Marnese Barksdale Elder is a results-driven Human Resources executive and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in human resources management and consulting. She’s a graduate of Fisk University, holds an MBA from Texas Woman’s University, and is a Certified Diversity Professional.

Marnese is a successful and collaborative business consultant with a strong record of relationship building. Her value-driven approach, as well as her extensive experience leading teams, helps companies focus on key competencies including establishing organizational culture, strategy plans, and performance priorities.

Her experience includes Senior-level HR roles in the Dallas Fort Worth area with 24 years at the Dallas County Hospital District.  She’s held numerous positions in a variety of HR disciplines, culminating in the role of SVP, Associate Chief Talent Officer where she’s led numerous HR strategies for the organization. Marnese has also held leadership roles with multi-state and quasi-governmental entities in the housing and community development industries positioning her with a broad-based knowledge of varying industries.

Marnese has also served as President of the historic Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, positioning her to gain exceptional knowledge on the critical concepts and strategies needed to own and operate a successful business. Her lineage is that of three generations of successful entrepreneurs and small business owners.

In 2017 Marnese established Mecca Management Solutions to focus on leadership development and executive coaching. Her successes have yielded comprehensive solutions for small businesses, start-ups, CEO’s and Industry Leaders to help navigate change and execute strategic initiatives to produce proven results.

Loren Arguello is the DEI Project Manager for Mecca Management. She has a passion for serving others and has an extensive background in non-profit management with a focus in immigration law. She has served Mecca Management on several projects including the organization’s recent Strategic Planning Process for a Dallas Based Nonprofit learning development agency and manages the data collection project planning for our client services including VisitDallas, the DFW Minority Supplier Diversity Council and Executive Search Service Sourcing for the City of Arlington.

Ricky Perez is a seasoned leader with 10+ years of extensive coaching and training skills. His career spans technical training for education and professional development products. Ricky’s career includes Lenior- Rhyne College Assistant Football Coach and Assistant Recruiting Coordinator, Elon University Assistant Football Coach, Harrington, Moran & Barksdale, Inc. Assistant Corporate Manager, Imagine Learning Professional Development Specialist, and iPEC Life Coach Certification Program.

Ricky’s skills lend towards a well-rounded understanding of the required dynamics to lead with influence and authority. Ricky holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University.