The Midlands African Chamber, Inc. (MAC) held its 2024 Pitch Black Conference and Tech Showcase, presented by Google, on June 29, 2024, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at Creighton University Harper Center. This year's theme is "Digital Disruption: Unleashing Opportunities for BIPOC Entrepreneurs."
The event aimed to nurture entrepreneurship and empower businesses in Nebraska and Iowa, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to connect with investors, mentors, and resources.
Highlights included a pitch competition for BIPOC and immigrant/refugee entrepreneurs with a grand prize of up to $15,000. Finalists received over $40,000 in technical assistance, including marketing, legal, and accounting services.
Keynote Speakers:
- Robert Blackwell Jr is the Founder and Chairman of Quant16, Blackwell uses advanced analytics to help organizations achieve financial savings. He also founded TESC. Love and Killerspin LLC. Blackwell actively participates in civic and academic organizations, providing insights into digital transformation and community empowerment. Website: https://www.quant16.com/
- Aasiyah Abdulsalam is the dynamic Founder and CEO of The Renatural, renowned for her innovative approach to wig making technology and entrepreneurship. Her achievements include winning the Fearless Fund Conference pitch prize, being recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and securing significant VC funding for her groundbreaking inventions in the beauty industry. Website: https://therenatural.com/pages/our-story
Panel Discussions and Workshops:
- Founders Forum: Navigating the Journey from Startup to Success (Led by: Invest Nebraska)
- Creating and Optimizing Reels (Led by: Meta Experts)
- Future of Work Panel (Led by: Wells Fargo)
- Unlock AI: Guide to Business (Led by: Meta Experts)
- Harnessing Disruption: AI and Legal Innovation (Led by: Koley Jessen)
Pitch Black 2024 Conference Agenda
Disclaimer: Agenda sessions and times are subject to change as the timeline of the conference is still evolving. Please contact us at info@midlandsafricanchamber.com for more information.
Registration
07:00 AM - 08:00 AM: Exhibitor and Volunteer Arrival and Set-Up
08:00 AM - 08:45 AM: Registration + Breakfast + Tech Showcase
Welcome and Opening Remarks
08:45 AM - 09:00 AM: Welcome and Opening Remarks
09:00 AM - 09:30 AM: Opening Keynote Speaker: Robert Blackwell Jr., Chairman, Quant16
Topic: Digital Transformation: Disruptive Ecosystem Design-Thinking
Overview: This session will unveil the transformative potential of Ecosystem Design-Thinking in the age of AI, highlighting how this scientific approach can revolutionize business outcomes for entrepreneurs. Learn how to differentiate between schooling and true understanding, equipping your business for digital success.
Workshops
09:45 AM - 10:45 AM: Choose your topics and rotate to engage in short enlightening discussions and workshops led by experts in their fields.
Track 1: Founders Forum: Navigating the Journey from Startup to Success
Location: Ballroom
Overview: Hear from diverse entrepreneurs who have navigated the challenging journey from startup to multi-million dollar success. Gain insights into their experiences, strategies, and lessons learned.
Presented by: Invest Nebraska
Moderator: Ishmael Samuel, Chief Technology Officer, Paragon
Panelists:
- Luper V. Akough, CEO, Clout Enterprises
- Jesse McConnell, Founder and CEO, Webtide, LLC
- Fatou Sogoyou Bekeyi, Founder and CEO, Finally Voyage
- Andrew Prystai, Founder and CEO, Event Vesta
Track 2: Creating and Optimizing Reels Workshop
Location: room 4069
Speaker: Gibran Jones, Meta
Presented by: Meta
Overview: Learn to leverage Instagram Reels to engage your audience and achieve business goals. This hands-on workshop provides practical guidance on creating compelling Reels that captivate viewers and drive results.
Track 3: Being Local, Going Global
Location: room 4068
Facilitator: Laban Njuguna, CEO of Zabunni Coffee, Cornhusker Connections, and MAC Board Chairman
Presented by: Creighton University Heider College of Business
Overview: Join us for a panel discussion on how Nebraska businesses can expand globally, facilitated by Laban Njuguna, CEO of Zabunni Coffee and MAC Board Chairman. Our expert panelists will explore how digital technology can facilitate international growth, covering topics such as e-commerce, digital marketing, and supply chain management.
Panelists:
- Tiffany Gamble, CEO, Gamble Tech Firm and Emerging Ladies Academy
- Ope Banwo, Founder, and Mobisoft 360 Inc., Banwo and Igbokwe Law Firm
- Deen Albert, Director of Operations, Grand Island Express, Inc and Chair America Bound
- Joe Chapuran, African Development Director, Western Forms and VP of International for Integrated Trade Financial
Workshops
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM: Choose your topics and rotate to engage in short enlightening discussions and workshops led by experts in their fields.
Track 1: Future of Work Panel
Location: room 4068
Overview: Explore how technology is reshaping the workplace. Gain insights from industry experts on the future of work, collaboration, and success in a digital landscape.
