Award-Winning Rapper, Educator, and Activist

David Augustine Jr, better known as Dee-1, has dedicated his entire life to changing the world for the better. Along the way, he has carved out a unique niche in the business community as an acclaimed rapper, mathematics teacher, financial literacy expert, public speaker, and social influencer. Born and raised in New Orleans, Dee combines the hustle of an independent business owner with heart of an educator and the lyricism of a hip hop heavyweight. After graduating from Louisiana State University with a degree in marketing, Dee-1 began teaching middle school in Baton Rouge. But he wanted more. He devised a strategy to transition out of his 9-5 job into being a full time artist. Eventually, he signed a major label recording contract with RCA Records. He has toured the country for the last 10 years, moving crowds from coast to coast while becoming one of the industry’s most respected artists. His business mind allowed him to get out of his deal and establish his own label, Mission Vision Music. Along the way, Dee-1 has also successfully expanded his enterprise to clothing, public speaking, acting, personal finance, and more. In 2020, Dee received the prestigious NAACP “Power of Influence” Award. Dee-1 is a frequent speaker at colleges, prisons, churches, and corporate events around the United States. He was also appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to the “Louisiana Council on the Success of Black Men and Boys.” This made him the first rapper in Louisiana history to become an appointee of the governor.

Former Associate Administrator of Business Operations, Drug Enforcement Administration

Jon DeLena brings over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, investigations, and security to his role as Senior Managing Director at Guidepost. Specializing in complex investigations, Mr. DeLena has a distinguished history of leadership and accomplishments. His career includes conducting intricate domestic and international investigations and holding pivotal leadership positions, culminating in his role as Associate Administrator of the DEA, the agency’s #3 position worldwide.

As the DEA’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. DeLena oversaw all business operations, where he provided transformative leadership grounded in practical execution for the DEA, an organization with 10,000 employees and 330 offices in 70 countries. Mr. DeLena steered all business, financial, and administrative functions while he took the lead in building a more efficient, resilient, and future ready operation to advance the agency’s mission and increase its impact, both in the United States and around the world. He leveraged his decades of experience in investigative leadership to implement business-minded solutions that allowed the DEA to better address threats, mitigate risk, and ensure compliance.

Mr. DeLena transformed the DEA’s congressional and media divisions to expand awareness of the DEA’s mission and goals, expanding visibility and inspiring action among government officials and members of the public, while overseeing matters related to the media, public affairs, government relations, and community outreach.

Mr. DeLena’s investigative successes have leveraged both traditional law enforcement methods and cutting-edge technologies. His career has been marked by a steadfast dedication to community protection and the DEA’s mission, driven by a relentless work ethic and a commitment to justice and public service.

During the height of the fentanyl crisis, Mr. DeLena was instrumental in creating the DEA Family Summits on Fentanyl and the Faces of Fentanyl memorial at DEA Headquarters. These initiatives provide critical support and resources to affected families and have inspired other federal agencies to replicate DEA’s efforts.

Founder, demandZERO

Lisa Deane is the founder of demandZERO, a Connecticut-based nonprofit established in memory of her son Joe, who was lost to fentanyl. Driven by both personal loss and a deep commitment to community safety, Lisa channeled her grief into action — building an organization that directly confronts the fentanyl crisis through two powerful pillars: equipping law enforcement with resources to fight drug trafficking and delivering illicit fentanyl education and awareness programs across New England.

Lisa holds an Associate degree in Business Management and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a background that uniquely positions her to bridge the gap between community education and law enforcement strategy. Under her leadership, demandZERO — founded alongside the Deane family — has grown into a meaningful force in the fight against fentanyl, turning one family's unimaginable loss into a lifesaving mission for countless others.

Addictions and Substance Misuse Counselor and Executive Director, UPLIFT Drug-Free Coalitions

Stanley Brizz is Executive Director of UPLIFT Drug-Free Coalitions. The organization is based in Central Florida serving multiple counties and providing collaborative support to other regions in the country. Mr. Brizz is also Chairperson of Brevard County, FL’s Opioid Misuse Task Force. In addition, he is an addictions and substance misuse counselor for individuals needing medication assisted treatment (MAT)/medications for Opioid Use Disorder with a regional provider. He has a master’s degree in psychology specializing in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and he has a graduate certificate in Addictions and Substance Abuse Counseling from University of South Florida (USF). He currently serves as the lead community-based and school-based implementation partner for the “Better Without It” substance misuse prevention initiative, which has been adopted by Kentucky for statewide implementation. Mr. Brizz has managed several substance misuse prevention initiatives for Brevard County and neighboring counties’ coalitions in Florida, and has expanded activities to California. These initiatives included large-scale media campaigns sponsored by Central Florida Cares Health System, Inc. and the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families. He has overseen and helped operate school-based substance misuse prevention programs, a mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents, a therapeutic supervised visitation program, a rapid rehousing case management program for individuals with substance use history and prevention initiatives funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Drug-Free Communities Grant support program, the Substance Abuse and Health Administration (SAMHSA), local school districts, and municipalities. Mr. Brizz is a frequent presenter and exhibitor at the national annual Rx & Illicit Drug Summit and similar events. He has also presented at the CADCA Mid-Year Training Institute for substance misuse prevention. Locally, he has participated on the Together In Partnership (T.I.P.) steering committee of the Brevard County Board of Commissioners in Florida, serves on the Continuum of Care (CoC) advisory council for Brevard Homeless Coalition and is Board Chair of Florida High School for Accelerated Learning - Brevard, Inc. (Riverside Charter High School), a dropout prevention and credit recovery school.

