30 Black Women LEADERS Building the Startup Innovation Ecosystem

In the confluence of Black History Month and Women's History Month, a powerful intersectionality emerges, providing a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the often unsung heroes of our communities – Black women. This harmonious celebration is not merely a convergence of dates but a meaningful acknowledgment of the challenges faced and triumphs achieved by Black women. Tracy Gray , an esteemed colleague, has astutely termed the week bridging these two significant months as Black Women's Week, a dedicated time to amplify the voices, stories, and achievements of Black women who have been instrumental leaders in their communities.

Despite their invaluable contributions, Black women grapple with systemic inequities. They have been targets of discriminatory lawsuits, face a notable deficit in financial support through investments, loans, and philanthropy, and endure the dehumanizing experiences of being labeled the "least attractive" on dating apps. However, the resilience and strength exhibited by Black women in the face of these challenges are awe-inspiring. It's crucial to recognize that while they navigate these societal barriers, Black women are consistently relied upon for monumental tasks – from mobilizing voters and building communities to playing pivotal roles in safeguarding democracy.

Black Women's Week stands as a powerful call to action, urging society to confront and dismantle the deeply rooted prejudices that perpetuate these disparities. It is a time to not only celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Black women but also to address the structural inequalities that persist. By elevating the narratives of Black women leaders, we foster a richer and more inclusive cultural tapestry, one that recognizes their indomitable spirit and the indispensable role they play in shaping a more just and equitable world.

“In February 2023, CNBC reported that less than 2% of total VC dollars go to Black entrepreneurs. In addition, Black investors make up only 3% of the VC industry, per Fast Company. Staggering numbers such as these back why Shalanda Armstrong (listed below) emphasized the critical need for Black woman investors like herself to help fund Black woman entrepreneurs and provide resources from their network.” Afrotech published.

“Zooming in on the data, a recent VC Human Capital Survey from National Venture Capital Association and 德勤 found that 3% of investment partner positions are held by Black employees, Black employees comprise 3% of investment professionals who originate deals and 3% of those who represent the firm on the boards of portfolio companies. Black women founders are particularly impacted by a lack of funding, receiving 0.41% of all US VC dollars in 2021.” (Pitchbook)

Startup Investor-LEADERS play a pivotal role in democratizing venture capital and dismantling silos within the innovation ecosystem. Their importance lies in their ability to reshape the fabric of the ecosystem by fostering creativity, expanding opportunities, and ensuring broader access to resources. By consciously investing in ventures led by individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, they contribute to a more inclusive venture capital landscape. This democratization ensures that funding opportunities are not limited to a select few, allowing a wider array of innovative ideas to flourish. Investor leaders who actively work to break down silos within the innovation ecosystem promote collaboration among diverse stakeholders; creating a more interconnected and resilient ecosystem. Investor leaders have the influence to steer capital towards unconventional ideas. By embracing a broader definition of innovation, they catalyze a more comprehensive and impactful innovation ecosystem. This long-term approach not only ensures a more ethical and responsible deployment of capital but also promotes the idea that startups can be agents of positive change in their communities, contributing to an innovation ecosystem that thrives on the principles of creativity, opportunity, and access for all.

Entrepreneur-LEADERS or startup founders play a crucial role in the ongoing success of an innovation ecosystem for several compelling reasons. Their contributions go beyond individual success stories and extend to breaking patterns of historical bias, fostering diversity, and providing private diversification to investor portfolios. Entrepreneurial stories of resilience, risk-taking, and triumph serve to inspire and aspire, showcase the possibilities within the innovation ecosystem, motivating others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Entrepreneurial journeys challenge historical bias by highlighting the achievements of individuals from diverse backgrounds, breaking systemic patterns. As more entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups succeed, the innovation ecosystem becomes more inclusive, breaking down barriers that may have previously hindered access to resources and opportunities. Their achievements contribute to changing the narrative surrounding who can be a successful entrepreneur, fostering a more equitable and meritocratic ecosystem. Startups contribute to economic growth by generating revenue, creating jobs, and fostering innovation. A thriving innovation ecosystem led by successful entrepreneurs has a cascading effect on the overall economy.

Ecosystem-builder-LEADERS serve as the dynamic engines propelling the innovation economy forward, acting as catalysts for growth and connectivity within entrepreneurial ecosystems. Their role is multifaceted, encompassing the vital functions of connecting, collaborating, and facilitating conversations among diverse stakeholders, ultimately creating a cohesive and vibrant environment. Ecosystem builders excel at fostering connections between entrepreneurs and investors, thus cultivating networks intensionally and bridging the gap between those seeking investment and those looking to deploy capital. Ecosystem builder leaders also actively engage in conversations about emerging trends, market shifts, technological advancements, societal needs, and business opportunities within the innovation economy. By functioning as the glue that binds leaders together, ecosystem builders contribute to the resilience, adaptability, and sustained growth of innovation ecosystems around the world.

