2024 Expo Printed Brochure Digital Version

Empowerment Expo

Honoring History, Fueling The Future!

Workshops Pitch

CHAMPIONING WEALTH AND HEALTH IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

VENDORS! FOOD!

ShopforArt,Jewelry, Fashion,Beauty, Books&More

Sip,Sample& Supportourculinary entrepreneurs

MUSIC!

Greatmusic,funfor thewholefamily!

EXPERT PANELS!

Entrepreneurship, Wellness&Wealth panels&speakers

2024

ETV EMPOWERMENT EXPO SCHEDULE

9:00AM 12:00PM

12:30PM 1:30PM 1:45PM 3:00PM

Village Ventures Pitch Competition Final Round!

Marketplace Opens

Wellness Workshop: Coping Skills & How to Achieve Balanced, Joyful Lives

Welcome Remarks

The Prosperity Playbook: How Am I Doing & Where Do I Go From Here?

Entrepreneurship Essentials: The 5Ms ~ Mindset, Mission, Marketing, Management & Money!

4:30PM 6:00PM

ETV Raffle Drawings

Marketplace Closes

ThankYoutoOurSponsors!

BONNIE&MICHAELCARTER

Bronze Sponsor

RisingStarSponsor

VillageAmbassadorSponsor

MAURICE&ESTHERKUYKENDOLL

VillagePartnerSponsor

VILLAGE VENTURES BUSINESSPITCH COMPETITION

ETV's Village Ventures Pitch Competition prepares Black Business Owners to grow their companies more successfully. Finalists will present their pitch live at the Empowerment Expo on February 10th to earn cash prizes.

VILLAGE VENTURES BUSINESS PITCH JUDGES

VILLAGE VENTURES BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION FINALISTS

Shelia Tucker Founder & CEO Zen & Stuff

Dr. Carla Cooke Founder & CEO Pivotal Shifts

Christine Allen Founder & CEO Mo’Pweeze Bakery

Aleathia Brown Founder & CEO Aleathia’s Original Artworks

VILLAGE VENTURES BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION SEMI-FINALISTS

Harry O’Mealia CEO & President, 1919 Investment Counsel

Lloyd Doaman Executive Director, Carver Federal Bank

Elena Richards Chief DEI Officer, KPMG

Dara Sanderson CEO, Dictionary.com Owner- East Coast Glamping

Jonathan Pueschel Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank

SaVonne Anderson Founder & CEO Aya Paper Co.

Almaz Adeigbola Founder & CEO Brwnbox

Jason Martin Founder & CEO JM Multimedia Group

DeniseFord Sawadogo Co-Founder & Owner Montclair Brewery

Tonette Lawson Founder & CEO Tesserts

Dr. Rasheda Weaver Founder & CEO Weaver‘s Social Enterprise Directory

Village Ventures Judge

Harry O’Mealia

CEO & President, 1919 Investment Counsel

Harry O’Mealia is the CEO and President of 1919 Investment Counsel. Harry entered the Financial Services Industry in 1985 and has held senior positions at JP Morgan, US Trust Company and Tiedemann Trust Company.

He has also served as President of O’Mealia Outdoor Advertising Company, a family business and Black River Media, a publishing venture and as an Associate at Lowenstein, Sandler.

Harry is currently Board Chair for the Community Foundation of New Jersey, and previously chaired at Finance and Investment Committees. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from University of Pennsylvania in English and History, his J.D. from Boston College Law School, and his M.B.A. in Finance from Columbia University.

Village Ventures Judge

Dara Sanderson

CEO, Dictionary.com

DaraSandersonisaseasonedDigitalMediaexecutivewith over20yearsofexperienceintechnology,entertainment, mediaandadtech.Herbroadareasofexpertiseincludecrossplatformapplicationandproductdevelopment;process improvement;interactiveandemergingmedia;digitalmedia strategyandmarketing;strategicpartnershipsandalliances; andteambuilding,leadership,andmentorship.

