Day 1
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
2023-05-18 AllOpening Mixer at RollerWave
Join us as we kick off the 7th Annual Roadmap to Billions conference at RollerWave NYC! Grab your skates and join your fellow female founders in the rink for an opening party the way only we can do it. Get ready to have a great time!
RollerWave NYCÂ
625 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
— RollerWave NYCÂ 625 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217Day 2
8:30 am
2023-05-19 AllRegistration
—9:00 am - 9:10 am
2023-05-19 AllWelcome Address from BWTT Team and Host
Regina Gwynn, Esosa Ighodaro Johnson, DeDe McGuire Main Stage9:10 am - 9:25 am
2023-05-19 AllRise Up - Morning Dance Party
— Main Stage9:30 am - 10:10 am
2023-05-19 AllIts Givin' Boss - Opening Keynote
A celebrity founder shares their journey to success and their companies they have built over the years.
— Main Stage10:10am -10:30am
2023-05-19 AllReshaping the Wealth Management Ecosystem
Morgan Stanley Sponsor Moment
Tasha GarcÃa, Jeffery Kennerly10:30 am - 11:10 am
2023-05-19 AllAbout Damn Time
A conversation with Arlan Hamilton and her mother on how they came from humble beginnings including homelessness to now building multiple businesses.
Arlan Hamilton, Earline Sims Main Stage10:30 am - 11:10 am
2023-05-19 AllVisit Booths
—11:20 am - 12:00 pm
2023-05-19 AllBig Energy: Boosting Productivity and Work-Life Flow
Are you looking to level up your productivity within your business, achieve a better work-life flow, and hit your professional and personal self-care goals? In this workshop, Alice will explore enhancing productivity and balancing work and personal life. She will discuss strategies and tools for maximizing efficiency, reducing stress, and achieving your goals. From time management and task automation to virtual assistants and self-care apps, this talk will provide valuable insights and tips for leveraging tools to boost your Big Energy and achieve your full potential both professionally and personally.
Alice Foy Main Stage12:10 pm - 12:50 pm
2023-05-19 AllBet on Yourself
Join Andrea Donkor, SVP of Global Regulatory Relations and Consumer Practices at PayPal, and Mandy Bowman, Founder, and CEO of Official Black Wall Street, to discuss how to create a network of mentors and allies that can support you in your journey to take ownership of your career – and to recognize and leverage your potential. Whether you’re in the corporate world or an entrepreneur, learn these skillsets that will help you follow your passions and pursue any career path.
Andrea Donkor, Mandy Bowman Main Stage12:10 pm - 12:50 pm
2023-05-19 AllFuel your startup's growth with a masterful fundraising strategy!
Develop a solid fundraising strategy by creating a timeline, identifying target investors, and creating a plan to reach them. Research each target investor to understand their criteria and tailor your pitch accordingly. Focus on building relationships through networking and personalized communication. Increase chances of securing investment and scaling your business with a well-crafted fundraising strategy.
Katleen Francois, Yemi Adewunmi, Tani Chambers, Kelauni Jasmyn Cook Stage B1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
2023-05-19 AllLunch & Expo Booths
Grab a bite to eat with a new colleague and learn about the products and offerings at our corporate partner booths. Join us back promptly at 2 pm to kick off the afternoon sessions!
—2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
2023-05-19 AllKeynote: Journey to a Billion
The Black Unicorns have arrived! We all know that becoming a Unicorn startup is rare and what's even more rare is a black unicorn. How did they do it? What are the challenges? How do they overcome everyday obstacles? What's their favorite food? Join us for a conversation with Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins Founder & CEO of Promise, Beatrice Dixon Founder of Honeypot, and Selena Hill Deputy Digital Editor of Black Enterprise and learn about their Journey to a Billion.
Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, Beatrice Dixon, Selena Hill Main Stage2:40 pm - 3:20 pm
2023-05-19 AllWhy Civic Tech with Presidential Innovation Fellows
Natasha Bansgopaul, Elise Nelson Leary, Regina Green Main Stage2:40 pm - 3:20 pm
2023-05-19 AllFounder Power: Funding Beyond VC
Did you know there are a variety of ways to get funded beyond traditional banks and investors? This panel will share where and how you can secure alternative funding startup funding to kick-start your business. Whether you are just starting out with your business or looking to take it to the next level, this session can provide valuable insights and support to help you secure the funding you need to succeed.