The achievements, stories, and advocacy of these leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem-builders consistently inspire, break down historical biases, diversify investment portfolios, and contribute to economic growth, collectively shaping a dynamic and resilient landscape for future innovators. The innovation economy is dynamic and subject to rapid changes and disruptions. Ecosystem builders-LEADERS foster a culture of continuous conversation, coupled with entrepreneur-LEADERS who innovate and impact through building new products and investor-LEADERS who seek great opportunities in emerging industries and underestimated markets, the entire innovation ecosystem can collectively navigate uncertainties and respond effectively to evolving market conditions, maximizing economic growth through leveraging startup ecosystems.

10 Black Women INVESTOR-leaders:

1_ Dawn Batts | Commune Angels

Dr. Dawn Batts has over two decades of experience, analyzing business opportunities, developing and implementing strategic plans, and managing their subsequent operations and compliance processes. Her diverse professional experiences and research have led to her solutions-based approach in addressing the myriad of factors causing the economic disparity between women and men.

As the Director of Growth Capital for Tech Town -- Detroit's entrepreneurial hub -- Dawn secures and aligns resources that help Detroit-based entrepreneurs achieve the vision and goals of their businesses. She also manages the Catalyst Angel Program which trains, mentors, and engages emerging underrepresented angel investors in the Great Lakes Region.? She extends her work as co-founder of Commune Angels, a diverse community of investors who seed scalable consumer, enterprise and life science companies that transform lives. Dawn has served on a variety of local and national non-profit boards. She currently serves as a director on the Michigan Early-Stage Venture Investment Corporation Board and a board member of the Angel Capital Association.

2_ Bridgette Smith | Purpose Led Ventures

After retiring from Google, Bridgette L. Smith became the Executive Chairman CEO and Founder of several enterprises focused on helping undercapitalized and underrepresented women, BIPOC and LGBTQ founders and emerging VC firms. Her "Think Like an Investor" brand provides a rare glimpse into what investors look for when evaluating deals.

Since launching her popular "Investing With Confidence" brand in May 2023, she has empowered more than 4,000 women to invest in private companies & build wealth. Despite starting with zero knowledge in venture capital, Bridgette has amassed an impressive portfolio of pre-seed to pre-IPO startup investments, venture capital firms, private equity funds & alternative assets in just 2 years.

When she is not democratizing investing in diverse founders, she serves as Chair of the Berkeley SkyDeck DEI Committee, Advisory Council of IIF - Impact Innovation Foundation, Inc , hosts investor events & is a Board Advisor to multiple startups. Prior to rising in tech and landing in the c-suite, Bridgette shined in journalism.

3_ La Keisha Landrum Pierre | Founding Partner| Emmeline Ventures

La Keisha Landrum Pierre is a purpose-driven investor and 3x founder on a mission to create a more equitable world. She is an expert at taking complex business challenges and intuitively designing solutions that create real and lasting financial and social change. With an analytical approach and a deeply spiritual mindset, La Keisha has spent the last 12+ years building world-class operational teams and infusing strategic excellence into impact-focused companies. She is an unconventional thought leader who draws people in with her focus on cultivating and building community.

La Keisha is the General Partner and Co-Founder of Emmeline Ventures , an early stage VC fund which invests in and builds an ecosystem for emerging female founders and businesses focused on women’s health, wealth and well being. In an industry where women only received 3% of VC funding in 2021, Emmeline Ventures is building the future of venture by investing in companies leading meaningful change and making the world better for women.

La Keisha also holds the role of Chairwoman at Sahara Reporters Media Group , one of the most influential digital platforms in West Africa built to transform transparency in African governance. s the Chairwoman, she manages large partnerships and guides the next generation of leaders at Sahara. La Keisha has been making a tangible impact on digital and media storytelling innovation throughout her career. These accomplishments range from founding the Civic Media Lab in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation and MIT Media Lab/Center for Future Civic Media to building lasting relationships with world leaders.?

4_ Misti Cain | Techstars

Mistie Cain is the Investment Manager of Techstars San Diego powered by San Diego State University accelerator. She is also founder and Chief Advyzzor of Whyzze ('wise'), an online platform that helps executives, owners, and entrepreneurs accomplish three things: Simplify their organizational challenges, attract and keep highly engaged teams, and attract and keep highly engaged customers.

She also serves as a board member, for the Dean of the College of Business Administration for California State University San Marcos ; and as a lead mentor for Techstars Anywhere Remote Accelerator .

With a solid background in marketing and strategy, Misti has worked with and helped improve the growth, retention, and customer experience for well-known companies including CIGNA Healthcare, Jazzercize, Aruba Tourism, Couples Resorts, GreatCall, Westin Hotels, and GoFundMe. She is passionate about helping growth-minded people and organizations wisely identify and achieve meaningful outcomes.

