Britney Robbins
CEO & Founder
As a catalyst for social change, Britney Robbins leverages entrepreneurial values to maximize opportunities for economic inclusion. In her role as Founder and CEO of The Gray Matter Experience, she empowers young people to strengthen their ties to self and society through experiential learning and leveraging entrepreneurial values. An innovator within Chicago’s business and tech community, Britney has partnered with some of the city’s top venture capital firms and incubators. Through her work with CAST US, a multi-million dollar Black-owned Capital firm and Accelerator, Britney has built connections across generational, financial, and status divides, creating more access and resources for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Most recently, Britney designed and spearheaded the Frederick Douglass Entrepreneurial Development & Leadership Institute (EDLI), a non-profit spinoff of CAST-US dedicated to empowering disinvested entrepreneurs to succeed with personalized connection to an ecosystem of resources and support. She has been awarded and recognized as a trailblazer and champion for social justice by Essence, Ebony, Forbes, Chicago Bulls, Ariel Investments, City of Chicago and others for her significant contributions to the corporate, finance, and civic leadership communities.
Lu'Cretia Thomas
Operations and Project Manager
Lu’Cretia Thomas is an extraordinary marketer with a decade of experience in the entrepreneurial space. She is a true innovator, creating content that not only informs but also provokes thought and brings people together. Lu'Cretia has a deep commitment to young people and empowering them to become the next generation of innovative thinkers and status quo disrupters through entrepreneurship and economic equity. She is also an Instructor here at Gray Matter. Prior to joining Gray Matter, Lu’Cretia gained experience in both marketing and entrepreneurship through serial business ownership. She has empowered countless Female Founders to grow their businesses, share their stories, and positively impact their communities through her platform Girl Behind The Hustle. Her marketing clients and content have been featured on Access Hollywood, Fox, Oprah, Forbes, GMA, Vogue & Shondaland. Lu'Cretia was named one of the top 20 influential women in Chicago by 300 Chicago Black Women. She holds an Entrepreneurship certificate from Cornell and a Bachelor’s of Science from Elmhurst University where she double majored in Business Management and Economics. When she isn’t creating marketing funnels, Lu’Cretia can be found lost in a book, at an art gallery, or exploring every Chicago neighborhood with her vivacious daughter.
Corinne Durrette
Entrepreneurship Program Director
In finding her passion and purpose in educational space for over 10 years, Corinne has designed and driven work that empowers young people to use their voices and creativity to express themselves, find innovative solutions, and make meaningful impact in their communities. Corinne is a professional instructional coach, licensed teacher, and avid youth advocate with a foundation in psychology, African American studies, and a M.Ed in curriculum design and instruction. Corinne is excited to develop a curriculum and support instruction that will equip young people with tools to build their confidence and skills to become successful entrepreneurs. Throughout her career, Corinne has been able to connect, learn, and teach with peers stateside and abroad through speaking engagements, workshop facilitation, and fellowship programs like Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms. Her values of integrity, exploration, and collaboration fuel her excitement for her work. Prior to joining the Gray Matter team, Corinne coached CPS high school educators focused on experiential learning and relationship building. She loves novel experiences and enjoys trying new hobbies, traveling, and food.
Oluwatobi Tobi Oladejo
Program Coordinator
Oluwatobi “Tobi” Oladejo is the Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator for The Gray Matter Experience. As both a passionate creative and lover of community development, Tobi aims to amplify the stories of the overlooked, while building sustainable systems of support and access in different communities. Prior to joining TGME, Tobi was the Innovation Program Coordinator for the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition, where he built a collaborative community of 190 startups and designed programs that connected IL’s diverse entrepreneurs and ESOs with funding opportunities, venture capital stakeholders, and corporate investment teams. Tobi previously worked as an Innovation Hub strategist for the Illinois Innovation Network during his time at Illinois State University, where he pursued his Masters's degree in Applied Community and Economic Development. Before his time as a strategist and graduate student, Tobi served as a mentor and student success coach with City Year Chicago, an AmeriCorps program. In 2018, he received his B.A. in Public Relations from Howard University.
