Azizza Davis Goines
The President and CEO of the Capital Black Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of its Foundation. A tireless advocate for equity, she has led organizations focused on HIV/AIDS, youth mentorship, and Alzheimer’s care. With a career rooted in economic empowerment and social justice, Azizza has received numerous honors, including the Rosa Parks Award. She also serves on several boards and formerly hosted the radio show Here’s to Your Health for eight years.
Violinist Kippy Marks
A dynamic solo performer known for his joyful energy and heartfelt compositions played on his 1822 violin, Izabella. With over 20 years of inspiring performances—including a recent show in Dubai—Kippy’s music uplifts and connects. After a surprise liver disease diagnosis last spring, a rare blood type helped him quickly find a donor. Now, he’s back to sharing his radiant spirit. Learn more at kippymarks.com.
The Sacramento Brazilian Dance Troupe
A vibrant ensemble dedicated to sharing the rich cultural heritage of Brazil through music, movement, and rhythm. Known for their colorful costumes, high-energy performances, and authentic choreography, the troupe brings the spirit of Carnaval to life across Northern California. From samba to capoeira, their dynamic shows celebrate Afro-Brazilian traditions and community connection. The troupe regularly performs at cultural festivals, schools, and special events, inspiring joy and cultural appreciation in every audience.
Patrick Harbison
Prior to joining Lighthouse, Patrick owned Patrick Harbison Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm which enjoyed a diverse range of client work, including: communications strategy and implementation for local and state corporate clients, statewide legislative campaigns, marquee city-wide events, and politically-minded organizations, as well as the occasional daytime television actor. With more than 20 years of experience as a publicist and media consultant, Patrick leverages his extensive statewide contacts within broadcast and print media to yield exposure for clients. Patrick is a three-time Hermes award winner, has been voted “Best of Sacramento” in various categories by both the Sacramento News and Review and the KCRA A-List, and has been selected as one of the Sacramento Business Journal’s top “40 Under 40” professionals. In 2022, Sacramento Magazine named him one of Sacramento’s Top 100 Professionals. Patrick is a dedicated advocate for Sacramento non-profits and regularly donates his time and PR expertise to area organizations including WEAVE, the Make a Wish Foundation, the Sacramento Theater Company, and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center. A lifelong Sacramento resident, Patrick lives in midtown with his husband Charles.
Jeanette Rowe (J.Rowe)
Jeanette Rowe (J.Rowe) is a writer, spoken word poet, educator, and social activist whom hails from CA. She believes writing is one of the best ways to learn, teach and heal. A dynamic performer, J.Rowe draws artistic inspiration from nature as well as from inspiring artists like Saul Williams and Lauryn Hill and others. She often writes about the evolution of love, identity and humanity. Through her poetry, she hopes to provoke thought, and encourage others to seek and speak their truth. She represented Sacramento at the National Poetry slam (2017), the Women of the World Poetry Slam (2019), and the CA Democratic Convention (2018) and the Illest Slam (2024). She’s also opened for Cornel West, Buddy Wakefield and America’s Got Talent winner, Brandon Leake. Holding a master’s degree in education and counseling, in addition to other degrees, she also applies her accomplishments to her work as an educator and has used her skills to mentor and conduct workshops geared towards art, cultural enrichment, and self-empowerment.
Russell Cummings
Practiced in the arts of stand-up comedy and spoken word, Russell Cummings’ brand of raw imagery and intricate wordplay keeps audiences on edge whether in classrooms, on street corners, or at a sold out club. Russell’s energetic stage performance and intellectual crowd engagement is what would have happened if Richard Pryor produced Def Poetry Jam. Russell’s comedy and poetry has been featured on iHeart Radio, Good Day Sacramento, Capitol Public Radio, and all over California stages. He is currently producing his third series entitled Russell Cummings Comedy. The latest iteration of popular shows he’s curated, including Russell Cummings Comedy and Black Cupid Poetry.