5_ JaNay Queen Nazaire, PhD | BLK GRVTY

JaNay Queen Nazaire, PhD is a senior advisor and partners with PSG on the social justice initiative internally and with portfolio companies. She also is a researcher, convener and facilitator of people toward action. JaNay Queen Nazaire is a facilitator, collaborator, and bridge-builder with a fierce belief that every person has the right to a healthy, abundant, and connected life.

As Co-founder & CEO of BLK GRVTY , Dr. Queen convenes and leverages public, private, and philanthropic stakeholders in American cities, identifies and tests innovative approaches to deploy millions in public and private capital for investing in people of color, and harnesses and facilitates the power and resources of 18 multibillion-dollar foundations and financial institutions working collectively towards systems change.

She builds relationships and leverages networks to empower and mobilize leaders across the globe to marry growth objectives with an advocacy of people who have been disproportionately left out and systematically denied social, political and economic opportunity. All of this work is guided by her fierce belief that every person has the right to thrive. “We exist in a world of abundance--our challenge remains that not all have equitable access to that abundance. In everything I do, I bring a steadfast commitment that we can bring this abundance to all and create a world where all people are living healthy, abundant and connected lives.”

6_ Nicole Washington | Angel Capital Association

Nicole Washington is a senior executive and entrepreneur with twenty years of experience in strategic planning, systems design and implementation and programming for business, telecommunications, and government industries. She has been an Information Technology Management Consultant for local and national firms, including Ernst & Young where she specialized in the implementation and integration of Enterprise software. More recently, as Director of Innovation & Growth at Octane OC , Nicole focused on creation of a business ecosystem by providing leadership and creating the processes needed to accelerate member companies’ growth from startup to liquidity event.?

While Nicole currently serves as a member of the international AI For Good Global Summit Gender Braintrust, Nicole has spent over a decade as a member of one of the largest Angel Investing Funds in the country where she has been an avid and effective due diligence team member. Nicole is also a member of one of the largest Angel Investing Funds in the country where she has been an avid and effective due-diligence team member. She also served in key leadership and board positions for prestigious non-profits including the Angel Capital Association (ACA). The ACA is the largest professional organization for active accredited investors in North America. Nicole also founded Nicole’s Naturals? Inc., a manufacturing company specializing in development of gluten free grain products with the texture and taste of traditional gluten products. In 2014, Nicole's Naturals debuted at the Celiac Disease Foundation Expo in Pasadena California where its gluten-free waffle & pancake mix was described by the LA Times as a "waffle you'll want to eat." Nicole's Naturals' award-winning brand packaging also appeared in national publications such as Gluten Free & More and Go Gluten Free.

7_ Shalanda Armstrong | 100KM Ventures

Shalanda Armstrong is Co-founder & Managing Partner of 100KM Ventures who wants to push for firms to be more intentional about investing early on in companies led by diverse founders rather than waiting for them to embark on an IPO. The Washington, D.C.-based firm invests in early-stage companies with diverse management teams that focus on femtech, sportstech, and the future of work. During her time as an undergrad in computer science, the Hampton University alumna leaned into her longtime curiosity about learning who funds startups. Then, she went on to shift her inquisitiveness into action. Prior to launching 100KM Ventures, she was an active angel investor investing in 25+ startups and technology executive, investing in amazing startups including Arion Long’s Femly and Ashton Keys’ Athlytic. Shalanda has spent close to 20 years in the technology sector holding multiple technology consulting leadership roles at top-tier firms including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst and Young, and Salesforce after beginning her career as a software engineer.

8_? Uriridiakoghene (Ulili) Onovakpuri | Kapor Capital

Uriridiakoghene (Ulili) Onovakpuri is Managing Partner—working alongside fellow managing partner Brian Dixon—at Kapor Capital, an impact-driven investment firm based in Oakland, California.? She invests in seed stage digital health, medical device, and HR tech (People Operations Tech) startups with a presence in the United States. Kapor Capital launched its $126 million Fund III in 2022, its largest to date, with the continued mission of investing in tech startups that center positive impact for low-income communities and communities of color. At Kapor, Ulili leads investments in the health tech and people operations tech companies. She is also the founder of Kapor Capital’s Fellows program. The longest running venture capital internship program for underrepresented individuals. Previously, Uriridiakoghene served as Director of Global Programs at Village Capital, a global accelerator program and venture capital firm which supports healthcare, education, agriculture, energy and FinTech businesses. At Village Capital she worked side by side with entrepreneurs from around the world helping them grow their ideas into marketable businesses. Uriridiakoghene received her MBA with a concentration in Health Sector Management from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. She is a native San Franciscan and a proud UC Berkeley Alum.

9_ Anne Maghas, PhD | Commune Angels

As an angel investor, Anne Maghas, PhD invests capital into startups that are operational by nature because of the multiplying effect of not just impacting the founders, but also the team that does the day-to-day work in the business. She has worn many hats in my entrepreneurial journey, but her favorite one is a mentor. It’s her joy and passion to mentor up-and-coming angel investors of color and female founders of color, both worlds need each other to exist and to create more economic equity. She enjoys teaching new angel investors of color the fundamentals of investing and how to mitigate investment risks and evaluate potential investments. Additionally, she coaches female founders of color and provide a safe space for them to learn how to navigate the funding ecosystem. She believes in using her knowledge to help create economic equity and mentoring is one of the best ways she can make a meaningful and lasting impact.

