Building Pathways to Board Leadership and Equity in Corporate Governance
Welcome to the Incoming Cohort
The Black Corporate Board Readiness (BCBR) program, hosted by the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University, prepares accomplished Black executives for service on public and private corporate boards. Its mission is to increase representation in boardrooms, driving stronger business performance and advancing racial equity in corporate governance.
BCBR provides a comprehensive approach to board readiness—equipping leaders, connecting organizations with exceptional talent, and fostering a powerful network of peers and mentors. Through education, access, and community, BCBR accelerates pathways for leaders to influence, innovate, and lead at the highest levels of corporate decision-making.
Cohort 15 – Fall 2025
The Leavey Center at Santa Clara University is proud to present the 2025 Fall Black Corporate Board Readiness Cohort 15.
Through education, mentorship, and community, BCBR equips leaders to excel in governance roles while fostering a powerful network of peers, alumni, and corporate partners. We accompany BCBR Participants and Alumni on their board journeys, partner with organizations and individuals seeking qualified, exceptional leaders to serve on boards, and facilitate meaningful networking across the BCBR community.
Each participant in Cohort 15 exemplifies excellence, integrity, and leadership at the highest levels of business and governance.
Black Corporate Board Readiness (BCBR) – Cohort 15
BCBR Cohort 15
Shawneequa Badger
CEO/Team Lead | The Badger Real Estate Group
BCBR Cohort 15
Art Brown
Ambassador (ret.); President & CEO | Leadership Initiatives Group LLC
BCBR Cohort 15
Shawn Marie Graham
EVP & Chief Operating Officer | Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE)
BCBR Cohort 15
Tim Gramling
Dean, School of Business | California Baptist University
BCBR Cohort 15
Dante' Lamar Green
Senior Vice President & Area Manager | Kaiser Permanente
BCBR Cohort 15
Maya Green, MD, MPH, FACHE
Chief Health and Equity Officer | Onyx Medical & Wellness PLLC | Board-certified physician
BCBR Cohort 15
Dr. Darryl Jenkins
Executive Vice President, Technology | Spectrum Robotics LLC
BCBR Cohort 15
Ricardo R Johnson
Executive Vice President, Strategy & Growth | CareFirst Blue Cross BlueShield
BCBR Cohort 15
Dr. Kimani Kamau
Founder and Chief Executive Officer | BOOKKEEPA Inc.
BCBR Cohort 15
Dr. Mathew Knowles
Founder & Chief Executive Officer | Music World Entertainment Corporation
BCBR Cohort 15
Mica Eades Mayo
Co-Founder & Managing Partner | Untapped Investing
BCBR Cohort 15
Eric Wayne Padmore
Senior Advisor Entrepreneurial Development | National Institutes of Health
BCBR Cohort 15
Onay Payne
Real Estate Private Equity Investor
BCBR Cohort 15
Dr. Elissa Peterson, CMLC, CMP, CNHP, ND.
BCBR Cohort 15
Doreen M. Rachal
BCBR Cohort 15
Ismail Ramsey
Attorney at Law | Law Office of Ismail Ramsey | Former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California
BCBR Cohort 15
Tushon Robinson
BCBR Cohort 15
Kelly Shelton
President & Chief Executive Officer | Shelton Solutions, Inc. | National Association of Corporate Directors Certified Director (NACD.DC®)
BCBR Cohort 15
Russell Ryan Smith
BCBR Cohort 15
Wafo Luc Tengueu
BCBR Cohort 15
Dr. Paulina Van
Professor Emeritus | Samuel Merritt University