BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:icalendar-ruby
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
X-WR-CALNAME:The 4th Annual HBCU Empowerment Conference
X-WR-TIMEZONE:Eastern Time (US & Canada)
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260612T181154Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_52992910594551
DTSTART:20260624T180000Z
DTEND:20260624T190000Z
DESCRIPTION:A national convening by the PNC and Howard University National 
 Center for Entrepreneurship\, the 2026 HBCU Empower Conference convenes fo
 unders\, investors\, and ecosystem leaders to explore how today’s founde
 rs can plant seeds for prosperity and ownership that extend far beyond a s
 ingle generation. For generations\, HBCUs have served as laboratories of i
 ngenuity\, resilience\, and leadership — producing entrepreneurs and ins
 titution builders who created opportunity even when systems weren’t desi
 gned to support them. Today we stand at another pivotal moment. AI is tran
 sforming the global economy\, reshaping industries\, and redefining how bu
 sinesses are built. \n\n \n\nLearn more or register at hbcuempower.com.\n\
 n \n\nThree days. One star-studded lineup of founders\, investors\, and ec
 osystem builders taking the stage for high-energy panels\, hands-on worksh
 ops\, and can’t-miss breakout sessions across three powerhouse tracks. A
 dd in the marketplace\, electric networking receptions\, and a show-stoppi
 ng Awards Dinner finale\, and you’ve got a summit built for momentum. Th
 is national convening brings together entrepreneurs\, investors\, research
 ers\, ecosystem builders\, and students from across the country to explore
  how artificial intelligence can drive entrepreneurial wealth and generati
 onal prosperity. Participants examine how tradition and technology interse
 ct to create pathways of ownership and opportunity that extend beyond a si
 ngle generation.\n\n \n\nDates: \nJune 24-26\, 2026​\n\n \n\nConference 
 Location:\nThe Westin DC Downtown\n999 9th Street NW\nWashington\, DC 2000
 1\, US\n\n \n\nKey Events\n\nOpening Reception-AI & Innovation: The confer
 ence begins with a dynamic reception that introduces attendees to AI as a 
 driver of entrepreneurial wealth building. Through live demonstrations\, f
 ounder showcases\, and curated networking\, participants will explore how 
 emerging technologies can support business creation\, growth and scale.HBC
 U Empower Awards Dinner: The conference concludes with a celebration recog
 nizing the achievements of founders\, partners\, and program participants 
 whose work embodies the mission\, leadership and impact of the Howard Univ
 ersity & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship.\n\nEntrepreneur Resourc
 e Fair + Office Hours: The resource fair connects entrepreneurs with organ
 izations offering funding pathways\, technology platforms\, consulting ser
 vices\, and broader ecosystem support. Attendees will also participate in 
 dedicated office hours with experts and partners\, gaining practical guida
 nce and insights to help strengthen and advance their ventures.\n\nPitch C
 ompetition: The pitch competition will feature founders from across the Ce
 nter’s programming over the past year\, spotlighting emerging ventures d
 eveloped through HBCU entrepreneurship initiatives. Founders will present 
 their ideas in a high-energy competition that celebrates creativity\, inno
 vation\, and the next generation of entrepreneurial leadership.\n\nPanels\
 , Workshops\, and Managing Conversations: Across two days of programming\,
  panels\, workshops\, and mainstage conversations will equip attendees wit
 h the tools\, technologies\, and strategies needed for entrepreneurial gro
 wth and wealth creation. Founders\, investors\, and technology leaders wil
 l share practical insights on scaling ventures\, navigating emerging marke
 ts\, adapting strategies and designing businesses for the futuAcross two d
 ays of programming\, panels\, workshops\, and mainstage conversations will
  equip attendees with the tools\, technologies\, and strategies needed for
  entrepreneurial growth and wealth creation. Founders\, investors\, and te
 chnology leaders will share practical insights on scaling ventures\, navig
 ating emerging markets\, adapting strategies and designing businesses for 
 the future.\n\nNetworking Receptions: Various networking receptions throug
 hout the conference celebrate the legacy and leadership of HBCUs and the f
 ounders they cultivate. This gathering spotlights the achievements of entr
 epreneurs and ecosystem leaders across the Center’s national network whi
 le reinforcing the vital role HBCUs play as engines of innovation\, entrep