She co-founded Commune Angels , launched in 2020, aimed to expand access to angel investing and capital. Commune Angels invest in scalable consumer, enterprise and life science companies that transform lives. Diversity is essential to transformative innovation, and their members are committed to contributing thier unique experiences, relationships and resources to drive better outcomes for investors, portfolio companies and their customers.

10_ Keyona Meeks | BlackTech Capital

Keyona Meeks strengthens the pipeline of minority founders solving pressing sustainability challenges. She has directed over a million dollars in capital towards diverse, early-stage entrepreneurs and built scaling solutions from diverse changemakers. An experienced venture capitalist (currently as General Partner of BlackTech Capital ) and advisor, Keyona empowers founders to build scalable, impact-driven companies. Her portfolio includes startups tackling challenges from climate change to renewable energy access. She provides hands-on guidance to entrepreneurs on iterating products for market fit, as well as accelerators that are seeking to strengthen their programming and entrepreneurial curriculum.

Keyona has partnered with organizations including the Hip Hop Caucus and Social Innovation Canada to increase investments into overlooked ecosystems. With on-the-ground experience with racial equity issues, she remains committed to closing the racial wealth gap and directing wealth, knowledge and connections to the global Black/African diaspora.

10 Black women ENTREPRENEUR-leaders:

1_ Aurelia Edwards | Nailstry

Aurelia Edwards is the Founder and CEO of Nailstry . As a licensed massage therapist with a master’s degree in cosmetic science, it isn't surprising that her career in wellness has been influential in creating a beauty tech company. Inspired by a wedding and 2 missing press-on nails, Nailstry was developed to fill in the gap between accessibility and nail sizing in the press-on nail industry.

Nailstry’s journey started as Tips Nail Store, a pop-up shop in New York City’s iconic West Village. This interactive concept store manually sized customers before they discovered and shopped custom-designed nail art from our partnered nail designers and artists. The demand for an online presence prompted the build out of an app-based marketplace that integrated a virtual sizing solution.

Since the launch of Nailstry in March 2020, Aurelia's vision has been supported by Apple, Meta (formerly Facebook), Alibaba.com, PayPal, Brown Girl Jane x Shea Moisture x Vaseline, iFundWomen x Visa, Black Ambition, Project Entrepreneur x UBS and most recently VOYA Financial.

2_ Kim Roxie | LAMIK Beauty

Kim Roxie is the founder of LAMIK Beauty products, the world’s #1 Eco-Chic makeup line seeking to build women’s self-esteem and reveal their natural beauty. Formulated without parabens, Kim has created environmentally conscious products with a message for multicultural women. Her beauty products stand for Love And Makeup In Kindness, because she believes true makeup is about what you’re made of.

At age 21, Kim founded LAMIK Beauty out of her college apartment. With her savings and a small investment from her mother, Kim opened her first store in Sharpstown Mall in Houston.

From its humble beginnings in 2004, LAMIK Beauty has been highlighted as one of the eight black-owned beauty companies by BET ( Black Entertainment Television LLC ) and is one of the seven black cosmetics lines dominating the market. It is no surprise that Ebony Magazine named Roxie the Black Beauty Maven to know.

3_ Adesola Akindele | CEO & Founder | Hygear Technologies

Adesola Akindele is a British-Nigerian international serial entrepreneur and angel investor who believes that entrepreneurship is the key to economic prosperity for underestimated and under-represented economic groups. As an economist, she is never shy of looking ahead or at the bigger picture examining key metrics that differentiate success and failure in business ownership and leadership.

Adesola is on a mission to help founders learn how others have faced their internal and external struggles to overcome the mental, emotional and socio-economic barriers that hinder economic success, equity, and ownership through her Founder Wellness Brand. She is keen on collaborations to foster an exchange of entrepreneurial skills, ideas, and solutions that improve a founder's mental health. These are opportunities for startups to learn from the mistakes of the first world and rise up with better ways to serve their communities.

Adesola is currently the CEO of Hygear Technologies and President of Keeping It Clean Global Inc. a non-profit focused on global hygiene tech innovations alongside 2 female minority co-founders. She is the marketing strategy & CSR/CSV partner of RISE Urban Nation , a Pan-African advocacy and economic equity group, and a startup consultant at Equilibrium Startup Lab where she helps founders build companies from concept to launch. She is an active member of the entrepreneurial ecosystem wherever she ventures.

