Meet Our Board

  • Aerica Shimizu Banks is a tech policy expert, inclusion innovator, and creative entrepreneur. As a tennis player, she took her high school team to the district championships and ranked #68 in the USTA in Northern California. 

    She is the founder of Shiso, a consultancy that applies an intersectional equity lens to business development, tech, and social challenges. After experiencing the triumphs and trials of tech – building successful DEI programs at Google and then holding Pinterest accountable for its racism and sexism – she now creates systems and frameworks to elevate and restore equity in our institutions at her firm. 

    Named to the 2021 Root 100, a 2018 Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur, and a 2017 Washingtonian Magazine Tech Titan, Aerica's career is a testament to the values she lives in her personal and professional life. In her personal capacity, she served on President Biden's innovation policy committee, helped pass the Silenced No More Act in California, and endorsed the Algorithmic Accountability Act. Professional highlights include founding Pinterest's DC office and leading federal affairs; leading diversity and equity initiatives on Google's legal team and serving as the Black small business liaison for the DC area; co-founding BEACON: The DC Women Founders Initiative; and serving as a political appointee in the Obama Administration. 

    She holds an MSc in Environmental Policy from Oxford University and a BA in Environmental Studies and Public Affairs from Seattle University. To learn more about Aerica, visit shiso.biz.

  • John A. Borden, Jr. is an experienced nonprofit executive with over ten years' leadership in strategic planning, government relations, fundraising, and program development. In his recent role as President & CEO of the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF), he managed a $25 million organization and 52 staff members, increasing revenue by 33% during his tenure. He oversaw key initiatives including a citywide expansion, energy-efficient facility upgrades, and innovative partnerships, such as a lease for a solar array and collaboration with Mubadala Investment Company.

    Previously, as COO & Interim CEO at WTEF, John improved operations and financial reporting and secured vital capacity-building grants to expand WTEF’s impact. Earlier roles include General Manager at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, MD.

    Originally from Philadelphia, John holds a Juris Doctorate from Howard University and a BA from Villanova University. John is married to Dr. Chanelle Case-Borden and has two children. John serves on the Polydelta board and is Finance Chair for the Black Girls Tennis Club.

  • Courtney Culbreath is a purpose-driven leader passionate about fashion, sustainability, storytelling, and strategy. She currently serves as Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at GUESS, Inc., leading ESG initiatives across North America and integrating sustainability into daily operations globally.

    Over her decade-long career at GUESS, Courtney has taken on diverse roles, from managing high-end product development to optimizing global supply chains. She is recognized for bridging creativity and strategy, transforming complex ideas into actionable, impactful outcomes.

    Courtney’s foundation lies in fashion and community building. She co-founded RVA Fashion Week, a platform celebrating Richmond’s local designers, artists, and businesses, and co-launched Luxe Art PR, where she led authentic brand storytelling through PR and social strategies.

    She holds a B.S. in Sociology with minors in Marketing and Media Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University and has completed sustainability and DEI programs at Harvard Business School and Cornell University.

    Based in Los Angeles, Courtney is equally committed to making a positive impact outside of work. She enjoys traveling, hosting curated dinners, working on creative product launches, and supporting philanthropic causes focused on underserved communities and creative entrepreneurs.

    As a Board Member of Black Girls Tennis Club, Courtney leverages her corporate responsibility, brand storytelling, and community engagement experience to provide strategic insight and creative direction. She is dedicated to fostering inclusive spaces where Black women and girls can thrive through tennis, culture, and wellness. Her expertise in cross-functional leadership and platform building supports the club’s growth, partnerships, and vision, ensuring it remains a vibrant space for empowerment, representation, and culture-building.

  • Rachel Cargle is an activist, entrepreneur and philanthropic innovator. She is the founder of the Loveland Group, a family of companies including Elizabeth's Bookshop & Writing Centre, a literary space that celebrates marginalized voices, and the Great Unlearn, an adult learning platform that centers the teaching of BIPOC thinkers. In 2018, she founded the Loveland Foundation, offering free access to mental health care for Black women and girls. Cargle is a regular contributor to Cultured magazine, Atmos and The Cut, and her work has been featured in the Washington Post, New York Times and New Yorker.

  • Taylor Townsend is a trailblazing professional tennis player, mentor, and advocate for diversity and inclusion in sports. As a former world No. 1 junior player, Taylor has represented the United States on some of the biggest stages in tennis, including the Grand Slams, where her tenacity and unique playing style have earned her a dedicated following.

    Taylor’s journey in tennis is one of resilience and determination. She broke barriers as the first American to hold the No. 1 ITF junior ranking since 1982 and has continued to inspire others with her unwavering commitment to excellence. In 2024, she achieved a career milestone by winning the Wimbledon Doubles Championship, showcasing her exceptional skill and teamwork on the court.

    Off the court, Taylor is deeply passionate about empowering the next generation of athletes, particularly young Black girls, to pursue their dreams in tennis and beyond. Her dedication to inspiring others through her journey is a testament to her belief that tennis—and life—is for everyone.