The Storytellers
Veronica N. Dunlap, Esq., M.B.A.
Prior to pursuing a career in law, Ms. Dunlap performed on stages around the world as a classically trained dancer.
Paula T. Edgar, Esq.
Paula T. Edgar is the CEO of PGE Consulting, a consulting firm that provides innovative and strategic solutions on organizational diversity efforts, intercultural competence initiatives, sexual harassment prevention and EEO compliance. The firm is a leader in executive/leadership development, professional branding, networking, social media, and career strategies. Paula speaks and consults on these topics by advising, facilitating workshops, professional development training, and providing keynote speeches.
Paula has demonstrated leadership in numerous civic organizations and she is past President of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association (MBBA), New York State’s largest black bar association.
Paula’s professional experiences include serving as a partner of Inclusion Solutions LLC (a speaking, consulting and executive coaching firm), the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer at New York Law School, and as an attorney in the Law Enforcement Division of the New York City Commission on Human Rights.
Paula received her B.A. in Anthropology from the California State University (Fullerton) and her J.D. from the City University of New York School of Law. She was recognized by The Network Journal Magazine as a “40 Under Forty” Achievement Awardee, a Ms. JD “Woman of Inspiration” and a “Rising Star” by A Better Chance.
Marcus A. Sandifer, Esq.
Marcus A. Sandifer is an Associate in the Litigation & Regulatory Practice Group at DLA Piper LLP. He obtained his B.S. in Business Administration from Florida A&M University, where he was a National Merit and Presidential Scholar and later graduated from Emory University School of Law where he was a Sutherland Scholar, Dean’s Fellow, and recognized as the Most Outstanding 3L at Commencement. His experience includes advising clients on Cannabis and CBD related issues in all various aspects of the law including, labor & employment, FDA and business transactions.
While in law school, he served as Vice Chair of the Law Student Division for the American Bar Association, Director of Community Service for the National Black Law Students Association, and Vice President of the Emory Law Student Bar Association. He also completed two externships with The Coca-Cola Company and FOCUS Brands In-House legal departments.
Over the last several years he has gained experience defending clients in commercial litigation disputes, pharmaceutical products liability claims, and building material products liability matters. He has also gained significant experience in food and beverage false advertising and mislabeling class action cases and SEC civil investigations.
Prior to pursuing a career in law, he worked as a National Director of Human Resources for PepsiCo and Nestle Waters and as a HR Manager for Cox Enterprises Inc. Marcus has been recognized by Black Enterprise Magazine’s top 100 “Modern Men” and The National Black Lawyers as “40 Under 40.” It is his dream to build a Legal Incubator/ThinkTank for underprivileged youth where they can discover the exciting world of the law and tech.
A couple of fun facts about Marcus is that he has been to the top of Burj Khalifa in Dubai, produced an award-winning TV series, and wrestled Hulk Hogan when he was 10 years old for charity. He has also met 4 of the 5 living U.S. Presidents.
Alexi Thomas, Esq., M.B.A.
Alexi Thomas is an Associate on the Capital Markets team at Simpson Thacher& Bartlett’s New York Office. She graduated from Columbia College of Columbia University with a B.A. in Hispanic Studies in May 2016.
Fluent in Spanish, and proficient in French, she graduated with a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Columbia Law School and an Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School in Spring 2019 at the age of 24 years old, as the youngest black person ever to do so. She is a 2012 graduate of Bard High School Early College Queens.
Natasha M. Nurse, Esq.
As a former New Yorker, born and raised, Natasha is used to bumping into people from all walks of life daily, which makes it easy for her to accomplish her goal of meeting someone new and learning something new every day. She started Dressing Room 8 to provide a web-based resource where women can gain personal and professional empowerment through her lifestyle-focused blog and coaching services. Natasha focuses her coaching services on media, career, and accountability. You can learn more about her coaching platform at DressingRoom8.com.