4_ Julie Gordon White | CEO & Founder | MenoWell

Julie Gordon White???? is an award-winning 3x entrepreneur, bestselling business author, and TEDX speaker. Julie Gordon White is the founder and CEO of MenoWell Menopause Energy + Protein Bars, an Oprah Daily Best Menopause Product . Julie advocates for women in all stages of "The Pause". Julie is also an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling business author, and TEDx speaker. In 2021, Julie launched MenoWell after struggling with "Menopause Middle" and watching her friends suffer in silence as their symptoms and increasing weight gain were robbing their confidence. Not letting a pandemic get in her way, she decided to do something about it and created delicious plant-based, nutrient-dense, and low-calorie energy bars with all the goodness a menopausal body needs, along with a MenoLounge community to support women with advice from expert guests! Learn more at www.mymenowell.com.

Julie has been a featured small business expert for Google Small Business and Intuit QuickBooks; and has been quoted in Authority Magazine, Inc. Magazine, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg Businessweek.com, New York Times, Enterprising Women, Black Enterprise, and San Francisco Business Times, Haute SF and others.

5_ Ruby Taylor | Financial Joy School

You Deserve Joy. I Deserve Joy. We All Deserve Joy.

Straight from Ruby Taylor, 's inspirational LinkedIn profile, “I am the youngest of 8 and I was born and raised in The Bronx, NY. I am a double HBCU alum ( Howard University and Virginia Union University ). For over 20 years I have enjoyed a career as a social worker, self-esteem expert, educator, motivational speaker, and author. For several years I had to stop doing the things I love because of a traumatic brain injury. In the process of healing, I found a pattern throughout my life of resilience and thriving against all odds. Whether it was dealing with my trauma because of sexual abuse, the murder of my brother, and/or my traumatic brain injury, or adjusting to my stuttering - I learned the secret to succeeding against the odds.” She has created mental health supports to enable students to succeed in the classroom and also created innovative career exposure for black and brown youths to find a career for the 21st century. Founder of the Financial Joy School and the LEGACY! Card Game , she is making huge impact in her community. She says, “Through my job working with kids, I saw how playing games could help teach them and change behavior faster than even therapy sometimes. That’s how I came up with the idea to create a legacy card game that teaches Black and brown families to talk about money, and gives them the tools to build long-term wealth.”

6_ Sabine Gedeon |? Gedeon Enterprises

??Sabine Gedeon is a powerhouse in leadership and personal development. As the founder Gedeon Enterprises and host of the top-rated podcast, “Power, Purpose & Prosperity,” she specializes in supporting leaders during pivotal seasons of transition, helping them embrace a growth mindset, cultivate meaningful connections, and lead purposeful lives. Sabine Gedeon is on a mission to help people level up in their careers and personal development journey! She has dedicated almost two decades to supporting individuals and leaders in startups and Fortune 500 companies. Her sweet spot is empowering executives, emerging leaders, and entrepreneurs during those pivotal transition moments, boosting their confidence, influence, and impact. Her company, Gedeon Enterprises, is a Professional & Leadership Development firm that supports the development, training, and equipping of confident and courageous leaders across the globe. A certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), she leverages science-backed tools, human-centered principles, tech-driven solutions, and leadership development best practices to equip and empower leaders at all levels with customized solutions and programming that address their client's biggest leadership and talent development challenges.?

7_ Yolanda Barton | Revere XR

Yolanda A. Barton is a trailblazing immersive storyteller and visionary leader at the forefront of inclusive technology and experiential learning. As the founder of Revere XR , she has harnessed the power of VR, AR, XR, mixed reality, and AI to revolutionize the way we engage with popular culture and history. As a pioneer force in the XR preservation platform, Yolanda has earned recognition among the Top 100 women of the future for her groundbreaking work. Her unwavering commitment to bringing history to life through immersive storytelling experiences has earned her acclaim, establishing her as a driving force in the preservation.

Through Revere XR, Yolanda collaborates with cities to preserve their history, and her work with school districts in offering immersive storytelling certification programs is leaving an indelible impact on how we engage with our past and prepare for the future.

In addition to her remarkable achievements, Yolanda's prowess as an inspirational speaker captivates audiences worldwide. Her voice resonates, empowering others to embrace technology's potential for positive change and fostering environments of inclusivity where diverse perspectives flourish.

Yolanda A. Barton's leadership stands as a testament to her ability to inspire, innovate, and uplift.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." ~Yolanda Barton, CEO of Revere XR

8_ Jasmine Jones | Myya

Jasmine Jones is the founder and CEO of Myya , the only online direct-to-consumer, insurance-billable post-mastectomy intimates brand. With extensive experience in the intimates industry, Jasmine is a certified mastectomy fitter (CMF), a Fashion Institute of Technology award-winning lingerie designer, and a Forbes Under 30 listmaker in the Retail and E-Commerce category.

