African Heritage Parade

Superintendent | Consultant | Author | Speaker

Dr. L. Oliver Robinson is a nationally recognized education leader, consultant, motivational speaker, and author of Naked in the Public Eye: Leadership in an Era of Accountability. His book serves as a practical guide for navigating the complexities of leadership, blending theory with personal experience to offer insight, encouragement, and real-world wisdom for current and aspiring educational leaders.

Now in his 19th year as Superintendent of the Shenendehowa Central School District, Dr. Robinson is the longest-serving superintendent in New York’s Capital Region and the second longest active superintendent in the entire state. With over two decades of leadership experience, he is known for his progressive, results-driven approach and his steadfast commitment to educational excellence.

Dr. Robinson’s work extends far beyond the school district. His political acumen and passionate advocacy for students have influenced policy and sparked change at the local, state, and federal levels. In 2013, he was named New York State School Superintendent of the Year by the New York State Council of School Superintendents, a recognition of his outstanding leadership and lasting impact on public education.

He currently serves as Vice-Chair of the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System Board of Directors, helping guide the financial stewardship of one of the nation’s largest public pension funds.

With a career rooted in service, vision, and equity, Dr. Robinson continues to inspire audiences and influence the future of education across New York State and beyond.

Founder, Chasing Health Inc. | Integrative Primary Care Provider

Dr. Tina Omorogbe is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 32 years of nursing experience and a deep commitment to holistic, community-centered care. She currently serves as a hospitalist at Albany Med Health System, where she oversees the daily care of hospitalized patients with compassion and expertise.

Originally from Nigeria, Dr. Omorogbe moved to the United States in the late 1980s to pursue a career in nursing. She earned her associate degree from Hudson Valley Community College, followed by a bachelor’s from Excelsior College, a master’s in Family Health from Sage College, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Chatham University, with a focus on hypertension management.

Driven by a passion to reduce health disparities, Dr. Omorogbe founded Chasing Health Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides free blood pressure screenings and health education in underserved communities of color. Through outreach in local barbershops, beauty salons, churches, schools, and other community hubs, her organization has served more than 1,800 individuals to date.

In addition to her nonprofit work, Dr. Omorogbe is the founder of a growing integrative primary care practice, blending chronic disease management with holistic services such as weight loss programs, IV vitamin therapy, and wellness coaching. Her goal is to empower clients to take charge of their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

She is also the author of How Can I Forget? Activating God’s Power in Your Life, a book that inspires readers to embrace faith and transformation. With over three decades of marriage, three children, and three grandchildren, Dr. Omorogbe brings a message of healing, hope, and purpose to every aspect of her work.

Superhero | Executive Director, The RED Bookshelf

In a city shaped by struggle and resilience, Paul Collins Hackett—affectionately known to many as Albany’s Batman—has dedicated his life to empowering youth, uplifting families, and building stronger communities.

Born and raised in Albany, New York, Paul’s path was shaped early by hardship. After losing his father at the age of three, he stepped up to help care for his blind mother, an experience that instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. With the support of mentors and programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and the guidance of influential figures like Jim Snyder, Paul witnessed firsthand the life-changing power of community.

A proud graduate of Albany High School and Siena College, Paul co-founded the nonprofit Tru Heart Inc., committed to creating meaningful opportunities for youth. He began his professional journey working in a local homeless shelter, where he further developed his mission-driven approach to service. His leadership continued as Director of Albany’s Summer Youth Employment Program, where he connected hundreds of young people with their first jobs—offering not just income, but hope and purpose.

Today, Paul serves as Executive Director of The RED Bookshelf, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy and providing free books to children throughout Albany. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its reach and deepened its impact, inspiring a new generation of young readers and thinkers.

Through every role, Paul remains committed to being a force for good in the lives of others—a true hometown hero whose cape may be invisible, but whose impact is unmistakable.

Founder & CEO, Practice 2 Perfect Training Center LLC

LaQuetta Alexander-Ellis is the Founder and CEO of Practice 2 Perfect Training Center LLC, established in February 2020. As the first Black woman in the Capital Region to independently open a healthcare training center during the COVID-19 pandemic, she leads with purpose, experience, and a strong commitment to community impact. She is MWBE-certified and a commissioned New York State Notary Public.

With a career rooted in Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Geriatrics, and Hospice care, LaQuetta brings more than a decade of hands-on healthcare experience. Licensed by the New York State Education Department to teach phlebotomy, EKG, and medical assisting, she has trained over 700 students and taught at institutions including Branford Hall Career Institute and Schenectady County Community College.

Her community-centered approach extends to educating incarcerated individuals at the Schenectady County Jail and contributing to public health efforts as a New York State Contact Tracer. She is currently enrolled in Harvard University’s Strengthening Community Health Worker Program and is a certified doula.

