Testimonials

The MRBES Success Summit & Expo is an asset to our community. It is a great event that helps provide local entrepreneurs and business owners access to the resources needed to help businesses start, grow and expand in a global economy.”

Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock

“This is a MUST ATTEND event! Phenomenal opportunity for networking and getting the tools you need to be successful and sustainable in entrepreneurship. This event truly impacted how I do business.”

K. Ashton

“MRBES Success was a phenomenal experience, very beneficial! I made great connections and learned so much from the experts. I am truly inspired and excited to launch and expand my business.”

J. Melvin

“'Excellence' is the QUALITY of being outstanding or extremely good. Carla Ladd's 2018 MRBES Success Summit was an ideal model of EXCELLENCE. Likewise the LAND ROVER DENVER sponsored luncheon. It was an honor to be their guest. As well, each speaker offered applicable, substantive, memorable gems of wisdom. The entire day a great investment in all regards. CONGRATULATIONS, Carla!!!”

C. Porter

“I really enjoyed the summit environment. People were supportive, welcoming and ready to help each other connect and explore new opportunities. So many powerful people in the room! This was an inspiration to attend."

K.C.

“Amazing network of business owners and professionals! Thank you for keeping alive the dream of success, partnered with an orientation toward serving the community.”

L.D.

“I want to start by acknowledging Ms. Carla Ladd and her team with the Black Economic Success Trust Summit & Expo, by saying Bravo! You all deserve your flowers and a round of applause! This past summit (2023) was my first and I enjoyed everything from the opening session with Dr. Zelda, to the luncheon and fireside chat, to the post-event reception, everyone who identifies as Black in Colorado needs to attend! I was able to walk away with so many rich revelations, and inspiration, and in a place of cultivation that I wasn't before and had many blessings that unfolded for me. I was invited to the summit by Dr. Angelic Cole with the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Cole and I had talked earlier that week about a position with the chamber and she shared she had an extra ticket and wondered if I was willing to go. I took her up on her offer and ended up getting the job on the spot (first day). On my second day, I attended the business expo, and I did not know what to expect. I knew there would be vendors, and people tabling, but this expo was different. The inclusion of the scavenger hunt made the table-to-table visits more engaging both for the vendors and the table visitors. I loved seeing entrepreneurs from our youth to adults in the space and seeing a sea of beautiful Black-owned businesses and companies, in different industries and professions. It confirmed what we already know to be true, that there is Black folk in Colorado, but sometimes we must be reminded and as the saying goes seeing is believing. Though I did not get the chance to visit every table, every connection I met has turned into fruitful relationships. From the hugs, smiles. To the calls and texts. The people I met at this Summit have become in ways my new Aces and can't wait till next year's summit. By the way, I also won a TV! So excited, and very much enjoying it... thank you again, Ms. Carla. The atmosphere was a blessing. The expo was packed with so many people and families. I loved the segment with the youth performances. I've been to many expos and many networking events, entrepreneurship panels, luncheons, and the list goes on. But I can say out of all the ones I have experienced in my lifetime this one, the B.E.S.T. Success Summit &Expo was the best of my life and I am coming back next year! I give this 10s across the board, and I recommend anyone Black and in Colorado attend this expo and summit! Your soul will be fed and you will walk away with blessings on blessings- I did. And for that Ms Carla and team, I thank you again! ”

Antwaun, BEST Participant 2023

“As a Colorado DEI professional, I was invited to attend the B.E.S.T Success Summit DEI panel. The panel members shared their experiences working in the field including their success, challenges, and personal stories for how they dealt with adversity. The panel inspired me, connected me with mentors to reach out to, and words of wisdom and advice for how to "manifest change in the space I am in.”

Jessica J. Thrasher, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Program Leader - Colorado Water Center

“I hope this email finds you well. My name is Ama Owusu. I want to thank you for the opportunity to experience the B.E.S.T Summit as well as the opportunity to be a vendor. It isn't often that I have the opportunity to sit in a room with powerful Black people. I left the summit feeling encouraged, empowered, and grateful. Thank you. I look forward to next year's event."

BEST Participant 2023