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If you have questions, please call: 1.480.572.1838
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Rescheduled To 2024 - New Date TBD
3RD ANNUAL UNITED DIVERSITY BUSINESS SUMMIT
FREE Registration

Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community & Innovation

Presenting Sponsors
Frys Food StoresSRPBlaylock Van, LLCArizona State UniversityMaricopa Community Colleges
Millionaire Mastermind AcademyaCountry FInancialThe Arizona Informant LogoArizona Commerce AuthorityBASE LogoAZ Big Media LogoFrontdoors Home Of The Red Book LogoBlack Chamber Of ArizonaArizona Hispanic Chamber Of CommerceScottsdale Chamber Of CommerceGlobal Chamber LogoThunderbird Logo
Presented By

About The Event

The World's Most Powerful Summit for Corporations and Entrepreneurs
The 2023 United Diversity Business Summit - Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Through Diversity - intends to unite and ignite local small and medium businesses, entrepreneurs, and corporations by providing innovative opportunities for growth through diversification and inclusion initiatives.

Hear from experts on innovative approaches and best practices to improve economic diversity outcomes for corporations and entrepreneurs. Attendees will leave the Summit with new tools and a paradigm for growth that adapts to a dynamic global marketplace.
REGISTER NOWCovid-19 regulations from the venue
FREE Registration

The United Diversity Business Summit Is For

C-Suite Executives
Government Leaders
Small Business Owners
Private Sector Leaders
Entrepreneurs
Start Ups

Diversity, Community & Innovation

Our SPEAKERS

Our speakers and workshop leaders feature industry veterans, thought leaders in diversity and inclusion, and rising entrepreneurial talent.
Mayor Ortega
David Ortega
Mayor
City Of Scottsdale, Arizona
Speaker - Dr. Velma Trayham
Dr. Velma Trayham
CEO

Thinkzilla Consulting
Speaker - Jackie Johnson
Jackie Johnson
Diversity Director

City Of Scottsdale
Speaker - Rob Millar
Rob Millar
Economic Development Director

City Of Scottsdale
Art Hamilton
Art Hamilton
Founder
Art Hamilton Group
Danny Seiden
Danny Seiden
President & CEO
Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Speaker - Cloves Campbell
Cloves Campbell
Co-Publisher
Arizona Informant
Mark Stanton
Mark Stanton
President & CEO
Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce
Ashlee Atkins
Ashlee Atkins
President
Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals (YP)
Eric Standifer
Eric Standifer
President & CEO
Blaylock Van LLC
Keasha Beach
Keasha Beach
Executive Director
BASE Arizona
2022 Pam Giannonatti
Pam Giannonatti
Kroger Corporate Affairs Manager
Fry’s Food Stores Division
SEE ALL SPEAKERS

The United Diversity Business Summit

Improving Economic Diversity Outcomes
During this year's Summit, CEO's, founders, and Community Leaders will share invaluable insights concerning the implementation of enhancing entrepreneurship through diversity, community and innovation. The Summit will offer exclusive B2B networking with Corporate professionals and small business owners.

Scottsdale Center For The Arts

Download United Diversity Business Summit Program

GETTING STARTED

8:30AM to 9:00AM
Registration -
Main Lobby

9AM to 9:03AM
Welcome & Introduction -
Virginia G. Piper Theater
MC -Andrea Tyler Evans, Frontdoors Media

9:06AM to 9:10AM
National Anthem -
Virginia G. Piper Theater
Tina Estes, Trivium Music

9:10AM to 9:12AM
MC introduces Mayor Ortega, City of Scottsdale -
Virginia G. Piper Theater

9:13AM to 9:23AM
Mayor Ortega remarks -
Virginia G. Piper Theater

9:23AM to 9:25AM
MC introduces Keynote Panel -
Virginia G. Piper Theater

9:25AM to 9:50AM
Keynote #1: Overcoming Barriers to Entry & Promoting Statewide Economic Growth Panel

Moderated by Cameron Robb, Senior Economic Development Consultant, APS
Robin Reed, President & CEO, Black Chamber of Commerce
Ricardo Carlo, President, Associated Minority Contractors of Arizona
Rob Millar, Economic Development Director, City of Scottsdale

Experts in economic development in Arizona tell us what Arizona is doing to attract new and diverse businesses to our state, and what barriers are being overcome to create economic growth in key industries statewide.

