947 East Johnstown Road, Suite 258 Gahanna, Ohio, 43230

Our Team

Dr. Carter D. Womack

President and CEO

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Dr. Carter D. Womack has spent his entire career doing one thing – investing in people.

As a former executive at some of America's most recognized companies – including Viacom, Ryder Systems, Value City Department Stores, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and The Black Collegian magazine – Carter built a reputation as a leader who understood that organizations only go as far as the people within them. That conviction became the foundation for Leadership At Its Best, LLC, where he now channels decades of corporate leadership experience into developing the next generation of leaders.

A Life of Service
Carter's commitment to community runs deep. He served three terms as an Akron, Ohio city councilman, held the office of International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and was elected National President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. He has served on the boards of the NAACP Akron Branch, the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, the Alabama A&M University Foundation, and the Ohio African-American Hall of Fame Commission — among many others.

Recognition That Speaks for Itself
Carter has been listed among Ebony magazine's 100 Most Influential Blacks in America, recognized in Who's Who in Black Corporate America, and honored by Dollars & Sense magazine as one of its Brightest and Best. He was inducted into the inaugural Alabama A&M University Hall of Fame for outstanding community service and was awarded an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Organizational Leadership from Julian King University in 2017.

The Mission
Today, Dr. Womack brings all of it – the corporate experience, the public service, the fraternal leadership, the community work – into every program Leadership At Its Best delivers. His mission is straightforward and unwavering:

To Set People and Organizations UP for SUCCESS.

Dr. Donald W. White II

Executive Vice President

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Dr. Donald Wesley White Jr. is the vice president of Leadership At Its Best. In this role he is responsible for professional training associated with Business practices and policies.

White has more than 30 years leadership experience and recently served as director of corporate development where he provided consultation for business growth in healthcare serving individuals with developmental disabilities. He conducted a study addressing small businesses challenges in providing healthcare for employees. In addition, he is very active in the community where he lives and works. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated where he has served as President, Vice president, treasurer, and currently heads leadership training for high school males. White can also be seen as an actor on the silver screen.

White earned a bachelor degree in Criminology from Capital University, a Masters degree in Conflict Analysis and Engagement from Antioch Midwest, and a doctoral degree in Business Administration from Walden University. White is also a published author.

Sharon D. Howard

Community Change Agent

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Sharon D. Howard currently serves as Director of Communications of the Miami Valley Hospital Campuses, part of the Premier Health system in Dayton, OH. She is a professional with over 25 years of experience in broadcast media, public relations and community engagement. Areas of expertise include: healthcare communications, community development and engagement, marketing, strategic communications, communications consultation and special event planning. Howard is also active in non-profit program participation and corporate board service. She is a requested public speaker and has served as a facilitator/presenter for trainings in: leadership, social media execution, communication and branding.

Howard is affiliated with numerous civic and volunteer organizations including Board and Founding Member of the Dayton Area Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the Salvation Army Board of Trustees, Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees, Dayton Public Schools Business Advisory Committee, University of Dayton River Park Community Corporation Board, University of Dayton National Alumni Board and the NCAA Men’s Basketball First Four Local Organizing Committee. Sharon is a member of Tau Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a member of the sorority’s International Connection Committee; member of The Dayton Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; and served 10 years on the Ohio Arts Council. In 2017, Howard was elected to serve on the Ohio Citizens for the Arts Board of Directors. Howard is also a Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce “Leadership Dayton” graduate.

Howard has been recognized for her journalistic work by receiving the “Regional Communicator of the Year Award” by the International Communications Training Institute and multiple National “Communicator” and “Telly” Awards. Her work in the community has garnered several recognitions including: “Central Region Volunteer of the Year” from the National Urban League, Dayton YWCA “Women of Influence Award” and “Distinguished Ambassador Award.” Howard has received the “Coretta Scott King Award” by the National Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta, the “Ten Top Women Award,” given by the Dayton Daily News, Sinclair Community College Distinguished Community Service Award, the Mary Scott Legacy Award, WPAFB Community Service Award, March of Dimes Community Service Award, and was named a “Top Ten African American Woman,” by the African American CEO’s organization. In 2018, she received the “Phenomenal Woman” award from Believers Christian Fellowship Church. Howard is inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame and the Dayton Area Broadcasters Hall of Fame. She is a past recipient of the University of Dayton National Alumni Association “Special Achievement Award.”

Nathan Jameson

Motivational Speaker

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Nathan Jameson is a 24-year-old African American motivational speaker from Columbus, Ohio. He has done over 100 different engagements between Central, Ohio, Greensboro, NC and Atlanta, GA combined since 2014. Nathan has dedicated his life to delivering presentations, conducting workshops, curating speeches and training others in oral communication around the country.

Specializing in personal development and have covered topics such as Leadership, Resiliency, Goal Setting, The Importance of Vision, Social Constructs on College Campuses, Student Diversity, and establishing an identity and many more. His credibility, reputation and experience has been highlighted through working with the Council of Minority Transportation officials- (COMTO Columbus), Learning Never Ends LLC, National Management Association- (NMA, The Leadership Development Organization), Wright State University- ( The Black Men On The Move) Clark Atlanta University (iLead Conference), North Carolina A&T State University (Financial Literacy Conference) and Mount Olivet Baptist Church (Youth Weekend).

