Ms. Barbara Howard
Founder / Board President / Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Barbara Howard has been serving families, youth, young adults and communities for over 27 years as a community activist, life coach, mentor and event planner. In these roles she has impacted and touched many lives in the greater Bay Area. "Ms. B" is also an entrepreneur, radio host, poet, author, mom, and Founder & CEO of BH Brilliant Minds Project Inc., a nonprofit organization that "Embraces The Minds of the Youth Towards Excellence".
Ms. B. believes we all have a role in encouraging empowering and uplifting our youth as future leaders who stand on integrity, dignity and self-respect. She loves creating opportunities for the youth to tell their own stories and showcase their gifts and talent. She produces her own radio show on YALRADIO.FM called "The Eyes of the Conscious Soul" with Sistah B Mellow. Ms. B. is the founding board member of the Women's Chamber of Commerce of California. Responding to the call from her ancestors she has founded & coordinated The Oakland Juneteenth festival for over 10 years and over 20 years keeping African-American History legacy alive.
Ms. Melody Howard
Board Secretary / Vice President
Ms. Melody Howard is a lobby director (city carrier) for the United States Postal Service. She has worked for the United States Postal service since 1987 in various positions from Mail Handler to The Acting Manager of Maintenance. However she has been working since elementary school folding Cheesecake and Cake boxes at Our Family Business for a penny a box.
Ms. Howard is a mother of three wonderful young men and a grandmother of two little girls. She is to A co-owner of the Daughter's of Wendy's Cheesecake Bakery Le'Royalty Ladies catering service; Vice president of BH Brilliant Minds Project Inc. and an usher at True Faith Baptist Church. Ms. Howard earned her AA degree as a paralegal, her bachelor of science degree in Legal Studies at Kaplan University and is currently working on her Masters of Legal Studies and a active member of the Women's Chamber of Commerce. Several of her greatest accomplishments are assisting Ms Barbara Howard with the Oakland Juneteenth Celebration, Black History Celebration, Sisters of Niles and various other community events.
Mrs. Cathy Jackson-Gent
Board Member / Chief Financial Officer
Founder of Global Investment Company, a financial advisory and strategic business development consulting firm founded in Oakland, California in 1984. As a Registered Investment Advisor and Business Consultant. GIC is co-fiduciary for over half a billion dollars in plan assets. Mrs. Jackson-Gent has been instrumental in helping clients develop and implement successful related strategies and policy for over 32 years. She is the founder and board President of the Women's Chamber of Commerce, California
Completing her undergrad education holding a Bachelor of Science from The University of San Francisco with a major in Management Science and Computer Science. Following her undergraduate education, Cathy attended the Anderson School of Management at the University of California Los Angeles graduating from the Management Development Program for Entrepreneurs and The Center for Fiduciary Studies at the University of Pittsburg. Mrs. Jackson-Gent is a Registered Investment Advisor, licensed with her Series 7, 63, and 65, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst (A.I.F.A) and a licensed insurance agent. Mrs. Jackson-Gent represents the small business community in the State of California for over 15 years.
Mr. Dante King
Board Member / Consultant
Dante King is a native of San Francisco. He is both a Learning and Development, and Diversity and Inclusion industry professional with more than 15 years’ experience. Throughout his career, he has gained expert experience designing, developing, and delivering a combination of Leadership, and Diversity and Inclusion learning sessions. Previously, he managed and supported a group of 30 trainers as the Director of Learning and Development at J.P. Morgan Chase (Northern/Central California Region).
Currently, Dante manages Instructional Design and Course Development for San Francisco’s Citywide Online Programs, as well as Learning and Development supporting Citywide Initiatives. Several of the programs Dante and his team have created, include: Creating an Inclusive Environment (author and developer) – Exploring and Addressing Unconscious Bias; and Ways to Create Inclusion through Practicing Equality and Equity. Lead to Succeed (author and developer) – A roadmap to successfully leading employees. The Art of Effective Facilitation (author and developer) – Facilitation Skills and Techniques Train-the-Trainer. Coaching the Coach for Success (author and developer) – Equipping managers who coach other managers, with tools and skills to provide effective coaching. Preventing Workplace Bullying (collaborator) – Guide to helping employees address bullying. As a bay area native, Dante attended California State University Hayward, and San Francisco State University. He possesses a bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies; master’s degree in Education; Human Resources Management Certification from San Francisco State University.
Board Member / Consultant
Dante King is a native of San Francisco. He is both a Learning and Development, and Diversity and Inclusion industry professional with more than 15 years’ experience. Throughout his career, he has gained expert experience designing, developing, and delivering a combination of Leadership, and Diversity and Inclusion learning sessions. Previously, he managed and supported a group of 30 trainers as the Director of Learning and Development at J.P. Morgan Chase (Northern/Central California Region).
Currently, Dante manages Instructional Design and Course Development for San Francisco’s Citywide Online Programs, as well as Learning and Development supporting Citywide Initiatives. Several of the programs Dante and his team have created, include: Creating an Inclusive Environment (author and developer) – Exploring and Addressing Unconscious Bias; and Ways to Create Inclusion through Practicing Equality and Equity. Lead to Succeed (author and developer) – A roadmap to successfully leading employees. The Art of Effective Facilitation (author and developer) – Facilitation Skills and Techniques Train-the-Trainer. Coaching the Coach for Success (author and developer) – Equipping managers who coach other managers, with tools and skills to provide effective coaching. Preventing Workplace Bullying (collaborator) – Guide to helping employees address bullying. As a bay area native, Dante attended California State University Hayward, and San Francisco State University. He possesses a bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies; master’s degree in Education; Human Resources Management Certification from San Francisco State University.
Ms. Jacqueline Howard
Board Treasurer
Jacqueline Howard born in the Pahokee Florida raised in San Francisco California. She received a certificate of completion at the SF Community Skill Center in SF. She served as the treasurer of B.H Brilliant Minds Project since its inception in 1998. She is a proud board member of the B.H. Brilliant Minds Projects. She gained experience from working with Wells Fargo for 32 years holding various positions. She currently holds the V.P Assistant Manager position. It is her pleasure to serve as the treasurer helping to keep the books in order.
" Hallelujah I'm Grateful"
Board Treasurer
Jacqueline Howard born in the Pahokee Florida raised in San Francisco California. She received a certificate of completion at the SF Community Skill Center in SF. She served as the treasurer of B.H Brilliant Minds Project since its inception in 1998. She is a proud board member of the B.H. Brilliant Minds Projects. She gained experience from working with Wells Fargo for 32 years holding various positions. She currently holds the V.P Assistant Manager position. It is her pleasure to serve as the treasurer helping to keep the books in order.
" Hallelujah I'm Grateful"