DaraservesasChiefExecutiveOfficerofDictionary.com, wheresheisresponsibleforarticulatingthecompany’svision andmission,andsettingastrategyforgrowthandevolution intonewbusinessareas.Inaddition,sheisthefounderand ownerofEastCoastGlamping,LLC.

Throughouthercorporatecareer,Darahasalsoheldvarious executiveleadershippositionsatTheWaltDisneyCompany, theSkimm,DigitalRemedy,andMarvelEntertainment.Among othercriticalstrategicassignments,shehasledprojectsfor ABCFamily,ABC,Fox,FX,SOAPnet,WaltDisneyParksand Resorts,Yahoo!,andNickelodeon.

Outsideofwork,Daraisastrongsupporterofphilanthropic organizationsandsitsontheboardofCASAforEssexCounty ofNJ,whichprovidesadvocacyforchildreninthefostercare system.

Readmore

DaraearnedherB.AfromtheUniversityofVirginia.

Village Ventures Judge

Lloyd Doaman

Carver

Lloyd Doaman is the Executive Director of Carver Federal Savings Bank based out of New York City. After completing his undergraduate degree in finance from Seton Hall University, Lloyd embarked on his professional journey. With unwavering determination, he quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation for his keen analytical skills, strategic thinking, and sound judgment. Lloyd specializes in Affordable Housing, CDFIs, Asset Management, Securities, Technical Assistance, and Management.

Throughout his career, he navigated through various roles, from a portfolio manager at J.P. Morgan, Vice President and Relationship Manager at PNC to his most recent role as the Executive Director at Carver Federal Savings Bank. As he climbed the corporate ladder, he never forgot his roots or the importance of giving back.

He actively participated in mentorship programs, and has served on the boards of several esteemed organizations like the Youth Justice Network, CentraState Medical Center, LISC NY, Nonprofit Finance Fund, Living Redemption Community Development Corporation and the Village Hilltop Foundation, Inc. Lloyd lives in New Jersey with his wife and their children.

Executive Director

Federal Savings Bank

Village Ventures Judge

ElenaRichardsisaPrincipalandChiefDiversity,Equity& InclusionOfficeratKPMGLLP.SheisanaccomplishedHR,talent managementanddiversityprofessionalwithdeepknowledgeof theprofessionalservicesindustry.

AsCDEIO,Elenaleadsthefirm’snationalDiversity,Equity& Inclusion(DEI)CenterofExcellenceandworkscloselywiththe KPMGU.S.ManagementCommitteeandBoardofDirectorsto advanceAccelerate2025,thefirm’sstrategyrootedingrowing andsupportingadiverseworkforceandinclusivework environment.Elenaleadskeyfirm-wideinitiativesandoversees 200+nationalandlocalBRGchaptersandinclusioncouncils.

Withover20yearsofexperience,Elena’snorthstaristocreate psychologicallysafeworkplacesandequitableexperiencesfor everyoneatKPMG. In2021,shewastherecipientoftheNJCPA Ovationaward.ElenaearnedherBAincriminaljusticeatthe UniversityatAlbany,StateUniversityofNewYork,andisa certifiedexecutivecoach.

ShecurrentlyservesasaboardmemberfortheKPMGU.S. Foundation,Inc.andtheCommunityFoundationofNewJersey. SheisontheboardofadvisorsforCatalyst,amemberofthe BostonCollegeCenterforWork&Familyadvisoryboardanda memberofSeramount’sDiversityBestPracticescollective.Sheis amemberoftheAmericanInstituteofCertifiedPublic Accountants’NationalDiversity&InclusionCommissionandwas previouslyanadvisoryboardmemberforHowardUniversity’s CenterforAccountingEducation.

Elena Richards

Chief DE&I Officer, KPMG

Village Ventures Judge

Jonathan Pueschel

JonathanPueschelisaManagingDirectorandMarketTeamLead withJ.P.MorganPrivateBank,focusedonNewJerseyandtheNew YorkMetroarea.Jonmanagesagroupofbankersandspecialists whoworktodelivercomprehensivestrategiesthataddressthe complexitiesofwealth.In2020,hewasnamedoneofNJBiz’s40 Under40awardwinners,whichrecognizesthebestandthe brightestoftheGardenState’snextgenerationofbusinessleaders.

