Close the Gap Initiative: Conversations on Access and Equity

Join us for a day of tangible connections and non-traditional conversations helping to close the gap in historically underestimated communities passionate about venture capital, entrepreneurship, and tech. This event is your opportunity to close the gap in your knowledge and know-how in the world of tech, venture capital, and entrepreneurship & learn from leaders in product, equity, tech, and venture capital.

February 17th | 10 to 4 p.m. | Ross School of Business

RSVP here

Conference Highlights:

• The future of tech keynote with Marques Zak, Director, Cultural Platforms, American Express

• Interactive workshop with Rachel Brooks, Head of Product Equity at Instagram

• A live behind the startup pitch insights with Monica Wheat, MD of Techstars Detroit Accelerator

Conference Agenda:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM:

– Breakfast + Relationship Building sponsored by PEAK6
– Intentional relationship building for early attendees
– Description: Networking

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM: Setting The Stage: How To Close The Gap + Personal Reflections From AfroTech + Company Solutions
– Guest Speakers: Korene Smith + Yelitsa Jean-Charles + Isaiah Andrew
– Moderators: George + Grace
– Description: Panel

11:25 AM – 11:30 AM: Black History Month + University of Michigan Welcome Remarks
from the Dean
– Guest Speaker: Dean Matusik

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: The Presidents’ Perspective on Entrepreneurship and Venture
Capital
– Room discussion curated by George + Richi
– Description: Engaging Discussion

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch!

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: What’s Behind The Pitch?
– 2 pitches + evaluation (5-10 minutes per pitch)
– Interactive and insightful pitch competition that incorporates real-time live feedback from
judges and audience participants
– Special Guests: Monica Wheat + Katrina Turnbow
– Moderaters: George Okpamen + Latrece Williams
– Description: Interactive Workshop

2:15 PM – 3:00: PM: Designing For Equity in Big Tech
– Guest Speaker: Rachel Brooks

3:05 PM – 4:00 PM Closing Keynote

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM: Final Remarks