WHO WE ARE
Damilola Arowolaju – Chairman
Damilola has served in policy roles in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Council for the District of Columbia. He began his legal career as a civil rights lawyer before transitioning to an international law firm where he provided banks, funds, and tech companies regulatory guidance. He is currently an attorney in the Department of Treasury. Damilola received a B.S. in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern and a J.D. with honors from the George Washington University Law School.
Brian Clarke – Vice Chairman
Brian Clarke is a company founder and today serves in an Of Counsel capacity to Kensington International. Brian’s educational background includes a Master of Management degree from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Personnel and Labor Relations from Indiana University. Brian sits on The Distinguished Alumni Council School of the O’Neil School – Indiana University and the Board of Trustees for The Chicago Theological Seminary.
Michael Eshun – Treasurer
Michael is a motivated professional with a strong commitment to building community. He has worked his professional career as a trader in financial markets at Gelber Group. He has been an active member in community organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Tutoring Chicago and numerous other mentorship roles and programs. Michael received his B.S. in Economics and Business Institutions from Northwestern University.
David Onion – Board Member
Mr. Onion has served as an independent director on several corporate boards and foundations, led transaction teams at two global financial institutions, been a co-founder in four specialty finance companies, directed many corporate acquisitions and underlying financing structures, and served as a court-appointed receiver in state and federal court for over 100 cases involving commercial real estate and shareholder disputes. He received his B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics from Western Illinois University and completed his post-graduate MBA education at The College of St. Thomas.
Kaelin Gordy – Director of Marketing
Gabrielle Bello – Board Member
Gabrielle Bello is a nonprofit leader, social justice organizer, and community advocate from Chicago committed to advancing equity through education, policy, and systemic reform. She serves as President of the Oasis Foundation, and holds leadership roles at YesSheCanCampaign, including Director of People & Programs and Director of Public Policy & Advocacy for its award-winning platform, DISSCHOLARED. Gabrielle holds a B.A. in Human Services and Social Justice from The George Washington University. Her work has earned honors including the Diana Award, and she has partnered with the Obama Foundation, Girl's Opportunity Alliance, London School of Economics (LSE), and others.
Matthew Harris – Board Member
Matthew is a leader experienced in both non-profit and venture capital sectors. He is a business leader at Cleveland Avenue, which accelerates growth across multiple sectors. Investing millions of dollars in capital, Matthew has supported entrepreneurs at every level of business. In his role as Lead Advisor for The Academy Group, he is committed to fostering change and empowering the next generation of leaders. Matthew has created an innovative advising framework supporting high school students.