February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 

Today, we would like you to get to know Jamaal Wilkins of The Washington Commanders.
 
Jamaal recently joined the NFL franchise in December 2021 after relocating from Dallas, TX.  He quickly adapted to his new role and is making a name for himself within the organization.  The Washington DC team announced their new name, The Commanders, On February 2, 2022.  As the organization kicks off it’s 90th year it is important to pay tribute to past traditions, legacy, history, and the greats that came before them.  The franchise will continue to honor and represent the burgundy and gold while forging a new pathway to a new era in Washington.
We asked Jamaal three important questions.  Read his responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 
I struggled with a speech impediment at a young age and had to learn how to slow down when speaking and annunciate my words. Fast forward to the start of my career in Inside Sales (Minor League Baseball), the best advice I received was to speak less and listen more. Listening to understand over hearing to respond has resulted in forming genuine relationships in both my professional and personal world. 
Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 
My biggest inspirations are my family especially my parents – understanding what they’ve done to get me to this point. I will not rest until I can give it all back, and then some more.  Also, Reggie Johnson, Head of Stellar USA NFL – my cousin who is a certified sports agent; most notable client: Jameis Winston.  He set the tone in the professional sports & entertainment world within my family, so I go to him for any advice and/or insight. 
Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
 
As a wise person once said: “If you’re the smartest in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” I encourage all businesses struggling with diversity, equality, and inclusivity to self-evaluate the following: Does everyone in the room look like you?  Is the candidate best suited for the job the actual best, or just who you know?  I believe that to be the best, you must hire the best, and fill the room with people who have different backgrounds, to do so.

February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 


Today, we would like you to get to know Aaron Slaughter, CPA of WithumSmith+Brown, CP.
 
Aaron Slaughter is a Senior Manager for WithumSmith+Brown, PC. Practicing out of their Washington, D.C. office, he specializes in accounting and auditing of multiemployer benefit plans and labor organizations. With over ten years of experience in public accounting, Mr. Slaughter has assisted in a plethora of audits, agreed-upon procedure engagements, and special projects. His expertise includes work for local and national employee benefit plans, health and welfare plans, pension funds and labor organizations, small business organizations, and not-for-profit entities. In addition to his accounting and attestation experience, he also assists in the recruiting efforts of his firm. Mr. Slaughter is a certified public accountant (CPA) in the state of Maryland, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), a member of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and serves as Membership Co-Chair of the chamber’s ‘NextExecs’ committee.  He’s a 2021 “40 Under 40 Black CPA” award recipient. Lastly, he is also a member of the McDaniel College Board of Trustees, where he earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Accounting and Economics.

We asked Aaron three important questions.  Read his responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 
I was a collegiate athlete with aspirations of playing football professionally. This was not a dream but a career path until one day, one game, one play changed the trajectory of my life. I suffered a devastating knee injury that left me in a hospital bed facing a lengthy and painful recovery after surgery. The loss of my hopes of a career in football left me in a state of depression. I had no plan B for my life, and I felt as if the rug had been pulled out from under me. I had lost the will to go to class or complete my studies. In fact, there were some days I was not able to leave my apartment. This went on for weeks until I decided that my story had not ended. I decided the pain would not keep me from doing the necessary physical therapy. I decided I would resume and complete all my coursework. 
It was through this life challenge that I found out the most about myself. I learned the true meaning of mental fortitude. The pain was indescribable, and I had more assignments to make up than I could count. I wanted to give up at every step along the way, but that was not an option. Battling back from that kind of injury showed me that anything was possible with the proper attitude, perseverance, and God in my corner. I’d later return for another season, be named All-Conference, and graduate with honors. At the time, I did not know that picking myself up after this injury would be the blueprint for how to handle all of life’s adversities.
 
The CPA exam was no ‘knee injury’, but it was the next challenge that pushed me to my limits. On those days when motivation was nonexistent and I didn't feel like studying, I thought about lying on my bedroom floor in pure agony after my surgery.  I knew if I was able to bounce back from that, I could pass these four exams. The lessons learned from dealing with reconstructive knee surgery left a lasting impression on my life and continue to carry me through tax seasons, client deadlines, and everything else that life has thrown my way.
 
Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 
When I was in the sixth grade, I met a young man named Van Brooks. He would turn out to be not only one of my best friends, but also one of the biggest inspirations for me both personally and professionally. We bonded quickly. At first because we were the only 2 Black kids in the entire 6th grade class at our all-boys prep school. However, we soon realized our greatest bond was our love of sports. Over the next five years, we would spend a great deal of time together in the classroom and on the field as teammates. On a fall afternoon in our junior year, Van suffered a life-threatening injury during a football game.  He was airlifted to the Shock Trauma unit for immediate and urgent medical treatment. He was told he would likely never walk again. Van credits his dad with telling him that a man is not defeated when he loses; he is defeated when he gives up. Powerful words that we live by. To this day, Van has never given up. He fights on and his commitment to defying the odds and walking again remains impressive.
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Van’s Influence extends far beyond his circle of friends. He went on to graduate from high school and college. He founded a nonprofit organization (S.A.F.E.) which is focused on helping youths in the city of Baltimore. He’s a hometown hero, and I’m honored to call him friend and brother. 
 
Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
 
The easy answer to this question is that there are no easy answers. Recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining qualified team members is hard. It takes a consistent effort from the top down. It requires an intentional and conscious commitment to venture into the places that hold the wealth of diverse candidates you need. Do you recruit at HBCU job fairs? Do you seek out sponsorships and advertising opportunities at Black Greek festivals and events? Beyond Black History month, do you have a presence in the under-represented and, most likely, under supported communities that have the potential to provide employees and customers to grow your business? 

It takes an honest assessment about where the company currently is and the likelihood that what you have been doing hasn’t been working. You’re not going to have all the answers. You won’t figure it out overnight, but that’s OK because the important thing is that you start.

February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 

​Today, we would like you to get to know Jamil Abdur-Raoof of Black Viking Brewing.
 
Jamil is the Co-Founder for Black Viking Brewing.  He and his partner Shaun Taylor launched their craft beer brewing company in October 2021.  As the first black owned brewing company in Montgomery County, they share one mission, to create a diverse community of beer drinkers where EVERYONE is welcome, and where the warrior spirit is celebrated one brew at a time.
 
12 Tenets of the Black Viking:
*Community*Courage*Discipline*Honor*Love*Loyalty*Mother Earth*Passion*Strength*Perseverance*Vision*Wisdom
 
We asked Jamil three important questions.  Read his responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
Starting out in brewing and craft beer the biggest challenges I faced was first learning how to brew beer and feeling comfortable being one of the few minorities in most craft breweries and homebrew shops. As a company we needed to learn everything from scratch and the curve was steep. We did not have a network who knew the ins and outs of the craft beer scene, especially the regulatory side. 
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Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
My biggest inspiration personally is my grandma. She raised 8 kids in the Midwest on a farmer’s salary. Today she is the most honest and yet loving person. She holds everyone close and keeps our large 30+ cousin family together. In my professional life I would say it is everyday people who try to better their lives through entrepreneurship. It is hard each day to show up for yourself personally, but to be able to become an architect of a vision and see it through each day is powerful. 

Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
Be honest with yourself and your own biases first. We all have them and you cannot begin to grow and open up in ways to others of different viewpoints until those blinders are off. Be empathetic and don't be afraid to say I don't know or didn't know that. Once in that mindset of growth I think most people will be able to grow their company in a positive way on inclusivity and diversity. 

February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 

Today, we would like you to get to know Shaun Taylor of Black Viking Brewing.
 
Shaun is the Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer for Black Viking Brewing.  He and his partner Jamil Abdur-Raoof launched their craft beer brewing company in October 2021.  As the first black owned brewing company in Montgomery County, they share one mission, to create a diverse community of beer drinkers where EVERYONE is welcome, and where the warrior spirit is celebrated one brew at a time.
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12 Tenets of the Black Viking:
*Community*Courage*Discipline*Honor*Love*Loyalty*Mother Earth*Passion*Strength*Perseverance*Vision*Wisdom
We asked Shaun three important questions.  Read his responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 
I was adopted and raised by a single, tough-loving mother, Ms. Ronnya Taylor. When I was three years old, my mother was struck and nearly killed by a drunk driver. She flat lined numerous times on the operating table, but with God's grace she pulled through. The doctors said my mother would never walk or talk again. The doctors didn't know Ronnya Taylor. After months of grueling physical therapy and rehab sessions, my mother regained all her neurological functions and albeit with some assistance, she learned how to walk again. And she didn't let her physical limitations slow her down. My mother was at every one of my basketball games, parent teacher conferences and oral presentations at church. She even drove me to the basketball court almost daily and coached me from the car for hours on how to improve my jump shot, which ultimately led to me earning a full basketball scholarship at just 16 years old. Sadly, my mother is longer with us, but it is her real-life example and indomitable spirit that informs how I confront and overcome challenges as a man and as a business owner.   
Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 
My biggest inspiration in both my personal and professional life is my family. As a child, I was raised in a loving household with my mother and my grandparents. As a man, I have been blessed to co-create a loving household with my amazing wife, three amazing children and an ever-hungry beagle, aptly named Twix. I also have a tight-knit group of lifelong friends who I consider family as well. All the business success and personal achievements in the world don't mean a thing if I don't have my family and loved ones to share them with! 
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Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
 
The biggest piece of advice I would give to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace is to smart small first. You don't need to perform a grand gesture or take six months putting together a working group to study the problem. Go grab a meal at a different restaurant in a different part of town. Strike up a conversation with your neighbor you've never spoken to before. Read a book from a genre you wouldn't typically choose. Then, you can move onto strategizing and executing on actionable items within your organization. In the great United States--and specifically in "The DMV"--diversity is one of our biggest strengths. The amount of creativity lived experiences and culture coursing through the veins of our fellow countrywomen and countrymen is an abundant natural resource. As business owners, it is in our best interest to engage with and work with folks from diverse backgrounds. This active inclusivity broadens our perspectives, which ultimately increases our ability to successfully grow our businesses.

