Founder & CEO Fintech Is Femme ✍🏽 | Author, Fintech Feminists 📚 | Award Winning Journalist | Content Director | Speaker | Moderator | Professor | 🇵🇭 | Community for Women in Fintech | Top 50 Women Leaders in Media
Announcing our first official panel 🗣 at #BITES - 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬. In 2023 Black Founders received 0.48% of all venture dollars, the lowest in the history of VC. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 and this panel will explore alternative funding solutions beyond traditional VC routes. Our panelists possess a great wealth of experience in supporting entrepreneurs to raise funds and build not only scalable businesses but sustainable businesses.
You will be inspired and encouraged by :
1. Kelley Frank Senior Director at Capital Department a transformational leader and creative storyteller with 15 years of experience across B2B and B2C industries, blending business acumen with out-of-the-box thinking. Kelley has worked with companies like N26, Techstars, and Universal Music, driving significant $$ investment into great businesses.
2. Kimberly Ofori CEO& Founder at The Bold New Company a former banker turned management consultant who founded and sold two tech companies. Kimberly is now on a mission to help businesses achieve sustainable growth through her Future Ventures, a startup community and fund. Kimberly also chairs the executive board at VOAW and serves on advisory boards for several startups.
3. Leanne Mair CEO& Founder at Benefactum Consulting and bestselling author of Closing the Gap - How to Include Black Women in Any Gender Equity Strategy. Leanne has been featured in Stylist, Forbes, Business Insider, ESG Clarity, and Investment Week to contribute her views on gender equity, organizational transformation, and DEI.
Let's goooo 🚀 🚀 🚀 🚀
#raisingcapital#investment#founderjourney#building#sustainablebusinesses#blackfounders#entrepreneurship#alternativepathways#equity#parity
🌟 Spotlight on Inspiring Women in the Amelia Network! 🌟
Introducing Melissa Allen: A Journey from #DigitalMarketing to #VentureCapital
Melissa Allen's career trajectory is nothing short of inspiring. From her beginnings in digital marketing with industry leaders like #TorstarDigital and #Google, she made a bold pivot to financial services, where she quickly earned recognition for her exceptional work. In 2019, Melissa stepped into the Venture Capital space, becoming an Angel Investor and Limited Partner. Today, she is the Founding Partner at Capital M Ventures, a Toronto-based VC firm that invests in diverse founders across Canada, and serves as the Executive Director at the LOI Accelerator.
In her interview, Melissa shares how she overcame significant challenges as a minority emerging fund manager. By leveraging her strengths and resilience, she successfully launched her fund, closing with $1 million. Her journey offers powerful lessons on leadership and personal empowerment:
📌 Vulnerability as a Strength: Melissa's willingness to share her authentic story became a key asset, inspiring many others facing similar challenges.
📌 Discovering Inner Power: Through self-reflection, she recognized the strength within and realized that external forces had far less control over her success.
📌 The Illusion of Power: Melissa emphasizes that power is often an illusion. By staying true to one's ethics, values, and vision, it becomes clear that no one can undermine your mission.
At Amelia, we’re dedicated to shining a spotlight on the extraordinary women in our community. Melissa’s journey is a testament to #resilience, #authenticity, and #empowerment. Share this video, and let’s spread her wisdom and inspire others!
#Leadership#VentureCapital#WomenInBusiness#TechAndFinance#DiversityInVC#Empowerment#Startups#Entrepreneurship#Inspiration#GetAmelia
🎧 The Power of Storytelling in Venture Capital with Gayle Jennings O'Byrne, CEO of Wocstar | B Corp Certified
Gayle and I uncover:
• Gayle’s story and why she started Wocstar Capital to support women entrepreneurs.
• Women’s role in making consumer decisions, and therefore the market in general.
• Raising capital by using storytelling to break down barriers.
• The importance of mentorship and leadership development for women in the tech industry.
https://lnkd.in/gpR6HXYw
⬇ Are you seeing the importance of storytelling in VC? ⬇
#boarddiversity#executivewomen#howwomenlead#howwomeninspire#howwomeninvest
🎧 The Power of Storytelling in Venture Capital with Gayle Jennings O'Byrne, CEO of Wocstar | B Corp Certified
Gayle Jennings O'Byrne and Julie uncover:
• Gayle’s story and why she started Wocstar Capital to support women entrepreneurs.
• Women’s role in making consumer decisions, and therefore the market in general.
• Raising capital by using storytelling to break down barriers.
• The importance of mentorship and leadership development for women in the tech industry.
⬇ Are you seeing the importance of storytelling in VC? ⬇
#boarddiversity#executivewomen#howwomenlead#howwomeninspire#howwomeninvesthttps://lnkd.in/eQvxRBsB
🎧 The Power of Storytelling in Venture Capital with Gayle Jennings O'Byrne, CEO of Wocstar | B Corp Certified
Gayle Jennings O'Byrne and Julie uncover:
• Gayle’s story and why she started Wocstar Capital to support women entrepreneurs.
