We've created a powerful day of networking, learning, and fun. Attendees will leave with a Success Toolkit filled with session worksheets and tools, plus access to all session recordings.

Welcome and Opening Remarks

THE DEI DEBACLE How do we reset it and move forward? 

DEI is under fire—but the need for it hasn’t gone away. This timely session tackles the backlash, explores where DEI went wrong, and offers practical strategies to reset and rebuild efforts that are impactful, inclusive, and sustainable.

Join us for a candid conversation on reclaiming the purpose of DEI and moving forward with clarity and courage.

Moderated by Lisa Armstrong, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Bechtel Corporation

Panelists: 

• Ben Sanders, III Ph.D, Chief Equity Officer Denver Mayor’s Office of Social Equity  & Innovation
• TBA

9:45am:  Funding the Dream: Grants, Loans & Alternative Capital – Exploring creative ways to secure funding without drowning in debt.

Come in out of the heat and shop our marketplace!

Hair & Beauty

Health & Wellness

Clothing

Art

Personal Finance

Recruiters

Health & Homeownership Information

More!

Legacy Luncheon:

• Fireside Chat with Wanda James & Janelle Finch
• Flash Talk by Benilda Samuels
• Community FIRST Award presentation to Ed Dwight, Jr. - world renown scupltor, pilot and oldest person to 
• Women in Leadership & Managment Awardees - Bianka Emerson (CBWPA) and Sondra Young (Denver NAACP immediate past President)

3:00 – 3:45 PM: Collective Impact: Strengthening Black Nonprofits for Long-Term Success

Description: Black-led nonprofits play a vital role in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within our communities. However, to maximize impact, we must move beyond isolated efforts and create a shared framework for collaboration. This session will lay the groundwork for a year-long initiative focused on resource-sharing, networking, and collective action. Participants will contribute to the development of a Community Calendar, Nonprofit Resource Guide or Resource Sharing, and Nonprofit Directory, ensuring that organizations have access to the tools, funding, and partnerships needed to thrive.

Key Topics:

• Identifying the Needs of Black-Led Nonprofits – What’s working, what’s missing, and how can we close the gaps?

• Creating a Community Calendar – A shared space for Black nonprofits to align events, avoid scheduling conflicts, and maximize engagement.

• Building a Nonprofit Resource Guide – A curated collection of funding sources, business services, legal resources, and capacity-building tools.

• Developing a Nonprofit Directory – Connecting organizations for referrals, partnerships, and shared opportunities.

• Establishing a Year-Long Action Plan – Turning this discussion into a movement that drives sustainable change.

Ideal Audience:

• Black nonprofit leaders, founders, and board members

• Community organizers and grassroots leaders

• Philanthropists and funders focused on Black-led initiatives

• Business leaders and professionals seeking to support Black nonprofits

• Government officials and policymakers engaged in economic development

This session will be interactive and solution-driven, with opportunities for participants to share insights and contribute directly to the development of these essential resources.

4:00 – 4:45 PM: From the Block to the Boardroom: Scaling Black-Led Nonprofits for Greater Impact

Description: Many Black-led nonprofits start with grassroots efforts but struggle to scale. This workshop provides a roadmap to expanding your reach, building strategic partnerships, and transitioning from community-based initiatives to nationally recognized organizations.

Key Takeaways:

• How to turn a grassroots movement into a well-funded nonprofit

• The role of corporate and government partnerships in scaling Black nonprofits

• Leadership development strategies for long-term sustainability

3:00 – 3:45 Revenue on Repeat: Smart Automations for Growth

Purpose of the Workshop

This session equips founders with high-impact automation strategies that free up time, increase capacity, and drive sustainable revenue growth.

Workshop Objectives

• Introduce three key revenue growth strategies for small business success.
• Highlight essential automations that help founders execute each strategy.
• Provide real-world examples of each automation in action.

Guide participants in gamification exercise as a check for understanding/analysis.

 Key Takeaways

A clear understanding of where automation meets revenue growth and tactics.

A clear understanding of how a microbusiness owner should lead in automation strategy.

Practical examples of how automation can increase speed, capacity, and efficiency.

A personalized "Revenue Automation Playbook" with specifications for automations.

