JUNE 24–26, 2026
Our Speakers
Get ready to be inspired by trailblazers from all corners of the business world.
Our speakers come from tech, healthcare, finance, entertainment, and more, bringing their unique energy and stories to the forefront. They’re not just talking business; they’re sharing their journeys, challenges, and triumphs to motivate and empower you. Dive into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and get the tools you need to succeed from those who’ve been there and done it. Let’s elevate together!
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THE LINEUP
FILTER SPEAKERS By TRACK
FEATURING
Cornell McBride Jr.
President | McBride Research Laboratories/ Design Essentials
FEATURING
Donald Cravins Jr.
President & CEO | National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (NMSDC)
FEATURING
Natalie Madeira Cofield
President & CEO | Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO)
FEATURING
Robert L. Greene
President & CEO | National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC)
FEATURING
Dr. Johnny Graham
National Executive Director | Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship
FEATURING
Michele Byrd Dugar
Instructor / Director - Benedict College Student Innovation Hub | Benedict College
2026 Ecosystem Impact Award
FEATURING
Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon
CEO and Founder | Village Retail, Village Books, The Village Market & Our Village United \| Author, “No One Is Self-Made”
FEATURING
Robert Dunlap
Regional Director-SW Region | HU x PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship
FEATURING
Chester McPherson
Chief Operating Officer | Community Development Investors (CDI)
FEATURING
Christi Venable
CEO, Corporate Wellness Strategist, AI Consultant | SMILE THERAPY SERVICES
FEATURING
Emmyrich "Richie" Vicente
Vice President Community Development Banking Community Business Officer | PNC
FEATURING
Ronnie L. Brown
Assistant Professor of Engineering Science | University of the District of Columbia
FEATURING
Dr. Rasheda Weaver
Founder and CEO | The International Institute for Social Entrepreneurship
FEATURING
Dr. Ronald Cetoute
Associate Director, Robert H. "Bob" Bell Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurial Development | Clark Atlanta University
FEATURING
Tyrome Smith
Special Assistant to VP/Research and Innovation | Bowie State University
FEATURING
Dr. Tiffany Rogers Bussey
Executive Director | Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
FEATURING
Amanda Gayle, Esq.
Owner/Managing Attorney of Self Made Law & She Means Business Consulting | Self Made Law PLLC/She Means Business Consulting
FEATURING
Stacy Juchno
EVP, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer | PNC Financial Services
FEATURING
Juanita Michelle Darden
Director, Greater West Dayton Incubator | University of Dayton
PricING
SAVE THE DATE • JUNE 24–26, 2026
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INTERESTED IN ATTENDING HBCU EMPOWER 2026?
Have a question? Interested in more information? Want to partner with us to impact entrepreneurship? Fill out the form and les.