February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 
Today, we would like you to get to know Verelyn Gibbs Watson.
 
Verelyn Gibbs Watson is a multi-unit franchise owner with Nothing Bundt Cakes, opening the brand’s first DC Metro area location back in 2016. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Gibbs Watson served as the President & COO of a national, education based non-profit and had over a decade of executive leadership experience with a fortune 100 financial services firm. 
Verelyn earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Morgan State University, her MBA from the Lubin School of Business at Pace University as well as post graduate executive certifications from Harvard University -Kennedy School of Government and the American Society of Association Executives among others.
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She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, serves on several advisory boards for Nothing Bundt Cakes and in addition being a member of the Greater Bethesda Chamber’s board, she serves as the board chair of the Children’s Equity Coalition. 
Verelyn makes her home in upcountry Mo. Co. with her husband Sean, daughter Channing and their Vizsla, Bentley. 
 
We asked Verelyn three important questions.  Read her responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 
When I was studying for my undergraduate degree at Morgan State University (Go Bears!), all business majors had to take a mandatory Entrepreneurship course.  In the class you were paired with a local entrepreneur that was trying to either start or grow their business. The work we did with them wasn't just about a grade. We were ultimately impacting the ability for someone's dream to come to fruition. (Talk about high stakes!) So much of what I learned through the experience gave me a sneak peek at the hurdles you must overcome if you intend to succeed as a business owner. Especially the awareness that if you are going to get into a business, make sure you know how to do everything in that business.  That saved me a lot of headache and heartache during the first year running my business.
 
Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 
My Father is my biggest inspiration in my personal and professional life. He came to the United States extremely educated and yet had to basically start his degrees over from scratch because those he earned before coming to the U.S. weren't recognized.  He never let it stop him or hold him back from achieving the life he envisioned for his family.  My Dad evolved from climbing the corporate ladder, while going to graduate school full time, to executive leadership and ultimately starting his own successful construction business, specializing in the restoration of historic Brownstones in Brooklyn, New York. The man is a master of reinvention and has been a perfect mentor on my own career journey.
 
 
Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?

My biggest advice is to stop overthinking it.  It's not about "hire someone who looks like this" or "only promote people who fall into this category" or my personal cringy favorite, host a training (literally, just one) and check it off your to do list. It doesn't work that way, at least not sustainably. It's about having an open, fair and welcoming environment where you look for the possibilities in people. It's like that movie, "If you build it, they will come". Those in decision making positions need to make the decision to look at their corporate (workplace) culture (and have others look too) and determine is it a place that embraces authenticity and differences or are they unwittingly supporting a narrow archetype where anyone who doesn't "fit the mold" never stands a chance.   

February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 

Today, we would like you to get to know Tennesher Hogarth of Vylla Home.

Tennesher is proud to announce that she is a realtor with Vylla Home. As a real estate agent her first and only priority is aligning the dreams her clients have of homeownership with the reality that it's truly obtainable. Providing unmatched customer attentiveness, a tireless work ethic, strong market analysis and even harder negotiating skills; Tennesher will confidently and effectively, rise to be that competitive edge you need in this ever changing; fast paced environment.

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We asked Tennesher three important questions.  Read her responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 

1. Seeing me today one would not believe that as a child I was very quiet and shy. If someone spoke to me, I would hold my head down and not respond. I would avoid conversation and confrontations of any kind. When I entered the field of property management, it gave me an opening to improve my verbal communication skills. Getting to know a prospective tenant’s wants and needs gave me the opportunity to be more open and friendly. The more people I encountered, the more I came out of my shell. I found my strength in speaking with strangers. As the years progress, I found that helping someone find a new apartment was pleasing and enjoyable. I thought if I can help someone find a new apartment with ease and provide all the information necessary, I can also help someone find a home. I took this opportunity to expand my learning and decided to pursue my real estate license.

 
Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 

1. In this new profession that I have embarked on as a realtor my biggest inspiration would be my current branch manager Brandon Jones. I would not have had the experience that I currently have if it hadn’t been for him. In this industry once you get your license, you’re basically fending for yourself, and I found it difficult to maneuver the process. When I was introduced to him, I had no idea what I was doing or even any capabilities of finding new clients or how to put a contract together. He has walked me through the process for both buyers and sellers; and given me tools and recourse to build upon. Most new realtors cannot say that they had such a positive leader when entering in this business, and for that; I will always, and forever be grateful. 

 
 
Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
 

1. My advice for companies struggling with diversity and inclusivity is simple. I believe that both are very important and intricate parts of any company's well-being and are highly important for maintaining a healthy and balanced environment. Great companies evolve because they learn from past mistakes and are comfortable with change. Investing or putting an emphasis on creating an environment that is built off different nationalities, walks of life and perspectives; richly makes the company attract more clientele as well as open policies and fundamentals that would apply to a range of individuals looking to apply and work for that company.