May 16-18, 2024
Roadmap to Billions is back for the 8th year, offering a wealth of resources and support to help Black women tech founders turn their dreams into billion-dollar realities.
You could win $10K for your business in the Roadmap To Billions 2024 Pitch Competition.
Equity Based Pitch Competition is open to submissions! APPLY BY MAY 3rd!
Please note: The winners of the pitch competition will provide .25% equity to Black Women Talk Tech. These shares will not have effect on valuation and can be classified as advisory shares.
About Roadmap to Billions
Roadmap to Billions 2024 returns to Brooklyn, NY on May 16th – 18th, 2024.
Brooklyn Navy Yard
333 Sands St., Building 303, 9th fl.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Unlock the tools to empower your tech journey. Join us at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for an immersive experience with more than 1,500 founders. Our annual tech conference is dedicated to providing workshops, resources, and tactical strategies for Black female entrepreneurs and their supporters. It is the largest gathering of Black female tech founders created by and for Black female tech founders in the world.
A conference built from the perspective of women, the goal is to showcase the brilliance of Black women in tech, create a stage for our experiences, foster deep connections, and create real funding opportunities. Don’t just attend a conference – be part of a transformative experience that’s shaping the future of tech for Black women founders. Join us at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and be a part of something revolutionary!
What can you expect from Roadmap to Billions?
Immerse yourself in a conference that goes beyond inspiration. We believe in equipping you with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the tech industry.
- Gain access to hands-on workshops, valuable resources, and practical strategies specifically tailored to help you build and scale your business.
- Connect with investors, industry experts, and fellow founders who understand the challenges you face.
- Discover actionable insights from investors, tech evangelists, and founders who have been in the game for years to fuel your own success.
This is the ultimate gathering of Black women tech entrepreneurs, where you’ll find the support and guidance you need to take your business to new heights. Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to network, learn, and access the workshops, resources, and tactical strategies that will empower you on your entrepreneurial journey. Join us and be part of a community that is driving change and reshaping the future of the tech industry.
Even Hotel Brooklyn, an IHG Hotel
46 Nevins St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
From walking to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, to visiting the Brooklyn Museum, EVEN Hotel Brooklyn puts you close to the borough’s most popular sites. Take a stroll at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden or visit Prospect Park, which was designed by the Central Park architects. Food enthusiasts savor Williamsburg’s local dishes, while sports fans can cheer on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
Your ticket gives you access to
8 years in – We’re not new to this. We’re true to this.
Roadmap to Billions 2024 is designed for you, by women like you. Full of tactical topics, strategic sessions, and enlightening experiences, you’ll leave the conference feeling equipped, educated, and ready to take action on the next steps of your journey.
KEY BUSINESS LEARNING
4 KEYNOTE SESSIONS
EXPERT SPEAKERS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
TAILORED
WORKSHOPS
Agenda
Day 0
6 pm - 9 pm
2024-05-16 AllKick Off the Roadmap to Billions in Style! Join us at the vibrant TimeOut Market New York, 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Dive into an evening of inspiring conversations and form lasting connections with the Black Women Talk Tech team and fellow innovators. While food and drinks are on your own, the opportunities to network are endless. Don’t miss out on the start of something big!
Open To AllDay 1 – May 17
9:30 am -10:10 am
2024-05-17 AllWelcome - Day 1 Remarks
To Be Announced10:15 am- 10:45 am
2024-05-17 AllBuilding a Sustainable Funding Path: Strategies for Startups
Ensuring access to the right capital is critical for startup success. This workshop presents a comparative analysis of various funding mechanisms. We'll break down the pros and cons of loans, accelerators, and venture capital. Learn how to craft a compelling case for investment & secure resources for your venture's long-term success.
Kange Kaneene, Richard Odior, Ashlee Wisdom, Nelly Yusupova10:50 am - 11:20 am
2024-05-17 AllThe Art of Customer Success in Tech
This panel discussion dives into the art of cultivating thriving customer relationships in the tech industry. Hear tech leaders share their insights on crafting exceptional customer experiences, fostering loyalty, and implementing winning retention strategies. This session is designed to empower attendees to transform their customer base into a powerful engine for growth.