 reneurship and economic mobility.\n \n\nPanel & Workshop Tracks\n\n \n\nEl
 evating Entrepreneurs: This track features workshops and panels designed t
 o equip entrepreneurs with the resources\, skills\, and knowledge needed t
 o scale and grow their ventures in a rapidly evolving economy. Sessions ex
 plore how founders can leverage emerging technologies\, including artifici
 al intelligence\, to strengthen strategy\, streamline operations\, and ide
 ntify new market opportunities. Participants will examine how innovation a
 nd technology can drive sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.Empowe
 ring the Ecosystem: This convening brings together university leaders\, ec
 osystem builders\, and community partners to share best practices and reso
 urces that expand opportunity for entrepreneurs. Discussions focus on how 
 collaboration across universities\, incubators\, investors\, and public in
 stitutions can expand access to entrepreneurship education\, funding pathw
 ays\, and innovation infrastructure\, ensuring founders have the support s
 ystems needed to succeed.Investing and Impact: This track offers workshops
  and training focused on strategies to fund\, finance\, and grow businesse
 s and the communities they serve. Sessions explore capital access\, respon
 sible innovation\, emerging technology markets\, and investment approaches
  that balance financial returns with long-term community impact. Participa
 nts will gain insight into how capital and innovation can work together to
  create shared prosperity. \n\nSpeakers\n\n \n\nCornell McBride Jr.\nPresi
 dent | McBride Research Laboratories/ Design EssentialsDenise Rolark Barne
 s\nPublisher | The Washington InformerDonald Cravins Jr.\nPresident and CE
 O | National Minority Supplier Development Council\, Inc. (NMSDC)Dr. Lakey
 sha Hallmon\nCEO and Founder | Village Retail\, Village Books\, The Villag
 e Market and Our Village United | Author\, “No One Is Self-Made”Jasmin
 e Hudson\nCo-Founder and Chief Merchant | Black Paper PartyNasir Qadree\nF
 ounder and Managing Partner | Zeal Capital PartnerNatalie Madeira Cofield\
 nPresident and CEO | Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO)Robert L.
  Greene\nPresident and CEO | National Association of Investment Companies 
 (NAIC)Rukiya Kelly\nGlobal Head of Corporate Impact | FICOShaina Rainford\
 nFounder/CEO | Bask and Lather Co.Shannan Herbert\nCEO | WACIFStacie Lee B
 anks\nPresident/Co-owner | Lee's Flower & Card Shop Inc.
GEO:38.901519;-77.023809
LOCATION:The Westin DC Downtown
SUMMARY:The 4th Annual HBCU Empowerment Conference
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.howard.edu/event/the-4th-annual-hbcu-empowerme
 nt-conference
CATEGORIES:Conference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260612T181154Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_52992910595576
DTSTART:20260625T180000Z
DTEND:20260625T190000Z
DESCRIPTION:A national convening by the PNC and Howard University National 
 Center for Entrepreneurship\, the 2026 HBCU Empower Conference convenes fo
 unders\, investors\, and ecosystem leaders to explore how today’s founde
 rs can plant seeds for prosperity and ownership that extend far beyond a s
 ingle generation. For generations\, HBCUs have served as laboratories of i
 ngenuity\, resilience\, and leadership — producing entrepreneurs and ins
 titution builders who created opportunity even when systems weren’t desi
 gned to support them. Today we stand at another pivotal moment. AI is tran
 sforming the global economy\, reshaping industries\, and redefining how bu
 sinesses are built. \n\n \n\nLearn more or register at hbcuempower.com.\n\
 n \n\nThree days. One star-studded lineup of founders\, investors\, and ec
 osystem builders taking the stage for high-energy panels\, hands-on worksh
 ops\, and can’t-miss breakout sessions across three powerhouse tracks. A
 dd in the marketplace\, electric networking receptions\, and a show-stoppi
 ng Awards Dinner finale\, and you’ve got a summit built for momentum. Th
 is national convening brings together entrepreneurs\, investors\, research
 ers\, ecosystem builders\, and students from across the country to explore
  how artificial intelligence can drive entrepreneurial wealth and generati
 onal prosperity. Participants examine how tradition and technology interse
 ct to create pathways of ownership and opportunity that extend beyond a si
 ngle generation.\n\n \n\nDates: \nJune 24-26\, 2026​\n\n \n\nConference 
 Location:\nThe Westin DC Downtown\n999 9th Street NW\nWashington\, DC 2000
 1\, US\n\n \n\nKey Events\n\nOpening Reception-AI & Innovation: The confer
 ence begins with a dynamic reception that introduces attendees to AI as a 
