EDD SUMMIT CHARLOTTE
Keynote Presenters 

With roots and impact running deep within the Charlotte metro community, Tonex is most widely known for his ability to connect with people on an authentic level and establish remarkable connections with audiences all over the world.

Whether performing at comedy clubs, writing for nationally syndicated tv programs, touring with oscar award winner Mo'nique, opening for the Kings of Comedy, commandeering the #1 afternoon drive radio slot at WBAV/v101.9fm or starting his own global radio & edutainment network, Tone x is a community hero that unpacks and delivers meaningful, humorous and deeply held philosophical truths that make us lighter, wiser and better for having heard it.

Owner of Morris Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Ctr in Southside Va., Dr. Cliff Morris believes in a systemic approach to heart disease; getting to the root cause. Actively engaged in Dr. Morris is well studied and committed to community health equity and education, Dr. Morris believes that the adoption of a healthy lifestyle can and regularly does reverse disease.  Fun fact: A graduate UNC Chapel Hill, Dr. Morris played UNC Tarheels basketball '83-85 seasons alongside legends Michael Jordan, Kenny Smith and Brad Daugherty.  You'll meet Dr. Morris as a Clinical Presenter as well as at our Ask An Expert Station.

A University of California-San Diego and Yale University trained, triple board certified physician, Dr. D practices lifestyle medicine in Atlanta, Ga and is passionate about introducing her patients to evidence-based protocols that prevent, arrest, in many cases, reverse our top chronic diseases. With a modern day PSA that is a commentary on the state of health in the US as it relates to epidemic levels of preventable chronic diseases ( wackvideo.com ) you'll meet Dr. D at our Food Apartheid panel as well as Ask-An-Expert Station! 

Finishing medical school at Stanford University School of Medicine and made popular from his appearance in several documentaries such as "What the Health, Dr. Mills is a renowned double board certified physician practicing in the Washington DC area. Having lectured widely in the US, Mexico, Canada, UK and Ireland on a variety of health topics, we are honored to have this passionate advocate for community health and a whole food, plant-based lifestyle for humans at every stage of life as well as animals and the environment.  

With a passion for cooking and developing plant-based recipes, Jessica aka Jess, is a registered dietician for East Carolina Univ. Brody School of Medicine that works with a myriad of patients  on choosing sustainable and healthy eating habits for optimal health and wellness.  You'll meet Jess at our Ask-An-Expert Station!

A doula and mother, Diyasha will be available at the Ask An Expert Station to answer your questions about doula services, vegan pregnancy, raising vegan children and more!

Executive Director of Sustaining Way, Michael is an attorney, a former 12 yr Spartanburg county council member, former president of Spartanburg NAACP and a list of other prestigious associations and accolades. A trained Apiarist certified in sustainable agriculture and permaculture and owner of regenerative urban farm-Roots of Life, Michael is on a mission to fight for community equity and resiliency through socio-environmental advocacy and activism. You'll meet Michael at the Food Apartheid Panel.  

EDD Summit founder, BeyGOOD foundation supported food justice activist, Interim Director of Power is Giving, Inc and Vegucator-In-Chief of Herban Eats, LLC, Dawn aka The Vegucator will participate in the Food Apartheid panel. 

A trailblazing entrepreneur, manufacturer, restauranteur, chef and food justice and sovereignty activist, Chef Chew is founder of Something Better Foods and Better Chew Kitchen.  An award winning chef and a ceaseless community activist, Chef Chew is driven by his faith, family and mission to democratize food  access and equity for communities that need it most. You'll meet Chef Chew on the Food Apartheid Panel as well his special chef demo! 

A Chi-town native, Artina Lindsey is a Johnson & Wells trained chef who cut her teeth working in various facets of the culinary business such as: special corporate and special event catering, universities, racetracks and hospital systems. With experience both domestically and abroad traveling and working abroad in Japan, Germany, the UK and several US cities, Artina's culinary point of view focuses on vegan and plant-based cuisine.

A published alkaline vegan cookbook author, founder of Pink Salt Chef, an award-winning chef and mom of two wonderful young ones,  Chef Artina is passionate about working within disproportionately impacted communities, where she specializes in plant-based education, cooking demos, catering a a host of other services. You'll meet Chef Artina aka the Spice Queen at the Inspired Tasting Station, her vendor table and at her Chef Demo!