9:50AM to 9:51AM
MC introduces Keynote Speaker #2, Jackie Johnson

9:51AM to 10:05AM
Keynote Speaker #2: Moving from Transactional to Transformational -
Virginia G. Piper Theater

Jackie Johnson, Diversity Director, City of Scottsdale

10:05AM to 10:10AM
MC review of today’s activities, recognition of sponsors and speakers

10:05AM to 10:10AM
Break -
Main Lobby
BREAKOUT SESSION 1
10:20AM to 11:10AM

ENTREPRENEUR: Venture Capital and the Future of Entrepreneurship - a presentation on Accelerating the Growth of Businesses with Venture Development - Stage 2 and Center Space

Co-presenters are Mark Moeremans, Senior Vice President Entrepreneurship & Venture Development, Arizona Commerce Authority and Ashely Kelly, Vice President Sr. Business Consultant, JP Morgan Chase Bank - with a Focus on Underserved Entrepreneurs Mark M. from ACA will present for 40 minutes and then introduce Ashley with Chase for a 30 minute discussion. Would like the opportunity for Q & A as well.

These two experts in venture capital will help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of VC funding and how it can be used to fuel growth in small business.

CORPORATE: Advancing Black Entrepreneurship - Stage 2 and Center Space

Moderated by Dr. Velma Trayham, President & CEO, ThinkZilla Consulting Group
Art Hamilton, Founder, Art Hamilton Group Cloves Campbell, Co-Publisher, Arizona Informant Jervis Hough, Chief Operations Officer/Public Finance, Blaylock Van, LLC

Some of the most respected Black business leaders in Arizona’s business community will discuss how we can continue to promote growth of Black-owned businesses across the state and in a broad spectrum of industries.

10:20AM to 11:10AM
Break - Main Lobby
BREAKOUT SESSION 2
11:15AM to 12:00PM

CORPORATE: Developing and Supporting a Diverse Workforce Panel

Moderated by Ashlee Atkins, President, Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals (YP) Mark Stanton, President & CEO, Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Aric Bopp, Executive Director - Economic Development, Arizona State University Eric Standifer, President & CEO, Blaylock Van LLC Doug Bruhnke, CEO/founder, Global Chamber®

Developing and supporting a diverse workforce is more important than ever before as companies seek to promote DEI initiatives and encourage employees from all walks of life to join their organizations.

Diversity initiatives are good for business and this panel discussion will talk about leading efforts to implement DEI in Arizona companies.

12:00PM to 12:45PM
Lunch - Food Trucks/Main Lobby

12:50PM to 12:55PM
Opening remarks for Keynote #3 -
Virginia G. Piper Theater
Kaylee O’Kelley, MC for afternoon sessions recap and intro of speaker

12:55PM to 1:30PM
Keynote Session #3: Increasing Visibility in Underrepresented Demographics Panel -
Virginia G. Piper Theater

Moderator by Jacque Starks, Manager Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Maricopa Community Colleges Veronica Aguilar, Vice President, Teach for America

This panel discussion will focus on how Arizona businesses and corporations can increase visibility in underrepresented demographics, whether that means race, socioeconomic status or age.

1:30PM to 1:32PM
Dr. Velma Trayham, President & CEO, ThinkZilla Consulting Group -
Virginia G. Piper Theater

1:32PM to 1:52PM
Dr. Trayham presentation on Diversity in Progress: Strides Made to Date and Work Moving Forward -
Virginia G. Piper Theater

Dr. Trayham will show the audience some of the key metrics that corporations can measure to ensure that DEI initiatives are effective, as well as discussing how much of an impact DEI is having in the business environment across the country.

1:52PM to 1:55PM
MC Wraps Up Afternoon -
Virginia G. Piper Theater

1:55PM to 2:00PM
Break -
Main Lobby
BREAKOUT SESSION 3
2:00PM to 2:40PM

ENTREPRENEUR: Doing Business with the City of Scottsdale & the Bonfire Vendor Portal - Stage 2 and Center Space

Jose Tapia, Purchasing & Warehouse Manager, City of Scottsdale

The City of Scottsdale encourages small businesses to apply for opportunities to work with the city in a number of key areas. One of the city’s experts will help entrepreneurs navigate the process so they can be considered for new opportunities.

CORPORATE: Deep Dive Spotlighting Diversity Champions Panel - Virginia Piper Stage and Center Space

Moderator: Amber Kellogg

Alan “AP” Powell, AP & Associates Jonavon Stephens, Financial Representative, Nadia Rivera, Chief Impact Officer & Executive Director, Arizona Coyotes Foundation & Community Impact

This panel will include an in-depth discussion of what leaders in the implementation of diversity in the workforce are doing to make DEI initiatives a reality, and how business leaders across the community can champion diversity and inclusion causes.