 driver of entrepreneurial wealth building. Through live demonstrations\, f
 ounder showcases\, and curated networking\, participants will explore how 
 emerging technologies can support business creation\, growth and scale.HBC
 U Empower Awards Dinner: The conference concludes with a celebration recog
 nizing the achievements of founders\, partners\, and program participants 
 whose work embodies the mission\, leadership and impact of the Howard Univ
 ersity & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship.\n\nEntrepreneur Resourc
 e Fair + Office Hours: The resource fair connects entrepreneurs with organ
 izations offering funding pathways\, technology platforms\, consulting ser
 vices\, and broader ecosystem support. Attendees will also participate in 
 dedicated office hours with experts and partners\, gaining practical guida
 nce and insights to help strengthen and advance their ventures.\n\nPitch C
 ompetition: The pitch competition will feature founders from across the Ce
 nter’s programming over the past year\, spotlighting emerging ventures d
 eveloped through HBCU entrepreneurship initiatives. Founders will present 
 their ideas in a high-energy competition that celebrates creativity\, inno
 vation\, and the next generation of entrepreneurial leadership.\n\nPanels\
 , Workshops\, and Managing Conversations: Across two days of programming\,
  panels\, workshops\, and mainstage conversations will equip attendees wit
 h the tools\, technologies\, and strategies needed for entrepreneurial gro
 wth and wealth creation. Founders\, investors\, and technology leaders wil
 l share practical insights on scaling ventures\, navigating emerging marke
 ts\, adapting strategies and designing businesses for the futuAcross two d
 ays of programming\, panels\, workshops\, and mainstage conversations will
  equip attendees with the tools\, technologies\, and strategies needed for
  entrepreneurial growth and wealth creation. Founders\, investors\, and te
 chnology leaders will share practical insights on scaling ventures\, navig
 ating emerging markets\, adapting strategies and designing businesses for 
 the future.\n\nNetworking Receptions: Various networking receptions throug
 hout the conference celebrate the legacy and leadership of HBCUs and the f
 ounders they cultivate. This gathering spotlights the achievements of entr
 epreneurs and ecosystem leaders across the Center’s national network whi
 le reinforcing the vital role HBCUs play as engines of innovation\, entrep
 reneurship and economic mobility.\n \n\nPanel & Workshop Tracks\n\n \n\nEl
 evating Entrepreneurs: This track features workshops and panels designed t
 o equip entrepreneurs with the resources\, skills\, and knowledge needed t
 o scale and grow their ventures in a rapidly evolving economy. Sessions ex
 plore how founders can leverage emerging technologies\, including artifici
 al intelligence\, to strengthen strategy\, streamline operations\, and ide
 ntify new market opportunities. Participants will examine how innovation a
 nd technology can drive sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.Empowe
 ring the Ecosystem: This convening brings together university leaders\, ec
 osystem builders\, and community partners to share best practices and reso
 urces that expand opportunity for entrepreneurs. Discussions focus on how 
 collaboration across universities\, incubators\, investors\, and public in
 stitutions can expand access to entrepreneurship education\, funding pathw
 ays\, and innovation infrastructure\, ensuring founders have the support s
 ystems needed to succeed.Investing and Impact: This track offers workshops
  and training focused on strategies to fund\, finance\, and grow businesse
 s and the communities they serve. Sessions explore capital access\, respon
 sible innovation\, emerging technology markets\, and investment approaches
  that balance financial returns with long-term community impact. Participa
 nts will gain insight into how capital and innovation can work together to
  create shared prosperity. \n\nSpeakers\n\n \n\nCornell McBride Jr.\nPresi
 dent | McBride Research Laboratories/ Design EssentialsDenise Rolark Barne
 s\nPublisher | The Washington InformerDonald Cravins Jr.\nPresident and CE
 O | National Minority Supplier Development Council\, Inc. (NMSDC)Dr. Lakey
 sha Hallmon\nCEO and Founder | Village Retail\, Village Books\, The Villag
 e Market and Our Village United | Author\, “No One Is Self-Made”Jasmin
 e Hudson\nCo-Founder and Chief Merchant | Black Paper PartyNasir Qadree\nF
 ounder and Managing Partner | Zeal Capital PartnerNatalie Madeira Cofield\
 nPresident and CEO | Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO)Robert L.