Chantel George, Andrew Frazier Jr., Nikki Porcher11:25 am - 12:05 pm
2024-05-17 AllNext Level Career Moves: Rising through the ranks
This interactive roundtable cracks the code for navigating the hiring process, equipping you with strategies for both technical and non-technical roles for mid-senior level career professionals. Join industry experts for a candid discussion on what recruiters look for, how to showcase your skills, and land your dream tech job.
Rachel Serwetz, Kerry-Ann Lewis, Kaylie Mazza12:10 pm - 12:40 pm
2024-05-17 AllOptimizing Efficiency: AI-Powered Strategies for the Productive Entrepreneur
This workshop equips you with the knowledge and skills to leverage AI tools to their full potential. Get ready to optimize your workflow, boost your performance, and stay ahead of the curve.
Ben Yurcisin, LaToya Christian, Kimberly Gray, James Francis, Kameka Dempsey2:00 pm - 2:40 pm
2024-05-17 AllBuilding Products that Break Through: The Art of Product Development
This workshop equips you to transform your innovative ideas into groundbreaking products. Navigate the journey from initial concept to market leader, diving deep into product development, achieving market fit, and crafting winning strategies. Learn practical strategies to refine your concept, validate its potential, and build a product that users love.
Lajuanda M. Asemota, Alexandra Raymond, Nadine Shelton, Jae Henderson2:40 pm - 3:20 pm
2024-05-17 AllEffective Go to Market Strategies for Tech Startups
This session equips founders/startups with the knowledge and tools to develop and execute winning go-to-market (GTM) strategies specifically tailored for SaaS and tech products. Learn how to identify your ideal customer, craft a powerful value proposition, and navigate the launch process for explosive growth. Walk away ready to confidently navigate the market and achieve explosive growth for your tech venture.l customer, craft a powerful value proposition, and navigate the launch process for explosive growth. Walk away ready to confidently navigate the market and achieve explosive growth for your tech venture.
Gary J. Nix, Candace Mitchell Harris, Brianne Garrett3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
2024-05-17 AllDecode the Code: Acing the Technical Interview
Land your dream tech job with confidence! This interactive workshop equips you with the skills and strategies to conquer technical interviews. We'll break down the technical interview into manageable steps, equip you with problem-solving strategies, and help you translate your coding skills into clear, confident communication.This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to confidently navigate the technical interview and land their dream tech job.
Lorie Johnson, Meloni Boatswain, Nyamekye Wilson4:05 pm - 4:25 pm
2024-05-17 AllEXIM Bank Presentation
To Be Announced4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
2024-05-17 AllPitch Competition
To Be Announced5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
2024-05-17 AllMusic & Networking
Open To All6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
2024-05-17 AllHBCU Celebration
Roadmap to Billions brings you "HBCU Celebration,” an electrifying networking party set to light up the Brooklyn Navy Yard from 6:00 PM to midnight! Get ready to mingle, unwind, and enjoy a night filled with surprises. Delight in tasty food and drinks, groove to the thrilling live band and step show performances by talents from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and don’t miss the chance to meet our surprise celebrity guest, and music by DJ Kid CAPRI! It’s more than just a party—it’s a full experience designed to help you build lasting connections in a fun and vibrant atmosphere. Mark your calendar and be part of this unforgettable night. Let’s create better together!
Open To AllDay 2 – May 18
10:15 am - 10:45 am
2024-05-18 AllBreathe, Stretch, Bawse Up: Renew Your Focus for Billions
To Be Announced10:50 am - 11:30 am
2024-05-18 AllRecruiting Insights for Tech Newbies
This interactive roundtable cracks the code for navigating the hiring process, equipping you with strategies for both technical and non-technical roles for entry level professionals. Join industry experts for a candid discussion on what recruiters look for, how to showcase your skills, and land your dream tech job.
Joliz Cedeño, Danie Moses, Nicole Pierre-Louis, Micah Kimberly10:50 am - 11:30 am
2024-05-18 AllCybersecurity Tips to Secure The Bag
Building a billion-dollar tech empire requires a rock-solid foundation. This workshop equips you with knowledge and tools to fortify their businesses against cyber threats. Explore encryption strategies, data protection best practices, and building a secure online presence. Walk away with the knowledge to build your tech empire with confidence, knowing your crown jewels (data) are safeguarded.
