Meet Our Speakers
Dr. Boyce D. Watkins
Born to a 17-year old mother, Dr Boyce D. Watkins is one of the learning financial scholars and social commentators in America. He advocated for education and economic empowerment and has changed the definition of what it means to be a Black scholar and leader in America.
He is one of the founding fathers in the field of Financial Activism - Where Black Wealth is one of the key determinants in the fight for social justice.
In college, Dr Watkins was The Wall Street Journal Outstanding graduating senior in Finance, graduating with a triple major and two bachelor's degrees, all within four years.
In 2002, Dr Watkins was the only African American in the world to earn a PhD in Finance. After spending 13 years on the faculty at Syracuse University, Dr Watkins founded The Black Business School, which specializes in black Wealth training at a fraction of the cost of a college education.
The Black Business School serves over 150,000 students world-wide, and Dr Watkins has another four million followers on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. He had made appearances in media outlets around the world, including ABC News, NBC, CNN, and more.
He is also the author of the new book, "The 10 Commandments of Black Economic Power."
Armando Pantoja
Armando Pantoja (Paun-Toe-Ha), is a globally recognized futurist, innovator, and TEDx speaker, celebrated for his unique ability to blend entertainment with education. With over 15 years of experience at the forefront of financial technology and innovation, Armando is redefining how people explore the future of finance, technology, and humanity.
As a trailblazer in blockchain, AI, and emerging technologies, Armando has created transformative live events that blur the lines between learning and inspiration. His recent sold-out Strategy Saturday Live: On the Edge of Tomorrow 2025 at the Gramercy Theater in New York City brought together diverse audiences to explore advancements in blockchain, AI, quantum computing, humanoid robotics, and humanity's vision for space colonization. These immersive experiences provide actionable insights and bold predictions for the future, cementing his reputation as a leader in both innovation and thought leadership.
In 2016, Armando founded ICORanker, an AI-driven platform that revolutionized how investors evaluate cryptocurrency projects. Following its multimillion-dollar acquisition in 2017 by Codebase Ventures, a publicly traded company, Armando’s forward-thinking strategies became a beacon for the tech and finance industries. His innovative use of blockchain to crowdsource solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him the prestigious IBM Blockchain Award in 2020, further solidifying his status as a pioneer.
A former college instructor, Armando has a rare talent for demystifying complex topics, earning him global recognition as one of the best in the world at making advanced ideas accessible to everyday people. Featured and quoted daily in popular media outlets, he is a trusted voice for insights on the future of technology, finance, and innovation. Called to speak at conferences and events worldwide, Armando has captivated audiences across Europe, Latin America, and Asia with his bold predictions and transformative ideas.
His events, produced in collaboration with Live Nation—the same organization behind concerts for icons like Jay-Z and Beyoncé—combine education and entertainment in a way that captivates and inspires. These groundbreaking experiences are a testament to the demand for his actionable knowledge and visionary ideas.
In addition to his bestselling book, The Strategic Millionaire, Armando is a regular contributor to TheStreet, sharing unparalleled insights on the intersection of finance and emerging technology. He frequently speaks at the New York Stock Exchange and other global venues, offering strategic visions that inspire innovation and drive progress across industries.
With millions of followers across Linkedin, YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), Armando amplifies conversations on future tech, finance, and investment strategies through his powerful digital presence.
With a relentless drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible, Armando Pantoja continues to shape the future of finance and technology through his forward-thinking strategies, transformative live events, and bold ideas.
Dr. Amina James
Dr. Amina James is a hotelier, organization development strategist, and managing partner of Duke Ventures LLC. Most recently, Amina led an ownership group of five in the acquisition of a Holiday Inn with subsequent conversion to a full-service Wyndham in Lake Charles, LA. In 2022, Amina and her husband Norland James purchased a Quality Inn in Memphis, TN. In 2020 and 2021 they also became investors in two Hilton-branded hotel properties. Her hotel ownership journey has been featured in several digital publications and local news reports including Black Enterprise, Yahoo! Finance, Skift, Hotel Business, and Fox 13 News.
