SOAR365’s Next Generation Council hosted its 5th annual Leadership Workshop on Saturday, September 21. This year’s theme was “Your Young Professional Life: Finding Meaning in Balance and Giving Back,” giving attendees the opportunity to hear from two esteemed speakers: T. Jeffrey “Jeff” Conley and Rohana “Ro” Meade. NGC members Dean Browell and Laura Faison facilitated the discussion.

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T. Jeffery “Jeff” Conley – System Supplier Diversity Advisor at Federal Reserve Bank Richmond

Jeff is an advocate for Business Development and Supplier Diversity who provides a wealth of expertise to his role in the National Procurement Office (NPO) as the Federal Reserve System Supplier Diversity Advisor. He is passionate about entrepreneurship and supplier diversity. 

Jeff’s relationship management skills, combined with his zest, zeal and corporate savvy, serve to enhance the goals of the NPO to build a more inclusive economy. He is a native of Virginia, attended Norfolk State University and holds certificates from the University of Richmond, Robins School of Business, Executive Management and the University of Wisconsin Madison Business Management. 

A consummate business professional, Jeff has held senior leadership positions with Henrico County, the City of Richmond, Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC) along with a more than twenty-year career with Fortune 50 financial institutions. 

Jeff also serves as a board member for Leadership Metro Richmond and SOAR365.

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Rohana “Ro” Meade – President, CEO and founding partner of Synergy Technical 

As the leader of a technology consulting firm focused on innovative and progressive technology solutions, Ro stays abreast of new and emerging technologies and trends and is widely recognized as an expert in disruptive technologies. 

A thirty-year technology industry veteran, Ro has worked in executive leadership roles for numerous public and private organizations around the globe. She is a widely sought-after speaker and consultant on key technology industry topics and has presented at the worldwide conferences for vendors such as Oracle and Microsoft. 

Ro is the recipient of the RVATech Technology Executive of the Year Award, has been interviewed by NASDAQ regarding trends in technology and was recognized by Microsoft on International Women’s Day as a leader to watch. 

She also serves as a board member for the VCU Rams Athletic Fund and SOAR365. 

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The Next Generation Council is a group of young professionals supporting SOAR365’s mission of creating life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Council does this through volunteer efforts focused on SOAR365 service projects, leadership, engagement and fundraising. 

If you are interested in joining the NGC or would like more information, email Edilia Bendel ([email protected]) or visit SOAR365.org.