Carver’s annual Breakfast With Champions introduced more than 120 Carver students and their parents to leaders in an array of professions on Saturday morning. Carver students were inspired to pursue their interests and to prepare for satisfying careers.

Special thanks to our panelists for devoting this quality time to inspire our young people:

• Samantha Zullo, Behavioral Specialist (a social work professional who works with adults and children who have developmental, mental health, and behavioral challenges).

• 5FINGAZ, Director of Design at Love More than Ever (a street art movement that is attempting to shift the paradigm from Hate/Bigotry to Love/Acceptance)

• Rose Lanard, a Carver board member and President of Lanard Consulting (a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader, Strategist, Coach, and Mentor)

• Lamail Townsend, critical care helicopter EMT, and nurse

• Ernie Cobb, former NBA basketball player

• Lucy Newton, a real estate broker

• Kavan Weise, nonprofit organization manager

• Jessica Herlihy, social worker

Carver staff members Tremain Gilmore and Jackie Roberson organize this annual event and, as always, their light is so bright that Carver kids never feel that they are in the dark.

The professionals spoke to our young people and answered their questions as part of this annual forum at the George Washington Carver Community Center.

We are grateful to these “champions” in our community for inspiring our young people to achieve their career goals and dreams.