Nate’s relatability and effectiveness comes with his age, socio-economic background and ability to communicate with the youth and younger generations. As a professional life coach, Nate works diligently in the inner city of Columbus, Ohio to help the youth identify an identity, develop a vision and set goals for their lives. Nate’s faith is a huge part of his success as a speaker and life coach. His faith-based teachings are delivered in churches as well as throughout the public-school system.

Lawrence E. “Larry” Walker, Sr.

Public Speaker

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Lawrence E. “Larry” Walker, Sr. has been a public speaker and active community servant for over 30 years.

Larry has volunteered in several capacities within the Howard County Public School System. He volunteered at Mt. Hebron High School and served as President of Parents of African American Students. In 2008, Maryland State Department of Education selected him as the state’s first Parent Involvement Matters Award winner for his leadership in advancing parental involvement in public education. Larry served on the Howard County Board of Education in 2014.

Mr. Walker is a Life Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and has served as the National Director of Youth Development. He started working with the BOLD Conference in the early 90’s and Larry continues to be an active education advocate supporting students, educators and parents throughout the region. He has encouraged parent and student groups around the country. From his role as Deputy Pastor of Celebration Church at Columbia, and Vice President of the African American Community Roundtable of Howard County he remains deeply committed to helping people win in life.

Marquis Terrell Carter

Youth Advocate

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Marquis Carter was born in Columbus, Ohio and attended Southmoor Middle School and graduated from Beechcroft High School in 2008. Marquis was very active in high school with the school band, and the choir, and the African American Male Leadership program sponsored by Leadership At Its Best.

Marquis has also served as the President of the Sigma Beta Club a youth affiliate organization to Phi Beta Sigma Inc. Marquis served in the Sigma Beta Club starting in elementary school until he graduated from high school. During his service he attended the Great Lakes Regional Conference (2006) where he held the position of Great Lakes Regional representative for Columbus, Ohio. Marquis also attended the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. 93rd International Conclave held in Charlotte North Carolina (2007). Marquis attended the 84th Great Lakes Regional Conference held in Indianapolis, Indiana as the Great Lakes Regional representative (2008). Marquis attended the inaugural college preparatory convention presented by total College Prep Incorporated. Marquis also attended and participated in many Town Hall meetings addressing the many issues facing the black community and their surroundings.

He was also active with numerous community projects. He volunteered with Special Olympics at school. He participated with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bible Study Group, Track and Field, and Office Assistant. Marquis was awarded for most school spirit as the school mascot. He also performed on stage with the Ujima Theater a community-based organization in a play entitled “What Color is Trouble.” The Ujima Theater is dramatic stage productions that inspire and preserve the interest of the community with primary focus on sustaining the African American community. Ujima is an organization that reaches out to the youth in the Community using theater to educate and direct them away from self-destructive behavior and towards self-awareness, self-love, and positive behavior.

After high school Marquis attended Columbus State Community College with the scholarship money he earned through his participation in the African American Male High School leadership program 2002-2008. In college is majored in business and photography.

Ruben A. Minor

"Ambassador of Inspiration"

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Mr. Ruben A. Minor has been inspiring audiences for over 20 years through speaking, life coaching, and facilitating workshops on Leadership and Personal and Professional Development! Many refer to him as the “Ambassador of Inspiration” as he inspires all to a “Legacy of Leadership,” and to simply “become unstoppable” in the pursuit of his or her dreams. Mr. Minor has worked with local schools, such as Linden McKinley Middle School, Briggs High School, West High School, Northland Senior High School, Columbus Afrocentric High School, and Columbus Downtown.

Professional clients include HBCU Connect, a social networking platform for Historical Black Colleges & Universities, several HBCU’s such as Howard, Texas Southern, North Carolina A&T, the University of Arkansas, and some Greek Fraternities such as Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Kappa Alpha Psi.
Mr. Minor served for 15 years as a U. S. Navy Supply Corps Officer. He attended Ohio Dominican University as an adult student in their Lead Program and obtained his undergraduate degree in Business in May 2004 and completed his MBA in May 2006.

Additionally, Mr. Minor is also a Certified John Maxwell, Speaker, Trainer & Coach. Mr. Minor is also active in his community as a local soccer coach with Upward Sports, and a worship leader at his local church, Vineyard Columbus. He enjoys singing, movies, history, and traveling. He resides in Galena, Ohio with his wife Davonna, and three children, David, Moriah and Rachel.

Lazelle J. Lowe

Senior Consultant

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Lezell J. Lowe is the CEO and President of RTF Medical LLC, a medical device and supply company. He has over 10 years experience in consulting with pharmaceutical, and medical device companies. Lezell has worked with Fortune 500 Companies, such as, Johnson and Johnson, Sanofi-Aventis, and Covidien. Lezell is also a popular local Broadcast Journalist in Central Kentucky, airing a weekly radio show, “Key Conversations” dealing with issues that impact the African-American Community.