Amy Mushahwar, Majgan Samimy11:35 am -12:15 pm
2024-05-18 AllFrom Disrupt to Deliver: Big Tech Energy for Untapped Markets
Go beyond the usual suspects. This workshop dives into the vast potential of overlooked tech markets like manufacturing, government contracts, and supply chains. Discover how Big Tech companies are leveraging these hidden gems and learn how to adapt their strategies for your own growth. This workshop equips you with the strategies and insights to conquer new territories and propel your business to the next level.
Donnell Baird, Brian Laung Aoeah, Chante Harris, Cynthia Overton11:35 am - 12:15 pm
2024-05-18 AllEmpowerHER: Black Women in Technology Leadership
This session explores the unique journey of Black women in tech leadership. We'll delve into navigating challenges, fostering allyship, and building a fulfilling career path. Gain insights, share experiences, and leave empowered to shape the future of tech.
Tasha Youngblood Brown, Minerva Phifer, Brenda Darden Wilkerson, Allie Joy Tsahey, Nicolle McCarty2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
2024-05-18 AllHack Your Resume: Insider Tips & Tricks
Join us for a dynamic workshop where we'll dive deep into the art of crafting a killer resume that gets you noticed by top tech companies.
Led by seasoned industry professionals, this workshop will uncover insider tips and tricks to make your resume stand out from the crowd. From formatting hacks to keyword optimization strategies, we'll equip you with the tools you need to land your dream job.
Jarrett Albritton, Dino Anagbogu, Jamesha Littles, Keshia Walker2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
2024-05-18 AllWhat Investors Really Want: Masterclass in Investor Expectations
This masterclass peels back the layers of investor decision-making. Gain a strategic understanding of the key criteria venture capitalists and angel investors prioritize when evaluating tech startups. This session equips you with actionable insights to refine your pitch and confidently navigate the funding landscape.
Esosa Ighodaro, Waverly Middleton, Stephanie Fowler2:35 pm - 3:15 pm
2024-05-18 AllBuilding Your A-Team: Strategies for Founders & Managers
Founding a startup or leading a team? This session dives deep into building effective teams, no matter your stage. Learn how to define your ideal candidate profile and craft a compelling vision to attract top talent. We'll explore best practices for sourcing, screening, and onboarding, ensuring your team aligns with your goals and drives long-term success. Founders will gain insights on building a founding team, while managers will discover strategies for building a high-performing unit within an established company.
Kim Blue, Prathan Powell, Judy Jackson2:35 pm - 3:15 pm
2024-05-18 AllBoss Mamas, Zen Minds: Fostering Mental Wellness While Building Your Empire
You can't pour from an empty cup.
This workshop is your roadmap to becoming a boss mama with zen vibes. We'll explore practical strategies for prioritizing your mental wellness, fostering resilience, and building a support system that empowers you to reach your full potential. Discover effective strategies for managing stress, combating burnout, and creating healthy habits that fit your busy schedule. Whether you're a working mom, a stay-at-home mom, or somewhere in between, this workshop offers a supportive space to prioritize your well-being and thrive in the dynamic world of tech.
Nijiama Smalls, Kimberly Seals Allen, Esosa Ighodaro3:20 pm - 4:00 pm
2024-05-18 AllSaturday Afternoon: Founder Fireside chat
Esosa Ighodaro, Jennifer L. WilliamsDay 3 – May 19
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
2024-05-19 AllRTB After Party Brunch
Roadmap to Billions features an unmissable After Party Brunch! Join us on May 19th from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at:
Panda 39
54 West 39th St NY, NY 10018.
Enjoy the vibrant beats of Mad Russian, DJ Commish, and Dingle Liz.
Please note, this event is sold separately. Secure your spot by choosing one of the following ticket options:
- Brunch Ticket (entry + brunch): $48
- Just Vibes Ticket (entry only): $20
Don’t miss out on this perfect blend of brunch and beats to wrap up an incredible event!
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Founders/Aspiring Founders
Join us in Brooklyn!
- Opening Night Reception
- Empower yourself with 2 Full Days of live workshops and panels
- Network in-person with over 1,500 speakers, founders, investors
- Demo new and upcoming tech solutions from our sponsors
- Sign up for Investor Office Hours
- Connect face-to-face with like-minded founders
- Does Not Include: Annual Digital Membership that features Conference Replays & Bonus Streaming Content
Aspiring Founders
- Want to know what it takes to build the next billion-dollar business? Are you ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship and need guidance on what to expect? Grab this ticket if you're in position to transition from a Side-Hustle samurai to a Full-time Founder + CEO.