BREAKOUT SESSION 4
2:45PM to 3:30PM

ENTREPRENEUR: Entrepreneurship 101

Presenter: Nyasha Stone Sheppard, Senior Program Manager/Community Manager, The Studios @ Mesa City Center, ASU

Developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem starts by centering on the entrepreneur and their journey. Leaders need to understand how entrepreneurs in their community find the resources and people they need to help them along the way. In this interactive workshop, we will focus on the power and impact supporting entrepreneurs has on the community.

Participants will learn what it means to create innovative solutions to support entrepreneurs at different stages of the process.

CORPORATE: Women in Leadership - Fireside Chat

In today’s marketplace, women minorities face unique challenges in making an impact. Hear amazing stories and learn about the motivation and personal qualities that drove these successful entrepreneurs to transform their concepts into reality.

2:45PM to 4:00PM

Student Start Up Lab - Virginia Piper Theater
Presented by Maricopa Community Colleges and Country Financial

This is an opportunity for students who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs to share their goals and dreams, as well as learning key information about how they can progress in their education and learn how to effectively run both business and personal finances.

40 minutes starting at 2:45pm — Jacqueline Starks, Manager Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Maricopa Community Colleges

30 Minutes: Jonovan Stephens, Financial Representative, COUNTRY Financial

Q & A

3:30PM to 3:40PM
Break

3:40PM to 3:45PM
Kickoff of Networking Reception

3:40PM to 5:10PM
Business Exchange Networking Reception

Join business leaders from across the Arizona business community for a networking session designed to create new connections that will make our economy more diverse, inclusive and innovative. This will be the closing celebration for the United Diversity Business Summit and an opportunity to share best practices and new information with new friends and colleagues.

5:10PM to 5:15PM
Closing remarks - Dr. Velma Trayham

Benefiting Nonprofit: Your Support Helps Minority Women Out of Poverty

The mission of Millionaire Mastermind Academy is to educate and support the growth of women-owned businesses, thereby strengthening their impact on the economy and mitigating the problems presented by poverty

Millionaire Mastermind Academy addresses the barriers to economic mobility for women who have been systemically and historically underserved and excluded.

Together, we aim to remove systemic barriers to accessing affordable capital, provide access to mentorship, and facilitate college-level business training for small businesses led by minority women.
Millionaire Mastermind AcademyMillionaireMastermindAcademy.com
Did you know that donations to MMA qualify for a charitable tax credit?

- Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a Qualifying Charitable Organization supporting minority & African American women in the Valley.

You Have Nothing To Lose And Everything To Gain

You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain – knowledge, tools, strategies, networking opportunities, interacting with the top professionals, learning from the best, and much more.

So, why wait?

Seats are filling fast, and this is your chance to become part of the World’s most powerful summit to build, grow, and scale your business today. Take advantage of keynote speakers, workshops, and panel discussions to come out stronger and bolder than ever and achieve your goals!
REGISTER NOWCovid-19 regulations from the venue
FREE Registration
Incredible Benefits of Joining
Learn from the best
Featuring the industry’s top entrepreneurs and speakers, this summit is your chance to learn from the best and excel in your market.
Speakers, Workshops, and Panels
Get access to our industry-leading speakers, workshops, and other activities to get a foolproof roadmap to success.
Economic Development Opportunities
We help decision-makers with diversity and inclusion initiatives and promote economic development opportunities.
Networking Opportunities
Networking is one of the best ways to get inspiration and growth opportunities. Interact with other like-minded and successful business owners.
Build Impactful Connection
This summit will empower you to build connections with other entrepreneurs to make your journey much less lonely and much more impactful.
Strengthening Procurement Incentives
Dive deep into your industry and target audience and understand their needs before ever stepping into the harsh, cut-throat competition.
Take Your Business To The Next Level
With tools, strategies, knowledge, and proper roadmap, you can build, grow, and scale with confidence and absolute clarity.
2022 Co-Chairs...
Art Hamilton
Art Hamilton
Founder of Art Hamilton Group
Cameron Robb
Cameron Robb
Senior Economic Development Consultant at APS
Speaker - Jackie Johnson
Jackie Johnson
Diversity Director for City of Scottsdale

2021 Recap

The 2021 United Diversity Business Summit was a transformative day filled with innovative and dynamic programming, purpose-driven and vision-oriented leaders in the Public & Private space, small business owners, and inspiring keynote speakers.

