25 Dope Thinkers™ to Watch in 2025
Every year, there are people who refuse to stick to the script. Instead, they rewrite it by pushing boundaries, reshaping industries, and inspiring the rest of us to think bigger, bolder, and more inclusively. At Kulur Group, we call them Dope Thinkers™.
A Dope Thinker is someone who elevates categories, products, people, experiences, and culture through the power of diverse and inclusive thinking. They challenge norms, create lasting impact, and prove that innovation fuses ideas with action.
As we step into 2025, Kulur Group is spotlighting 25 Dope Thinkers™ redefining the game in their respective fields. These thinkers aren’t following trends—they’re setting them. From science and marketing to business and culture, here’s our top picks on dope thinkers to watch in 2025.
1. Fawn Weaver
Founder & CEO, Uncle Nearest, Inc.
Let’s start by saying congratulations to Fawn. She was recently named Ebony’s 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year. Her leadership celebrates untold stories, including honoring the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green. As founder of the fastest-growing whiskey brand in U.S. history, Fawn is a true challenger, redefining what leadership looks like in the spirits industry.
2. Detavio Samuels
CEO, REVOLT
A powerhouse in media, Detavio continues to shape the voice of Black culture through REVOLT’s culturally fueled content. Detavio has talked about how the advancement of artificial intelligence is changing expectations while leading REVOLT to reimagine critical narratives for Black audiences. But there’s one thing that isn’t changing: Detavio and his teams’ steadfast commitment to amplifying and celebrating Black perspectives.
3. Dasia Taylor
Inventor, Infection-Detecting Sutures
What were you doing at 17? Aside from being a self-proclaimed sneakerhead, Dasia Taylor made a name for herself in the medical technology industry at just 17 years old,before she even graduated high school. She became a nationally recognized scientist by inventing color changing sutures that detect infection. This award-winning invention started out as a mere science fair project—just imagine the impact her studies will have on the medical industry.
4. Julian Duncan
CMO, Houston Rockets
With a servant leadership approach and an unapologetic push for excellence on all fronts, Julian has a true marketing mind that blends sports with culture. Currently serving as Chief Marketing Officer with the Houston Rockets, and having previously held head marketing and strategy roles for Jacksonville Jaguars and Under Armor, Julian is rewriting the playbook for fan engagement and elevating the athletic brands. He actively serves on the board of directors for Children’s Museum Houston, and is a co-founder of Monday Night Mentorship, a membership network and career accelerant for marketers of color.
5. Matt Story
VP of Global Integrated Marketing, VISA & Creator, What’s Your Story? Podcast
As a proud #girldad and marketer fueled by curiosity, Matt uses storytelling to bridge perspectives on his thought-provoking podcast, “What’s Your Story?” In a recent episode with Kulur Group CEO, Nicholas Love, he discusses the profound impact diversity has on enriching every type of life experience. Matt carries that energy into his role as an executive-level marketer at Visa, where he’s led the organization’s approach to uplifting underrepresented audiences through marketing initiatives.
6. Harold Green
Spoken Word Artist & Songwriter
Harold’s lyrical genius and unmatched storytelling is connecting people through the universal language of music. In the last year, he recently added “children’s book author” to his resume with Words Are My Superpower, a kid's guide to positive thinking and affirmations. For over 15 years, Harold has released his annual series, Flowers For The Living. Recently, he performed on The Jennifer Hudson Show and headlined Kulur Group’s inaugural NOLA in Kulur event.
7. Jabari Hearn
Managing Partner, AKQA LA | Global Marketing Leader | CMO | Mentor
If you’re chilling in SKIMs and Nikes enjoying Oreos and Coca-Cola, marketing led Jabari probably sparked it. As managing partner at AKQA and having held key creative roles at Nike, Hearn transforms complex ideas into compelling visual narratives that resonate across global audiences. Hearn's work seamlessly blends cutting-edge design thinking with a deep understanding of cultural nuance, pushing the boundaries of how brands connect with consumers. However, his trailblazing work as Co-Founder of Monday Night Mentorship continues to inspire generations. Launched in 2020, MNM is a membership network and career accelerant for marketers of color, with more than 5,000 members in its private LinkedIn group.
