Meet Our Core Team
Nikki R. Lanier, J.D.
CEO
Nikki's commitment to advancing equity and multicultural workplaces isn't just a career choice—it's in her DNA. Born into a family deeply rooted in the civil rights movement, Nikki's upbringing on the campus of Hampton University instilled in her a profound sense of duty to champion the rights of black communities. As a three-time Chief Human Resources Officer in both the private and public sectors and a former executive with the Federal Reserve, Nikki is a highly sought-after speaker, trainer, and thought leader on the future of work, race, and economics.
Now, as CEO and founder of Harper Slade one of the fastest-growing and most highly recognized race, inclusion, equity, & diversity advisory firms in the country, her work focuses on helping organizations cultivate environments where black and brown talent can thrive. Nikki has also founded a global coaching program for “inclined” white women who want to become better racial equity advocates in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
In recognition of her leadership, Nikki was named 2025 Enterprising Women of the Year, 100 Women To Know in America in 2024 and has been honored as a 2024 Director to Watch by Directors and Boards Magazine. Her career spans diverse industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and consulting, with executive roles at organizations like Philip Morris USA, Georgia Pacific, ADP, Maricopa Community Colleges, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, where she was the youngest and first black women appointed to the Cabinet in the state’s history. She has managed operational budgets exceeding $60M and led HR departments of over 200 professionals, serving employee populations as large as 33,000.
Featured in Ebony Media, Forbes, Essence, USA Today, CNBC, PBS, Today’s Woman, Tops Magazine and countless podcasts, Nikki earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law, a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Hampton University and holds a certification in Collective Bargaining from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Karen Smith Butler, M.Ed., M.A.
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Jaeden Thomas, M.S.Ed.
VP CLIENT ENGAGEMENT & LEARNING
Jannen “Jam” Daub
EXECUTIVE LIAISON
Engr. Jam Daub, ECE, ECT, is an experienced Executive and Administrative Assistant with a strong background supporting senior leaders and managing complex projects across diverse industries. A licensed engineer in the Philippines, Jam began her career working with leading telecommunications, industrial, consulting, and technology companies in the country.
Over time, she discovered her passion for providing high-level administrative support — bringing her expertise in project management, customer service, and business automations to every role. This led her to expand her work with companies outside the Philippines, helping businesses streamline their operations and grow with clarity and efficiency.
Today, as Nikki Lanier’s Executive Assistant at Harper Slade, Jam is driven by the company’s mission to foster multicultural workplace resilience and advance inclusion as an economic imperative. She found a renewed passion for supporting visionary work that creates real impact, and is committed to helping Nikki and the entire Harper Slade team stay focused on what matters most. She thrives on creating organized systems, building trust with clients, and ensuring every detail aligns with big-picture goals. She brings a solutions- focused approach, a calm presence, and a dedication to helping leaders like Nikki lead with confidence and purpose.
Saren Chatham
CONTRACTS AND OUTREACH ADMINISTRATOR
Saren Chatham serves as the Contracts & Outreach Administrator, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting the firm’s mission-driven work. Since joining the team in August 2024, Saren has contributed to expanding the organization’s impact by managing key business development activities, including drafting responses to government RFPs, coordinating strategic roundtable discussions, and identifying opportunities for meaningful partnerships through lead generation.
With a background in psychology from the University of Louisville, Saren brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to both the administrative and outreach aspects of her role. Her work supports initiatives that not only drive organizational growth but also help advance equity in real and measurable ways.
Saren is known for her proactive mindset, attention to detail, and ability to keep multiple moving pieces aligned with broader goals. Whether she’s helping to shape a compelling proposal or facilitating conversations between sector leaders, she stays focused on outcomes that foster connection, clarity, and lasting impact.