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Robert Lega
Program Instructor
Robert Lega has 12 years of experience in the field of education as a middle school science teacher, Computer Science Program Manager, & STEM Coordinator. Since leaving the classroom, Robert has led Brand Management at Mirza Minds Inc, a Chicago-based creative agency & currently is a Data Consultant for Vuealta Inc. Robert received his Bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in Elementary Education and will begin his Masters in Business Administration in Spring '25. Robert aims to marry his love for education and experience in the business world as a program instructor with The Gray Matter Experience.
Naamonde Williams-Lega
Program Instructor
Naamonde Williams-Lega has 16 years of experience in the field of education as an educator and is now a school counselor. She is the founder of Thoughts Along the Journey LLC, a small brand that focuses on young women's mental health and wellness. Naamonde was of Haitian descent and a first-generation American born and raised in Chicago, IL. Naamonde attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for her Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and Leadership Development to obtain higher education. She then followed that up with a Master’s degree in Education and also in Clinical Mental Health-School Counseling. Naamonde hopes to continue her mental health journey by opening a small wellness cafe’ and engaging in public speaking. When she is not working or learning more about the mental health field, you can find her working with the youth in her community, spending time with her family, traveling, or between the pages of the latest thriller novel.
Makinde Adedapo
Program Instructor
Makinde A. Adedapo is a dynamic leader in education and entertainment, renowned for his ability to design, produce, and deliver impactful events across diverse venues and institutions. With over 15 years of expertise as an educator and curriculum specialist, Makinde founded Collective Genius, LLC, a consulting firm at the intersection of education and entertainment. Through this platform, he has successfully managed high-profile events, including the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Milwaukee Summerfest, Hyde Park Summerfest, Silver Room Sound System Block Party, and ITAV Juneteenth Village Fest. He has collaborated with legendary icons of rock 'n' roll and some of today’s hottest contemporary acts, spanning a wide spectrum of genres including blues, classical, jazz, EDM, R&B, hip-hop, spoken word, and podcasts. A passionate advocate for Chicago’s cultural landscape, Makinde served as a Steering Committee Member for the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). His commitment to empowering youth led him to join After School Matters in 2020, where he innovatively delivered virtual programs on music business and production. Recognized as a trailblazer, Makinde was honored with the 2021 King Makers Concierge I AM King Award, celebrating his contributions to business and community life in Chicago. As an educator, Makinde has made a lasting impact on students throughout the Chicagoland area. He has held roles such as Entrepreneurship Teacher and Assistant Athletic Director at Perspectives Charter Schools, and Social Justice Teacher at both Noble Charter Schools and It Takes A Village Leadership Academy. In 2024, Makinde was selected to be a part of the Surge Institute 2025 Fellowship cohort, collaborating with leaders across the educational landscape of one of the largest school systems in the U.S. His work continues to inspire the next generation of leaders and creators, blending his expertise in education with a deep passion for culture and innovation.
Giana Moreno
Program Instructor
Passionate about the transformative power of leadership, Giana Moreno is dedicated to creating lasting impact through mentorship, education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. As a certified holistic coach with an M.A. in Consciousness, Psychology, and Transformation, she brings an innovative edge to youth programming and leadership development. Giana’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2020 with a basement-born candle venture that grew into a community-recognized pop-up storefront. This experience fueled her commitment to supporting leaders and entrepreneurs—particularly small business owners—in rising to their fullest potential. Beyond her work in leadership and coaching, Giana also writes and delivers bespoke wedding ceremonies and coordinates weddings, weaving creativity and intention into every celebration. Grounded in vision and heart, she is passionate about shaping a world guided by heart-centered leadership and innovation, especially by empowering the next generation of leaders.