8. Briana Franklin
Founder, The Prosp(a)rity Project & Cadet Prosparette
Businesswoman, philanthropist, and student debt expert, Briana Franklin is on a mission to help Black women overcome financial disparities. After racking up nearly $120K in student debt from her undergraduate studies, Briana saw a major gap in the conversation around Black women and financial literacy. The Prosp(a)rity Project and Cadet Prosparette ensure more Black women and teens have an advocate and guide to achieve financial freedom.
9. Brittany King
Founder & CEO Amplify Allyship & Keynote Speaker
If you’re looking for a keynote speaker to bring energy to conversations around inclusive environments and championing allyship in the workplace, look no further than Brittany King. Known as “The Neighborhood Hope Dealer” in the speaker’s circuit, King’s favorite pastime is challenging the status quo. With a background in talent acquisition and recruitment, she’s all about sharing the impact a diverse and culturally aware workforce can have on today’s society.
10. Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett
Scientist, Moderna Vaccine Developer
We can all thank immunologist and Nobel Prize recipient, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, for her groundbreaking work in developing the COVID-19 vaccine. During a global pandemic like no other in modern medical history, Dr. Corbett’s research secured her place in the history books. Now, as the head of her own lab at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Corbett is focused on viral immunology for future pandemic preparedness.
11. Dr. Martin LeMelle
President, Grambling State University
Making history as the nation's youngest HBCU president, Dr. Martin LeMelle brings a dynamic vision to his role as Grambling State University's 11th president. This third-generation Tiger isn't just returning home—he's revolutionizing the student experience through innovative technology initiatives and collaborative leadership. As a former GSU student body president himself, Dr. LeMelle deeply understands the #GramFam spirit. Now, he's leveraging that connection to guide his beloved alma mater forward, while honoring the rich legacy of "the place where everybody is somebody."
12. Dr. Kevin James
President, Morris Brown College
Named on the 10 Top Black Higher Ed CEOs To Watch by Forbes, HBCU College President of the Year, and recipient of the Most Admired CEO Award by Atlanta Business Chronicle, Dr. Kevin James of Morris Brown College truly embodies what it means to be influential. Tasked with reviving Morris Brown College after it lost accreditation and declared bankruptcy, Dr. James faced a monumental challenge when he stepped into his role, taking on full presidential duties at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, Morris Brown College is thriving in its "resurgence" era, with Dr. James steering the institution into a promising future.
13. Aniesia Williams
Founder & CEO, Dream Bloc
Whether she’s fresh off a flight from AfroTech, Art Basel, or Dubai, Aniesia is a venture capitalist’s favorite storyteller. With a strong background in journalism and brand media strategy, she truly knows how money talks. Through Dream Bloc, she’s bringing together entrepreneurs and founders of color to revolutionize the tech space, one venture at a time. Beyond her impressive work, Aniesia is dedicated to mentoring young women and coaching the next generation of Black tech leaders.
14. Henry Ong
Director of Brand Marketing, Universal Pictures
As the lead marketer for some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, Henry is using his platform to open the doors for more diversity and inclusion for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in marketing. Behind campaigns for films like Jurassic Park and Wicked, Henry is well-known for crafting memorable brand experiences that resonate worldwide. When he’s not shaping Hollywood narratives, Henry devotes his time to mentoring the next generation of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) marketers looking to make their mark.
15. April Dawson
Associate Dean of Technology and Innovation and Professor of Law at NC Central
April Dawson serves as the inaugural Associate Dean of Technology and Innovation and a Professor of Law at North Carolina Central University School of Law. In these roles, April leads both research and the application of AI in law. She has partnered with tech giants like IBM to explore the pros and cons of using powerful AI tools in law school, all while upholding rigorous academic standards.
16. Nathan Jun Poekert
CMO, GENERAL IDEA
Nathan has earned a reputation for being marketers’ best friend on LinkedIn, thanks to his hot takes and “keep it real” attitude towards marketing strategy and leadership. Named as a marketing trailblazer by AdAge, Nathan is most notably known for elevating American Eagle Outfitters from just another fashion retail brand on social media to a popular social-first brand. Now, as CMO of GENERAL IDEA, he continues to set the bar for innovative marketing.
