State of the African American Economy
2nd Annual Summit 2024 Speakers & Schedule
January 24th—25th, 2024
Welcome 8:45 am-9:00 am
Timothy Alan Simon, Esq. Chairman,
Founder TAS STRATEGIES and former CPUC Commissioner.
California African American Chamber of Commerce 2024 mission and summit overview
State of California Economy – 9:00 am-9:10 am
Honorable Gavin Newsom
State of California Governor
This discussion will examine where California has chosen to invest, whether we believe African American participation is equitable, and potential policy fixes to identified problems. Discuss the highest-level policies that impact the African American economy in California.
State of the African American Economic California 9:10 am – 9:45 am
This discussion will examine where California has chosen to invest, whether we believe African American participation is equitable, and potential policy fixes to identified problems. Discuss the highest-level policies that impact the African American economy in California.
Honorable Toks Omishakin
Secretary of Transportation
Providing the transportation Perceptive.
Plenary I
City Perspectives on Challenges and Opportunities in California African American Economy 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM - Ballroom B & C
A comprehensive discussion featuring a Mayor’s Roundtable with five distinguished African American mayors from Northern, Central, and Southern California. Delve into the regional perspectives on African American participation in the California economy, addressing challenges and opportunities within their respective cities. The mayors will share key indicators, reflecting on the economic landscape and providing valuable insights for state policymakers and businesses to make a meaningful impact. This dynamic conversation aims to bridge city perspectives on African American participation in the California economy, addressing challenges and opportunities within their respective cities.
Moderator
Honorable Deborah Robertson
Mayor of Rialto, California
Speakers
Honorable Acquanetta Warren
Mayor Fontana, California
Honorable Phil Brock
Mayor Santa Monica, California
Nancy Young
Mayor Tracy, California
Honorable Rex Richardson
Mayor Tracy, California
Plenary II
State of California Economy – 11:00 AM -12:15 PM
This discussion will examine where California has chosen to invest, whether we believe African American participation is equitable, and potential policy fixes to identified problems.
Speakers
Dr. Julianne Malveaux
American economist, author, social and political commentator, and businesswoman
Dr. Anthony Samad
Mervyn Dymally Institute Executive Director
Tara Lynn Gray
California Office of the Small Business Advocate Director
Luncheon Plenary
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm- Ballroom B & C
This discussion will examine where California has chosen to invest, whether we believe African American participation is equitable, and potential policy fixes to identified problems.
Lunch service and networking
12:30pm-1:15pm
Keynote Speaker Introduction - 1:10pm-1:15pm
Janice Bryant Howroyd is an entrepreneur, businesswoman, and author. She is the founder and chief executive officer of The Act One Group, the largest privately held company in America. Howroyd is the first African American woman to build and own a billion-dollar company.
Mona Pasquil Rogers
Meta Director of California State Policy
Keynote Speaker
Janice Bryant- Howroyd
ACTONE Group
Keynote Speaker - 1:15pm-2:00pm
Janice Bryant Howroyd is an entrepreneur, businesswoman, and author. She is the founder and chief executive officer of The Act One Group, the largest privately held company in America. Howroyd is the first African American woman to build and own a billion-dollar company.
Business Match Making
2:00 pm -4:00 pm – Ballroom A
Business matchmaking is a method to identify and connect (match) companies and people with common business interests, complementary services, expertise, technologies or business strengths. The goal is to create cooperative connections and realize business opportunities mutually benefit both parties.
Vaughn M. Williams III
Principal Supplier Diversity Advisor for SoCalGas Company.
Small Business Leadership Training
2:30 pm -4:30 pm – Ballroom D
Jovan Agee
California Office Small Business Advocate
Dr. Dene’ Starks-McGee
DJS Business Solutions - CEO
The Small Business Leadership Training is brought to you by Agee Global Solutions and hosted by the California Office of Small Business Advocate. This session aims to increase your knowledge of CALOSBA programs and resources available for diverse stakeholders and community-based organizations and to foster growth and collaboration within the business community.
Plenary III
Economic Opportunities for African Americans in the Energy Transition– 11:00 AM -12:15 PM
Given the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and California’s need to increase housing, meet greenhouse gas targets, and complete high-speed rail, this area is rife with opportunities for African American businesses. But are we being included? How do we compete? Is California doing enough?
Moderator
Timothy Alan Simon Esq,
Chairman California African American Chamber of Commerce
Mitch Mitchell
Senior Vice President, Chief Legislative Officer for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
Kecia M. Washington
Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
Patricia Watts
President/CEO, FCI Management, A Comprehensive Energy Solutions Company
Session I
Workshop #I Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM - Hollywood- 2nd Floor
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are important concepts that aim to promote fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or other personal characteristics. In the context of the African American community, DEI initiatives seek to address the systemic barriers and inequalities that have historically prevented African Americans from accessing the same opportunities and resources as other groups.
Moderator
Dr. Vic Baker
Vice Chairman, California African American Action Fund “CAAAF”
Dr. Matthew Ajiake
President San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce
Vaughn M. Williams III
Principal Supplier Diversity Advisor for SoCalGas Company
Carla Perkins
Senior Advisor Operations Services/Supplier Diversity & Development for Southern California Edison
Angela Reddock-Wright
Founder & Managing Partner of The Reddock Law Group.
Session II
Workshop #I Artificial Intelligence- Importance of Artificial Intelligence 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM - Melrose Room – 2nd Floor
AI is the ability of machines or software to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, or problem-solving. Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of decision-making and improves lives through new apps and services.
Mona Pasquil Rogers
Meta Director of California State Policy
Julian Canete
President & CEO California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
Session II
Workshop #2 African American Participation in the Health Care Industry 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM - Theater – 2nd Floor
This panel will investigate the role of African Americans in the healthcare economy. We will analyze state investments in healthcare, assessing their impact on African businesses. Our goal is to understand how/where to increase whether increase African American participation and how such increases can contribute to reducing health disparities. Include Mental Health
Moderator
Jahmal Miller
Chief Administrative Officer Mercy Medical Group
Dr. Anthony Wallace
President & CEO TLCC Inc.
Rhonda Smith
California Black Health Network Executive Director
OUR SPONSORS
Silver
Bronze
Brass