JonadvisessomeoftheTri-Stateregion’smostprominent executives,entrepreneursandfoundationsonassetallocation, portfolioconstruction,capitalandliquiditystrategies,and generationalwealthtransfer.

WithmorethanadecadeofexperienceatthePrivateBank,Jonhas builtareputationforhishardwork,integrityandtrustworthiness. Previously,hewastheHeadoftheregion’sPrivateBankReal EstatePractice,andhasextensiveexperienceadvisingcommercial realestateowners,developersandmanagers.

JonearnedaB.S.inAccountingandFinancefromTheGeorge WashingtonUniversity.HeisaCertifiedFinancialPlannerthat designscustomizedpathwaysforhisclient’sindividualgoals.Jon holdsFINRASeries7,9,10and63licenses,andhastaken acceleratedcourseworktoaugmenthisexpertise.Heformerly servedasamemberoftheboardofdirectorsoftheGreaterNewark Conservancy,whichworkstoimprovethequalityoflifeinNew Jersey’surbancommunitiesthrougheducation,beautificationof theneighborhoodandjobtraining.Jonliveswithhiswife,four daughtersanddoginMontclair,NewJersey.

Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank

Imaginewhatcouldhappenifthemoneyyouspent thisFridaysupportedBlack-ownedBusinesses...

What could happen if you did that at least every Friday...

Fun Fact: 1 out of every 7 days is a Friday

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

Fun Fact: 1 out of every 7 Americans is Black

Expert business counseling and individual financial coaching for Black entrepreneurs and community members Includes networking opportunities and access to online and in-person courses needed to survive and thrive!

OPERATION:BALLOTBOX

ETV’s nonpartisan voter education and mobilization program is executed annually with Village Partners to inform Black voters in key strategic states how and where to vote early, reliably, and unimpeded by the vestiges of systemic racism and abuse.

ETV provides the Black community with access to quality, affordable mental health services.

ETV connects the community to licensed Black psychiatrists, psychologists and other wellness professionals.

Village Strivers empowers academic achievement, increases the percentage of Black community members with college and advanced degrees, provides training to prepare them for successful careers and entrepreneurial endeavors, and reduces financial barriers to prosperity.

12:301:15PM

WELLNESS WORKSHOP

COPING SKILLS & HOW TO ACHIEVE BALANCED, JOYFUL LIVES

Facilitator: Dr. Cassandra Hutchins, Licensed Psychologist & Creator of the 'YourDocInTheBox' Therapy Cards

What You’ll Learn:

Strategies to Transition from Surviving to Thriving

Self-Care Tips and Tools to Better Manage Stress, Reduce Anxiety, Tackle Depression, Grief and Trauma

Insights about the Mind-Body Connection

1:452:30PM THE PROSPERITY PLAYBOOK: HOW AM I DOING & WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?

Facilitators: Julia Savage, JP Morgan Executive Director & Michelle Harlan, Prudential Financial Advisor / Owner- Harlan Financial Services

What You‘ll Learn:

Key Tactics to Accumulate & Better Manage Money, Tackle Debt & Build Generational Wealth

How to Best Evaluate Your Personal Finances and Plan for Your Future

Steps to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck

3:004:00PM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP ESSENTIALS: THE 5MS ~ MINDSET, MISSION, MARKETING, MANAGEMENT & MONEY!

Founder & CEO, Epic Transformation

LloydDoaman ExecutiveDirector, CarverBank

What You‘ll Learn:

Dr. Carla Cooke Founder & CEO, Pivotal Shifts

Andrew Frazier CEO,Small Business Pro University ETVVEN Lead

Clarrisa Tanner CEO, TannerFinancialServices

What It Takes to Turn Your Passion into Profits

Tips for Setting Up Shop and Effectively Managing Your Business

How to Access to Funding to Fuel Business Growth

Social Media & Digital Marketing for Growth

1.

