For the first time ever, we’re introducing the Gusto Small Business Advisory Council (GSBAC). Over the next two years, we’ll work directly with eleven entrepreneurs from across the country to help shape the future of Gusto.
The excitement around this launch exceeded our expectations: more than 470 small business leaders applied to join this inaugural council. From that incredible group, we’re honored to partner with eleven entrepreneurs whose creativity, resilience, and lived experiences will guide how Gusto grows.
Small businesses have always been at the heart of everything we do. With GSBAC, we’re creating a dedicated space for their voices to influence our products, highlight the real challenges business owners face every day, and ensure we keep building tools that empower entrepreneurs to thrive.
Meet the GSBAC Members
Takia Lamb | Atlanta, GA | Founder & CEO, TK Consulting & Design™
Takia Lamb is the Founder & CEO of TK Consulting & Design™, an Atlanta-based agency helping small businesses bring their brands to life through strategy and creative design. With a background in psychology and social work, she takes a people-first approach to every project. Since 2016, Takia has supported hundreds of entrepreneurs in clarifying their message and elevating their presence. She also hosts Talkin’ with TK, a podcast about the real journey of entrepreneurship.
Darren Liddell | Brooklyn, NY | Co-Founder & CEO, Vesta
Darren Liddell is the Co-Founder & CEO of Vesta, where he expands access to financial resources through nonprofit and government partnerships. A financial coach and Accredited Financial Counselor with more than 15 years of experience, Darren has guided thousands of clients through tax filing and financial decision-making. He is passionate about racial wealth equity, tax policy, and using technology for social impact, and he currently serves on the board of Grow Brooklyn.
Patrice Washington | Atlanta, GA | Founder, Institute for Redefining Wealth
Patrice Washington is the Founder of the Institute for Redefining Wealth, where she leads a global community built around her Six Pillars of Wealth framework. Named one of SUCCESS Magazine’s Top 25 Influential Leaders in Personal Development, she is also a transformational speaker, award-winning podcaster, and author. Patrice inspires audiences to align their careers, homes, health, and finances with greater abundance and purpose.
Andrea Davis | Bentonville, AR | Founder, President & CEO, The Resiliency Initiative
Andrea Davis is the Founder, President & CEO of The Resiliency Initiative, a woman-owned business dedicated to community-centered emergency management. She brings decades of leadership experience from FEMA, the Federal Reserve, Walmart, Disney, and the American Red Cross. Andrea founded TRI to strengthen disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, driven by her passion for helping communities before, during, and after emergencies.
Christina Ortega | San Francisco, CA | President & CEO, Mission Bit
Christina Ortega is the President & CEO of Mission Bit, a San Francisco nonprofit providing free computer science and AI courses to high school students. With a background in sociology and public administration, she is dedicated to expanding access to technology education for underrepresented youth. Under her leadership, Mission Bit equips students with project-based experiences that open pathways to tech-driven careers.
Douglas Smith | Denver, CO | Owner, Fast-Fix Denver
Douglas Smith is the Owner of Fast-Fix Denver, a jewelry and watch repair business with multiple locations across the Denver metro area. A lifelong Colorado resident, Douglas has built his business on craftsmanship and community trust. Married for 40 years, he is a proud father of two daughters and grandfather of two. Outside of work, he’s an avid supporter of his hometown Colorado Buffaloes.
Michael Burke | Richardson, TX | Founder & Director, Wild Reply
Michael Burke is the Founder & Director of Wild Reply, a creative studio specializing in documentary and values-based brand storytelling. An Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, Michael has traveled to five continents capturing stories that inspire change. Before starting Wild Reply, he worked on national ad campaigns and Marvel Studios’ title sequences. Today, he leads a team of creatives focused on telling stories that make a positive impact.
Kristina Drury | Brooklyn, NY | Founder & Principal, TYTHEdesign
Kristina Drury is the Founder & Principal of TYTHEdesign, a social impact strategy and design firm that helps governments, nonprofits, and foundations strengthen communities. For more than 15 years, she has used human-centered design to create healthier and more resilient cities. Named an Innovation Expert by the UNDP, Kristina has shared her expertise on international stages including the Clinton Global Initiative University.
Katie Carnevale | Los Angeles, CA | Head of Operations, WorkHands
Katie Carnevale is the Head of Operations at WorkHands, where she drives efficiency and growth for apprenticeship programs and small businesses. With over a decade of leadership experience, she helps businesses identify the right systems and people to grow with confidence. Outside of work, Katie enjoys writing speculative fiction, reading at the beach, and experimenting with gluten-free baking.
Kevin McDevitt | Addison, TX | Co-Owner, Trace Elements Laboratory
Kevin McDevitt is the Co-Owner of Trace Elements Laboratory, a CLIA-certified clinical lab in North Dallas specializing in hair tissue mineral analysis. He also co-leads KaelyRD, a nutrition practice he runs with his wife, Kaely, a registered dietitian focused on women’s health. Kevin lives in Texas with his wife, young son, and their Chihuahua, Lenny.
Taylor M. Tieman, Esq. | Los Angeles, CA | Founder, Legalmiga Law, P.C.
Taylor M. Tieman is the Founder of Legalmiga Law, P.C., a Los Angeles based firm providing accessible legal support for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Through her Legalmiga® Membership and Legalmiga Library®, she offers preventative solutions covering trademarks, contracts, and business formation. A litigator by training, Taylor has successfully taken on major corporations and now uses that expertise to empower BIPOC and women-owned businesses. She has been recognized five times as a CA Super Lawyers Rising Star and is the 202
