companies and applicants to craft effective programs. Currently, she is helping manage a major grid modernization program for a large utility. In 2018, she was selected for a fellowship in the Urban League’s Inclusion by Design Executive Leadership Program, which builds a pipeline of leaders oriented toward community needs, diversity and inclusion. Julia is an active participant in numerous professional organizations, including the Project Management Institute, the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and the Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals (WINUP). She is active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She has served in leadership roles in and advocated for employee resource groups at each organization where she has worked because she believes they elevate corporate culture to perform at its best. She is currently instrumental at Burns & McDonnell in establishing a business diversity program that aims to serve the entire Southeast region and develop long-lasting partnerships with diverse suppliers.
Grow your skills, define your future! Shaquana “Shaq” Teasley, MSLR, CCS, DBS International Trade & Customs Expert Founder & CEO, Agate Solutions, LLC Agate Solutions provides consulting and education in International Trade, Customs, Supply Chain & Logistics. With 20 years of industry experience, Shaquana is widely known for her expertise in international trade policy, regulations, operations, U.S. Customs compliance and import / export duty-tariff recovery of over $30M. Prior to establishing Agate Solutions, Shaquana played a leadership role for major global importers and exporter including Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky Aircraft, The Home Depot, Mizuno, Arch Chemicals and Yellow Transportation. Shaquana is highly sought after globally as a vibrant expert speaker and educator specializing in Tariffs, Trade Agreements, Supply Chain, U.S. Customs, Duty Optimization, Import and Export Strategies to increase profit margins. Agate Solutions in person workshops has proven successful globally. Agate Solutions partners with U.S. Government and agencies on to advise on international trade policy, regulations and the advancement of bilateral trade initiatives. Shaquana collaborates with leading global trade organizations and partners with institutions such as the University of Georgia (UGA) and the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) to foster trade education and Customs compliance programs. Shaquana has played a key role in International Trade Missions comprising of India, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica and Barbados. As a lead instructor for Export Tech under the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration / U.S. Commercial Service, she has equipped businesses with the knowledge to expand into global markets. Shaquana holds a Master of Science degree from the University of New Haven and is a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) and Certified Duty Drawback Specialist. She serves in key executive international leadership roles, including VP of International Chapters for the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Executive Board, International Co-Chair to the National Business Legue Conference, International Trade Lead for the Atlanta Black Chamber – Global Opportunities Committee, Leader of the Atlanta Chapter of the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA), and a Board Member of the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce. 504 Fair St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | Office: 888.331.3090 | info@agatesolutionsusa.com | www.agatesolutionsusa.com
REGISTER TODAY