We Drop Knowledge.
Project NorthStar is a 3-day tech conference that provides connections, education, and opportunities for current or aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals from the Black and Latinx community.
If you are trying to make money by building a tech startup, or looking to level up your life with a career in tech, this is for you.
**Schedule is subject to change**
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018
DAY 1
The Innovation Economy, Funding & Launching Startups
9:00AM
Doors Open | Registration Check-In
Welcome home. Grab your badge, your swag bag, a donut, and a La Colombe Draft Latte. Explore 2300 Arena and meet some new people before the program kicks off!
10:00AM | ARENA STAGE
Welcome to Project NorthStar
An introduction to Project NorthStar, how it came to be, and what to look forward to during the conference and beyond.
SPEAKERS
Aniyia Williams, Executive Director, Black & Brown Founders
Deldelp Medina, Director of Research & Strategy, Black & Brown Founders
10:10AM | ARENA STAGE
Becoming a Guiding Light
with AN introduction by Francisco Garcia
The Mayor of Philadelphia welcomes you to share in the experience of Project NorthStar and consider the opportunities that lie ahead.
SPEAKERS
Mayor Jim Kenney, City of Philadelphia
Francisco Garcia, Director of Business Development: Innovation & Technology, City of Philadelphia
10:25AM | ARENA STAGE
From Entrepreneur to Investor and Beyond
As one of the few black female tech founders who has successfully raised capital and exited, Heather has a lot to share. She continues to break barriers and push herself everyday, having also held leadership positions at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, San Francisco Unified School District, Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund and more. Heather will talk about her journey, where she is now, and the lessons she's learned along the way.
SPEAKER
Heather Hiles, CEO & Managing Partner, Imminent Equity
11:05AM | ARENA STAGE
I Bootstrapped a Business to Multi-Millions, You Can Too
After an "Aha!" moment, Crystal set out to create a hygiene fashion brand with solutions for incontinence and menstruation. Since launching her company a couple years ago, she has seen her revenues grow by 400 percent, and sales are in the millions. During her talk, Crystal will share her journey and secrets to getting sales in the millions through organic growth.
SPEAKER
Crystal Etienne, Founder & CEO, PantyProp
11:45AM | ARENA STAGE
Building a Badass Business By Any Means Necessary
There is a huge chasm between having a business idea and making your first dollars, especially when you're starting out cash-strapped. In this workshop, Black & Brown Founders' resident business coach, Francesca Escoto, will drop gems about how to get from 0 to 1 with modest resources.
SPEAKER
Francesca Escoto, Business Coach, Startups for Social Impact
The Backyard Block Party
12:30PM | THE BACKYARD
After a morning filled with inspiration, get some lunch from food trucks and network or chill. Entertainment will be provided. Live painting with Ockimey will also be happening.
Mentor Office Hours
12:30PM-4:30PM | THE BACKYARD
One-on-one mentor office hours will also start now in The Backyard. They are by appointment only, so don’t forget to reserve your spot! Ask your most pressing questions to experts and investors who have been there and done that. Backstage Capital will also host special office hours appointments for founders interested in their new accelerator program!
1:30PM | ARENA STAGE
Everything You've Always Wanted to Know about Investors
What’s all this talk about angels, VCs, and accelerators? If you are wondering whether you should look for funding from one of them, this is the session for you. Hear investors talk about how to get a meeting, how to pitch, and how to close, and how to know when to move on.
SPEAKERs
Jon Gosier, Founder & General Partner, Southbox
Sydney Thomas, Investment Associate & Head of Operations, Precursor Ventures
Carmen Palafox, Partner, Make in LA
Edward Dugger III, President, Reinventure Capital
1:30PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Play@Work: 3 Ways to Get Staff & Customers to Love You
Play at work sounds like a recipe for decreased productivity. Yet, many great businesses inspire staff and customers using play. This talk proposes 3 simple and effective strategies to improve the overall experience of engaging with a business by incorporating traditional play, creating a culture of play in the workplace, and using play-based design thinking techniques in the development of products and services. Both new and experienced entrepreneurs can benefit from implementing specific examples shared.