Presented by: Wells Fargo
Moderator: LaShonna Dorsey, Executive Director, InternNE, Nebraska Tech Collaborative
Panelists:
- Amanda Martinez, Software Engineer, Wisp
- Krystal Ryder, Director, DoSpace
- Keele Taylor, Chief Human Resources Officer, HR Minded Consulting Services
- Jasmine Kingsley, Chief People Officer, Hudl
- Arthur Brown, Dean of Information Technology, Metropolitan Community College
Track 2: Unlock AI: Guide for Business
Location: room 4069
Speaker: Gibran Jones
Presented by: Meta
Overview: Learn the core principles of AI—"Fuel" and "Freedom"—and their application in the AI performance system. Understand how to harness data, creativity, media, and measurement to enhance business outcomes and discover tools to optimize AI experiences.
Track 3: Harnessing Digital Disruption: AI and Legal Innovation
Location: 2057-2058 (on the second floor)
Speaker: Jack Horgan, Shareholder, Koley Jessen
Presented by: Koley Jessen
Overview: Jack Horgan of Koley Jessen explores how AI is transforming legal practices, offering opportunities for businesses to optimize operations and unlock growth. Learn how to leverage AI for contract analysis, compliance management, and more, while ensuring affordable and ethical legal services for small businesses. Gain practical insights to navigate the legal landscape with confidence.
Lunch and Keynote Speaker
12:00 PM - 01:10 PM: Lunch and Keynote Presentation by Aasiyah Abdulsalam, CEO, The Renatural
Presented by: Google
Overview: Join Aasiyah Abdulsalam as she unveils the future of the beauty industry through innovation and technology. Her journey from academic research to creating patented wig manufacturing technology has revolutionized the hair extensions market. Learn how her visionary approach is setting new standards in the industry.
Finalists Presentations
01:40 PM - 03:35 PM: Watch the Pitch Black Finalists, Tippl, LLC, SunFlare Brands, Love Yo Pup LLC, Chalice Health LLC, Caring Expertise, LLC, compete for up to $15000 in the Pitch Black Competition Finale.
Awards and Prize Ceremony
03:40 PM - 04:00 PM: Pitch Black and Investors Pick Awards Winners Announcement and Prize Ceremony
Closing Remarks & Networking
04:00 PM - 04:10 PM: Closing Remarks
04:10 PM - 05:00 PM: Networking Reception
Prize Amounts
1st Place - $10,000
2nd Place - $5,000
3rd Place - $2,500
4th Place - $1,000
5th Place - $1,000
Investors' Pick - $5,000
1st Place Winners
Caring Expertise
2nd Place Winner and Investor's Pick
Tippl
3rd Place Winners
Chalice Health
4th Place Winner
Love Yo Pup
4th Place Winner
SunFlare Brands
2024 MC
Taylor Johnson
WOWT
2024 Keynote Speakers
Robert Blackwell Jr.
Quant16
Aasiyah Abdulsalam
The Renatural
2024 Speakers and Panelists
LaShonna Dorsey
Nebraska Tech Collaborative
Ishmael Samuel
Paragon
Luper Akough
Clout Enterprises
Arthur Brown
Metropolitan Community College
Keele Taylor
HR Minded Consulting
Amanda Martinez
Wisp
Andrew Prystai
Event Vesta
Krystal Rider
Do Space
Gibran Jones
Meta
Jack Horgan
Koley Jessen
Jesse McConnell
Webtide
Fatou Sogoyou-Bekeyi
Finally Voyage
Jasmine Kingsley
Hudl
Dr. Ope Banwo
Banwo & Igbokwe
Tiffany Gamble
Gamble Tech Firm
Deen Albert
Grand Island Express
Joe Chapuran
Integrated Trade Finance
Karine Sokpoh
Midlands African Chamber
Fidele Mienso
Midlands African Chamber
Gonael Gnininvi
Midlands African Chamber
Euloge Sekle
Midlands African Chamber
Toyi Jack Beguedou
Midlands African Chamber
Rose McKelvey
Midlands African Chamber
John Ouedrago
Midlands African Chamber
Martine Quartey
Midlands African Chamber
Laban Njuguna
Midlands African Chamber
2024 Judges
Wilbur Jenkins
COO, Woodmen Life
Veta jeffery
President, Jeffery Consultants
Eric Butler
President, CEO of Aswani Butler Investment Associates
Frank Hayes
President, Hayes & Associates
Anita Johnson
Manager, Wells Fargo
James Mobley
Data Center Facilities Technician, Google
Kim Rowell
Vice President, Nebraska & Iowa Cox Communications, Central Region
2024 Sponsors
Presenting
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Copper
Fan
Foundations
Pitch Black could not be possible without the support of the following funders: Weitz family Foundation, Sherwood Foundation, Lozier Foundation, and United Way of the Midlands
Community Partners
Media Partners
The 2024 Pitch Black Conference Gallery
Contact us
For sponsorship, partnership, volunteer opportunities, and other inquiries, please use the contact form below.