Public Affairs Manager/Director of Community Engagement

Nashville Fire Department, Metro Office of Emergency Management

First Responder, Nashville Fire Department

Kendra Taylor is a native of Nashville and serves as Community Services Officer and Public Information Officer for the Nashville Fire Department and the Metro Nashville Office of emergency Management. Kendra’s career with the NFD started in 2017, where she first worked as a Fire Inspector II/EMT with the Fire Marshal’s Office. She additionally serves as a founder and coordinator of the BLAZE Mentoring Program- which holds sessions with high school students who attend Metro Nashville Public Schools. Kendra has been instrumental in making the program a success through her efforts with developing curriculum, incorporating the group as a 501C3 organization, and managing administrative responsibilities.

Most notably, Kendra started BLAZE’s Scholarship Program, which has awarded $30,000 to graduating MNPS Seniors to date.

Kendra has a thirst for knowledge and considers herself a lifelong learner. She received her B.S. from the University of Tennessee- Knoxville (2009), MBA from Bethel University (2014), certificate in nonprofit management from Tennessee State University (2016), Fire Inspector’s License from Alabama Fire College (2017), Emergency Medical Technician’s License from Volunteer State (2018), Advanced PIO certification from FEMA (2023), and Master PIO certification from FEMA (2024).

Kendra has a desire to pour into others by teaching courses to those entering the public information industry, and supporting others in her role as the Region 4 Director for the National Information Officers Association since 2023.

When not working or studying, Kendra enjoys spending time with her husband, their puppy (Bishop), being active in her church, exploring culinary ideas, and planning events.

Music Executive, Talent and Creator Ecosystem Architect, Brand Partnerships and Marketing Strategist, Mental Health Advocate, Happy Jack Dad

David Nathan is a seasoned and highly respected veteran of the entertainment and music industries, with over 30 years of experience shaping culture and careers. Known for his work developing and breaking A-list talent: including Taylor Swift, Amy Winehouse, Ariana Grande, Florida Georgia Line, The Weeknd, Thomas Rhett, Shawn Mendes, Nelly and more, Nathan has built a career defined by vision, connection, and purpose.

Starting as a college club promoter in Boston, David turned his innate talent for networking and strategy into a powerful force in the industry. After a pivotal start at Columbia Records in New York, he became one of the first hires at Republic Records, (then a startup label) under the Universal Music Group umbrella. Over the next two decades, Nathan rose to SVP of Promotion & Artist Development, playing a central role in transforming Republic into the #1 label in the world for seven consecutive years

Throughout his career, Nathan has developed and executed innovative strategies across promotion, marketing, branding, touring, influencer partnerships, and content, seamlessly bridging the worlds of music, media, fashion, and entertainment. His ability to connect talent with meaningful opportunities and audiences has made him one of the most trusted names in the business.

In 2018, David launched D&D Endeavors, a boutique talent management and consulting firm that helps artists and creators expand their careers across music, film, TV, publishing, and brand partnerships. D&D combines big-picture strategy with hands-on execution, providing the kind of 360-degree career development today’s talent demands.

In 2020, David’s world shifted after the heartbreaking loss of his son, Jack, to an accidental fentanyl poisoning at the age of 19. Jack was a passionate mental health advocate and the founder of Happy Jack World, a movement dedicated to creating awareness and funding access to mental health resources for young people. Determined to carry on Jack’s mission, David became the face and force behind the Happy Jack movement, raising over $360,000 for mental health-focused organizations.

David expanded Jack’s legacy further by launching Happy Jack Entertainment, the first-ever mental health-focused entertainment and media company. Blending storytelling, content creation, music, and philanthropy to reimagine how mental health is discussed and destigmatized in culture. The company partners with creators, influencers, brands, and artists to produce content that is as entertaining as it is impactful, driven by Jack’s vision of a world where no young person feels alone in their struggle.

David Nathan continues to serve as Founder of Happy Jack Entertainment and Co-Owner of Happy Jack, while also actively managing talent and consulting for clients in the music, sports, and wellness arenas. His extensive network spans industries and continents, and his personal mission infuses his work with a rare authenticity and depth.

To connect with David or learn more visit happyjackworld.com
(973) 886-8881
Email: david@happyjacksworld.com

Public Health Analyst –Overdose Response Strategy (ORS); CDC Foundation/New England HIDTA

Anna Gasinski is a seasoned public health professional and Certified Prevention Specialist with expertise in youth substance use prevention, behavioral health and overdose response. She serves as a Public Health Analyst with the CDC Foundation for the Overdose Response Strategy in Connecticut, where she works to bridge public health and public safety efforts. She is also a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor in Adult, Youth and Public Safety curriculums. She previously served as the Drug Free Communities Prevention Coordinator for the Town of Stratford and Prevention Specialist with BHcare’s Alliance for Prevention and Wellness. Anna previously served as the President of the CT Association of Prevention Professionals and was recognized as the 2024 CAPP Connecticut Prevention Professional of the Year. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Southern Connecticut State University and is currently pursuing a Master in Public Administration from the University of Tennessee.