Upgrade to VIP for Membership Access + a Swag Bag
- Includes Access to:
- All Perks in General Admission Ticket
- Annual Digital Membership that features Conference Replays & Bonus Streaming Content
- Investor Reception
- VIP Lounge On-Site
Investors/Aspiring Investors
Join us in Brooklyn!
- Empower yourself with 2 Full Days of live workshops and panels
- Network in-person with over 1,500 speakers, founders, investors
- Get matched with Investor-Ready Founders
- Live access to Investor-only sessions
- Demo new and upcoming tech solutions from our sponsors
- Does Not Include: Annual Digital Membership that features Conference Replays & Bonus Streaming Content
Aspiring Investors
- Want to know what it takes to spot the next billion-dollar business? Looking to invest in early-stage founders but not sure where to start? Need help developing your investor thesis? If you're ready to get in the game and want to learn how to determine a company's investor-readiness, this ticket is for you!
Upgrade to VIP for Membership Access + a Swag Bag
- Includes Access to:
- All Perks in General Admission Ticket
- Annual Digital Membership that features Conference Replays & Bonus Streaming Content
- Investor Reception
- VIP Lounge On-Site
PROFESSIONALS
Join us in Brooklyn!
- General Admission - Experience the fullness of Roadmap to Billions including keynotes, panels, and workshops
- Day 3 [Only] - Gain access to tailored professional topics and recruiting opportunities
- Learn about the latest tech solutions to take your tech career to the next level
- Hear from leading tech companies looking to hire diverse talent
- Connect with Founders and Investors to grow your network and build strategic partnerships.
Tech Enthusiasts
- There’s something to being in the room. Meet high-level tech founders, investors, sponsors, and professionals. Meet your next co-founder or CTO, find your next software platform, and learn about the latest trending tech topics.
Allies
- Black women can move mountains, but the momentum is greater with the support of our allies. We welcome the presence and partnership our Tech allies to join us at Roadmap to Billions as the journey to a billion-dollar venture is not one-dimensional.
Students
- Mark Zuckerberg got his start largely by accident while he was still in college. Student founders and entrepreneurs, we're looking at you! It's time to put your business classes to good use and learn what it takes to successfully launch and grow your tech startup. Attend online or in-person, but act fast - in-person Student tickets are limited!
- Must register with an .edu email address and show proof of current status.
2024 Speakers
We are a collective of passionate Black women tech founders.
We have a unique understanding of the challenges Black women founders face and the advantages we bring in the industry. We’re here to identify, support and encourage Black women to build the next billion dollar business.
We’re unapologetic in our support because we believe Black is worth the investment. It’s time we are heard and seen because we know different perspectives bring new opportunities. We’re building community and profitable, scalable businesses for self-identified Black women in tech, together.
An entrepreneurial and impact-driven leader building high-performing teams and award-winning products. From software to premium commodities, I specialize in zero-to-one ( 0 to 1 ) product leadership that focuses on the job to be done.
Native New Yorker and Senior Product Analyst. She enjoys guiding leaders in making data driven decisions. Throughout her career, she applied this skill in multiple career pivots from Live Streaming (RNC/DNC conventions, Coachella, Lollapalooza, Riot Games League of Legends), to Product Operations(YouTube live streaming, Gaming app and YouTube TV) and now as a Product Analyst.
Chante Harris is a champion of social and financial innovation. Throughout her career, she has successfully scaled nationwide campaigns, technologies, and ideas for the Obama Administration, Fortune 500 companies, and startups. Her writing and work have been featured by ImpactAlpha, Business Insider, The Milken Institute, and other notable publications.
As an operator, she secured and deployed millions of dollars for the implementation of climate projects and energy-efficient technologies. In 2020 she built a $10 million climate tech venture studio in the U.S. focused on global companies deploying technologies across mobility, buildings, agriculture, waste, water, materials, and carbon. After her time as a climate tech strategist with Schmidt Futures, she founded Eunoia Group, a derisk-as-a-service studio and investment platform addressing the multibillion-dollar funding gap for hard climate technologies at the critical early infrastructure project stage.