Jasmine's mission is to use innovation, inclusion, and intimates to empower breast cancer survivors and provide them with dignity, comfort, and confidence. She launched Myya in Sep 2021 to offer breast cancer survivors a completely customizable virtual post-mastectomy bra fitting, ensuring that all women get the perfect fit. Myya is the only online post-mastectomy bra boutique that can both fit and bill insurance directly for its customers, making the shopping process seamless for them. Jasmine is also the founder of Cherry Blossom Intimates , the Techstars backed company that closed its $2.25 million pre-seed round in April 2022, making her one of the few Black women in the world to close over $1 million in venture funding. Jasmine is a passionate advocate for women's health and entrepreneurship, and a mentor for The North and Girls Who Start International .?She is featured as a successful entrepreneur in the movie, Show Her The Money (of which I am proud to be an associate producer / investor)

9_ Kistein Monkhouse, MPA | Patient Orator

“I am for equity because equity starts with everyone.”? Kistein Monkhouse, MPA is a public health expert and patient advocate advocating for health equity. She is the CEO and founder of Patient Orator a digital health solution powering meaningful communication between individuals and their health teams to improve health outcomes. She has vast experience on the topics of patient engagement, shared decision-making, narrative health, and centering patient voices in healthcare.?

Born in Guyana, she grew up in Queens NY, where she attended Bryant High school and Queens College before attending Long Island University ,gaining a Master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Health. She bootstrapped her startup and led it to national recognition from J&J Impact Ventures, Westchester County Bioscience program, etc. Kistein is a 2022 Aspen Ideas Health fellow, a speaker, and a producer of the films Humanizing Healthcare & The Cost of Abortion Bans. She serves as a board member of various not-for-profit organizations championing efforts to combat healthcare disparities through shared decision-making.?

As someone who has seen firsthand that health access is not often granted equally nor is the opportunity for all people to be heard by healthcare professionals, she is passionate about ensuring that people regardless of their race, sex, or socioeconomic status be heard in their healthcare interactions to improve health outcomes.

10_ Melanie Igwe | ViuHealth

Melanie Igwe , Co-founder & COO, leads business operations and partnerships. Prior to ViuHealth , Melanie was a founder of a digital health start up. Melanie has over 7 years of healthcare ranging from roles at Texas Medical Center , Harris health and as an executive in a technology company. She holds a Bachelor’s in Economics with a minor in Mathematics from Howard University . She enjoys politics and experimenting with food. ViuHealth is a virtual care solution designed to help people living with autoimmunity improve their everyday lives. Their technology combines personalized analytics and data science with access to a dedicated clinician-led care team to help our members feel their best. I absolutely loved how Melanie talked about the successful scale of ViuHealth (formerly DrugViu), “We listened intently to patient stories, observed the challenges faced by physicians, and realized that autoimmune care extends far beyond the regular doctor’s office visits. It's about supporting individuals in every facet of their lives. People are more than just their condition. Our team's dedication has been unwavering. We've poured our hearts and minds into crafting a comprehensive care program that places patient well-being at its core - combining cutting-edge technology to bring it to life.”

10 Black Women ECOSYSTEM BUILDER-leaders:

1_ Diondraya Taylor, PhD | Mindset & Milestones

Dr. Diondraya Taylor, Ph.D. is changing education for middle and high schoolers by building the entrepreneurial and innovative programs that their team can't - in a fraction of the time. Students deserve to feel like what they're learning in the classroom matters and Mindset & Milestones makes that happen! Diondraya is an education Ph.D. student, a researcher, an entrepreneurship teacher, and an entrepreneur. She combines all this in order to help create a world where women and people of color, from different places and perspectives, can build solutions that work for more people.

As an academic, Diondraya got her B.S. in psychobiology and entrepreneurship purely out of interest in “how we as humans think and how we can use that to push innovation”. During mhery program, she began my research journey and realized just how important education was to creating space and opportunity for women and POC to find a path in fields that they have been locked out of, especially women of color. “That’s why I started Mindset & Milestones. I quickly realized that girls didn’t just need more things to read or listen to, they also needed a safe space, supported by trusted mentors, where they could experience mindset shifts, develop true agency, and understand just how capable they are.”? s fo”?

2_ Latia Vaughn | “The Dream Pusher”

Representing 1% of African American Woman Futurists in North America, Latia Vaughan , "The Dream Pusher" is on trend to become one of the most sought-after voices of our time. Her brilliant insight and future foresight have contributed to igniting individuals and industries globally.

As an Award Winning Entrepreneur, across the nation -the evolution specialist and spiritual powerhouse uses her 18+ years of rich and unique experience in evolutionary leadership development, mind-setting, marketing, branding, and professional development to foster profound discovery, drive innovation, and show humankind how to access, activate, and accelerate their highest potential. Latia Vaughan has dedicated her life to helping people and businesses find their STICKY!

As the Founder and CEO of The U-Network , and best-selling author of "RE:Discover U" Dare To Evolve-Celebrities, CEOs, religious leaders, homemakers, creatives, and everyday dreamers around the world have collided at the same intersection of success and fulfillment because of the transformative work and dedicated push of Latia Vaughan.