Affordable Access to Health Insurance & Benefits

BirdiaChambers

Julia Savage Michelle Harlan

ETV Workshop Panelist

Dr.CassandraHutchinsisaLicensedClinicalPsychologist(NJ #6032).ShereceivedherB.A.inPsychologyfromRutgers UniversityandherPsy.D.inClinicalPsychologyfromCapella University.Sheownsandoperatesasuccessfulgroupprivate practicewheretheyprovideaholisticrangeofmodalitiestotreat numerousissues,including:stressmanagement,depression, anxiety,trauma,andrelationshipissues.

Dr.Hutchinsalsoprovidesconsultingservicesandhasdone mentalhealthpresentationsand/orworkshopsfororganizations suchas:EmpowerTheVillage,Realogy,RutgersUniversityof Camden,ChaseBankofNYCandPrudential.Furthermore,Dr. HutchinsislistedasaproviderfortheNationalBasketball Player’sAssociation(NBPA).

Dr.Hutchinsalsohasworkexperienceincommunitymentalhealth settingsworkingwithunderprivilegedindividualsaswellasthose involvedwithchildprotectiveservice.Furthermore,Dr.Hutchins’ backgroundwithDCPP,providedherwithanenhancedinsightof familyneedsduringdelicateanddifficulttimes.Dr.Hutchinsalso hasanextensivebackgroundinclinical,forensicassessment,and shehasexperienceinnumerousclinicalandclinical-forensic settings,includingpsychiatricandforensic-psychiatriccenters andprisons.

Lastly,Dr.Hutchinscreatedasetoftherapycardscalled YourDocInTheBoxthatwerecuratedfromquestionsthathave beenaskedofherthroughoutherclinicalexperience.

Dr. Cassandra Hutchins

Licensed Psychologist & Creator of the “YourDocInTheBox”

ETV Workshop Panelist

JuliaSavageisanExecutiveDirectorandBankerintheSummit officeofJ.P.MorganPrivateBank.Juliahasdevotedhercareerto advisinghigh-levelexecutives,entrepreneursandmultigenerationalfamilies,helpingthemaddresstheirsophisticated wealthmanagementneeds.

Julia’sgreateststrengthliesinthetrustshebuildswithherclients whileguidingthemthroughlifeevents. Juliathenblendsher nearly20yearsofexperiencewithJ.P.Morgan’sglobalresources todelivertailoredinvestments,legacyplanning,liquidity management,lendingandbankingservices.Sheplacesclients’ bestinterestsatthecenterofeverythingshedoes.

BeforejoiningJ.P.Morgan,Juliapartneredwithultra-high-networthfamiliesandbusinessownersasaSR.RelationshipManager atPNCWealthManagement.Previously,shewasaWealth ManagementBankeratBankofAmericaMerrillLynch.Shealso cateredtotheneedsofinvestorsatWMFinancialServices.Julia earnedaB.S.inInternationalBusinessManagementfromKean University,whichsheattendedonascholarshipasaninternational studentandsoccerathlete.JuliaisbilingualandspeaksSpanish.

Julia’sprofessionalandpersonalcommitmenttoherHispanic community,womenofcolorandyouthisevidentthroughhermany yearsofsupporttoCASAforChildren,whichprovidesasafetynet andmentorshipforchildreninthefostersystem.Aswellas WomenontheMove,andamemberofExecutiveWomenofNJ, ALPFA,andEmpowerTheVillageandmore.Juliaandherhusband, Joe,resideinMorristown,NewJersey,withtheiryoung2children.

Julia Savage

Executive Director, J.P Morgan

ETV Workshop Panelist

Michelle Harlan

Prudential Financial Advisor

MichelleHarlanisaseasonedfinancialadvisoratPrudential FinancialandtheproudownerofHarlanFinancialServices. Michelleisdedicatedtoempoweringindividualswiththe knowledgeandtoolstheyneedtosecureaprosperous financialfuture.Withabeliefthatknowledgeisthe cornerstoneofsuccessinfinance,Michelleleveragesher background,experience,andunwaveringcommitmentto providemyclientswiththeguidancenecessarytomake informeddecisions.

