Dr. Michael J. Blackwell is the director of the Program for Pet Health Equity at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he works to improve access to veterinary care for low income families and their pets.

Joris M. Ray is the superintendent of Shelby County Schools in Tennessee and an expert in K-12 education. As superintendent, Ray has focused on combating education inequality with efforts including providing digital devices and Internet access for every student.

Dr. Wayne Riley is 17th president of SUNY Downstate Medical Center.