Our Team & Core Values

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Jordan Nishizaki is the Founder & President of Diverse Network and J.Nish Consulting as well as a Business Development Associate for TOP Consulting. He was born in Columbus, Ohio and raised in a Japanese American home to a loving family of 5. He graduated in 2018 with a degree in Finance.

Jordan is focused on mentoring, inspiring, and empowering the next generation of young professionals & entrepreneurs. Through his various experiences in the banking, digital marketing, and consulting industries, he has been able to build & grow his network and skills necessary to create positive change in his community.

Join him to make a lasting impact & strengthen the communities he serves!

VICE PRESIDENT

Brandon Cross is a Business Analyst and the Vice-President of Diverse Network. He is from Mansfield, Ohio. He graduated from Otterbein University with degrees in Political Science and in Religion.

Brandon is also active in his community. He volunteers at his church on a regular basis and also has led multiple Bible studies.

At his job, Brandon leads a state wide Business Resource Group (BRG) of 3200+ members. This BRG focuses on equipping the next generation of leaders through seminars, panels and mentorship. He truly believes it is incredibly important to give back to the next generation of leaders and wants to do his part to help build a better tomorrow.

YOU are INVITED to join him so do not miss out on an opportunity to get connected. Join Our Network today!

COMMUNITY LEAD

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Jalauna Phillips is currently studying English at Ohio State University with hopes to share her passion with her community.

In 2019, Jalauna created Eyes Set On as a means of educating and advocating for Mental Health Awareness. From that mission, Jalauna went on to write "Eyes Set On, Being", a guided workbook to inspire meaningful self-reflection. After spending time leading short-term mission teams in Houston and Port Arthur, Texas, Jalauna returned home with a passion to serve her local community through volunteer work and community outreach.

Jalauna believes that everyone deserves a community they can depend on and an outlet that can liberate them. YOU are INVITED to join her so do not miss out on an opportunity to get connected. Join Our Network today!

PROJECT LEAD

Rio Arias is Key Account Manager who consults with small and midsize businesses on healthcare solutions. She has a bachelor’s degree in Economics and minor in Spanish. Rio has served as a multicultural education assistant, news editor, and senior diversity advocate during her college experience. Her Dominican and Ecuadorian heritage is important to her, and has shaped her desire to learn Spanish and intern abroad in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Rio moved from Sterling, Virginia where she worked as a philanthropy coordinator for Trader Joe’s to Columbus Ohio in 2021. Since making the move, she has grown her library of diverse fiction authors and serves as Diverse Network’s Project Lead.

MARKETING LEAD

Courtney Ivy envisions being able to work in various organizations serving as CFO/Senior Management roles. While double majoring in Accounting and Marketing from the University of Toledo, he believes his skills and knowledge have been the tools in order to succeed and impact others in a positive way. His few years of experience in different operations of accounting such as corporate, non-profit, auditing, and consulting gave him a vision of how a business operates from a financial standpoint.

Through his knowledge in marketing, it has fueled his passion for entertainment, fashion, and brand development. This has motivated Courtney into being co-founder of his own startup, Drop The Laces and becoming a large part of the sneaker & footwear industry.

COMMUNITY PLATFORM ADMINISTRATOR

Caroline MacNeill is a Legal Administrative Assistant and serves as the Community Platform Administrator for Diverse Network.

She is originally from Georgia, but moved to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University. She graduated 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Caroline is passionate about connecting people and building relationships, which made Diverse Network a perfect fit.

She is also an advocate for voter's rights and is passionate about helping people use their voices to create change. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and being outside.