Editor in Chief
Editor in Chief of The Jembe. A senior insight strategist with over two decades of experience in the field of Market Research and Technology. A passionate and results-driven executive with an outstanding track record of building successful research solutions from the ground up. Rudly has implemented primary and secondary research for several high-profile clients in the public and private sectors. He has designed and implemented sophisticated in-house software and customized research solutions for companies like QuestionPro, IRobot, Career Builder, and many others.
An industry leader and influencer, Rudly specializes in all aspects of research logistical design involving quantitative methodology, implementing internal system infrastructure to streamline business processes, channeling communication, and developing innovative research solutions to ensure THEJEMBE remains a competitive force in the marketplace. An entrepreneur, inventor (patent holder), blogger, and writer – his articles have been published in magazines and publications such as Medium, Ebony Magazine, and Business2Community and also cited in various journals and academic publications. Rudly earned his BA from Harvard University and is also a graduate of Wentworth Institute Of Technology, majoring in electrical engineering.
Sr. Editor/VP of Content
Jennifer brings nearly 20 years of editorial leadership experience as Senior Editor of The Jembe, curating an insightful collection of content that unravels consumer trends, illuminates market landscapes, and empowers brands with actionable consumer insights. Her goal with THEJEMBE is that it enables brands to make informed decisions in an ever-changing consumer market.
As Founding Editor of Chicago Woman, a print and digital publication for professional women in Chicago, Jennifer led the launch of the print edition and oversaw its production, steadily building a team of talented writers and editors, as well as recruiting regular outside contributors. Jennifer was also instrumental in the growth of the Chicago Woman brand extensions, expanding the reach of the brand deeper into the arenas of beauty, fashion, wellness, and professional development for women with creative and engaging experiential marketing.
Editorial Advisor/Social Impact
Harriet Lewis, Ph.D., is an inspired leader with an eclectic background of over 25 years as a social entrepreneur in the private and nonprofit sectors.
In 2018, she was appointed as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Cabo Verde to the State of Illinois. She serves on the board and is the United Nations Representative of the Nigerian NGO, Centre for Faith and Community Development, and is a Co-Chair of the DC-based organization, Re-Defining National Security (RDNS) Working Group for Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS), and serves on the Board of Directors of Insight Chicago Hospital and Medical Center.
Dr. Lewis has presented internationally to leaders in business, health professions, and government, and her current research interests include international development, social and economic equity, export promotion, human rights, interfaith social action, cultural conflict, peacebuilding, and workplace diversity and inclusion.
Cultural Advisor
Dr. Carvalho is a scholar-practitioner. He holds a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in School Administration, a Master of Education with Integrated Studies and management Concentration, a Specialized Graduate Certificate in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, a Specialized Graduate Certificate in Diversity and a Bachelor Degree with World Languages Concentration. He also holds a Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and drug counseling. He is currently an administrator at Gardner Public Schools in Massachusetts. He has over 35 years of experience in the education sector in four countries and the last 24 years in Massachusetts (United States) public schools and colleges.
Julio was the Educational Leadership practicum coordinator for Cambridge College Lawrence campus and is a senior Adjunct Faculty member in the School of Education graduate department. He was languages and cross-cultural training for the U.S. Peace Corps for three countries. He is well-traveled and fluent in several world languages. Julio represents the essence of cultural pluralism and values diverse perspectives and backgrounds within any team or community.
Cultural Research Advisor
Aiesha T. Powell is a distinguished multicultural consumer insights strategist with a profound understanding of the Black/African-American consumer market. Her work is centered on discerning subtle shifts in consumer mindsets and cultural trends, an expertise she honed in leadership research positions at seminal Black media institutions, including EBONY/JET and ESSENCE.
She has a proven record of translating intricate data into compelling, actionable narratives. By leveraging a diverse array of research methodologies and trend-spotting techniques, Aiesha consistently delivers invaluable business intelligence that guides brands in making strategic, well-informed decisions. Her articulate communication style and exceptional presentation skills enable her to forge trust and influence among business partners and senior leadership.
Aiesha holds a BA in Journalism with a concentration in Advertising from Howard University, complemented by certificates in Marketing and Management, Data Analytics, and Advanced Marketing Research Techniques. Her contributions to the field have been widely recognized, culminating in prestigious honors such as the MAAX Award for Research Executive of the Year and the EBONY-JET Marketing Executive of the Year.
Research Advisor
Dr. Katy Venter is an author and educator with a commitment to advancing STEM
education and fostering inclusive classroom practices. She holds a Ph.D. in Education
from the University of Massachusetts Boston, a master’s degree in chemistry from
Youngstown State University, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Temple
University.
Katy Venter began her career as a chemist at Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., where she honed her
skills in the field before transitioning to a rewarding career in education. Her academic
interests include STEM student success, organizational leadership, and financial
literacy training, reflecting her commitment to equipping students with the knowledge
and skills necessary for their academic and personal growth.
Licensed to teach grades 5-8 and 9-12, Katy also is involved in higher education and
currently teaches at Salem State University. Her scholarly contributions and hands-on
teaching approach continue as she works with the next generation of scientists, health
care workers, and educators.
Chief Marketing Advisor
Genesis A. Emery is an award-winning Chief Marketing Officer, published entrepreneur, national speaker, frequent Guest Lecturer for top-ranked business schools, and celebrated global philanthropist. She is the Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at The Blueprint Haus Agency – a leading integrated digital marketing agency fronted by the industry’s most innovative brand engineers and results-driven accelerators. Genesis also currently serves on Loyola University Chicago’s Black Alumni Board as the VP of Communications.
With over 15 years of entrepreneurship, digital marketing, corporate brand communications, and public relations experience, Genesis expertly cultivates and nurtures stakeholder relationships, develops multi-channel digital marketing campaigns to generate awareness and brand reach, and creates holistic marketing communications strategies to optimize growth, brand positioning, and in-market performance for growing startups ready to scale and forge meaningful change.
Cultural Content Writer
Miguel Conner is an author, content creator, podcaster, and researcher. He graduated from the University of St. Thomas and has more than 15 years in the content marketing space. He has published many articles on niche culture and several books, both fiction and non-fiction. His latest book, a bio of Elvis Presley from a major publisher, comes out in 2025.