Chroma 2023 Schedule
9:00AM–9:30AM | Doors Open + Breakfast
9:45am–9:55am | Welcome Remarks
10:05am-10:40am | Founder Wellness Workshop
Facilitated by: Raymond Achille
Now more than ever, the well-being of Black and Brown founders requires focus and care. The unique challenges and systemic barriers facing underrepresented entrepreneurs can take a toll mentally, emotionally, and physically. Join wellness coach Raymond Achille for the Founder Wellness Workshop designed specifically with the needs of Black and Brown founders in mind. In this rejuvenating 45-minute session, learn research-backed techniques for reducing stress, maintaining resilience, and taking care of your whole self so you can continue to bring your talents, skills, and vision to the world. Whether you're feeling burned out from fighting uphill battles or you just need community and a reset, this workshop provides a supportive space for founders of color to refocus, restore, and reclaim their power to lead. You'll leave with an elevated mindset and a toolkit for prioritizing self-care while continuing to create positive change through your entrepreneurship. Let's take this time for mind, body and soul rejuvenation to support your brilliant purpose.
10:45am–11:25am | Imagining New Futures: Investing, Crypto, and More!
Moderated by: Aniyia Williams
Panelists: Kristen Sonday, Monica Talan
The future is here, and developing technologies like cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and new investment vehicles are changing the world as we know it. Join moderator Aniyia Williams and panelists Kristen Sonday and Monica Talan for a forward-thinking discussion on leveraging these exponential technologies to create more financial inclusion, equity, and opportunity for all.
In this session, you'll learn:
How blockchain, crypto, and digital assets are transforming investing and financial services
Ways AI can be applied ethically to reduce bias and increase access to capital
How to imagine — and invest in — an inclusive financial future
Insights on bridging the gap between Wall Street and underrepresented founders
Bring your most pressing questions on the cutting edge of tech and investing. This panel will leave you feeling informed, inspired and ready to help create a better future powered by these exponential technologies.
11:30am–12:10pm | Alternative Funding Panel: From Community to Banks to Sales
Moderated by: Jos Duncan Asé
Panelists: Najaah Yasmine Daniels, Opeola Bukola, Brittany Jenkins
Dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by Black & Brown founders, this panel dives deep into the myriad of funding options tailored for them. From grassroots community support that resonates with their cultural roots, to navigating traditional banking systems, and leveraging sales, the discussion is enriched with perspectives that matter most to these entrepreneurs. Our panelists, a mix of industry experts and successful Black & Brown entrepreneurs, will share their journeys, insights, and strategies in securing capital. Attendees will not only gain a holistic understanding of alternative funding sources but also learn how to leverage their unique backgrounds and communities for business success. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking initial capital or an established business owner aiming for expansion, this panel is a beacon of guidance in the world of alternative funding for Black & Brown founders.
Instructions for lunch.
12:15pm–1:20pm | LUNCH
1:25pm–2:05pm | Beats to Bills: "Making Cents of Hip Hop: Exploring the Intersection of Money and the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop"
Moderated by: P.O.C.
Panelists: Tiffany Bacon, Ben Thomas, Tame Arts
How has hip hop's relationship with money evolved over the last 50 years? This panel explores the complex intersections of hip hop culture, business, and economics from the genre's early grassroots days to today's massively profitable industry.
Moderator P.O.C. leads panelists Tiffany Bacon, Ben Thomas, and Tame Arts in a discussion of hip hop's origins in underserved communities, debates over "selling out," materialism in lyrics, hip hop moguls and business ventures, the socioeconomics of the culture, and how hip hop continues to shape youth perspectives on wealth and capitalism today.
Bringing personal experiences and historical context, the panelists have a nuanced conversation about money's influential but complicated role over hip hop's first half-century. This session provides thoughtful perspective on the finances and business behind the music as part of hip hop's ongoing legacy.
2:10pm–2:30pm | Women Who Are Rewriting the Playbooks - Awards Presentation
Join Black & Brown Founders as we present two new awards recognizing outstanding women leaders at CHROMA 23 in Philadelphia.
The inaugural Champion Award will be presented to Ramona Ortega for her work in advancing financial equity and inclusion through her company Wealthbuilt.AI and the Thrive campaign.
