Dr. NanaEfua Afoh-Manin, MD, MPH, MPA
Dr. NanaEfua Afoh-Manin is an emergency medicine physician and humanitarian crisis first responder who brings her frontline experience to the forefront of health equity and systemic change. Her work spans academic research, leadership in disaster response, and community advocacy. Through her work with the city of Los Angeles’ Digital Divide and Health Equity Task Force, she tackles the social and political determinants of health and systemic inequalities in urban healthcare. As a recent Commonwealth Fund Fellow in Minority Health Policy at Harvard Medical School and a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School, she integrates AI-driven innovation to enhance patient-provider relationships and reduce healthcare workforce burnout.
Dr. Afoh-Manin leads a national study with Physicians for a Healthy California on the impact of State Loan Repayment Programs (LRP) in diversifying the clinical workforce, while serving on the Academy Health Research Workforce Advisory Committee. As Chief Medical Officer of Shared Harvest Foundation, she spearheads initiatives such as Project RESUS and StoryCorps, which amplify the voices and wellbeing of BIPOC healthcare professionals. Her latest work includes curating the Sports, Entertainment, and Impact Summit themed "The Business of Doing Good," highlighting her role as a strategic impact advisor. Her body of work lives at the intersection of philanthropy, civic engagement, and healthcare, driving meaningful change in underserved communities, which aligns with the Hub’s mission to foster systemic equity and urban resilience.
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Based On A True Story
Based On A True Story (BOATS) is more than just a marketing agency—it's a platform where unique personal and organizational stories are crafted. As a black-owned business, BOATS emphasizes a personalized approach, working closely with both individuals and organizations to illuminate their narratives through expert storytelling. Our team of professional storytellers utilizes tools like logo design, website development, and brand identity to deeply narrate and represent each unique story.Additionally, BOATS enhances community engagement through video production, workshops, networking events, and consulting services, offering a comprehensive approach to brand and narrative development.
At BOATS, we believe in the power of storytelling to resonate and inspire, transforming standard branding elements into compelling narratives.
René Chatfield
Rene Chatfield is the founder of Chat Champs LLC, a marketing, brand, and talent management company specializing in connecting athletes, artists, and creatives with brands. Chat Champs offers comprehensive services in brand strategy, talent management, and partnership development, helping clients build their personal brands and maximize opportunities. Some of her clients include- NBA, WNBA, Coca-Cola, Big Brother Big Sister, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Adweek, N-Ovate Solutions (NFL Partner), and many more.
With over 20 years of corporate experience and a background as a Division I and professional European basketball player, Rene seamlessly blends her competitive athletic mindset with corporate expertise. A Georgia State University alumna, she has held prominent roles such as Director of Brand Marketing for Nike Basketball, Director of Account Strategy for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and a key leadership position with the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream.
Rene’s career spans leadership in male-dominated industries, from Turner Sports to her pioneering ownership of an all-female cannabis business. She also founded the International Basketball Wives Association, creating a vital support network for women living abroad. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to perseverance, integrity, and accountability, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in sports and business.
