Why Do I Need an Advisory Board?

This event will be facilitated by Latoya Smith and Patrice Erika Hill.

About Latoya Smith:

MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, Vice President, Talent Acquisition Manager

Human Resource Professional/Visionary/Servant Leader/Inspirational Speaker/Entrepreneur/Community/Civic Advocate/Philanthropist/Coach

LaToya has been a dedicated team member at a financial institution for 26 years, leading a dynamic team of Talent Acquisition Consultants to attract and advance top diverse talent.

Actively involved in the community, LaToya supports organizations like EL Barrio Job Readiness Program, Dress for Success, and Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.). As a philanthropist, she co-founded the Giving Circle “Our Hope, Our Future” and has earned numerous awards, including the Cleveland Bridge Builders, Women of Color Foundation’s Stephanie Tubbs Jones Courage Award, CSU LINK Distinguished Alumni, Girl Scouts of N.E. Ohio Women of Distinction, NAACP Unsung Hero Community Award, Ohio Diversity Council 2022 Woman of the Year, Crain’s 2022 HR Employee Advocacy, Public Award, Emerging Philanthropy 2024, and CAVS Community Jiff Diff Maker Positive Impact Award 2025.

LaToya serves on several boards, including The United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, Bessie’s Angels, and DNA Rising (co-founder). She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta and Eta Phi Beta Sororities, and the Founder of Eros Heart Coaching. Currently, she coaches for Case Western Reserve’s MBA program, Executive Coaching Pool, and Executive Leadership Development Experience Program. She has also been an Adjunct Professor at Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University. LaToya is a lifelong Clevelander, living with her partner and their two children.

About Erika Hill:

Erika is the owner of Careerlog, a resource for organizations supporting early-career and career-transitioning professionals as they develop and grow in their daily career journey and achieve their professional goals.

In addition, Erika Hill is the executive director for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and the Small Business at Work program, two programs in partnership with Cuyahoga Community College that provide business education to small business owners and career exploration opportunities for college students.

As a native of Columbus, Ohio, Erika oversaw the launch and operation of professional development and engagement initiatives for organizations including The Ohio State University, the Greater Columbus Convention Center, and NASPA. Erika uses best practices and experiential solutions in the areas of program development, strategic communications, and member engagement to bring desired exposure, outcomes, and high returns on program initiatives in local and national communities.

Erika serves on the Executive Board of the ACE Women’s Network of Ohio and served on the Women’s Board of Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Board of the Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Erika has 13 years of experience as a certified Project Management Professional and over 25 years of experience in program development, project management, and communications strategy.

Erika is a graduate of the 2023-2024 Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Leadership Development Program. She holds a BS in Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Franklin University.

About Nadine Nana:

Nadine Nana is a marketing leader and growth advisor who helps early-stage companies grow faster and smarter. She works closely with founders to build clear marketing plans, fix what’s not working, and create systems that support long-term success. As a Fractional CMO, she becomes part of your team, not just a consultant. Her focus is on results: more leads, better sales, and real business growth.