3_ Mica Le John | Idoru & Black Girls Code

Leader-Innovator (Archetype) obsessed with how the world creates and interacts in digital spaces, Mica Le John is passionate about nurturing meaningful partnerships, connecting good people to each other, and making the world a happier place. In her own words, “I have a tendency to escape to the future and get excited about the change that happens when people are empowered to be their best selves.”

Mica Le John is CEO and Co-Founder of Idoru, an avatar app where self-expression runs free. As a humanist technologist, educator and writer, Mica’s work uses an intersectional lens to explore the relationship between technology and art. Mica serves as Board Chair on the Board of Directors at viBe Theater Experience , was the 2020-21 Hopelab Entrepreneurial Fellow, and is the former Director of Education at No Longer Empty . She has presented to audiences across North America, from Sotheby's to Loyola Marymount University to the CIARS Decolonizing Conference.

4_ Emily Anne Gendron | Human Possible

Emily Anne Gendron 's Linked In bio is impressive, so here it goes … “I'm Emily, I stand for our Human Possible –where Human Future Leaders boldly and unapologetically embrace humanity, liberate our innate potential and ensure our resources are used to create our most positive future possible.

I'm on a mission to make Human Future Leadership the norm in every single organization. Business-as-usual is dying. We are in the midst of old ways falling away and new ones emerging. For LPs, GPs, and CXOs, this creates a big, expensive mess that won’t get better. I call it the EBITDA-killing death spiral and it’s a formidable opponent:

● The leadership crisis is bigger than anyone fully realizes

● DEI is proving difficult to implement (because it is)

● Expensive talent wars to attract employees

● Nearly 50% of employees are currently looking for jobs

● Engagement rates haven’t changed much despite billions invested

● The emerging complexity of ESG

Businesses are trying but constant change, societal instability, black swan events, market volatility, and employees and consumers that want more, is truly difficult to navigate. It’s not wise to treat these as individual issues. Business is not working for humans. We need a better way.”

5_ Shayna Atkins, SPC | AtkCo & Northwestern University

With over 13 years of experience in leading and developing innovative digital products and teams, Shayna Atkins, SPC is a passionate trainer, product management & development process expert, and enterprise agile coach. She is the founder of AtkCo , an Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Company in America that takes customers from problem-solving to acceleration. AtkCo provides agile product and project management, design thinking and technical certification training and consulting services to organizations across various industries. Additionally, AtkCo offers ExpandHR, a cloud-based human resources management platform that helps streamline their onboarding workflows and processes.

Shayna combines design thinking with agile tools, and process improvement practices to optimize the software development lifecycle and deliver high-quality services and products that meet the needs and expectations of customers and stakeholders. She is a certified SAFe? Program Consultant, a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and an adjunct lecturer of design thinking and communication at 美国西北大学 . She is also passionate about empowering women and minorities in technology , and surrounds herself with a braintrust of women leaders in digital to thrive in achieving upward mobility. Shayna is known for delivering impactful value based results and resiliency when faced with complex problems.

6_ Janeya Griffin | Equity Space Alliance

Janeya Griffin, The Commercializer?? is an accomplished speaker, HBCU STEM graduate, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the daughter of two formerly incarcerated individuals. At the young age of 16 she and her younger brother of 6 were introduced into the world of what it meant to experience hardship, not knowing it would be a catalyst in helping her to fulfill her purpose. 12 years later, two degrees, a certificate, and a contracting job with the NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration , Janeya’s passion for problem-solving and establishing connections would turn her into an award winning, lead Technology Transfer Specialist and an Executive Board Member for Federal Labs all over the country. After almost a decade at NASA, Janeya would take her expertise and create a consulting startup called The Commercializer?, LLC; a strategic firm bridging the gap between resources and historically excluded communities, bringing to market independent Inventors ideas, and developing ecosystems of sustainability at HBCUs. Janeya's passion to help others does not stop there; in 2017 she helped to Co-found and lead ConCreates, Inc. , an award winning creative agency focused on changing the stigma and narrative behind how society views people with criminal histories and how people with criminal histories view themselves; turning her into now, an award winning Strategist. In the wake of the Pandemic, having found the projected wealth of communities of color to be 0 in the next 30-40 years, she then transitioned all of her expertise into changing the New Space Economy, received her Masters in Space Leadership, business, and policy, and then created the Equity Space Alliance ; which advocates and ensures the new space economy is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible through ownership, media, resourcing, community building, and educational campaigns.

7_ Chidima S. Okorie, MA, PMP? | BLCK VC

As someone who has dedicated their career to creating meaningful change in underrepresented communities, Chidima S. Okorie, MA, PMP? is passionate about building and improving social impact programs, organizations, and systems. With her expertise in change management, she is skilled at implementing new processes that adapt to shifting business conditions, allowing programs to evolve and achieve even greater impact. She believes in leveraging modern technology to find innovative solutions to complex organizational problems.