Lezell served as the 30th Great Lakes Regional Director of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., was a Board Member of the Board of Directors for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, and is currently a Faculty Member of the Sigma Leadership Academy, where his expertise are: Leadership Development, Building a Brand, and Interviewing to Win, and Stopping the Culture of Hazing.

A proud graduate of the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University, Lezell has received numerous local and national awards and serves on several National and Community Boards. He is an active Trustee at the Shiloh Baptist Church, Lexington, KY and is a volunteer with the Bluegrass Boys and Girls Club, Northern Cal Ripken Baseball and BMW Academy Inc.

Lezell is married to Monica Lowe, and they have three handsome young men, Christian, Micah, and Jeremiah.

Tommie Huston

Motivational Speaker

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Tommie Huston is an eighteen-year-old Christian Minister and Motivational Speaker born and raised in Columbus, Ohio.

Tommie graduated from Hilliard Bradley High School with a 4.1 GPA in 2019. During his Freshman year of High School, he graduated from the Computing Career Corps (designed to help excelled youth learners develop professional skills in the Technical and Computing fields). During his Junior year of High School, Minister Huston attended the Tolles Technical Career Center for Art, Design & Communications. He was involved in Band and played Football, receiving two Scholar Athlete Awards for performing exceedingly in the classroom and on the field, and varsity letters for Football, Band, and Academics.

Tommie was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel of Christ at Maranatha Deliverance Tabernacle, the same year he graduated from High School. After graduating, he completed a semester in college while working two jobs. When the semester was over, he decided to take a break from college and quit one of his jobs so that he could focus on what God created him to do.

Tommie works primarily with middle school students, all the way up to college students. He especially works with young black men to not only achieve greater academic success, but to look beyond academics and into how valuable their lives and their futures are.

Tommie knows that God created him to teach The Gospel of Christ, and to motivate his peers. That is what he hopes to do for the rest of his life.

Dr. Bill Scott

Educator and Speaker

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Dr. Bill Scott, former elementary and middle school principal, has classroom teaching experience ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade. Known for his high energy and infectious enthusiasm, Bill has helped teachers and schools develop programs for students’ success. He created a program for at-risk youth, “Do Your Best Don’t Settle for Less,” a presentation to promote positive self-esteem. Bill often presents to new teacher and administrative groups, sharing an inspiring yet practical message on the “nitty gritty” of being an educator. As an educator, trainer and instructional leader, Bill has taken the initiative to actively promote positive school climates which are conducive to student success. Specializing in Character Development and Positive Discipline, he has trained faculties and staffs throughout the United States.

Bill earned a B.A. degree from Kent State University in Elementary Education, an M.A. degree from Georgia State University in Early Childhood Education, and an Ed.S. degree from Jacksonville State University in School Administration and a Doctorate degree from Samford University in Leadership and Learning. He has received numerous awards and recognition as an educator, which affords him the opportunity to speak on contemporary educational issues. As a result of his educational expertise, Bill was invited to Reykjavik, Iceland to speak to educators, parents and business leaders about American education.

Dr. Scott has retired from public education after thirty years of service, twenty of those years as a school leader. His newest project is serving as the Vice-President of , Leadership At It’s Best, LLC, a student leadership program based out of Columbus, Ohio. He also volunteers as an advisor to college youth.

Al Edmondson

Community Leader and Motivational Speaker

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Al Edmondson is the president of the historic Mount Vernon District Improvement Association (MVDIA), founder and CEO of “Making a Difference”, owner of “ A Cut Above the Rest” barber shop, and a veteran of the United States Army. Serving in Operation Desert Storm, he and his united received a battle bronze star award.  As a man of service, Edmondson uses his dedication to the Near East side of Columbus, Ohio to encourage revitalization initiatives.  As a longtime resident of this community and proud graduate of East High School, he is committed to helping strengthen businesses and families in his community.

Purposely choosing to remain in the community in which he was raised, Edmondson established his business on 20th and Mount Vernon Avenue in Columbus, Ohio.  During his tenure of 25yrs as a business owner, he has created a multiuse facility which houses a barbershop, a non-profit organization, and Health and wellness outreach center.  As the Founder, President, and CEO of “Making A Difference”, Edmondson has dedicated his brand to servicing families and providing health services to families in franklin county.

Edmondson spearheads local community action committees to assist with the redevelopment and health and wellness programs of the Near East Side.  In addition, he serves as an Ambassador for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Life Line of Ohio and Celebrate One as well as memberships on several boards and committees locally.

In 2013-2015, Edmondson established the first King/Lincoln Memorial parade and events honoring and remembering African Americans for their services in the armed forces. In 2014 Al was invited to the white house by way of Congress Woman Joyce Beatty to attend the My Brother’s Keeper announcement with President Obama for his outstanding community service. In 2016 Al was the youngest African American inducted in to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame for his service to country and community. He has received the Jefferson Award and a number of awards locally and nationally for his service to central Ohio.

Edmondson has been married to his bride Kim for over 25 years and to their union they have two sons, Cameron and Andre. He attributes his success to God and the favor that has been bestowed upon him.  For more information about “Making a Difference” or to learn more about Al Edmondson, please visit: www.madinc.net.