Culture Shift Labs: African American innovators dominate ‘20 People to Watch’ list

Culture Shift Labs, a reputable New York consulting firm, has just compiled its first ever list of ‘20 People to Watch’ in 2015. The impressive line-up includes CEOs, entrepreneurs, and technologists driving innovation in the fields of art, science, music, and technology.

What makes the list so interesting is that it puts the spotlight on African American trailblazers, particularly women making remarkable strides in their respective fields. Among those who made the coveted list are Lisa Coca, managing director at GE Ventures; Cherae Robinson, founder & CEO of Tastemakers Africa; Lisa Skeete Tatum, founder and CEO of LandIt.com; and Guy Primus, co-founder and COO of The Virtual Reality Company.

“We published this list in an effort to shine a light on accomplished diverse leaders,” says Andrea Hoffman, founder and CEO of Culture Shift Labs.“We are committed to raising the profile of the vast number of innovators, inventors and influencers to paint a more accurate picture of the size, scope, social and economic clout of these individuals. Executives and entrepreneurs that I refer to as the ‘diverse elite’.”

Hoffman partnered with Candice Cook Simmons, Managing Member of the Cook Law Group, to curate the list. Co-editor Simmons, a well-respected attorney, says the inaugural list serves as a contribution to ongoing dialogue about diversity in a variety of spaces.

“This list is not exhaustive by any means, but does serve to shed light on extraordinary women and individuals of color doing incredible things within their industry which in time can assist in debunking the myth that people of color are not prepared, engaged, or achieving in certain industries — which is simply not the case,” says Simmons.

Kathey Porter, a sought-after expert on small business and entrepreneurship, is one of the handpicked influencers featured on the list. “I am honored to be a part of this esteemed group,” says Porter. “It is always exciting and humbling to have your work recognized by your peers.”

Lo Toney, a partner at Comcast Ventures Catalyst Fund that focuses on investing in early stage technology startups led by minority entrepreneurs, told UrbanGeekz he is honored to be included. “I am excited to be on the Culture Shift ‘20 to Watch’ for two reasons. Firstly, it is an honor to be on a list with a great group of leaders. Secondly, this list represents the type of diverse talent leading change in the key industries such as tech.”

“We chose a career with no clear path,” says Feven Yohannes, co-founder of I Heart Savvy, an online wedding platform. “Some days are incredibly trying but there are moments like this that keep us going. We are grateful to be honored alongside innovators who provide value to our world and our community. And we applaud those who stand beside us blazing trails so that those who follow after us have no ceiling to shatter.”

Culture Shift Labs is a pioneering advisory firm that introduces brands, corporations, and non-profits to a vast network of top-ranking minority and female talent.

To view the full list and profiles click here.

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