meet the panel

Kurt Merriweather, CDE

VP, Innovation, The Diversity Movement

Kurt is an accomplished business strategist and marketing executive with a passion for helping organizations implement growth strategies. He is a Certified Diversity Executive and thought leader on building teams through the integration of DEI and technology. Kurt has worked for global brands like Discovery, AOL, and Procter & Gamble. With over 20 years of experience, Kurt's approach to advising clients and developing strategy blends creative thinking and data analysis. He is an avid speaker, a workshop leader, and a patent holder. Kurt holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University and a MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Kurt advises startups through Google for Startups Black Founders Exchange and mentors students at UNC and SKEMA Business School. He also serves on NC TECH’s Board of Advisors. Kurt is a frequent speaker including presentations to trade associations including the Association Executives of North Carolina (AENC) and keynotes at conferences such as Just Brands.

Kenneth Johnson

President, East Coast Executives

Kenneth L. Johnson is a distinguished diversity recruiter and career services professional. He drives business results for clients through creative sourcing strategies and global diversity recruiting programs as Founder & President of the premier Diversity Recruitment Firm, East Coast Executives.

Kenneth was selected by Black Enterprise Magazine as a BE Modern Man and Forbes as a Forbes Career Coach and Council Member. He is a TEDx Speaker, organizer of TEDxHarlem, Google OnAir Career Workshop facilitator, Indeed Job Cast instructor, and serves as Host of The National Urban League Jobs Network Digital Career Success Series. Kenneth is the developer of blkbox.tech an App designed to support the careers of Black men.

Shailvi Wakhlu

Head of Data & Analytics

Shailvi is the former Head of Data from Strava and Komodo Health. As a data professional, former software engineer, and entrepreneur, she has had the opportunity to build some great products. She has influenced large and small companies, such as Salesforce, Fitbit, and the company she co-founded. Shailvi is passionate about fostering equity in the tech industry and is committed to providing knowledge and mentorship to underrepresented groups. She uses her influence as a Technology Leader to advocate for tangible changes in support of marginalized groups. Her vision is that one day everyone in STEM feels welcome and empowered in this space.

Zach Donah

Deputy CEO, Massachusetts Society of CPAs

Zach Donah is the Deputy CEO of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs, a membership association of more than 11,500 CPAs and accounting professionals in Massachusetts. In that role, Zach oversees the implementation of the Society’s strategic planning goals, including the organization and profession’s advocacy, workforce development, government affairs, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives. Prior to joining the Society in 2013, Zach worked in the Massachusetts State Senate, working on policy issues involving transportation, energy and environmental affairs, and workforce development issues.

Roy Prather III

Principal, Beveridge & Diamond PC

Roy has spent over a decade in the legal sector, representing companies and public sector entities in complex environmental and commercial litigation in federal and state courts. This encompasses litigation arising from environmental claims, toxic tort claims involving alleged environmental exposures, environmental issues in commercial transactions and construction, and indemnity disputes. Roy also works with clients to develop creative solutions to address environmental justice community concerns. Additionally, he assists clients in navigating administrative regulatory proceedings under federal and state environmental laws and advise them on mitigating the risks of regulatory enforcement actions and litigation. Roy earned his Juris Doctor degree at the Georgetown University Law Center and now serves as an Adjunct Professor there.