  Greene\nPresident and CEO | National Association of Investment Companies 
 (NAIC)Rukiya Kelly\nGlobal Head of Corporate Impact | FICOShaina Rainford\
 nFounder/CEO | Bask and Lather Co.Shannan Herbert\nCEO | WACIFStacie Lee B
 anks\nPresident/Co-owner | Lee's Flower & Card Shop Inc.
GEO:38.901519;-77.023809
LOCATION:The Westin DC Downtown
SUMMARY:The 4th Annual HBCU Empowerment Conference
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.howard.edu/event/the-4th-annual-hbcu-empowerme
 nt-conference
CATEGORIES:Conference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260612T181154Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_52992910595577
DTSTART:20260626T180000Z
DTEND:20260626T190000Z
DESCRIPTION:A national convening by the PNC and Howard University National 
 Center for Entrepreneurship\, the 2026 HBCU Empower Conference convenes fo
 unders\, investors\, and ecosystem leaders to explore how today’s founde
 rs can plant seeds for prosperity and ownership that extend far beyond a s
 ingle generation. For generations\, HBCUs have served as laboratories of i
 ngenuity\, resilience\, and leadership — producing entrepreneurs and ins
 titution builders who created opportunity even when systems weren’t desi
 gned to support them. Today we stand at another pivotal moment. AI is tran
 sforming the global economy\, reshaping industries\, and redefining how bu
 sinesses are built. \n\n \n\nLearn more or register at hbcuempower.com.\n\
 n \n\nThree days. One star-studded lineup of founders\, investors\, and ec
 osystem builders taking the stage for high-energy panels\, hands-on worksh
 ops\, and can’t-miss breakout sessions across three powerhouse tracks. A
 dd in the marketplace\, electric networking receptions\, and a show-stoppi
 ng Awards Dinner finale\, and you’ve got a summit built for momentum. Th
 is national convening brings together entrepreneurs\, investors\, research
 ers\, ecosystem builders\, and students from across the country to explore
  how artificial intelligence can drive entrepreneurial wealth and generati
 onal prosperity. Participants examine how tradition and technology interse
 ct to create pathways of ownership and opportunity that extend beyond a si
 ngle generation.\n\n \n\nDates: \nJune 24-26\, 2026​\n\n \n\nConference 
 Location:\nThe Westin DC Downtown\n999 9th Street NW\nWashington\, DC 2000
 1\, US\n\n \n\nKey Events\n\nOpening Reception-AI & Innovation: The confer
 ence begins with a dynamic reception that introduces attendees to AI as a 
 driver of entrepreneurial wealth building. Through live demonstrations\, f
 ounder showcases\, and curated networking\, participants will explore how 
 emerging technologies can support business creation\, growth and scale.HBC
 U Empower Awards Dinner: The conference concludes with a celebration recog
 nizing the achievements of founders\, partners\, and program participants 
 whose work embodies the mission\, leadership and impact of the Howard Univ
 ersity & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship.\n\nEntrepreneur Resourc
 e Fair + Office Hours: The resource fair connects entrepreneurs with organ
 izations offering funding pathways\, technology platforms\, consulting ser
 vices\, and broader ecosystem support. Attendees will also participate in 
 dedicated office hours with experts and partners\, gaining practical guida
 nce and insights to help strengthen and advance their ventures.\n\nPitch C
 ompetition: The pitch competition will feature founders from across the Ce
 nter’s programming over the past year\, spotlighting emerging ventures d
 eveloped through HBCU entrepreneurship initiatives. Founders will present 
 their ideas in a high-energy competition that celebrates creativity\, inno
 vation\, and the next generation of entrepreneurial leadership.\n\nPanels\
 , Workshops\, and Managing Conversations: Across two days of programming\,