The first-ever Hometown Hero Award will go to Tanya T. Morris for amplifying and supporting Black and Brown women entrepreneurs over her accomplished 20-year career.
These honorees are trailblazers creating more equitable opportunities in business and finance. We'll celebrate their achievements and be inspired by their work rewriting the playbooks for women leaders of color.
2:45pm–3:25pm | Founder Panel: The Journey to Raising a Million
Moderated by: Kristen Sonday
Panelists: Brittany Chavez, Avante Price, Eli Taylor-Lemire
Raising venture capital as an underrepresented founder requires grit, perseverance, and creativity. In this candid founder panel, moderator Kristen Sonday will lead a discussion with Brittany Chavez, Eli Taylor-Lemire, and Avante Price on their unique journeys to raise over $1 million in VC funding.
These impressive founders will provide insights into pitching, building relationships with investors, overcoming biases, and securing funding as a female or minority entrepreneur. Learn about their biggest fundraising challenges and successes, strategies for convincing investors, and advice for other underrepresented founders seeking VC backing. Whether you're pre-seed or gearing up for a Series A, this session will inspire you to keep pushing forward and offer actionable tips to bring your startup vision to life.
2:45pm–3:25pm | ‘Money Makeover’ Workshop
Facilitated by: Ramona Ortega
Do you feel overwhelmed or anxious when it comes to your finances? Do limiting beliefs hold you back from reaching your money goals? This interactive workshop provides strategies to help you cultivate a productive money mindset.
We will discuss common money mindset pitfalls that sabotage success like fear, procrastination, and lack of confidence. You'll learn the root causes of unhelpful financial thoughts and how to reprogram self-limiting money beliefs. We guide you through exercises to uncover your personal relationship with money and identify shifts that can unlock your earning potential.
You'll gain practical techniques to change habits, better manage stress, and approach your finances with a growth mindset. We help you pinpoint any mental roadblocks holding you back so you can move forward with clarity, purpose, and confidence. This workshop provides the foundational money mindset you need to manifest financial wellness and abundance.
3:30pm–4:00pm | Movers + Shakers Panel: Making an Impact Centering Culture + Community
Moderated by: Josh Torres
Panelists: Keyssh Datts, Naj Austin, Will Toms, Delilah Dee
Join us for an inspiring discussion with entrepreneurs and activists who are making an impact by centering culture and community in their work. Moderated by Josh Torres, this panel features Keyssh Datts, Naj Austin, Will Toms, and Delilah Dee - innovative leaders who are building businesses, nonprofits, and initiatives that empower diverse populations.
From addressing inequality and expanding opportunity to amplifying untold stories and fostering connection, these movers and shakers are creating positive change. Hear their unique perspectives on entrepreneurship as a vehicle for social change and how they are uplifting their communities through business, advocacy, arts, and more. Whether you're an aspiring changemaker or simply want to be inspired, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!
3:40pm–4:40pm | ‘Love & Money’ Workshop
Facilitated by: Nicole Blackson
The 'Love & Money' workshop is a storytelling workshop that allows participants to explore their current associations with money and be guided into creating a new narrative of their relationship with money, which supports their vision and purpose for their life's journey.
Participants will grasp the influence of money myths, beliefs, and societal narratives on their perceptions of financial stability and relationships.
Participants will delve into the interconnectedness of financial perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and personal relationships.
Participants will harness the power of storytelling to create a new narrative about their relationship with money
4:05pm–4:40pm | Pitch Practice Workshop
Facilitated by: Juan Barraza
Whether you're preparing to pitch your startup idea to investors or deliver a presentation to your leadership team, pitch skills are invaluable. Join Juan Barraza of Pitch Latino for an interactive workshop focused on helping you craft and deliver pitches with power and persuasion.
In this hands-on session, you'll learn pitching best practices and get individualized coaching to hone your abilities. We'll cover how to hook your audience, structure a compelling narrative, use visuals effectively, exude confidence, and handle Q&A smoothly. You'll have opportunities to practice your pitch and get expert feedback.
Bring your startup pitch, funding ask, or any other presentation you want to improve. You'll gain practical skills to captivate audiences and convey your ideas with clarity. Leave feeling ready to pitch like a pro!
4:45pm–5:05pm | Close Out