The Emerging Young Entrepreneurs Program took place on Monday, October 26 and Thursday, October 28.
Monday, October 26, Emerging Young Entrepreneurs Program Kicked off the day with and an educational lecture taught by world-class Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College Professor, Dr. Gail Ayala Taylor, on topic of “Marketing During COVID-19”.
It was followed by a virtual panel discussion of the Next Generation – “Family Ties” with special guest moderator Ian Conyers, Former Michigan Senator and CEO, Ruth Strategies.
Panelists:
- Richelieu Dennis, Sophia Dennis, Essence Ventures – Place Media
- Frank Venegas, Linzie Venegas – The Ideal Group
- Steve Hightower Sr, Stephen Hightower Jr – Hightower Petroleum
Thursday October 28, NMSDC continued programming with:
- A Keynote Speaker address by Christopher Gray, Founder and CEO, Scholly
- A Workshop with Special Guest Natalia Oberti Noguera, Founder and CEO, Pipeline Angels
- A Presentation by Ernst & Young LLP presenting on “Smart Money” Pitches and “One on One Business” pitch best practices.
NMSDC closed the two-day program with the first ever Emerging Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) Program first ever pitch competition in conjunction with New Voices Foundation. New Voices Foundation provides small-business owners with access, capital, and expertise through its robust host of accelerators, online skill development resources, communications outreach, and coaching and mentorship opportunities. New Voices Foundation is delivering on its promise to help minority business owners build, grow, and scale their businesses and create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Judges:
- Ben Tubuo, lead Strategic Sourcing/ Supplier Diversity, The Walt Disney Company
- Ian Conyers, Founder, Ruth Strategies
- Heather Bernecker, Associate Director, Financial Services, Ernst & Young LLP
- Kiruba Sanker, Global Lead, Global Procurement, RBC Royal Bank
- Gia Lowe, Founder, Glowe Group Consultancy and Co-Founder Curly Girl Collect
Pitch Competition Finalists
Akil Alvin, Founder & CEO
Company Name: Digital Detroit Media
Company Website
Leyanis Diaz, Founder & CEO
Company Name: MAJOR
Company Website
Terrence Height Jr., Founder & CEO
Company Name: The Business and Brand
Company Website
ShaKeia Kegler, Founder & CEO
Company Name: Govlia
Company Website
Ashley Martin, Founder & CEO
Company Name: Leadership Lady
Company Website
Armani Williams, Founder & CEO
Company Name: LocShark
Company Website
Please see more at https://nmsdc.org/conference2020/eye-2020/