Named by Forbes as a 30 Under 30 in the Energy Category, Nasdaq as a Woman to Watch in 2022, ACEEE as a Champion for Energy Efficiency, GreenBiz as 30 Under 30 Leader, and Women Enews as a Pioneering Woman in Sustainability, Chante is at the helm of driving climate innovation and advancing the energy transition across the globe. Chante has traveled the world to speak at global events like COP, Aspen, GreenBiz, and TechStars.
In addition to her work leading in climate tech and investment, Chante launched and built the only global 5,000+ digital collective and global community that is 100% dedicated to advancing women of color working across the sustainability industry.
Chante is on the advisory committee for the first-ever global Climate Center being built on Governor’s Island in NYC and sits on the Board of Summit Impact.
Richard is an early-stage investor and ecosystem builder, but he can best be described as a business athlete. He has over 13 years of professional experience across global and product strategy at major tech organizations, entrepreneurship, venture capital, management consulting, and corporate finance.
Richard’s experience in the venture ecosystem includes working as an advisor, investor, scout, and venture partner at multiple multi-million dollar venture funds, accelerators, and fund of fund platforms. Richard successfully built Seneca Network, a platform with several hundred connectors, mentors, and investors aimed at providing support to diverse founders at the friends and family stage. Over 50% of companies on the Seneca Network platform were successful in achieving seed funding.
Richard is currently at Zeal Capital Partners investing across Pre-seed to Series A companies led by diverse management teams, as well as pioneering the firms Scout Program focused on developing the next wave of Black Investors.
Prathan L. Powell Jr is a world-class global E HR leader specializing in lending employee and labor relations expertise to global brands like Netflix, Nike, The Coca-Cola Company, Google and Instacart. Prathan is also the President & CEO of The Black In HR, a premier professional services firm dedicated to career advancement and HR consulting with over 10,000 members nationwide.
Ashlee Wisdom is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Health In Her HUE, the premier digital health platform aimed at reducing racial health disparities by leveraging the power of technology, media and community to improve health outcomes for Black women.
Wisdom holds over a decade of experience working across the healthcare industry at companies such as Weill Cornell Medicine, NYC Health + Hospitals, and Junto Health in leadership roles supporting a range of programmatic and functional areas. Her previous roles span grants management, clinical research and consulting strategic healthcare investors.
Ashlee is a passionate public health innovator and a champion for equitable access to quality care for all. Through her efforts, she has raised over $4Million dollars in venture capital funding in order to advance Health In Her HUE’s mission. She currently sits on the Board of two non-profits: Peer Health Exchange and We Are ILL. In 2022, she was named an Aspen Institute Healthy Communities Fellow and was honored by FemTech Focus with the First in FemTech Award. In 2021, she was named a Top 50 in Digital Health by Rock Health for her health equity advocacy and also presented a TEDx talk in 2020.
She holds a Master of Public Health with a focus in Healthcare Policy and Management from New York University’s School of Global Public Health and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Ashlee lives in New York City and enjoys traveling, going to brunch, and riding her Peloton.
Kimberly Seals Allers is an award-winning journalist, five-time author, international speaker, strategist, and advocate for maternal & infant health. A former senior editor at ESSENCE and writer at FORTUNE magazine, Kimberly is a leading voice on the racial and socio-cultural complexities of birth, breastfeeding, and motherhood. She is the founder of Irth, a new “Yelp-like” app for Black and brown parents to address bias and racism in maternity and infant care. Kimberly also created Birthright, a podcast about joy and healing in Black birth that centers on positive Black birth stories as a tool in the fight for birth justice and reverses the narrative of negative statistics common in mainstream media coverage of Black maternal health. Learn more at KimberlySealsAllers.com. Follow her @iamKSealsAllers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Sponsors
Media Partner
Community Partner
Want to help build and diversify the Black tech ecosystem and provide resources to more than 1,500 Black women?
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Meet the
Founders
Esosa Ighodaro, Co-founder
Regina Gwynn, Co-founder
We have a unique understanding of the challenges Black women founders face and the advantages we bring in the industry. We’re here to identify, support and encourage Black women to build the next billion dollar business.
We’re unapologetic in our support because we believe Black is worth the investment. It’s time we are heard and seen because we know different perspectives bring new opportunities. We’re building community and profitable, scalable businesses for self-identified Black women in tech, together.
From Our
Community
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