Rachel Konte is an Afro/Danish-born designer with 18 years of international experience in the apparel and denim industry, last as Design Director for Levi Strauss & Co. in San Francisco with a stop in Amsterdam as Design Manager for Tommy Hilfiger Europe. She has extensive experience in directing and designing commercial product lines for the American and European markets.

Since 2014 Rachel Konte has been the Chief of Brand for Red Bay Coffee. As part of the founding team She leads the overall brand direction, marketing and social media for RBC.

Rachel Konte wears many hats as a creative leader and currently also runs her online shop with a design studio in Oakland California. She designs and produces her limited edition collections under the brand O.N.W. by OwlNWood.

Chad is a dedicated nonprofit leader with a longstanding commitment to developing future leaders since 1996. He founded iTHINKBIG, an internship program aimed at equipping young adults for leadership roles. Through iTHINKBIG, Chad has led teams across the U.S., inspiring over three million middle and high school students worldwide. In addition, he founded Buena Onda, a community initiative supporting single women and children in Baja California, Mexico. Chad also serves on the board of Bayganda, which focuses on educating children in Uganda.

A multifaceted speaker, writer, and filmmaker, Chad balances his professional passions with family life. He shares a loving partnership with his wife, Erica, and together they take pride in their blended family of four children: Darius, Miracle, Brooklyn, and Nataly. Chad and Erica reside in Northern California’s Bay Area.

Director of Domestic Operations

Nichelle Kitt, ACSW, holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Community Mental Health, and is a fierce advocate for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Guided by her personal mantra, “Mental health awareness is the key to life,” Nichelle is dedicated to fostering understanding and empowering others to embrace their mental wellness.

Her mission goes beyond advocacy—she inspires individuals to align their personal goals with actionable steps, encouraging them to speak their truths and unlock their own potential for greatness. A passionate journaler, Nichelle views writing as a sacred space where she stores her thoughts, dreams, and ambitions, using it as a tool for self-discovery.

One of her proudest achievements is returning to graduate school in her late forties, a journey that taught her it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and pursue your passions. Nichelle’s story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the belief that transformation is possible at any stage of life.

Phillip Hall is a passionate co-founder of Panoramic Learning Academy (PLĀ), where he co-developed an innovative curriculum for preschool and Pre-K students. A dedicated advocate for early childhood education (ECE), Phillip brings his visionary leadership to the Bayganda board with enthusiasm. As a long-time supporter and admirer of the "Baygandan Way," he is committed to empowering the next generation through meaningful education.

A self-described philomath, Phillip’s insatiable curiosity fuels his drive for educational innovation and lifelong learning. His impressive journey through ECE includes earning numerous credentials, and he currently serves as a lead teacher at Merritt College Head Start. With nearly 30 years of experience in corporate America—spanning the biotechnology, petroleum, and pharmaceutical industries—Phillip’s unique blend of business acumen and scientific knowledge adds a powerful dimension to his work.

Holding degrees in Biological Sciences and Business Marketing, Phillip is dedicated to creating lasting, positive change both domestically and globally, leveraging his expertise to uplift communities and inspire young minds.

Rachel is a powerhouse transactional attorney specializing in finance and real estate, navigating complex deals with precision and expertise. Beyond the boardroom, she’s a passionate advocate for diversity and equity, offering pro bono legal support to minority-owned startups and standing strong for underrepresented communities facing eviction.

When she is not in the courtroom, Rachel is an explorer at heart—whether she's uncovering hidden hiking trails, championing philanthropic causes, or diving into the vibrant culture and flavors of the Caribbean. A proud member of the Bayganda Board of Directors since 2019, she brings her drive for inclusivity and justice to every endeavor.

A pioneer of pipeline programs designed to increase diversity in the health professions Charles J. Alexander, Ph.D., currently serves as the Associate Vice Provost for Student Diversity and Director of the Academic Advancement Program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He provides full-time executive and intellectual leadership for a collection of programs designed for nearly 6,000 undergraduates from diverse populations, who have been historically underserved by higher education. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Dentistry’s Division of Public Health and Community Dentistry. Dr. Alexander is also the past President of the National Association of Medical Minority Educators (NAMME), and has a national reputation as a health professions educator, diversity advocate, and higher education leader. He has administered and managed large budgets, played an important role in institutional advancement, strategic planning and policy development, and legislative advocacy on the state and national levels. He has even promoted and initiated diversity projects internationally. More important, he has a firm knowledge and understanding of the importance of inclusive excellence and its importance in advancing an organization. He has been engaged in a number of fundraising initiatives from writing and serving as a principal investigator on million dollar grants to meeting with foundation heads and prospective donors who are interested in funding innovative academic programs and scholarships. Recognized as a leader by many organizations, in 2011 he was presented with the Champions of Health Professions Diversity Award by The California Wellness Foundation for making substantial contributions to the diversity of California’s health professions workforce. He recently completed 12 years of service to the Physician Assistant Board, Medical Board of the State of California.