Claudette Roper is a consultant at SMG Speakers. In her role, she focuses on research and writing, crafting compelling and impactful speeches for speakers, and formulating insightful questions for fireside chats. Claudette’s expertise in corporate communications and media production enables her to manage a diverse array of projects, including television productions, media training, speech writing, public relations campaigns, special events, philanthropic strategies, and educational endeavors.

Claudette’s skills in media production ensure that all projects are executed with a high level of professionalism and creativity. She meticulously handles every aspect of project management, ensuring that all deliverables are met with precision and excellence.

In addition to her consulting role, Claudette is an accomplished artist. She has created multimedia installations and documentaries that focus on social injustice issues related to race, class, and gender. Her work has been featured in numerous art exhibits and film festivals, showcasing her dedication to raising awareness and promoting social change through art.

Ana Maldonado is the Administrative Assistant to Pam Harris at SMG Speakers. With over 15 years of experience as a seasoned Business Consultant, Ana has a proven track record in enhancing operational productivity and driving revenue growth through strategic process improvements and client relationship management. Her expertise spans a broad range of industries, where she has effectively implemented data-driven solutions, significantly improving efficiencies and client satisfaction.

Lester McCarroll Jr. – Strategy & Corporate Development

Lester McCarroll Jr. excels in providing direction, structure, and strategic momentum for new service lines and initiatives across various industries, with a particular focus on technology. At SMG Speakers, he leverages his extensive experience to offer strategic planning,  development, and executive coaching services.

His expertise has benefited over 100 startups, early-stage, and mature businesses, as well as non-profit organizations. Notably, he has provided strategic planning and program development for institutions like the University of Chicago’s Institute for Molecular Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago State University, and the Chicago Urban League’s nextOne program.

During his decade-long tenure at Motorola, where he rose to the level of Vice President, Lester influenced marketing and product planning, international strategies, and operations. His career began at AT&T Bell Laboratories at the age of 15 as a summer intern, leading to degrees in Electrical Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology and Stanford University.

Lester’s specialties include strategy and product development, strategic planning and marketing, executive coaching, venture advisory, and product planning and development.

Hilary Thornton serves as the dedicated bookkeeper for SMG Speakers. In her role, Hilary is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, managing accounts payable and receivable, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Her meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills help keep the financial operations of SMG Speakers running smoothly. With a background in accounting and finance, Hilary plays a crucial role in supporting the financial health and integrity of the organization.

Outside of work, Hilary loves nature and enjoys spending her free time exploring the outdoors. Her passion for the natural world brings a sense of balance and tranquility to her life, which she brings into her professional environment.

Fran Bell doesn’t consider herself retired from her 34-year stint with the YMCA, but rewired for the exciting work she continues to do to elevate and celebrate others. She can be found volunteering with leadership and mentoring programs for Black and Brown teen girls or connecting organizations with resources to address the inequities in underserved communities. Bell loves securing spaces for noteworthy and emerging thought leaders to be heard and paid for it and consistently patronizes and exposes others to Black and women owned businesses as a deliberate attempt to create wealth among those overlooked.
A strong advocate for Black and Brown communities, women and other marginalized collectives, Fran landed the first Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion position for a YMCA Metro Association in the U.S. Also a founding member of the National Y’s African American Employee Resource Network she served as its first woman chair.
Fran’s favorite pastime is connecting people. She has embraced this as her calling and lives by a quote from Kanye West, “I’m like a vessel, and God has chosen me to be the voice and the connector.” Relationships can be one of your greatest assets and is why she is most proud of the relationships she has nurtured with people, particularly young leaders, in and outside of the Y who demonstrate the desire, ability and passion to contribute and lead in meaningful ways.

Pam Redwood-Harris, the visionary President and Founder of SMG Speakers Bureau, has revolutionized the speaking industry by championing diverse voices and creating platforms for impactful storytelling. From a young age, Pam was inspired by the pastors and guest speakers at her church who could tell stories that educated, inspired, and moved audiences to action. This early passion drove her to notice the absence of diverse voices on global stages and motivated her to establish SMG Speakers Bureau, dedicated to bringing these voices to the forefront. SMG is proudly based in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop.

Under Pam’s dynamic leadership, SMG has crafted over 2000 brand-elevating events for corporations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and event organizers, making a significant impact on their audiences. As the Midwest’s largest Black and women-owned speakers bureau, SMG stands as a pioneer in promoting diversity and inclusion. Pam’s strategic vision and over 15 years of experience in events, project management, strategy, and talent development have made her an expert in helping organizations find the perfect speakers, optimize their speaker selection processes, and create unforgettable events. Her ability to seamlessly match speaking talent with national brands and organizations has led to countless successful engagements and lasting partnerships.

At SMG, Pam leads a dedicated team that excels in providing top-tier speakers, thought leaders, facilitators, and celebrities for corporate, non-profit, conference, and educational institution events. Their comprehensive services include speaker selection, personalized recommendations, secure speaker booking, and meticulous logistics management, ensuring a flawless experience for clients.

Pam’s expertise extends to building brand awareness in new markets. She has successfully helped leaders elevate their organization’s brand and establish a presence in untapped markets through strategic brand elevation, market penetration, growth, and engagement initiatives. Her commitment to excellence and innovation has set a new standard in the industry.

Driven by her passion for giving back, Pam founded SMG Cares, an initiative that partners with non-profits for community outreach and mission work in Africa. This program reflects her belief in the responsibility to make the world a better place and her dedication to impactful social change.

Pam’s journey began in Chicago, and she continues to inspire others with her story and accomplishments. Residing in the western suburbs of Chicago with her supportive husband and two wonderful children, Pam balances her professional achievements with a fulfilling personal life.

Pam Redwood-Harris’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to diversity and excellence make her a standout figure in the speaking industry. Her work with SMG Speakers Bureau continues to shape the future of public speaking and elevate the voices that matter most.