The esteemed speakers included: David Ortega, Mayor of Scottsdale; Art Hamilton, founder of Art Hamilton Group, Kaley O”Kelley, News Anchor for ABC 15 Arizona, Eric Standifer, president and CEO of Blaylock Van; Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla; Robin Reed, president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona; Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council; Monica Villalabos, president & CEO of Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Tye Hayes, former Chief Information Officer for the City of Atlanta; and more.

The United Diversity Business Summit

Improving Economic Diversity Outcomes
United Diversity Business Summit

Sponsorship Information

The Annual United Diversity Business Summit will partner with governments, city-wide economic development agencies, large private corporations, and foundations to support minority-owned and small businesses across race and ethnicity. The program will create immediate impact and lasting change in local economies across the country.

Our IMPACT speaks volumes with 500+ attendees at our events, 50+ speakers, our events are a must-attend for decision makers tasked with improving diversity and inclusion looking to develop their initiatives and support the next generation of executives and entrepreneurs.

Interested In Becoming A Sponsor?

Questions? Contact Thinkzilla at info@thinkzillaconsulting.com or call 480.572.1838
Please click one of the sponsorship options below... Title, Platinum, etc to see what's being offered for each level.
TITLE
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
SEMINAR

Title | $25,000

Category Exclusivity
Company Name Included in Media Blitz (e.g.Newspaper, Tv Ads, Press Releases, Listing on Website)
Interview - National D&I article inclusion
Distribution of One (2) Email Blast from Company Representative
Sponsor Company hyperlink included in E-Blasts (Distribution: 500K)
Sponsor Name and Logo on E-Blasts and Social Media Exchanges
Sponsor Name & Logo in souvenir booklet (Inside Front Cover, full page)
Sponsor Recognition during Event
Sponsor remarks during main/plenary sessions (commercial break): 2x
Sponsor listing in agenda & Recognition during the Seminar presentation (“Seminar sponsored by")
Opportunity to present Programming
Promotional Offers to Event Attendees
Exhibit Booth

Platinum | $15,000

Category Exclusivity
Company Name Included in Media Blitz (e.g.Newspaper, Tv Ads, Press Releases, Listing on Website)
Interview - National D&I article inclusion
Distribution of One (1) Email Blast from Company Representative
Sponsor Company hyperlink included in E-Blasts (Distribution: 200K)
Sponsor Name and Logo on E-Blasts and Social Media Exchanges
Sponsor Name & Logo in souvenir booklet (Inside Back Cover, full page)
Sponsor Recognition during Event
Sponsor remarks during seminar
Sponsor listing in agenda & Recognition during the Seminar presentation (“Seminar sponsored by")
Promotional Offers to Event Attendees
Exhibit Booth

Gold | $10,000

VIP Status (Corporate Meet & Greet Room) No. of Guests (8)
Company Name Included in Media Blitz (e.g. Press Releases, Listing on Website)
Sponsor Name and Logo on E-Blasts and Social Media Exchanges
Sponsor Name & Logo in souvenir booklet (Half-page)
Sponsor Recognition during Event
Sponsor listing in agenda & Recognition during the Seminar presentation (“Seminar sponsored by")
Promotional Offers to Event Attendees
Exhibit Booth

Silver | $7,500

VIP Status (Corporate Meet & Greet Room) No. of Guests (4)
Sponsor Name and Logo on E-Blasts and Social Media Exchanges
Sponsor Name & Logo in souvenir booklet (Half-page)
Sponsor Recognition during Event
Sponsor listing in agenda & Recognition during the Seminar presentation (“Seminar sponsored by")

Seminar | $5,000

Sponsor Name and Logo on E-Blasts and Social Media Exchanges
Sponsor Name & Logo in souvenir booklet (Quarter-page)
Sponsor Recognition during Event
Sponsor listing in agenda & Recognition during the Seminar presentation (“Seminar sponsored by")

The United Diversity Business Summit

Improving Economic Diversity Outcomes

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Highlighting innovative approaches and best practices that BOTH corporations and entrepreneurs can adapt to improve economic diversity outcomes. Our theory of change is that by spotlighting best practices and promising approaches, attendees will leave the Summit with new tools and a new paradigm for growth that adapts to a dynamic global marketplace.
REGISTER NOW
Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts
United Diversity Business Summit