Currently as the Program Manager at BLCK VC , Chidima is leading the career advancement fellowship programs that empower Black professionals to become check writers in venture capital and facilitating access to both limited and operating capital to Black fund managers. Chidima came to BLCK VC with an extensive background in building and optimizing programs that impact lives while streamlining operations and achieving bottom-line results. Chidima holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute.?

BLCK VC is transforming the venture capital industry to mirror the diverse demographics of the U.S. Venture Capital is a crucial component of achieving economic equality; it is a vehicle to build wealth, develop future leaders, and strengthen communities. BLCK VC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that equips Black investors with the access, education, and community they need to accelerate their careers in venture capital. Over the past few years, there has been slow and sporadic progress within venture capital to become more inclusive. BLCK VC aims to transform venture capital into an inclusive engine for change and generational wealth creation by shifting the demographics of the venture industry to mirror the diversity of this nation. In the short term, we strive to double the percentage of Black investors and Black partners in venture capital to 6% and 4%, respectively, by 2024.

8_ Cassandra Schaeg | SIP & Palomar College

Cassandra Schaeg is an Emmy award-winning storyteller, advocate, and entrepreneur. Her work in nonprofit and private sectors led to a journey in entrepreneurship as the Founder of SIP Wine & Beer and Co-Founder, Producer, and Host of the Emmy award-winning series Fresh Glass Productions .? Her entrepreneurial ventures emphasize the advocacy and storytelling around women and BIPOC communities in food, beverage, and entrepreneurship. As the Founder of SIP Wine & Beer, a tasting room in Escondido, CA, Cassandra utilized community, culture, and conversation to bring awareness, garner support, and get the stories of underrepresented brands to audiences nationwide.?

In addition to her work, she is actively involved in the San Diego County community. Volunteering at the California State University San Marcos College of Business Administration Program, Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation Business Accelerator Program, and being a community advocate, Cassandra fuses education, economic development, and equity to ensure women and BIPOC entrepreneurs have access to networks and resources. Her mission is to equip women and BIPOC communities with tools to advance and navigate their personal and professional endeavors.

9_ Lisane Basquiat | Hera Hub Carlsbad & Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat

Lisane Basquiat is an entrepreneur, life strategist, and a creative at heart. She is also a passionate advocate for supporting human beings to remember who they are, why they are here, and to discover what they can accomplish externally when they commit to a healthy relationship with themselves. Lisane is the Founder and CEO of Shaping Freedom? With Lisane Basquiat , a personal growth company that trains individuals on how to gain empowerment through internal congruence and spiritual alignment, with the goal of healthier and stronger familial dynamics and legacy. She also owns Hera Hub Carlsbad , a female-focused and inclusive co-working space, entrepreneurial community, and business accelerator. Lisane also serves as the co-administrator (along with her sister) of the The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat , the role of which is to honor their brother by maintaining and caring for his legacy and to make his art more accessible to global audiences.

Lisane is originally from Brooklyn, NY. She has been bi-coastal, living in both San Diego, CA, and New Jersey for over a decade. Clients and leaders have described Lisane's approach and style as: Uplifting, Real and Raw, Truth Telling, Light Hearted, Fun and Funny, Clear, Inspiring, Freeing, Empowering, Vulnerable, Open, Expansive, Sparking (of ideas, of interests, of strength, etc.), Bringing out Depth.

10_ Tamara Sobomehin | StreetCode Academy

Tamara Sobomehin is all about fueling positive social sustainability through innovative learning experience design and advancing the praxis of care, connectedness, and creativity to foster flourishing. Tamara is currently leading the efforts of StreetCode Academy as their Chief Education Officer. Tamara made her way to California by way of Dallas, TX where she was born and raised and where she graduated as the salutatorian of her high school, TAG Magnet School for the Talented and Gifted. She attended 美国斯坦福大学 and was the first in her family to graduate college, with a BA in psychology. She received her MA in education policy and leadership from UTA and has spent over twenty years working in education. Tamara clearly sees education as a powerful tool to redress historical inequities. She believes that now, more than ever, we need to facilitate synergy across communities of stakeholders to drive the creation of knowledge, policy, practice, and tools that will ensure all students have access to transformative education— that will unlock the opportunity to create life-nurturing ripple effects for generations.

StreetCode Academy provides free technology classes in coding, entrepreneurship, and design to communities of color. Since 2014, they have become one of the fastest-growing organizations in Silicon Valley, growing from 20 students in its inaugural class to now serving over 3,000 students annually with over 60,000 hours of free instruction provided. Additionally, in 2021, StreetCode was selected as a California Nonprofit of the Year.

These women leaders are POWERFUL. entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem-builders are interconnected pillars that drive economic growth in the innovation economy. Their collective efforts create a dynamic ecosystem where ideas flourish, businesses thrive, and the impact on economic development is profound. The connections forged among these stakeholders contribute to a diverse, holistic and sustainable innovation ecosystem where ALL flourish. May we remember their missions, may we feel and interact with their impact. May we know these black women leaders today and EVERYDAY. May we champion them, may we invest in them and with them.

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