3 related questions this talk answers:
1. What is one thing I can do to inspire my team?
2. How can I get my team to think differently?
3. How can I save money and increase profits while keeping customers happy?
SPEAKER
Amy Baez, Founder, Playapy
1:30PM | THE BACKYARD
Get Your Mind Right: Sound Bath Meditation
Whether you’re hustling harder or working smarter, everyone needs to pause for self-reflection and self-care. Luna from Vitality Meditation will lead a sound bath session that will leave you relaxed and ready to live your best life.
1:45PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Content is Queen
Good content will help you attract the right audience and good copy will get them to do what you want. Learn how to sign people up for your product or service with a few tricks Opeola will show you around developing great headlines, telling people what they want to hear, and keeping your content exciting.
SPEAKER
Opeola Bukola, Deputy Director, Backstage Accelerator Philadelphia
2:00PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Live up to the Hype
So you've successfully marketed yourself, your business, and you've got a few bites. Now, you have to step correct to close the deal. This talk will share how to make sure you know how to represent the best version of yourself, how to focus, and how understanding your audience will get you the outcomes you need.
SPEAKER
Bruce Marable, Co-Founder & CEO, EmployeeCycle
2:30PM | ARENA STAGE
Alternative Funding Solutions for Startups
We must evaluate many ways to fund the work of fearless, determined entrepreneurs. Especially when they are building social ventures that require alternative business models. In this talk, Camila will share insights into funding options that go beyond bootstrapping and venture capital alone.
SPEAKER
Camila Pazos, Deputy Director, Search & Selection, Echoing Green
2:30PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Meet People Where They Are: Understanding Your Users' Needs
In this session, Sara will show you how to understand user needs and how technology professionals can design and develop to meet them: learn about designing and developing on the right platforms for your audience; building functional tech; and knowing when its time to change up your offering.
SPEAKER
Sara Hall, Product Manager, City of Philadelphia
2:45PM | ARENA STAGE
Changing the Game with Equity Crowdfunding
Lack of access to venture capital is a major disadvantage for minority founders, but equity crowdfunding presents new opportunity to level the playing field. Bianca Caban from Republic will share how the platform is changing the funding landscape for entrepreneurs, and if it's right for you.
SPEAKER
Bianca Caban, Director of Partnerships & Business Development, Republic
2:45PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Make Your Skills Make Sense: Building a Business Around You
In this session, you'll learn how to evaluate your personal strengths and weaknesses, and how to turn that into a competitive business. Find out how you can become the best resource for everything your company needs.
SPEAKER
Ronethea Williams, Founder & CEO, Field LabX
3:00PM | ARENA STAGE
How CDFIs Help Us Create Wealth
Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) play a major role in providing loans, credit, and financial services to underserved populations. They are investors and lenders to many Black and Latinx businesses, but many have not considered what they have to offer to tech startup founders. In this session, you'll learn about CDFIs, and how they help level the playing field.
SPEAKER
Jim Burnett, Executive Director, West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution
3:00PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Building Hardware: The Good, Bad and Ugly
You may have heard the saying that "Hardware is Hard". There are no lies in that statement. But making physical products still represents a great opportunity to change the way that the world functions and interacts with technology. Every hardware journey is different, but in this talk, Tayo will share key things to keep in mind to best set yourself up for success.
SPEAKER
Tayo Adesanya, Founder, Agbara Life
3:30PM | ARENA STAGE
Mo' People Mo' Problems: How to Hire, Develop, and Manage a Team for Your Startup
The dilemma? Your business is growing, and you need to find Google-level employees on a bootstrapped budget. How can you attract, develop, and retain the best talent without going broke? What are the top 3 systems/processes that must be in place to establish and HR structure for your startup? As a founder, you've been focused on perfecting your product or service, but you haven't spent as much time figuring out how to grow your start-up into a high-growth corporation. People can MAKE or BREAK your company. Learn how to leverage the talents of others to take your start-up to the next level.