In 2019, Dr. Amina published her first book—Power 31: A working guide to goal setting and progressing with purpose. Notably, Amina has been recognized by the Leadership Center for Excellence as a 40 under 40 honoree (Arlington, VA) and served as Miss Black District of Columbia USA from 2011-2012. Dr. Amina is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Amina earned a doctorate in Human & Organizational Learning from the George Washington University. She also earned a Master of Education degree in Health Education from the Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in BioBehavioral Health from the Pennsylvania State University. Additionally, Dr. Amina is a Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths Coach and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). She has also worked as an adjunct professor in Organizational Leadership & Learning at the George Washington University.
Arnita Greene
Arnita Greene is an accomplished Realtor® with a passion for empowering clients and colleagues to achieve their real estate goals. As the President of the Prince George’s County Association of Realtors (PGCAR), Arnita leads with vision, integrity, and a commitment to fostering growth within the real estate community.
Recognized as a leader in her field, Arnita has been featured in numerous magazines and news articles, including Washingtonian and Fox 5 News, as well as other prominent publications. Her expertise, professionalism, and dedication to excellence have made her a trusted voice in the industry.
With years of experience, Arnita has built a reputation for her exceptional market knowledge, negotiation skills, and unwavering commitment to client success. She has successfully guided countless clients through buying, selling, and investing in real estate, earning their loyalty and trust.
In her role as PGCAR President, Arnita is dedicated to advocating for Realtors®, enhancing professional development opportunities, and promoting ethical practices across the industry. Her leadership reflects her deep commitment to supporting the growth of Realtors® and elevating the profession in Prince George’s County and beyond.
A believer in giving back, Arnita is passionate about mentoring new agents and helping them build thriving careers in real estate. She recently launched a coaching program designed to empower agents with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to succeed in today’s competitive market.
When she’s not closing deals, leading PGCAR initiatives, or appearing in the media, Arnita enjoys networking, staying active, and inspiring others to reach their highest potential.
Marcel Umphery
Marcel Umphery (real estate investor, coach, mentor, consultant, and philanthropist) knew from an early age that real estate, entrepreneurship, and business would be his vehicle to change lives. The vision for his company started as a young child when both of his parents instilled leadership and entrepreneurship in him. Due to the drug epidemic of the 1980’s, the illegal house flipping of the 90’s, Baltimore, Maryland, urban metro communities and markets around the United States took heavy economic and financial hits.
These tough times ultimately resulted in tens of millions of vacant properties around the United States. Experiencing this firsthand, Marcel made it his mission for his company to change lives and neighborhoods one home at a time. Marcel Umphery started his real estate investing career while attending Morgan State University where he majored in Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Administration graduating in 2006.
After receiving his financial aid refund check and investing it in tax sale certificates, Marcel purchased his first tax lien certificate for just $850.79. Eighteen months later, he gained ownership of the property and sold the property a few months later for a $25,000 dollar profit. That initial investment in himself, in 2002, gave Umphery the start-up capital needed to start his company all while still working part-time for the Social Security Administration and juggling being a full-time college student in Baltimore, Maryland.
Umphery has invested in a variety of market cycles and has experienced ups and downs in the real estate industry.
Since 2002, his company and students have purchased, rehabbed, wholesaled, leased out and sold over one hundred million dollars in real estate across the country. Mr. Umphery has shared his knowledge, wisdom, and systems with tens of thousands of novice beginner and seasoned veteran real estate investors throughout; sharing his specialized knowledge on Real Estate Investing, Tax Sale/Deed Investing, Rehabbing Houses, Buy & Hold, Raising Capital, and Wholesaling Houses.
Marcel is an author, mentor, coach, consultant and has trained on several real estate investor associations,
clubs, meetups, expos, and conventions sharing his real estate investing secrets. Umphery also takes pride in supporting local non-profit organizations that have a strong focus on developing youth into successful and productive citizens. For his work in the community, Marcel was recently awarded the prestigious Harlow Fullwood Award and has been featured in Black Enterprise Magazine as one of America’s “Young Wealth Builders” with a plan. When the deeds are signed and construction has commenced, Marcel Umphery’s ultimate plan is to continue to change lives through real estate…one house at a time creating GENERATIONAL wealth for not only his family but also yours.
