Hailing from Chicago-Illinois, Charmaine knew early on that she was destined to be a woman of positive impact. “I took note of the influence of Barbara Walters and (later) Monica Kaufman; I admired how they used their voices to share news and do goodwill,” states Charmaine. “I have had so many wonderful experiences that have allowed me to do the same. Whether speaking, teaching, or serving others in a corporate or community capacity, it is truly fulfilling to know that I can use my platform to elevate others.”

Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds, fondly known as the “Dean of Fashion,” began his career as a special education teacher before transitioning into the fashion and HR industries. His early roles include serving as Assistant HR Manager at Neiman Marcus. Later, as the Fashion Program Chair at The Art Institutes, Dr. Hammonds launched the first Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design, secured Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation, and managed the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Fashion Marketing. He also organized BFA showcases at New York Fashion Week and led initiatives like the “Gap for Community Colleges” under the Obama administration’s Skills for America’s Future.

Currently, Dr. Hammonds is the founder of CAH & CO., a boutique consulting firm that offers strategic fashion consulting, academic curriculum development, and tailored HR solutions. He serves as Senior Fashion Editor at Upscale Magazine and teaches HR and business doctoral courses as a professor at Capella University. He also teaches undergraduate courses, including dual enrollment classes for high school students, at Georgia Military College.

Dr. Hammonds has contributed to major media outlets like InStyle, CBS, Fox, NBC, Reader’s Digest, and Project Runway, and was featured in the Award-winning documentary The South Got Something to Say. His 2024 collaboration with Dragon Perfumes resulted in the acclaimed fragrance “HERE,” showcased in Conde Nast, Glamour, and GQ.

Philanthropic Pursuits & Community Engagement:

Dedicated to philanthropy, Dr. Hammonds supports disability and sustainability initiatives and serves as a Global Ambassador. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he leads with a commitment to community service.

Awards & Recognitions:

Dr. Hammonds’ accolades include the Volunteer Service Award from President Joe Biden (2023), the Stephen Shank Award for teaching excellence (2022), recognition in the Alabama State University 50 Under 50 (2018), and placement on the Modern Luxury Men of Style List (2013).

Educational Background:

Born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, Dr. Hammonds earned a Doctorate in Business Administration from Argosy University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School, and a Bachelor’s in Education from Alabama State University. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, he is globally recognized for his transformative impact on fashion, education, and community development.

Known for expressing myself openly, there are still aspects of my life that remain unknown to many. Here, I’ll share a few intriguing details about myself:

FUN FACT 1. I’ve lived and worked in various parts of the world. My journey started in Columbus, GA, then moved to Berlin, Germany at age 5, and later to Nassau, Bahamas at 23, where I advised a multi-brand boutique.

FUN FACT 2. I share my birthday with the legendary American essayist, activist, and novelist, James Baldwin. Similar to Baldwin, my profound passion for writing, advocacy, and spirituality emerged at a young age.

FUN FACT 3.From 2011-2012, I wrote blog posts for the hit reality TV shows Project Accessory and Project Runway. I contributed to Blogging Project Runway, providing recaps and sharing behind-the-scenes moments. Thanks to Laura Kluvo for this opportunity. Check out my contributions below:

• Blogging Project Runway – The Original Project Runway Fan Blog: Project Accessory Episode 4 Recap from Courtney A. Hammonds
• Blogging Project Runway – The Original Project Runway Fan Blog: Project Accessory Episode 5 Recap from Courtney Hammonds
• Blogging Project Runway – The Original Project Runway Fan Blog: Project Accessory Episode 7 recap from Courtney A. Hammonds
• Blogging Project Runway – The Original Project Runway Fan Blog: Project Accessory Finale Recap from Courtney A. Hammonds
• Blogging Project Runway – The Original Project Runway Fan Blog: BPR Interview with Project Runway All-Star Designer Anthony L. Williams

FUN FACT 4. I co-wrote the children’s novella 9 Ways to Live Like a Prince with acclaimed director and producer Hazel Simpson. Though aimed at children, its depth and insights also appeal to adults. The book celebrates Black and Brown boys, guiding them to become confident, prince-like men. Purchase it here: Amazon.