SPEAKER
Dr. Brandi Baldwin-Rana, CEO, Millennial Ventures
3:30PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Leadership from the Margins
Many people believe that leaders are born from traditional halls of power and influence, but what if the solutions to today's problems actually come from those of us who are living the struggle? From people "in the margins"? In this talk, Adrian shares his journey of embracing being undocumented and unafraid, and how we can leverage online communities and digital storytelling to lead extraordinary social change.
SPEAKER
Adrian Reyna, Director of Membership & Technology Strategies, United We Dream
3:45PM | ARENA STAGE
Healthy Hustle Habits
Learn how to troubleshoot the barriers to healthy habit formation, how to identify healthy alternatives to negative practices, and how to implement positive habits for greater productivity and less stress and burnout.
SPEAKER
Vanessa Mason, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, P2Health Ventures
3:50PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Designing for Diversity: Best Practices for Building Inclusive Tech EcoSystems
Join a conversation with community builders who are empowering minorities in tech spaces. Panelists will discuss how they use the power of community to help people build social capital, get jobs, find their tribe, and launch businesses.
SPEAKERs
Brigitte Daniel, Executive Vice President, Wilco Electronic Systems
Josh Torres, Latinx Tech Program Manager, Kapor Center for Social Impact
Andrea Guendelman, CEO, BeVisible
Omar Duque, President, Hispanic IT Executive Council
Carina Boston Pinales, Founder & Co-Owner, Splash Coworking
4:00PM | ARENA STAGE
Closing the Data Gap: Lifting Up Black Tech Leaders in the News
There is incredible innovation in Black and Brown communities, yet we don't see the mainstream media prioritizing our contributions to the tech community. If investors are looking for patterns in data, but that information is not shared in public, you get a knowledge gap that perpetuates long-lived problems in business. Sherrell will share why it's important to lift up our stories and how data plays a critical role in advancing our progress in tech.
SPEAKER
Sherrell Dorsey, Founder, ThePLUG | President & CEO, BLKTECH Interactive
4:15PM | ARENA STAGE
Leave Your Comfort Zone
The best thing you can do for yourself to grow as a person, is to leave your comfort zone and take risks. We know, it's scary just thinking about it. Come to this session for tips on how look beyond your current surroundings and level up.
SPEAKER
Tiffanie Stanard, Founder & CEO, Stimulus
4:30PM-6:30PM | THE BACKYARD
Happy Hour: Get Buzzed with Bumble
Time to get your new connections growing and going with Bumble Bizz! There will be a photo booth to make sure your profile pic is looking legit, and the Bumble team will be there to help you get all set up in the app. Career opportunities come about when you expand your network. On Bumble Bizz, you can pursue a career change, meet collaborators, or your next co-founder.
THURSDAY, October 4th, 2018
DAY 2
Growing Tech Businesses & Hiring Equitably in Tech
9:30AM
Doors Open
Welcome home. Grab your badge, a churro, and wake yourself up with a La Colombe Draft Latte. Get ready for a day of learning, connecting and fun!
10:00AM | ARENA STAGE
Welcome Back
Two of our fearless emcees and hosts of the #Techish podcast, Michael Berhane & Abadesi Osunsade, will kick off Day 2, where we’ll share more about growing a tech business, as well as working and hiring in tech.
EMCEES
Michael Berhane, Founder, People of Color in Tech (POCIT) | Host of Techish podcast
Abadesi Osunsade, Founder, Hustle Crew | Host of Techish podcast
10:10AM | ARENA STAGE
Powering Diverse Startups with Microsoft
INTERVIEWED BY ANIYIA WILLIAMS
Microsoft is focused on creating much greater diversity within its startup ecosystem. They fundamentally believe great ideas come from anywhere and have repeatedly found that diversity fuels innovation. Jeana will share more about this vision and the opportunities available to startup founders thought Microsoft for Startups.
