Born and raised in Oceanside, California, Clayton Banks learned the value of hard work early. At age 12, he delivered newspapers throughout his neighborhood, never imagining that a route built on headlines and deadlines would spark a lifelong journey in communications, media, technology, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.

After graduating from California State University, Fullerton, Clayton began his career at Xerox before moving to New York into leadership roles with Showtime Networks, Sega Channel, and Comedy Central. Along the way, he completed the Executive Management Program at Harvard Business School and helped shape new media platforms during a transformative era in entertainment and technology.

In 1998, Clayton founded Ember Media Corporation, producing multimedia content, including national recognition that resides in the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, and digital initiatives for leading global brands. In 2013, he founded Silicon Harlem, a pioneering organization dedicated to expanding broadband access, digital literacy, workforce development, and technology opportunities in underserved communities.

Through Silicon Harlem, Clayton has helped students discover careers in technology, supported innovation and entrepreneurship, and championed the belief that access to technology can unlock opportunity for individuals, families, and entire communities.

From delivering newspapers in Oceanside to advancing digital equity initiatives, Clayton’s career has been guided by a simple “Oceanside” principle: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. His life’s work has focused on creating the access, exposure, and opportunities that help others reach their full potential.