  panels\, workshops\, and mainstage conversations will equip attendees wit
 h the tools\, technologies\, and strategies needed for entrepreneurial gro
 wth and wealth creation. Founders\, investors\, and technology leaders wil
 l share practical insights on scaling ventures\, navigating emerging marke
 ts\, adapting strategies and designing businesses for the futuAcross two d
 ays of programming\, panels\, workshops\, and mainstage conversations will
  equip attendees with the tools\, technologies\, and strategies needed for
  entrepreneurial growth and wealth creation. Founders\, investors\, and te
 chnology leaders will share practical insights on scaling ventures\, navig
 ating emerging markets\, adapting strategies and designing businesses for 
 the future.\n\nNetworking Receptions: Various networking receptions throug
 hout the conference celebrate the legacy and leadership of HBCUs and the f
 ounders they cultivate. This gathering spotlights the achievements of entr
 epreneurs and ecosystem leaders across the Center’s national network whi
 le reinforcing the vital role HBCUs play as engines of innovation\, entrep
 reneurship and economic mobility.\n \n\nPanel & Workshop Tracks\n\n \n\nEl
 evating Entrepreneurs: This track features workshops and panels designed t
 o equip entrepreneurs with the resources\, skills\, and knowledge needed t
 o scale and grow their ventures in a rapidly evolving economy. Sessions ex
 plore how founders can leverage emerging technologies\, including artifici
 al intelligence\, to strengthen strategy\, streamline operations\, and ide
 ntify new market opportunities. Participants will examine how innovation a
 nd technology can drive sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.Empowe
 ring the Ecosystem: This convening brings together university leaders\, ec
 osystem builders\, and community partners to share best practices and reso
 urces that expand opportunity for entrepreneurs. Discussions focus on how 
 collaboration across universities\, incubators\, investors\, and public in
 stitutions can expand access to entrepreneurship education\, funding pathw
 ays\, and innovation infrastructure\, ensuring founders have the support s
 ystems needed to succeed.Investing and Impact: This track offers workshops
  and training focused on strategies to fund\, finance\, and grow businesse
 s and the communities they serve. Sessions explore capital access\, respon
 sible innovation\, emerging technology markets\, and investment approaches
  that balance financial returns with long-term community impact. Participa
 nts will gain insight into how capital and innovation can work together to
  create shared prosperity. \n\nSpeakers\n\n \n\nCornell McBride Jr.\nPresi
 dent | McBride Research Laboratories/ Design EssentialsDenise Rolark Barne
 s\nPublisher | The Washington InformerDonald Cravins Jr.\nPresident and CE
 O | National Minority Supplier Development Council\, Inc. (NMSDC)Dr. Lakey
 sha Hallmon\nCEO and Founder | Village Retail\, Village Books\, The Villag
 e Market and Our Village United | Author\, “No One Is Self-Made”Jasmin
 e Hudson\nCo-Founder and Chief Merchant | Black Paper PartyNasir Qadree\nF
 ounder and Managing Partner | Zeal Capital PartnerNatalie Madeira Cofield\
 nPresident and CEO | Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO)Robert L.
  Greene\nPresident and CEO | National Association of Investment Companies 
 (NAIC)Rukiya Kelly\nGlobal Head of Corporate Impact | FICOShaina Rainford\
 nFounder/CEO | Bask and Lather Co.Shannan Herbert\nCEO | WACIFStacie Lee B
 anks\nPresident/Co-owner | Lee's Flower & Card Shop Inc.
GEO:38.901519;-77.023809
LOCATION:The Westin DC Downtown
SUMMARY:The 4th Annual HBCU Empowerment Conference
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.howard.edu/event/the-4th-annual-hbcu-empowerme
 nt-conference
CATEGORIES:Conference
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR