Manny Almonte @1mannyc

Manny Almonte is on a mission to connect and empower men of color. Manny is the founder of the Mastermind Connect men’s collective and the Young Masterminds Initiative nonprofit organization. Through these organizations, Manny creates unique experiences that empower men of color to realize deep connections with their passions, higher selves, and community. Most notably, Manny produced the award-winning, thought-provoking short film Wood Hood, which advocates for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the outdoors through Camping to Connect, his celebrated BIPOC-led youth program. Manny is also Principal of MA Reloaded, LLC, a boutique web design firm. A Brooklynite by way of the Dominican Republic, Manny is living a life of purpose with his family and dogs in Denver, CO.

J.D. Weatherspoon @mr.j.d.weatherspoon

Globally-minded, grassroots-driven human catalyst and all around renaissance man, JD has played a hand in numerous initiatives and programs both domestically, and abroad. His field of expertise spans from peer education and youth mentoring, to program development and project management. A few of his exploits include the Harvard Center for AIDS Research (HUCFAR) "Forgotten Epidemic" project, the US Refugee Processing Center, El Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje, and the US Peace Corps (Cambodia). He now heads up the Mastermind Connect's Development Branch.