17. Janeya Griffin
Founder & CEO (aka The Commercializer), Equity Space Alliance
Black genius belongs in space, and Janeya is on a quest to normalize it. Janeya is the founder and chair of the Equity Space Alliance, an Adjunct Professor at California State University-San Bernardino, and the Founder and CEO of The Commercializer®️, an organization that is bridging the gap between resources and historically excluded communities. She also serves as a consultant with NASA. A proud graduate of Grambling State University and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Janeya’s accomplishments are as inspiring as her vision for a more inclusive future in space exploration. Let’s give her the flowers that she deserves.
18. Everette Taylor
CEO, Kickstarter
It has been two years since Everette was tasked with leading Kickstarter’s next chapter. To date, Everette has overseen the release of innovative new features, led the company’s rebrand, and celebrated Kickstarter’s 15th anniversary while surpassing $8 billion pledged to creative projects. Under his leadership, Kickstarter continues to push the envelope, giving creatives a platform where their dreams are funded and fueled by community.
19. Rich Paul
CEO, Klutch Sports Group
KLUTCH Sports Group represents some of the world’s biggest athletes in major professional sports and is showing no signs of stopping. At the helm is Rich Paul, a literal game-changer in sports management, championing athletes like Lebron James on and off the court. Paul leads a tapped-in team that excels in branding, social responsibility, and harnessing opportunities at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and culture.
20. Alice Zhang & Nisha Desai
Co-Founders, Anise Health
This duo is working hard to destigmatize and expand access to effective mental health care for Asian Americans through their company, Anise Health— the first culturally-responsive digital mental health platform built by and for the Asian American community. Coming from traditional Asian households, Alice and Nisha wanted to incorporate culture and intersectionality in clinician training and evidence-based treatments for their community, breaking barriers to access and understanding in mental health care.
21. Elizabeth Campbell
VP of Cultural Engagement, McDonald's
Elizabeth is infusing cultural intelligence into one of the world’s most recognizable brands—McDonald’s. As a proven disruptor on McDonald’s marketing team, she has led multimillion dollar campaigns elevating the brand across music, sports, and entertainment. If your kids still flock to McDonald’s, it’s likely they’ve been influenced by Elizabeth’s strategy for multicultural youth marketing.
22. Brad Edwards
Founder, Dads to Doulas
After the heartbreaking loss of his twin boys to birthing complications, Brad Edwards turned a devastating time into action. Through Dads to Doulas, he empowers Black fathers with the skills to support women throughout the birthing process. His program strengthens family bonds while combating maternal health disparities in the Black community. Edwards hopes that the program will encourage men to reframe the role of fatherhood.
23. Booker T. Washington
CEO, Techie Homes
At the intersection of tech and real estate, Booker T. Washington is making homeownership accessible to all. As the CEO of Techie Homes, he leads the market for small and micro houses. His first community in College Park, Atlanta, has been a major success, showing how affordable, inclusive homeownership can and should be available in every single community.
24. Racha Tahani Lawler-Queen
Founder, Gather Grounded Midwifery
Racha Tahani Lawler-Queen made history as the founder of the first black-owned birthing center in Central Virginia. Racha’s own story of having to relocate from her original birthing center due to racism, reproductive injustice, and homophobia fuels her fight in securing equitable and excellent care for mothers and children of all walks of life.
25. Jason White
President, Wieden + Kennedy
Leading one of the most iconic creative agencies, Wieden + Kennedy, Jason continuously sets the standard for brand excellence. He and his team is responsible for some of the most iconic campaigns for brands like Beats by Dre, Nike and McDonald’s. As someone who has secured a permanent spot on the challenger mindset list, Jason has cultural storytelling and marketing down to a science.
2025: The Year of Dope Thinkers™
These Dope Thinkers™ represent a glimpse of the transformative energies set to shape 2025. From science and sports to storytelling and social impact, they are breaking barriers and building bridges.
Who inspires you to think bigger? Let us know your picks for dope thinkers at info@kulurgroup.com. We’re always looking for the next challenger.