Herapproachisdeeplypersonal,drivenbyagenuinedesireto understandeachclient'suniquecircumstances,aspirations, andpriorities.Byforgingmeaningfulconnectionsanddelving intotheirindividualneeds,shetailorscomprehensive strategiesdesignedtonotonlyaddresstheircurrentfinancial goalsbutalsopavethewayforfutureprosperity.Michelle’s academicfoundationincludesaBachelorofSciencein EconomicsfromtheWhartonSchoolofBusinessatthe UniversityofPennsylvania.

Outsideofherprofessionalendeavors,Michelleenjoys spendingqualitytimewithherfamilyoutdoors,whetherit's baskinginthesunatthebeachorcarvingthroughthesnowon theskislopes.ShecurrentlyresidesinNorthPlainfield,NJ, alongsideherhusband,Stephen,andtheirtwochildren, ZacharyandSamantha.

ETV Workshop Panelist

Dr. Carla Cooke

Dr.CarlaJ.Cookeisaffectionatelyknownasa“quietstorm.”The NJresidentisasanordainedminister,author,andtrustedvoicein thefieldofpsychologywhoservesasanexpertwitnessinlegal matterstoaddresstheimpactoftrauma.

Dr.Carlabringsexpertiseasaglobalpsychologist,entrepreneur, andmentalwellnessexpert.SheistheCEOofPivotalShifts, wheresheworkstoempowercreativeandpassionateBlack women(andsomegreatmen)entrepreneurs.Dr.Cookeadvocates forpracticinghealthymentalwellnessprinciplestoensure successinyourbusinesses.Sheencourageswomentothriveand discoverself-awareness,emotionalfreedom,andelevated mentalwell-being.

Inherworkasacoach,Dr.Carlacentersonbuildingessential self-skillsforsuccessthatmanifestwithinentrepreneurial efforts.Shebelievesthatasindividualsheal(grow,develop, thrive),theyareabletoextendhealingtoothersandpromotes theideathatHealedPeopleHealPeople.Herglobaleffortfocus onintergenerationalhealingthroughencouragingwomentotap intotheirdivinecapacitytolivebeyondlimitationsandstepinto lifemoreabundantly.

Dr.Carlaspeaksatconferences,deliveringkeynotetalksand workshopsthataddressinternalbarriershinderinghighachieving entrepreneurs,businessowners,andexecutivesfromoperating atanelevatedlevelintheirpurpose.ShelovesGod,valuesliving beyondlimitations,andthrivesonauthenticrelationships.

Founder & CEO, Pivotal Shifts, LLC

ETV Workshop Panelist

Small Business Pro University

AndrewFrazierempowersbusinessownerstoMaximizetheValue oftheircompaniesbyhelpingthemGrowRevenue,Increase Profitability,andObtainFinancing.Mr.Frazierhasworked1-on-1 with1,000+businessownersandtaughtthousandsofpeople aboutbusiness.Hisexpertiseinbusinessstrategyandfinancial managementenableshimtotakeaholisticperspectiveand providemoreoptimalsolutionsforclients.

Mr.Frazier’sbook“RunningYourSmallBusinessLikeAPro”helps peopleincreasethelikelihoodandmagnitudeoftheirbusiness success.HehasalsoproducedPowerBreakfasteventsin NorthernNJforalmost10yearsgenerating$10+millioninboth economicimpactandfinancingfor1,000+attendees.Hisonline SmallBusinessProUniversityprovidesentrepreneurswithaccess tobestpracticesandusefulknowledgeforrunningtheir businessesmoreprofessionally.Andrew’snewestbookThe MasterpreneurPlaybookoutlinesaproven5-StepBusiness GrowthPlanfortakingyourbusinessfromstart-uptoscaling.

AndrewgraduatedfromMITwithaBSinMechanicalEngineering, earnedanMBAinFinancefromNYU,andachievedtheChartered FinancialAnalyst(CFA)designation.Hisbackgroundincludes significantlydiverseexperiencesasaNavalOfficer,Operations Manager,CorporateExecutive,InvestmentManager,RealEstate Investor,Non-ProfitLeader,BoardMember,BusinessOwner, Professor,Coach,Consultant,Trainer,andAuthor.Andrewhas beenmarriedfor30+years,hastwochildren,andlivesin Montclair,NJ.

