3RD ANNUAL STATE OF THE CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN ECONOMY SUMMIT
Schedule & Speakers
Opening Program | 8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Master of Ceremonies
Dr. Vic Baker, President of Equitify
Opening Remarks
Ahmad Holmes, President & CEO, CAACC
9:00 AM – 9:05 AM
The Honorable Gavin Newsom, State of California
State of California, Message (video)
9:05 AM – 9:25 AM
Open Plenary Address
The Honorable Malia Cohen, California State Controller
Morning Breakout Sessions | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Session I – Infrastructure & Energy
This panel will explore clean energy opportunities for small businesses, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and access to resources. Speakers will discuss how entrepreneurs can leverage renewable energy solutions, partnerships, and policies to reduce costs, expand markets, and drive long-term growth.
Moderator
Brigette Renee LeBlanc, President & CEO, San San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce
Panelists
Dr. Vic Baker, President, EquitiFy
Panelists
Wayne Barnett, Head Public Policy & External Affairs Cordia Energy
Panelists
Dr. Melanie Harrison Okoro, President, Eco Alpha Engineering & Environmental
Panelists
Simeon Gant, President, Green Tech Education & Employment
Networking Break | 10:30 AM – 10:40 AM
Networking Break
Session II – AI and Your Business | 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
As California continues to lead in technological innovation, small businesses must be equipped to adapt and compete in an AI-driven economy. This workshop examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping the business landscape, creating new opportunities for efficiency, expansion, and economic mobility. Designed for small business owners, advocates, and policymakers, this session highlights both the promise of AI and the challenges facing under-resourced communities. Participants will gain insights into responsible adoption, workforce impacts, and strategies to ensure that small businesses, especially those in diverse and underserved communities, benefit from the state’s innovation economy.
Moderator
Cathy Adams, President & CEO, Oakland African Chamber of Commerce
Panelists
Sarah Harris, President, Black Business Association
Panelists
Christine Shelby, Digital Strategist, Observer Newspaper
Panelists
Angela Shell, State Chief Procurement Officer & Deputy Director, Procurement Division, CA Department of General Services
Panelists
Kevin Harbour, President, BizFed Institute
Panelists
Edwin Lombard, President, ELM Strategies
Luncheon Program | 12:00 PM
Welcome:
Patricia Watts, Chairwoman, California African American Chamber of Commerce Sponsor Recognition: Video
Capital, Opportunity & Growth Luncheon Fireside Chat | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Moderator
Regina Wilson, President, California Black Media
Featured Guest
The Honorable Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer
Afternoon Breakout Sessions | 1:30 PM –4:30 PM
Session III – Education in California & Workforce Impact | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
This session explores how California’s education system is shaping the state’s future workforce and long-term economic competitiveness. Panelists will discuss emerging skill demands, the role of community colleges and career pathways, and the impact of education gaps on African American students and communities. Attendees will gain insight into strategies for strengthening local talent pipelines and aligning education with employer needs to support California’s growth as the world’s fourth-largest economy.
Moderator
Michael Benjamin, Sacramento City Unified School District Board of Education Member, District 7
Panelists
Dr. Margaret Fortune, President & CEO, Fortune School of Education
Panelists
Derrell Roberts, CEO & Founder, RFDC Freedom School
Panelists
Rich Wallace, President, Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce – Inland Empire
Panelists
Dr. Alan Rowe, President & CEO, U-CAN Go to College
Session IV – Economic Mobility Through Finance: Strengthening Black Business Capital | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
This session explores strategies to expand capital access, investment readiness, and long-term financial growth for Black-owned businesses across California, with special attention to licensed and regulated industries. Panelists will discuss lending and equity options, opportunity grants, CDFI support, and public- and private-sector financing tools that help address historic capital gaps.
The discussion will also examine how licensing and regulatory requirements in industries such as personal care services and cannabis affect start-up and expansion costs, compliance, and financing eligibility. Attendees will gain practical insights into improving creditworthiness, managing regulatory expenses, and positioning their businesses to attract capital and achieve sustainable growth.
Moderator
Bruce Mayberry, Chairman, San Diego County Black Chamber of Commerce
Panelists
Melinda Grant, Undersecretary, Business, Consumer Services & Housing Agency
Panelists
Will Jackson, Vice President, U.S. Bank
Panelists
Lueathel Seawood, Program Manager, Reinvent South Stockton Coalition
Panelists
Jermaine Carter-Gibson, Northern California Local Engagement Specialist, CalOSBA
Session V – Health & Economic Growth: Building a Stronger California Workforce | 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Healthy communities are the foundation of a strong economy. This workshop explores how public health trends, access to care, and wellness initiatives affect workforce productivity, business growth, and economic competitiveness in California. Panelists will examine emerging health challenges, innovative programs, and policies that support a healthier workforce and reduce economic disparities. Attendees will gain insights into strategies for promoting community well-being while strengthening California’s economic vitality.
Moderator
Dr. Lenore A. Tate, Founder, Wraparound Enterprises
Panelists
Rhonda Smith, Executive Director, California Black Health Network
Panelists
Dr. Anthony Wallace, President, Ramsey Funeral Home
Panelists
Morgan Brown, President & Founder, Color The Block
Evening Reception & Awards Ceremony | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Master of Ceremonies:
Kenny Caraway, Host, D-Lo & KC, ESPN 1320 | Weekend Host, FM 102.5
Honorees
Dusty Baker – Baseball Legend; Partner & Grower, Baker Family Wines
Honorees
Toks Omishakin – Secretary, California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA)
Honorees
Danetta Jackson – Chief, Statewide Supplier Diversity Program, California Department of General Services
All-Day Engagement Opportunities
Department of General Services
Small Business & DVBE Certification Assistance
AI for Small Business Demonstrations
Ron Tate, KoachIT Technology Education
Our Sponsors