SPEAKERs
Jeana Jorgensen, General Manager, C+E Partner and Startup Experience
Aniyia L. Williams, Executive Director, Black & Brown Founders
10:35AM | ARENA STAGE
It's About Damn Time: A Conversation with Arlan Hamilton
INTERVIEWED BY MARIA SALAMANCA
As highlighted by her recent cover on Fast Company magazine, venture capitalist Arlan Hamilton has no time for the BS. As one of few black women to build a venture fund from nothing, she exclusively invests in underestimated people of color, women, and LGBT entrepreneurs. Arlan has gone on a journey in the last 4 years that cements her place as a living legend in tech. You won’t want to miss this fireside chat, with Arlan being interviewed by investor Maria Salamanca from Unshackled Ventures, an early stage venture fund for immigrant founders.
SPEAKERS
Arlan Hamilton, Founder & Managing Partner, Backstage Capital
Maria Salamanca, Investor, Unshackled Ventures
11:10AM | ARENA STAGE
Wakanda Forever: Exploring Emerging Opportunities in Tech
Entrepreneurs are best positioned for success when solving the problems they know intimately. But what technologies are out there that enable us to do this most effectively? This panel will discuss tech trends and emerging opportunities that founders could help founders stay ahead of the curve.
SPEAKERS
Kai Bond, Investor, Comcast Ventures and Catalyst Fund
Brian Brackeen, Founder & CEO, Kairos
Rosario Ballesteros-Casas, Founder & CEO, VR Americas
Bianca Jackson, Founder & Owner, JAX Digital
11:15AM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Welcome to Careers @ NorthStar
Careers PROGRAMMING CURATED BY LABORX
Project NorthStar, the City of Philadelphia, and LaborX recognize the need to invest in solutions that enable more Black and Latinx people to take part in the innovation economy, make money, and carve their path to economic security. Yscaira Jimenez will kick off the Careers track sharing what employers and jobseekers can expect from the next two days.
SPEAKER
Yscaira Jimenez, Founder & CEO, LaborX
11:30AM | WORKSHOP STAGE
The Future of Work
We’ll start off in careers discussing the current workforce landscape, along with workforce trends around tech jobs. Panelists will dig into: what the opportunity is for employers recruiting tech talent in Philadelphia, and why workers from untraditional backgrounds are good for business.
SPEAKERS
Barry Wilkins, Director of Industry Partnerships, City of Philadelphia
Omar Woodard, Executive Director, GreenLight Fund Philadelphia
Melinda Brown, Site Director, Higher Education Programs, Year Up Greater Philadelphia
Yscaira Jimenez, Founder & CEO, LaborX
11:55AM | ARENA STAGE
Limitless Breakthrough: Creating, Implementing and Monetizing
Have you reached a plateau in your professional position and feel trapped as if there is no room to grow? As an entrepreneur in a competitive world, are you ready for a confidence boost to shatter that glass ceiling and soar to new heights? This talk is sure to reignite your fire as you will be passionately empowered and encouraged to overcome your fears and find greater success by tapping into your core principles, values and beliefs. Dr. Langley’s explosive content is sure to move you from a state a complacency to massive action as she will equip you with strategies to overpower the competition.
SPEAKER
Dr. Sarah Langley, Business Strategist, LeadHer International
12:15AM | ARENA STAGE
Make Money Moves: Learning the Foreign Language of Finance
How could improving financial literacy in our households lead to increased prosperity? Even the concept of financial literacy can be difficult to comprehend. It brings up emotions of fear, embarrassment, frustration, and misunderstanding. But families who increase their understanding of household finances can design a life within their earning capacity that leads to economic empowerment and confidence. In this session, learn how to develop a strategic financial plan, how to create multiple streams of passive income, and where to start when it comes to learning about money and finance.
