Group 622 is not just an organization—it is a collective of thought leaders, builders, and innovators shaping the world through creativity, leadership, and radical imagination. Through their work, Marquis Hunt, Cynthia East, and Bruce James invite others to step into a space where creativity is protected, communities are fortified, and the future is actively co-created.
Marquis is a visionary author, musician, and thought leader whose work navigates the complex "mines and mazes" of love, spirituality, and social consciousness. As the author of The New Human: When the People We Love, Love the People We Love, he offers a transformative discourse on human connection and the capacity for boundless love.
Marquis extends his influence into community advocacy, having worked in concert with the Clinton Global Initiative as a faith leader in their Overdose Response Network, expanding awareness in communities of faith. Bishop Carlton Pearson describes Marquis as someone “whose music and mind make love real and right to all who hear him.”
With an ethos that challenges conventional boundaries, Marquis leads others through insightful and transformative dialogue. His work serves as a guide for those willing to confront and reimagine their understanding of love, relationships, and the human experience. By merging artistry, spiritual insight, and a commitment to social impact, Marquis stands as a catalyst for meaningful change, inspiring others to navigate the complexities of life with grace, courage, and an unwavering commitment to love.
Cynthia East is a powerhouse in the world of hospitality and culinary arts, with decades of experience transforming ordinary dining experiences into extraordinary journeys. She has conducted high-level training programs at the Ritz Carlton and expanded a restaurant chain from one location to sixteen in just five years.
As the architect behind the culinary arts curriculum at PTC-CAHMI (now UALR-PTC), Cynthia has shaped the next generation of chefs and culinary professionals. She has also served as Vice President of the ACF Arkansas Delta Chapter and as a board member of the Arkansas Hospitality Association, underscoring her commitment to industry excellence.
As the former Food & Beverage Director at one of Arkansas' largest casinos, she orchestrated operations with precision and care before making her move to Group 6-22. Cynthia has also made significant contributions to philanthropy, collaborating with medical professionals to bridge the gap between dietary health and culinary excellence. Her ability to create spaces of comfort, excellence, and community speaks to her dedication to fostering environments where people can connect, thrive, and be inspired.
Bruce is a seasoned expert in finance, economics, and social justice advocacy, bringing a wealth of strategic insight and experience to the table. With a background that includes serving as Executive Director of an HBCU's Social Justice Institute, he has been at the forefront of initiatives that drive societal change and community development.
His service on various city and state commissions, such as the Arkansas Minority Health Commission and the Little Rock Public Housing Commission, reflects a deep commitment to equity and public service.
Bruce’s strategic acumen and his dedication to improving community welfare shine through in every project he undertakes. He is a guiding force, ensuring that every endeavor is approached with a blend of strategic foresight, financial expertise, and an unyielding passion for social impact.
Dillon Garcia is a hospitality leader and member of the Board of Directors of Group 6-22. Born and raised in Arkansas, he began his career at Ashley’s at The Capital in downtown Little Rock before becoming a co-owner of The Pizzeria in the Heights. Dillon joined Allsopp & Chapple in 2022 as bar manager, elevating its craft-cocktail program to an acclaimed standard; he now serves as General Manager, where his team has consistently earned “Best Service in Central Arkansas” recognition on OpenTable.
He is the Director of Hospitality for the Arkansas Cinema Society, shaping sponsor experience, signature cocktails, happy hours, and after-parties across ACS events. Dillon is also the founder and owner of Arkansas Mixology Associates, providing expert bar consulting and top-tier event bartending statewide.
A past president of the Arkansas chapter of the United States Bartenders’ Guild, he currently sits on the board of directors of the Arkansas Restaurant Association. In 2023, the Arkansas Hospitality Association named him Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year. Dillon’s work centers one simple idea: hospitality is culture in motion.
Board Member, Group 6-22. Shareese Dogan is a writer, communications strategist, and global educator whose work bridges story, language, and social imagination. A former journalist and higher-education communications director, she has led projects in fundraising, grant development, and community-building across diverse sectors.
Holding an advanced degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Arizona State University, Shareese has taught and studied in cultural contexts from Thailand and Bali to Japan, Peru, and Brazil. Her ongoing commitment to peace-building and cross-cultural learning continues through volunteer work in South Africa, where she supports programs for young women and creative development.
As CEO of SD Communications Consulting, LLC, she mentors new authors, helping them bring complex human stories to light. Her engagement with Group 6-22 reflects her belief that communication is a form of care — and that the language we use to name one another can itself be an act of restoration.