LaQuetta’s work has earned her multiple honors, including the 2023 Shining Star Award, the Empire Whole Health Heroes Award, and recognition as a 2024 40 Under 40 honoree. Her training center was named Best Education Center in Albany, NY.

She actively serves on the Board of Directors for the YWCA, the Capital Region Workforce Development Board Coalition, and the WMHT Advisory Board. As an Adult Achiever for the Black & Latino Achievers program of the Capital District YMCA, she is dedicated to mentoring and inspiring future healthcare leaders.

Artist | Storyteller | Educator | Civil Rights Advocate

Miki Conn is a multidisciplinary artist, storyteller, poet, and educator whose work is deeply rooted in justice, culture, and community. As the former Director of the Hamilton Hill Arts Center, she has long championed the arts as a vehicle for empowerment and social change.

A lifelong advocate for civil rights, Miki played an active role in the movement, working alongside iconic leaders such as Stokely Carmichael, H. Rap Brown, and Bayard Rustin. Her firsthand experience during this pivotal era continues to influence her creative and educational work today.

Miki’s visual art has been exhibited internationally, with shows in Africa, Upstate New York, Long Island, and Boston. Through her work, she explores themes of heritage, identity, and resilience. As a published author and sought-after speaker, she offers powerful lectures on the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Arts Movement—bringing historical depth and personal narrative to each engagement.

Having spent several years living in Africa, Miki brings a global perspective to her teaching. She leads workshops in traditional African crafts as well as classes in writing and visual art, nurturing intergenerational learning and cultural pride.

Through every medium, Miki Conn continues to inspire and uplift—using art and storytelling as tools for truth, healing, and transformation.

Community Leader | Mentor | Founder, Team H.E.R.O.

Pastor Jerry Ford is a powerful voice of transformation, resilience, and faith. A husband, father, and community leader, his life journey—from personal loss and incarceration to national recognition—has inspired countless individuals to pursue purpose, healing, and hope.

After losing both parents at a young age, Pastor Ford was raised by a devoted aunt. Despite her care, he struggled with the pain of early loss and eventually turned to the streets, leading to multiple incarcerations. It was during his third prison sentence that he reached a turning point. Embracing his faith, he committed to a new path—one defined by service, mentorship, and community upliftment.

Today, Pastor Ford serves as Vice President of the NAACP Troy Branch and is the co-founder of Team H.E.R.O. (Helping Everyone Recognize Opportunities), a nonprofit organization he launched over a decade ago with his wife, Elvira Ford. Team H.E.R.O. provides youth mentoring, character and leadership development, and critical resource connections to help families achieve self-sufficiency.

Pastor Ford's impact has been recognized both locally and nationally. He is a recipient of the Maytag Dependable Leader Award, a prestigious honor given to exceptional mentors through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This award—whose past recipients include President Jimmy Carter—came with a $20,000 grant to support his continued work with youth.

Through every platform, Pastor Ford shares his story to show that no matter your past, a new future is always within reach.

Courtesy of Amanda Fries, Times Union 

First elected to the Legislature in 1992, McKnight championed efforts to bring economic development to the South End and enhance programs for women and children. She was instrumental in the development of the Capital District Youth Detention Center. 

McKnight led the legislature’s Social Services Committee for years and was board president of the New York State Association of Counties for over a decade. She's currently on the Capital Region Planning Commission, and continues to serve as an emeritus board member for the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), where she helped develop the group's Women’s Leadership Council.

President & CEO, Capital District YMCA

David Brown is the President and CEO of the Capital District YMCA, overseeing a $40 million budget and the operations of 13 branches, 4 daycare centers, 2 camps, 2 housing corporations, and 40 childcare sites. Serving 100,000 members across six counties and 18 school districts, the organization employs 1,500 staff and engages 1,500 volunteers.

With a 34-year career at the YMCA, David has focused on empowering youth and fostering community development. He has played a key role in advancing programs in youth athletics, education, mentoring, and leadership development, with a strong passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

David was a founding member of the Capital District YMCA Black and Latino Achievers Program, which launched in 2004. By securing Coretta Scott King as the keynote speaker for its inaugural banquet, he elevated the program’s visibility and impact.

His extensive community involvement includes service on the Albany City School District Shared Decision Making Committee, board positions with NBT Bancorp Inc. and Ellis Hospital, and membership on the Capital Region Economic Council. David also serves on the CDC’s Health Equity Workgroup and chairs the African American YMCA CEO Network.

Throughout his career, David has been dedicated to creating lasting opportunities for children and communities, and continues to influence positive change both locally and nationally.