Kalish Nesbitt, Oliver Libby, Pat Keegan, Kelly Ifill Stage B3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
2023-05-19 AllVetting and Evaluating Startup Ideas - A Framework for Success at any Stage
Are you considering starting a company, or have you already started and want to ensure that your idea is on the right track? This panel discussion, will provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating and vetting startup ideas. Participants will hear real-life examples of that have turned innovative ideas into billion-dollar businesses. Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot your existing idea, this talk will give you the tools and insights you need to validate your concept and set yourself up for success.
Cordelro Brown, Ekwutozia Nwabuzor, Charlotte Newman, Michaela Keady, Spectra Asala Main Stage3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
2023-05-19 AllThe AI Advantage: Unraveling the Benefits and Challenges for Tech Entrepreneurs
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a ubiquitous technology in the world of business, and particularly in the tech industry. This panel discussion will examine the current state of AI and its impact on tech companies. Experts will debate the question, "Can a tech company be built today without using some form of AI?" They will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of building a tech company without AI, and whether it is even possible to do so in today's technology-driven landscape. The panel will also discuss the implications of this for startups, established tech companies, and the future of technology.
Michael Brown, Corey White, Mutale Nkonde, Ariel Lopez Stage B4:00pm - 4:05pm
2023-05-19 AllAudible Sponsor Moment
—4:05 pm - 5:10 pm
2023-05-19 AllPitch Competition Sponsored by Walmart Connect
Watch as 4 startup founders Pitch their businesses to established investors for a chance to win $20,000 in cash and prizes for their startups.
Deidra Suber, Simone Jordan, Kofi Ampadu, Brenda Darden Wilkerson, Benjamin Keith Main Stage5:10 pm - 6:00 pm
2023-05-19 AllClosing Keynote: Build & Scale: Scaling Brand Partnerships for Growth
Brand partnerships are a crucial aspect of growing a business, but scaling them can be a challenging process. In this panel discussion, experts will share their insights and strategies for effectively scaling brand partnerships to drive growth. From understanding target audiences to clear communication and adaptability, the panelists will explore the key factors that are essential for success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your brand partnerships to the next level, this talk will provide valuable insights and tips for building and scaling relationships that drive business results.
Bonin Bough, Esosa Ighodaro Johnson Main Stage6:05 pm - 6:15 pm
2023-05-19 AllClosing Address from BWTT Team
Regina Gwynn, Esosa Ighodaro Johnson6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
2023-05-19 AllNetworking
Stick around for a post-conference drink or two with your fellow colleagues and conference attendees.
—7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
2023-05-19 AllInvestor Reception hosted by New York Ventures
Private post-conference mixer. Invite only.
— Private locationDay 3
11:00 am - 11:10 am
2023-05-20 AllWelcome Address
Esosa Ighodaro Johnson, Regina Gwynn Main Stage11:10 am - 11:40 am
2023-05-20 AllOpening Keynote: Amplifying Our Voice: Elevating Diverse Talent Within in the Tech Industry
Bias, micro-aggressions, and lack of advancement are no mystery to diverse talent. These challenges can create unnecessary barriers to success for ambitious & goal-oriented professionals across industries. Thankfully, alongside any obstacle, there is opportunity: Brenda Wilkerson (President, anitab.org) and Shannon Morales (Founder, tribaja.co) are dedicated to the mission of closing the gap between opportunities and qualified talent in the tech industry. Join us in conversation with two trailblazing leaders in talent acquisition and learn about the importance of advocating & supporting diverse talent in the workplace.
Brenda Darden Wilkerson, Shannon Morales Main Stage11:45 am - 12:30 pm
2023-05-20 AllYour Roadmap Intuit
Tanisha Barnett Main Stage12:35 pm - 1:25 pm
2023-05-20 AllRising up the Ranks Panel
Are you a technical professional looking to take your career to the next level? Whether you are a software developer, data analyst, or cybersecurity expert, we’ll be dropping valuable knowledge for mid-level technical talent across all sectors. Join us to learn from industry leaders and gain insights into what it takes to advance to a leadership position.
Our panel of experts will discuss topics such as the skills and qualities required to move up the career ladder, strategies for building a strong professional network, and tips for navigating the recruitment process. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and network with other mid-level technical professionals.