Dr. Aubrey Grant
Aubrey J. Grant, MD, FACC, is a sports cardiologist practicing at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Health at Lafayette Centre.
Dr. Grant specializes in treating athletes, particularly in differentiating between exercise-induced adaptations of the heart versus true cardiovascular disease or pathology. He uses a variety of comprehensive tests and assessments to determine sports eligibility, give exercise prescriptions, and make recommendations on how to prevent or manage cardiovascular disease. In particular, Dr. Grant performs cardiopulmonary exercise tests (also known as VO2 tests), a specialized stress test that measures a patient's fitness level. With this evaluation, he can offer athletes specific and individualized advice on how to reach peak performance. Ultimately, his goal is to provide a detailed understanding of what athletes need in order to stay active for as long as possible, maintain good cardiovascular health, and achieve high-level athletic performance.
Dr. Grant’s clinical and research interests include how race and implicit bias affect healthcare in general and sports healthcare in particular. He is also passionate about learning more about how and why young, seemingly healthy athletes suffer sudden cardiac arrests. Concurrently, he is a passionate advocate for the widespread dissemination of emergency action plans, including CPR education and training, within the community, recognizing its potential to be a vital life-saving skill.
Dr. Grant received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College, where he graduated cum laude. He completed his residency at Emory University School of Medicine and his fellowship at Georgetown University/MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Grant then had the special distinction of being accepted into the only sports cardiology program at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. For one year, Dr. Grant worked closely with professional and collegiate-level athletes, including players from teams like The New England Patriots and the New England Revolution.
Dr. Grant is the recipient of many awards, including the National Medical Quality Forum 40 Under 40 Leader in Healthcare, the 40 Under 40 Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund, the Meharrian Factor Award, and the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism Honors Society. He is a member of the American Heart Association, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, Association of Black Cardiologists, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Grant was born and raised in the greater Washington DC and Baltimore area and, in fact, was born in a MedStar hospital. As a young man, he volunteered in the same catheterization lab where he now practices medicine. He is incredibly proud and happy to be in his hometown, serving his community. He loves all things soccer, traveling, and food. He is especially proud of his Yelp Elite status.
Paul Bashea Williams
Paul Bashea (Bah-Shay) Williams, LCSW-C, LICSW owner and operator of his private practice, Hearts In Mind Counseling where he specializes in individual counseling, corporate coaching, as well as marriage, family and couples counseling. He provides therapy to clients ages 7 – 73, of which 90% are black men and women.
Mr. Williams attended East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee for both his undergrad and graduate studies in Social Work. Since graduating he served in various agencies as a Manager and Social Worker in hospital settings, community-based wrap-around services, independent living programs for youth, alternative school-based therapeutic services, a government child welfare agency, and outpatient therapy settings until he opened up his own private practice which has been in operation since 2017.
Sean J. Psalms
Sean J. Psalms is a Bible-based Financial Activist and Estate Planning Advisor, dedicated to empowering individuals and families to achieve financial stability and long-term success. As a Delegate of The National Financial Literacy Campaign and Co-CEO of Psalms Enterprises, Sean offers extensive expertise in guiding clients through a range of financial strategies.
His services include money-mentoring through the establishment of personal budgets, life insurance protection, complete debt elimination, tax-free retirement planning, and probate prevention through a Living Will and Trust. Sean also serves as a "Gatekeeper," providing access to an elite consortium of licensed, trusted financial experts; offering a variety of tax-exempt wealth vehicles and high-yield investment products.
Ensuring clients are equipped with the financial tools they need to build generational wealth; Sean’s faith-centered approach, ethics and dedication to financial security makes him uniquely a trusted advisor and advocate for financial empowerment in communities everywhere.