Meet our amazing board!

OYEDOLA DELANO

  • Oyedola Delano is a human resources leader and career coach. Born in London and raised in Chicago, Oyedola has an Economics degree from Emory University and a Masters of Science degree in Organizational Development from Northwestern University. She dedicated her career coaching business to supporting Women, Black, and POC professionals in overcoming job market challenges and landing the career of their dreams.

    Over the years, she's coached hundreds of individuals, helping them tell their career stories and advocate for themselves. She’s known for connecting deeply with her clients and providing insights that truly make a difference. Her coaching style is a unique blend of empathy and strategic thinking. Oyedola is a lifelong advocate of creating safe spaces and building equitable communities and cultures. She currently works with fast-growing companies to drive their People and Talent strategies.

    In her less busy moments, Oyedola is a lifelong learner who is always open to new adventures. She loves all things wellness and is an advocate for maintaining an active lifestyle. She loves playing tennis and  enjoys traveling with her family 19 countries and counting!).

AERICA SHIMIZU BANKS

  • Aerica Shimizu Banks is a tech policy expert, inclusion innovator, and creative entrepreneur. As a tennis player, she took her high school team to the district championships and ranked #68 in the USTA in Northern California.

    She is the founder of Shiso, a consultancy that applies an intersectional equity lens to business development, tech, and social challenges. After experiencing the triumphs and trials of tech – building successful DEI programs at Google and then holding Pinterest accountable for its racism and sexism – she now creates systems and frameworks to elevate and restore equity in our institutions at her firm.

    Named to the 2021 Root 100, a 2018 Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur, and a 2017 Washingtonian Magazine Tech Titan, Aerica's career is a testament to the values she lives in her personal and professional life. In her personal capacity, she served on President Biden's innovation policy committee, helped pass the Silenced No More Act in California, and endorsed the Algorithmic Accountability Act. Professional highlights include founding Pinterest's DC office and leading federal affairs; leading diversity and equity initiatives on Google's legal team and serving as the Black small business liaison for the DC area; co-founding BEACON: The DC Women Founders Initiative; and serving as a political appointee in the Obama Administration.

    She holds an MSc in Environmental Policy from Oxford University and a BA in Environmental Studies and Public Affairs from Seattle University. To learn more about Aerica, visit shiso.biz.

DANICA ROYSTER

  • Danica Royster was appointed to Norfolk City Council on January 13, 2021, and elected to City Council on November 2, 2021, to represent the citizens of Superward 7. Ms. Royster is a wealth consultant and junior partner at First Genesis of Virginia, LLC, an African American family-owned financial planning firm in the historic Huntersville neighborhood. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Ms. Royster works with young professionals and families assisting them in establishing a solid financial foundation. She is currently licensed in Virginia, North Carolina, Washington D.C., Maryland, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

    When Danica is not meeting with clients or conducting seminars, she enjoys volunteering and serving in various capacities within her community. With a servant-leader mindset, she returned to her alma mater in 2018 to serve on the Insurance Center Advisory Board, focusing on organizing career fairs, industry-focused programming, and supporting students from ODU’s College of Business. Since 2013 Ms. Royster has served as a literacy tutor at Richard Bowling Elementary School through the Life Enrichment Center where she was recognized as the 2020 Tutor of the Year. Ms. Royster has previously served as a member of the Norfolk’s Complete Count Census Committee and the Mayor’s Committee on Gaming. She currently serves on the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and co-chairs the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for the St. Paul’s Area, the Mayor’s Commission on Social Equity and Economic Opportunity. and Advisory Chair for the YWCA of South Hampton Roads.

    In 2019, Ms. Royster was recognized as a Millennial on the Move by Cova Biz for exemplifying success in her profession while also working with the community to advance the entire region. In 2021 she was inducted into the Old Dominion Alumni Association's Inaugural Top 40 Under 40 class.

TAYLOR TOWNSEND

  • Taylor Townsend is a trailblazing professional tennis player, mentor, and advocate for diversity and inclusion in sports. As a former world No. 1 junior player, Taylor has represented the United States on some of the biggest stages in tennis, including the Grand Slams, where her tenacity and unique playing style have earned her a dedicated following.

    Taylor’s journey in tennis is one of resilience and determination. She broke barriers as the first American to hold the No. 1 ITF junior ranking since 1982 and has continued to inspire others with her unwavering commitment to excellence. In 2024, she achieved a career milestone by winning the Wimbledon Doubles Championship, showcasing her exceptional skill and teamwork on the court.

    Off the court, Taylor is deeply passionate about empowering the next generation of athletes, particularly young Black girls, to pursue their dreams in tennis and beyond. Her dedication to inspiring others through her journey is a testament to her belief that tennis—and life—is for everyone.