Dr. Dawn-Nicole McIlwain is the 2024 Winner of the Prestigious Candace Award from National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc, an Ex-BCG’er & the Award Winning CEO & Founder of ProcuraFind, Formerly, Queen City Women in Business™ (QCWIB), one of the fastest growing platforms for Small Businesses seeking to work with major organizations in any, or all sectors.

Dr. McIlwain is on a mission to make it easier for small businesses to connect to corporate organizations, and through the launch of ProcuraFind, a membership-based, online supplier-sourcing-and-development community and B2B matchmaking platform, small businesses are getting access to contract opportunities faster; via early and often access to decision makers.

Dr. McIlwain, is the brainchild and creator of the official CARES framework for Small Business Suppliers Nationwide—"Contracting Awareness, Readiness & Education for Small-Business Suppliers." This innovative, five-phase program is designed to transform small businesses into supplier-ready enterprises, enhancing their competitiveness in securing corporate and government contracts.

Danielle Lucas, MPA
Founder, Lucas Training and Consulting, LLC

Danielle Lucas is a results-driven strategist and certified Lean Process Improvement expert with over 20 years of leadership experience across both the public and private sectors. She is the founder of Lucas Training and Consulting, LLC, where she partners with organizations and individuals to drive efficiency, eliminate waste, and foster sustainable change through lean methodologies, strategic planning, and executive coaching.

Before launching her consulting firm, Danielle spent several years as a Health Care Consultant with Ernst & Young, where she first discovered her passion for process improvement. She later held a series of high-impact leadership roles at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where she led multidisciplinary teams overseeing Medicare Advantage regulatory compliance and contributed to the national rollout of both the Medicare Prescription Drug Program and the Health Insurance Marketplace. In addition to policy and regulatory work, Danielle led major strategic planning and transformation initiatives, facilitated Kaizen and A3 problem-solving events, and spearheaded employee engagement strategies that resulted in measurable, organization-wide improvements.

Danielle holds a Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in American Government from the University of Virginia. She is certified in Prosci Change Management, a Lean expert, and a credentialed Executive and Life Coach. Through Lucas Training and Consulting, Danielle continues her mission of empowering organizations and individuals to navigate change, optimize performance, and thrive with clarity and purpose.

When she’s not leading training, facilitating improvement initiatives, or coaching leaders, Danielle enjoys giving back to her community, especially through initiatives that support youth development and girls’ sports. Her personal mantra—“Bloom where you are planted”—reflects her belief in maximizing potential, no matter the circumstance.

Danielle is married and the proud mother of two phenomenal young adults, whom she considers her greatest accomplishment and source of joy.

Former NFL Cornerback Nate Salley joins the Leadership Paradigm Podcast to discuss purpose and destiny post his NFL career. Nate has an amazing testimony and is an inspiration for any one who desires to pivot into their next season.