Karlos L. Marshall

Born and raised in the Champion City of Springfield, OH, Karlos L. Marshall has been recognized globally as a social entrepreneur that works at the intersection of economic development, urban literacy, and neighborhood revitalization. As the Co-Founder and President of The Conscious Connect, Inc. he has received some of the following accolades: Forbes ‘30 Under 30,’ United States Library of Congress Literacy Awards Best Practice Honoree, Next City Vanguard, and the International Literacy Association ‘30 Under 30’ among others.

Mr. Marshall is also the founding Manager of the Greater West Dayton Incubator of the University of Dayton which supports Black entrepreneurs in starting, scaling, and sustaining business ventures. He is also currently pursuing his doctorate degree at the University of Dayton—where his action research focuses on turning dilapidated houses and vacant lots into pocket parks to improve public health and neighborhood vitality.