CEO,

Andrew Frazier

ETV Workshop Panelist

Clarrisa Tanner

Founder & CEO, Tanner Financial Services, LLC

For the past 25 years, Clarrisa Tanner has served as the CEO and Founder of Tanner Financial Services LLC.

Tanner Financial Services LLC, based in Bridgewater, New Jersey, provides comprehensive Health and Life Insurance plans to Small / Mid-size Companies and Individual clients in New Jersey and New York.

Clarrisa started her Insurance career at Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey and after over a decade of service, she transitioned from her role as an Executive to starting her own business.

What sets her apart is the Highest level of personalized service, knowledge and expertise that she provides to her new and existing clients .

Tanner Financial Services, LLC, specializes in Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Long Term Care, and all of the Insurance needs for Small Businesses and Individuals. Especially in the area of assisting new businesses with the tools to attract and keep the best talent for their businesses.

ETV Workshop Panelist

Birdia Chambers

Founder & CEO, Epic Transformation, LLC

Birdiaisasocialmediaexpertwhoignitesexplosiveonline growthfororganizations,smallbusinessesandindividuals.Her missionistoprovidenext-level,time-savingstrategiesandpave thewayforskyrocketingbusinesssuccess.Birdia’sfirmcrafts customstrategieswithlaser-focusedcontentdevelopment, consulting,profileoptimization,training,andsocialmedia managementsolutions.

Birdia’sexpertiseintechnologyandsocialmediaspansover20 yearsinCorporateAmerica,wheresheevolvedsocialanddigital mediaacrossaFortune50company,counseledtopC-Suite executivesandexpandedsmallbusinesses.

Birdia’sdedicationextendsbeyondprofitmargins,assheisa volunteerforAmericanCorporatePartners,whereshementors veteranstransitioningoutofmilitarylifetodiscoverandachieve newcareergoals.SheisalsoamemberoftheNewJersey BusinessIndustryAssociation(NJBIA),Co-ChairoftheCREW (CommercialRealEstateWomen)NewJerseyMarketingand SocialMediaCommitteeandCo-ChairoftheNJBIAWomen’s LeadershipTeamfortheWomen’sBusinessCouncil.

AsagraduateofRutgers,TheStateUniversityofNewJersey, andtheNewJerseyInstituteofTechnology(NJIT),shefocused oncomputerscienceandmathematics.Sheisalsoagraduateof theWomenUnlimitedTEAMprogram,acquiredaMasters CertificateinITProjectManagementfromVillanovaUniversity, andisaNationalCommercialRealEstateAdvisorand CommercialRealEstateInvestmentPlanningSpecialist.

PreciousWilliams CEO,PerfectPitchGroup

ETVVillageVentures

Coach&CelebrityHost

PRECIOUS WILLIAMS

#KILLERPITCHMASTER

Precious Williams helps her audiences develop pitches for profit. Precious used her moxie, grit, determination and intelligence to take her company - Curvy Girlz Lingerie - from $0 to multi-6 figures in under 2 years.

Below are just a few of Precious’ accomplishments:

✔ 13-time Elevator Pitch Champion

✔ Successful "Shark Tank" Contestant

✔ 4-time Book of the Year Finalist

✔ 3-time Bestselling Author

✔ Stevie Awards "Maverick of the Year" Medalist

✔

CountonColumbiaBank

Throughservingthecommunityfor over95years,youcancounton

•Afullsuiteofcommercial andconsumerproducts

•Onaverage,nearly90%ofcalls answeredwithin20seconds*

•Localdecisionmaking

•Communitycommitmentlikenoother

BLACK PEOPLE, BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

TO ACHIEVE RACIAL EQUITY AND MAKE SIGNIFICANT ADVANCEMENTS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

PROSPERITY, PEACE AND POWER

THE BLACK COMMUNITY