Meet the 2019 Leadership Connect cohort
Congratulations to our newest Leadership Connect cohort for 2019! We are so excited to welcome a new group of small business owners to our community leadership accelerator. These entrepreneurs will be meeting with top CEOs, engaging experts on regional issues and attending our Leadership Study Mission trip to Austin in May of 2019.
Read below to learn more about each cohort member.
Isaac Addae, Addae & Company
Isaac is the founder of Addae & Company, a solutions firm that specializes in strategic management, coalition building, and culture optimization. He is also an Assistant Professor at TSU, creator of Conscious Conversations, co-founder of The Hub for Urban Entrepreneurship, which hosts the annual Black Entrepreneurship Week, and founded the 260 Fund. Isaac is passionate about an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Laret Casella, Casella Interiors
Laret is the head of Casella Interiors, a full service interior design firm that specializes in creating personalized spaces for a client’s brand, culture, and style. She is Co-Chair of Chamber North, and is actively involved with a number of organizations including Nashville Women’s Breakfast Club, Nashville Rotary, The USGBC, and the Nashville Catholic Women’s League. Laret is passionate about access to high quality transit.
Sam Davidson, Batch Nashville
Sam is the co-founder and CEO of Batch Nashville, a boutique that sells iconic local products. Sam is a serial entrepreneur and has written several books. He is actively involved in the community and participates in PCAT, Oasis Center, United Way, Doing Good, Sweet Sleep, and Chamber North. Sam is passionate about support for startups outside of Nashville’s predominant industries.
Perri duGard Owens, duGard Communications
Perri is the founder of duGard Communications, a strategic communications firm specializing in public relations, marketing, and business development. She serves on the board of directors for the Choral Arts Link, Inc., Family and Children’s Services, Metro Nashville Municipal Auditorium, and Nashville Children’s Theater. Perri is passionate about advocating for high quality education.
James Fields, Concept Technology
James is the founder of Concept Technology, a custom outsourced IT services provider. He has launched the Concept Community program that advocate for causes in the community. James is passionate about fair competition amongst internet providers.
Derrick “Mo” Moore, Slim & Husky’s
Derrick is a co-founder of Slim & Husky’s, a creative concept pizzeria that uses locally sourced ingredients. He is heavily involved with North Nashville’s revitalization and community preservation. Derrick is passionate about economic development, specifically, creating walkable, invigorated neighborhoods that remain inclusive for longtime residents.
Colton Mulligan, FoxFuel Creative
Colton is the founder of FoxFuel Creative, a marketing and advertising agency that focuses on simple, honest creativity. He is actively involved in community mentorship programs, including Jumpstart Foundry and BBBS, and is the founding chair of STARS. Colton is passionate about high quality transit options and public education.
Joshua Mundy, Music City Cleaners/theLab
Joshua is the founder of Music City Cleaners, a boutique dry cleaning provider, and theLab, a creative co-working space. He is actively involved in the community and founded The Winners Circle, a growth focused program for small businesses. Joshua is passionate about affordable housing for the middle-class workforce.
Patrick Walker-Reese, Aspire, LLC
Patrick is the founder of Aspire, LLC, an interactive presentation, workshop, and literature platform focused on social emotional development and leadership. He was heavily involved with the Martha O’Bryan Center and has launched the 100 Dreams Turkey Drive, feeding over 1,000 people every Thanksgiving. Patrick is passionate about high quality education.
Nancy Youssef, Curves with Purpose Nancy is the founder of Curves with Purpose, a plus size fashion movement for women. She is actively involved in a number of community organizations, including the Minority Business Advisory Council and the Mayor’s New Americans Advisory Council. Nancy is passionate about capital access