From Entrepreneur to Equity Advocate

Kenya Burrell-VanWormer | Co-Founder of Equity Angels

Kenya Burrell-VanWormer is a prominent figure in the real estate industry, boasting a diverse experience spanning residential real estate, brokerage, national home building, PropTech, lending, and consulting. She is also a passionate entrepreneur, co-founding Equity Angels , a social impact organization focused on empowering underestimated and underrepresented startup founders. Through Equity Angels, Kenya strives to create a more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem, providing founders with access to funding, mentorship, and community support. Kenya joined Wealth Stream News (WSN) for a discussion about wealth, access to capital, and entrepreneurship.

WSN: Please tell us about the origins of your wealth journey and your business. Why Equity Angels?

Kenya Burrell-VanWormer: My journey into wealth creation began early. Growing up, I was surrounded by examples of hard work and ambition. My family, especially my grandparents, showed me the power of determination and smart financial decisions. They planted the seeds of what would become my lifelong interest in building wealth and creating opportunities.

Money is a crucial part of wealth.? It's the fuel that powers our dreams and creates opportunities. But wealth isn’t just about accumulating financial assets. It's about how you use those resources to make an impact, build meaningful connections, and create a lasting legacy.

This mindset led me to dive into business before I could even legally drive. Getting my business license that early wasn't just a fun fact - it was a statement of intent. I was eager to start creating value, not just for myself, but for others too.

As I progressed in my career, I noticed a gap that needed filling. Many talented entrepreneurs from backgrounds similar to mine weren't getting the support they needed to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

We built Equity Angels, a social impact organization aiming to increase the diversity in real estate tech or prop tech by helping underrepresented and underestimated founders with access to funding. We're here to provide the complete package - access to financial backing, sure, but also mentorship, networking, and the kind of professional knowledge that can make or break a new venture. Our goal is to level the playing field for entrepreneurs who've been historically overlooked or underestimated.

Every success story we help write isn't just about individual wealth creation. It's about strengthening entire communities, inspiring the next generation, and reshaping the industry to be more inclusive and equitable.

WSN: Your motto states: Leading with equity and fostering fair access to opportunity. How did that come about? Describe the main milestones, opportunities, and challenges to growing the business

Kenya: Our motto gets right to the heart of what we believe: inclusion without equity is performative diversity. The numbers back us up - diverse teams, especially in leadership, lead to better business results and more innovation.

We started Equity Angels in January and quickly launched our first accelerator program with four promising startups. To join our accelerator, companies need to work in prop tech or fin tech, have raised some initial money (but not past pre-Series A), and have at least one product ready for customers.

We've got a great mix of founders in our first cohort. The companies are Billions, Maverick Systems, The Studio Home, and Upfront. Each brings something special to the table.

Getting this off the ground hasn't been easy.? We've had to figure out tricky money matters, earn the trust of founders who might have been overlooked before, and keep adjusting how we work to fit what each startup needs.

But being a part of these founders’ journeys, we're creating has been worth it.? We're helping shape startup founders who will go on to create more opportunities for others and impact the industry.

WSN:? Please share Tools and Tips to help budding entrepreneurs create wealth.

Kenya: For those who are considering founding a business or a startup, here are some tips to help you on your wealth-creating journey:

First, figure out your 'why'. Knowing your purpose gives you clarity and keeps you focused when things get tough.

Have a support system, including mentors, coaches, friends and family members, who can provide honest feedback.

Keep your inner circle small but strong. These are the people who'll push you forward and have your back.

Remember, you're not alone in this. There are resources like Equity Angels to support you along the way.

Make reading a habit. Stay up to date on what's happening in your field. Get out there and attend conferences. Meet new people and grow your network. These connections can open doors you didn't even know existed.

Use tech to make your work smoother, but don't forget that real relationships are key. Nothing beats connecting with people in person.

Learn to say no. It's okay to turn down opportunities that don't fit your goals. This frees you up for the ones that really matter.

Lastly, be patient. Building a successful business takes time. Celebrate the small wins, and keep your eye on the long game.

WSN: What or Who did you wish you had known earlier?

Kenya: What I wish I'd known earlier are a few hard truths: Who you know matters. A lot. The folks you meet along the way can open doors you never knew existed.

Failure isn't the end of your story. It's just a comma, not a full stop. Learn from it and keep going. Nobody has it all figured out. Even the people who seem to have it all together are often winging it.

Your network is your net worth. The relationships you build can open doors you didn't even know existed.

Time is your most valuable asset. Use it wisely. Say no to things that don't align with your goals.

Don't wait for the perfect moment to start. There's no such thing. The best time to start was yesterday, the second best time is now.

WSN: How do you define wealth?

Kenya: Wealth equals freedom. It's the ability to make choices on your own terms.

True wealth means having the resources to chase your dreams. It's being able to turn down what doesn't fit your values, and focus on what moves you.

It's also about the quality of your life experiences and relationships. Having time for the people you care about, exploring new places, and learning new things. It's that peace of mind knowing you can handle whatever life throws at you.

To me, wealth is building a life where you're not always trading hours for dollars. It's creating something that keeps growing and giving value, even when you're not actively working on it.

In the end, wealth is about shaping your own path and leaving your mark on the world. That's real freedom.

WSN: How would you like your wealth legacy to be remembered?

Kenya: I want my wealth legacy to be remembered as a catalyst for meaningful change in our industry. Plain and simple.

My goal has always been to leave this industry better than I found it. That means creating real opportunities for talented people who might have been overlooked or underestimated in the past.

I'm working to build a more equitable playing field, where good ideas, determination and hard work can thrive, no matter where they come from. It's about showing others how to use their success to drive positive change.

If I can inspire more people to take action and improve our industry, that's a win in my book. At the end of the day, it's about making a lasting impact and paving the way for the next generation of innovators and leaders.

That's the legacy I'm striving to build - one of real, tangible improvements in our industry.

To learn more about Equity Angels and its mission, visit https://www.equity-angels.com/ or connect with them on social media.

Disclosure: Please note that the information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

Thank you to all for prospering with us. We are so happy to have you!

For more information about Wealth Stream News, please visit our website at https://hispanicwealthproject.org/wealth-stream-news.

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