• Women’s role in making consumer decisions, and therefore the market in general.
• Raising capital by using storytelling to break down barriers.
• The importance of mentorship and leadership development for women in the tech industry.
⬇ Are you seeing the importance of storytelling in VC? ⬇
#boarddiversity#executivewomen#howwomenlead#howwomeninspire#howwomeninvesthttps://lnkd.in/eQvxRBsB
We are honored to see Executive Director Milton Speid, Fellowship Director Rendel Solomon, and VCI alum La Keisha Landrum Pierre featured in Forbes, where they shares insights on the challenges and opportunities facing young, ambitious VC leaders of color in a rapidly changing landscape.
Milton, Rendel, and La Keisha speak candidly about the evolving dynamics in a post-DEI America and the urgent need for continued support of diverse talent in the industry. Their and others' commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices and building pathways for emerging managers is heartwarming to see.
VC Include remains dedicated to our work of empowering diverse fund managers and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in venture capital.
Read the full article to hear their perspectives on the future of DEI in VC 👇
#emergingmanagers#diversityandinclusion#genderequality#impactinvesting#venturecapital#privateequity#alternateinvestments#DiversityInVC#ImpactinAction#VC#VCI
As I reflect on the current state of venture capital amidst ongoing attacks on efforts to expand opportunities for women and people of color, I can’t help but think about the immense potential of the next generation of VC leaders of color. This recent Forbes article by Jasmine Browley, M.A. highlights the tough realities many of us are facing in the sector.
While some initiatives may be under fire, the commitment to supporting diverse leadership must remain strong. The value we bring—our lived experiences, perspectives, and resilience—isn’t just an addition; it’s core to innovation and the future of our economy.
I’m grateful to be in a position to share my experiences and contribute to this crucial conversation, alongside, my VC Include colleague Rendel Solomon and VC Include Fellowship alumni La Keisha Landrum Pierre co-founder of Emmeline Ventures
I also want to take a moment to thank the incredible people and organizations who have supported me on this journey. Your guidance and belief in the importance of diversity in leadership have been invaluable. The work we’ve done together is proof that, despite the obstacles, progress is not only possible but necessary in paving the way for the talent coming up behind us.
Read the full article here:
https://lnkd.in/eAbztssU
I’m so proud of Milton Speid’s leadership as Executive Director or VC Include, highlighted in this #Forbes article - the INCLUDE platform continues to grow in the right direction‼️🎉
#Leadership is not just about soundbites and raising money (but let’s be honest, those are important elements). It’s also about building cohesive teams and a culture of care, which Milton and the VCI team exemplifies, and building long term relationships that can blossom over time. It’s about patience, resilience, and determination to get the job done with integrity and as much grace as one can muster. It’s not for the faint of heart (or the lazy)!💡
I’m honored to continue supporting #VCI as Chairwoman and founder of this incredibly impactful platform, building and investing in a new generation of alpha-generating emerging managers focused on social + environmental impact, now marching north of $1.8 Billion in #AUM. 😍
Who would have thought that some
“Good hearted impact investors” (lol) with dreams of creating a scalable #opportunityeconomy could make it a reality? We did…and have worked our tails off, not just for ourselves, but for other investment firm owners, to grow a more diverse market segment at scale. We believe that rising tides lifts all boats ⛵️
We have to keep dreaming, keep working hard, and keep fighting for what’s right! #Ubuntu💫 I’m incredibly grateful to all of the innovative leaders in the #VC + #PE space in showing the world what’s possible- together 🙌🏾
Stay tuned- INCLUDE has more great announcements to come! 🚀
#Innovation#Leadership#Gratitude#ImpactInvesting#Inclusion#Alpha#Scale
As I reflect on the current state of venture capital amidst ongoing attacks on efforts to expand opportunities for women and people of color, I can’t help but think about the immense potential of the next generation of VC leaders of color. This recent Forbes article by Jasmine Browley, M.A. highlights the tough realities many of us are facing in the sector.
While some initiatives may be under fire, the commitment to supporting diverse leadership must remain strong. The value we bring—our lived experiences, perspectives, and resilience—isn’t just an addition; it’s core to innovation and the future of our economy.
I’m grateful to be in a position to share my experiences and contribute to this crucial conversation, alongside, my VC Include colleague Rendel Solomon and VC Include Fellowship alumni La Keisha Landrum Pierre co-founder of Emmeline Ventures
I also want to take a moment to thank the incredible people and organizations who have supported me on this journey. Your guidance and belief in the importance of diversity in leadership have been invaluable. The work we’ve done together is proof that, despite the obstacles, progress is not only possible but necessary in paving the way for the talent coming up behind us.
Read the full article here:
https://lnkd.in/eAbztssU
Founder of GenZtea | Top LinkedIn Voice for Next Gen| Founder of The Group Chat Queen| Talks about how to build a global 🌏 personal brand
2moCongrats!