SPEAKER
Natalie Torres-Haddad, Managing Partner, Savvy Women Coexist LLC
The Backyard Block Party
12:30PM | THE BACKYARD
After a morning filled with inspiration, get some lunch from food trucks and network or chill. Entertainment will be provided. Live painting with Ockimey will also be happening.
Mentor Office Hours
12:30PM-4:30PM | THE BACKYARD
One-on-one mentor office hours will also start now in The Backyard. They are by appointment only, so don’t forget to reserve your spot! Ask your most pressing questions to experts and investors who have been there and done that. Backstage Capital will also host special office hours appointments for founders interested in their new accelerator program!
1:35PM | ARENA STAGE
Failfest: Hard Lessons Learned
Entrepreneurs share a key moment of failure that taught them something critical to their journey.
SPEAKERs
Xavier Hernandez, Founder, STEM and Create
Jamica “Afrodjiak” El, Founder, muvaboard
AJ Nolton, Chief Innovation Officer, Bizology Academy
1:30PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
How to Attract and Keep Diverse Talent
Panelists will discuss the talent evaluation techniques they use within their own organizations, along with new hiring models that are helping their organizations attract and retain diverse talent.
SPEAKERS
Sara Ines Calderon, Lead React Native Developer, musx
Idalin Bobe, Social Justice and Technology Activist
Billimarie Lubiano Robinson, Web Development Director, Hopeworks Camden
Thalia Elie, DevOps Engineer, Elsevier
1:55PM | ARENA STAGE
How To Consistently Close Six-Figure Deals & Multiply Your Business Growth
Come to this session if you want to: (1) Become fluent in #BigMoney talk. In order to win high-value clients, you must speak the language of outcomes and results. (2) Learn the key decision makers and executives you need to talk to and how to position your services so that you are co-creating solutions vs. pitching. Drake started from the bottom, you need to start at the top. (3) Figure out how to increase your pricing by as much as 2400% without changing your fulfillment methods.
SPEAKER
Liz Simpson, Chief Growth Officer, Bild & Company
2:10PM | ARENA STAGE
Get the Sale and Close the Deal Using Social Media
Landing deals and selling your product or service on social media only works when you have a business development plan that aligns with your marketing goals. Posting your product is not enough. In this session, we will discuss how to prospect, build relationships and make more sales using a social media.
SPEAKER
Antoinette Minor, CEO, TYP Social Media Co.
2:30PM | ARENA STAGE
Doing Business For Us and By Us
We all want to support each other's businesses, but how can this be done in impactful ways? This panel will share the ways that we can get cash into the hands of the Black and Latinx community by elevating, educating, and hiring founders of color with the resources they have at their disposal.
SPEAKERS
Shelly Bell, Founder, Black Girl Ventures
Stephen Green, Founder, PitchBlack
Kahiga Tiagha, Founder & Lead Partner, The ITEM Ventures
Lili Gangas, Chief Technology Community Officer, Kapor Center
2:35pM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Building Infrastructure for Entry-Level Talent
In tech, the demand for technical talent far exceeds the supply, and research shows that this problem will only get worse, unless company start to hire differently, and make room for entry-level talent. This panel will discuss challenges and solutions around building fast-moving teams that welcomes and supports junior talent.
SPEAKERS
Karla Monterroso, CEO, Code2040
Marco Rogers, Director of Engineering, Lever
Simone Hill, Talent Programs & Analytics Lead, Upstart
3:30PM | ArENA STAGE
Developing Apps Without Being a Developer
Many people don't know that you can launch a startup without having a technical background. What's most important is that you are solving a problem, and that you have a way to validate your idea around a solution. In this session, Prashant will share how PowerApps can help you build solutions for the problem you are trying to solve as a non-technical founder.
SPEAKER
Prashant Sharma, Global Program Manager, Microsoft
3:30PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
What It Takes to Lead Tech Teams
In a world where tech leadership is simply portrayed by popular media as visionary and innovative, what does it actually take under the hood to lead tech teams and organizations? In this talk, Carlos will share qualities and focus areas of good tech leaders who can drive organizations to produce positive outcomes. Listeners will leave with an appreciation of the difficulty of managing in tech organizations, some key insights on how to become a better leader, and the importance of team alignment, culture, and norms to building great organizations.
SPEAKER
Carlos Rymer, Engineering Manager, The New York Times
3:45PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Creating an Invitation to the Tech Community
They say the definition of diversity is being "invited to the dance." But what about being involved in picking out the music, curating the guest list, choosing the venue, and being a part of the other plans for the party? These things often get left out. Let's talk more about what a real invitation entails and learn how we can create a welcoming community for everyone.
SPEAKER
Kyree Holmes, Founder, Onyx Valley
4:05PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Fair Chance Investments: Successfully Employing the Underserved
To ensure the future success of our nation, it is critical that we create a pathway for tech opportunities for formerly incarcerated citizens who are being navigated back to society. Technology is revolutionizing how people engaged in all aspects of life, and companies could make a big impact on their workforce and society by teaming up with reentry organizations to introduce or expand technology programming. Learn how we all win by providing inmates and the formerly incarcerated with access to technology.
SPEAKER
Jason Whyte, Director of Operations & Strategy, OIC of America
4:30PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Creating an Inclusive Environment for Diverse Talent
Leaders often say they want to create a atmosphere at work where employees can be themselves and do their best work, but they fail to create a culture where that can actually happen. Later, these leaders are left scratching their heads as to why employees are unhappy, don’t trust them, or just leave. This panel will provide best practices and real talk around how companies can do better.
SPEAKERs
Danilo Campos, Principal, Future Fluent
LaToya Tufts, LaToya Tufts, Site Director, SMASH Wharton
Kellie Wagner, Founder, DEI Collective
Rebecca Cruz-Estevez, Associate Director of Communications & Professional Networks, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
5:00PM-6:30PM | THE BACKYARD
Happy Hour with Bree and The Reeds
Get into this group, whose sound is reminiscent of traditional R&B music with strong Jazz undertones. Live painting will also be happening during this musical happy hour.
6:30PM-10:00PM | ARENA STAGE
The Glow Up
brought to you by Comcast NBCUniversal
You don't want to miss this celebration, bring a 2nd outfit if you have to! After a full day of informative sessions, NorthStar is going to light up with a party like you've never seen. Stick around to connect, network and enjoy performances by local Philly artists like Chill Moody and Donn T from &More.
FRIDAY, October 5th, 2018
DAY 3
Pipeline to Innovation, Getting Hired & Community
* This day is free for the public to attend, but registration is required. Click here for a Day 3 Only ticket.
9:30AM
Doors Open
This final day of Project NorthStar is free to attend. Content on this day will focus on sharing information and resources with jobseekers, youth and other members of the community. We invite you to join us!
10:00AM | ARENA STAGE & WORKSHOP STAGE
Welcome
Francesca Escoto and Jumoke Dada lead us into Day 3, Project NorthStar’s day for the community.
EMCEES
Francesca Escoto, Business Coach, Startups for Social Impact
Jumoke Dada, Technology & Strategy Consultant, Signature Red
Innovators Village
10:00AM-1:00PM | THE BACKYARD
BROUGHT TO YOU BY COMCAST NBCUNIVERSAL
The Innovators Village will showcase startups, nonprofits, and other community organizations who will demo their products and share information about their programs. Connect and engage with them to learn of new opportunities!
Mentor Office Hours
10:00AM-1:00PM | THE BACKYARD
One-on-one mentor office hours will be held in The Backyard. Ask your most pressing questions to experts and investors who have been there and done that. They are by appointment only, so don’t forget to reserve your spot! Badged NorthStar attendees will be given priority for reservations.
10:10AM | ARENA STAGE
Preparing the Next Generation of Tech Leaders
Sylvester Mobley has dedicated years developing dynamic tech education programs that fight the conditions that contribute to systemic poverty. In this talk he'll share his journey, and how tech has the potential to be a great equalizer for Black and Latinx communities.
SPEAKER
Sylvester Mobley, CEO, Coded By Kids
10:30AM | ARENA STAGE
Storytelling to Brand Yourself
In order to successfully present yourself in tech, a resume alone is not enough. Storytelling techniques, in the right doses, can transform a resume from boring (or braggy) to compelling. Learn tips on how to leverage storytelling to brand yourself to employers.
SPEAKER
Yscaira Jimenez, Founder & CEO, LaborX
10:30AM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Developing Your Career Strategy
Learn the steps that people of color need to take for raises and promotions. Who are the 5 people needed to build your career? How do I ask for a raise? How do I show I'm ready for a promotion? Find out who you need as supporters and how they can help you climb up the ladder.
SPEAKER
Michele Heyward, Founder, PositiveHire
10:50AM | WORKSHOP STAGE
Sin Verguenza: Own Your Path, Your Power, and Your Purpose
Without understanding your path, your power, and your purpose, your success will be limited. We cannot afford to wait for someone to open the door when we knock - we have to kick down the door! This lightning talk is about looking yourself in the mirror, knowing your worth, and asking for what you deserve.
SPEAKER
Amanda Keammerer, Deputy Director, Cybersecurity San Antonio | Founder, Javilud LLC
11:15AM | ARENA STAGE
It Pays to Be Prepared
In the words of Whitney Young, "It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared". Well, how about both? In this session, learn tips and tricks for your how to optimize your digital profile and conduct an online job search that will get you results.
SPEAKER
Buddy Hall, Program Manager, OIC of America
11:20AM | WORKSHOP STAGE
No Steps Backward, Just Forward Progress
Ofo Ezeugwu, Co-Founder & CEO of WhoseYourLandlord, shares his story and how he has tackled roadblocks along the journey of building his startup.
SPEAKER
Ofo Ezeugwu, Co-Founder & CEO, WhoseYourLandlord
11:35AM | ARENA STAGE
Ask for Sponsorship, Not Mentorship
While mentors can give you clarity, guidance, and confidence -- they may not be your weapon to break the glass ceiling. Learn about "sponsors" in the workplace, how they can be the tool you need to advance your career, and how to seek them out.
SPEAKERs
Yulkendy Valdez, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Forefront
Josuel Plasencia, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Forefront
11:40PM | WORKSHOP STAGE
In Data We Trust: Lifting Up Communities with Hard Facts
Decisions that affect underrepresented communities are being made everyday, often without the real facts that are needed to create successful outcomes. These panelists are making sure our voices and experiences are seen, and most importantly -- measured. Come hear them talk about their work, why it's important, and the gaps they are seeing.
SPEAKERS
Fabian Elliot, Co-Founder & CEO, Black Tech Mecca
Paul Wright, Co-Founder & COO, Stimulus | Director - Vendor Management, LiftForward
Liz Brown, Director, Backstage Accelerator Philadelphia | Founder, Design Jawn
Deldelp Medina, Director of Research & Strategy, Black & Brown Founders
12:05PM | ARENA STAGE
Playing to Win: How to Land the Job You Want
Learn how to sharpen your job-hunting skills, how to interview and present yourself in the room. These tips will help you stand out when being compared to other candidates.
SPEAKER
Tawanda Sydnor, Quality Assurance Analyst, Randstad Technologies | Founder, Interior Finishes by Sydnor
12:25PM | ARENA STAGE
Your Network is your NET WORTH
Join this session to find out how to develop an influential network of supporters, while building up your career and developing as a leader. You'll learn to use LinkedIn like a ninja and be more efficient in building relationships on and offline.
SPEAKER
Yai Vargas, Founder, The Latinista
12:45PM | ARENA STAGE
Closing Thoughts
BY ANIYIA WILLIAMS
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. Let’s end it on a high note with some parting thoughts from the Executive Director of Black & Brown Founders.