FUN FACT 5. I appeared in Hazel Simpson’s drama and faith-based film, The Prayer, where two college students, Mark and Tom, develop an unexpected friendship despite a rocky start. The film explores themes of danger, despair, and the profound impact of a mother’s prayer. Watch it here: Hazel Visions.

FUN FACT 6. I teach a fashion class for seniors on Zoom every week. The pandemic has impacted everyone, especially older adults. I partnered with Senior Day Out, an adult day care in Atlanta, to help us stay connected. This is the highlight of my week.

FUN FACT 7. I’m featured in The South Got Something To Say, a documentary celebrating Atlanta’s rise in hip-hop. Watch the trailer here: The South Got Something To Say Trailer

FUN FACT 8. The late André Leon Talley had a profound influence on me. He was not only a mentor but also a key figure in guiding my fashion career for over 20 years. His passing felt like losing a relative, and I strive to honor his legacy through my work.

FUN FACT 9. I’m a morning person to the core. I haven’t woken up past 7 a.m. in nearly a decade—I’m usually up at 5 a.m., no matter what.

FUN FACT 10. Yes, I co-wrote a song! I share writing credits with BMI Publishing, working alongside Deone D’alessio, Vince Roseborough, and Rudy Reed to bring the vision to life. Listen here: Pause

FUN FACT 11. I’m thankful for many things: my family, kindness, 90s R&B, the color red, great massages, humor, empathy, inspiring podcasts, good listeners, sunny days, TED Talks, meditation, and those who strive for positive change.

That’s a glimpse into my world—a collection of vibrant threads that make up the fabric of my life. I hope these fun facts offer a deeper understanding of who I am.
~Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds

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Reporting directly to the CEO, Abiola is the Executive Vice-President at Kellen where she leads the Global Finance and Accounting operations including Business Strategy, Operational P/L Management, Financial Reporting, Internal/External Audit, Regulatory Compliance, and Financial Planning and Analysis. She also has oversight for the Finance and Accounting operations of the company’s more than 130 managed trade associations portfolio.

Abiola is a results-driven Strategic Finance Executive with over 30 years of experience and has had a broad range of increasing responsibilities in various complex industries. In addition to her P&L, Strategy & Financial background, she has extensive regulatory & compliance experience with Federal & State agencies. She possesses excellent leadership qualities – a highly effective communicator with a proven track record of driving operational efficiencies through business process re-engineering, establishing strong internal controls, performance measurement metrics, and building long-term relationships. Abiola has a general disposition characterized by high ethical standards and integrity, a desire to add value, and a commitment to delivering excellence.

Prior to joining Kellen, Abiola served as CFO, The National Black MBA Association(NBMBAA) from 2014-2020. As the Controller for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a $1b NFP entity, she managed the General Accounting function, Endowment Fund Pooled Trust Portfolio ($450m), and the Deferred Gifts Annuity Program ($150m). At the Chicago Housing Authority, she served as the Director of Finance for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program and a member of the Executive Team , and under their leadership, the agency was transformed from a troubled status to a high performer status. Prior experience in public accounting with leading international firm – Deloitte & Touché and a variety of industries – non-profit, healthcare, energy, housing, and professional services.

Abiola has over 10 years of experience providing support and engaging with governing boards and various committees, including Audit, Budget and Finance, Endowment Fund, and Strategic Operational Plan. She served as a member of several Enterprise-wide committees which provided management oversight over important functions at ELCA – and chaired the Policy Review Committee and Financial Systems Steering Committee. She has successfully managed and built relationships with Board Members, external constituents, auditors, financial institutions, and state regulatory bodies. While at NBMBAA, she facilitated and presented at the monthly Audit and Finance Committee meetings and reported quarterly financial results at Board meetings.

Abiola earned a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, and MBA with Concentrations in Financial Management and Control from DePaul University in Chicago. Abiola is a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant, and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

Abiola served as Board Treasurer for the Susan G. Komen Chicago from 2015-2016 and Advisory Council Member, Susan G. Komen Atlanta from 2016-2018. She was selected as a Finance Advisory Committee Member for the City of Naperville School District 203 in Illinois, U.S.A from 2007-2010 and appointed to the Governmental Executive Committee, Women’s Executive Committee with the Illinois CPA Society in 2014.

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