Toolkit: Participants will leave with a Smart Automations Playbook for automations planning.

Facilitators

Makisha Boothe – Sistahbiz Founder & Head Business Coach 

Ellie RedCloud – Sistahbiz Revenue & Traffic Coach

4:00 – 4:45 GenSync: Aligning Generations for Business Growth

From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, today’s workplace is more generationally diverse than ever, and that’s a powerful asset when leveraged correctly. In this dynamic 45-minute session, we’ll explore how to bridge generational differences, enhance communication, and align values to drive collaboration and business results.

Participants will gain insights into each generation’s unique strengths, workplace expectations, and communication styles. Through real-world examples and interactive dialogue, we’ll uncover practical strategies for fostering cross-generational synergy, reducing friction, and boosting team performance.

Whether you're a leader, business owner, or team member, this session will equip you to turn generational diversity into a competitive edge.

Takeaways:

Understand key motivators and mindsets across generations

Identify common friction points—and how to navigate them

Learn proven tactics to foster trust, respect, and collaboration

Build a more inclusive, high-performing team culture

5:00 – 5:45 Wellness for Mind, Body, and Business– Managing stress, maintaining balance, and prioritizing mental health while building a business. 

Description: Running a business can be rewarding, but it also comes with high levels of stress, burnout, and mental fatigue. This workshop will equip entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders with practical strategies to manage stress, maintain work-life balance, and prioritize their mental and physical well-being while growing a successful business. Participants will leave with actionable tools to enhance productivity, improve resilience, and sustain long-term success without sacrificing their health.

Key Topics Covered:

• Recognizing & Managing Entrepreneurial Stress – Identifying signs of burnout and stress triggers.

• Mindfulness & Mental Resilience – Techniques for staying grounded and focused under pressure.

• Work-Life Harmony – Strategies for setting boundaries and maintaining balance.

• Healthy Habits for Business Owners – Nutrition, exercise, and self-care routines that fuel success.

• Time Management & Delegation – Avoiding overwhelm by optimizing workflow and team support.

• Seeking Support & Community – The importance of mentorship, therapy, and business networks.

Ideal Audience:

• Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and solopreneurs seeking sustainable success.

• Business professionals looking to improve stress management and work-life integration.

• Leaders and executives who want to foster a culture of wellness in their organizations.

3:00 – 3:45:  Empower Your Legacy: Estate Planning for Our Community

Description: Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to protect their family, assets, and future. This workshop is designed for individuals and families who may or may not have had access to traditional financial and legal planning resources.

We’ll cover the essentials — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives — in clear, accessible language. More importantly, we’ll talk about how estate planning can be a tool for empowerment, preserving generational wealth, and making sure your voice is heard, even when you’re not there to speak for yourself.

Leave with the knowledge and confidence to start your estate plan and ensure your legacy is secure.

Key Topics: 

Trusts vs. wills, tax strategies for generational wealth, life insurance as a wealth-building tool, and succession planning for businesses.

Ideal Audience: 

Business owners, parents, and anyone serious about long-term wealth preservation.

4:00 – 4:45 Stronger Together: Building Bridges for Black Business

Description: While Black Africans and Black Americans share cultural roots and entrepreneurial spirit, their business communities often operate in silos. This engaging session explores how to break down barriers, build trust, and create pathways for collaboration that elevate Black-owned businesses across the diaspora.

Learn how cultural understanding, shared resources, and strategic alliances can drive growth, expand markets, and strengthen our collective economic power. It’s time to bridge the gap—and build together.

5:00 – 5:45 Wellness for Mind, Body, and Business– Managing stress, maintaining balance, and prioritizing mental health while building a business. 

Description: Running a business can be rewarding, but it also comes with high levels of stress, burnout, and mental fatigue. This workshop will equip entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders with practical strategies to manage stress, maintain work-life balance, and prioritize their mental and physical well-being while growing a successful business. Participants will leave with actionable tools to enhance productivity, improve resilience, and sustain long-term success without sacrificing their health.

Ideal Audience:

• Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and solopreneurs seeking sustainable success.

• Business professionals looking to improve stress management and work-life integration.

• Leaders and executives who want to foster a culture of wellness in their organizations.