Where founders talk about the part nobody posts about.
TECH THE MESSY MIDDLE
Where founders talk about the part nobody posts about.
Presented by the New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center with support from TD Bank, UPS, and the UP Foundation.
This is not a room full of polished success stories and overnight wins.
It’s a conversation about the part nobody talks about enough: the pivots, pressure, uncertainty, rebuilding, traction challenges, figuring it out in real time, and still choosing to build anyway.
Hear from emerging tech founders who are:
• Using technology to reshape industries
• Reimagining legacy businesses through innovation
• Tackling real-world problems through tech-enabled solutions
• Navigating what happens between the idea and the breakthrough
The evening includes founder conversations, a fireside discussion, and curated networking designed to spark authentic conversation, collaboration, and connection among founders, future founders, creatives, and builders navigating tech in real time.
No awkward networking circles: just smart people, honest conversations, and room to connect with others building through the messy middle.
RIMBERIO
culturaldiversityandperspectiveto mylifelongpassion:Building Technology.
Malcolm Paul Founder NITM Inc.
Areasofexpertiseinclude:Product Management,teammanagement, documentation,cloudexpertise, technicaladvisory,AIstrategy,and development.
SPEAKER
Donna Stroupe
I'veworkedwithcompaniesin variousindustriesandcountthe followingassuccessstories: FinTechplatform focused on connecting professionals with the right financial planners, accountants, and more. EdTech platform focused on reducing administrative overhead for impact-driven organizations. RecruitmentTech platforms focused onscheduling and managing internal recruiters.
IworkasaconsultantorinterimCTO toadvise,buildtechnologyteams, andprepareforinvestor conversations.
RIMBERIO
been called many things: an entrepreneur, a leader, a construction expert. But, I'm still the kid who wondered why the buildings swayed in the wind as a child in New York. I'm the adolescent who's summer jobs were on commercial construction sites. I'm a man dedicated to becoming an expert at the thing I love. My experiences are simply parts of that journey. Let's connect, I'd like to know more about how you choose to serve.
Khalid David Founder & CEO
TracFlo
SPEAKER
Donna Stroupe
TracFlo helps subcontractors better understand their financial performance by tracking and managing changing costs on a job site. Our user-friendly product comes from years of domain expertise on actual construction sites. Learn more about our team and join us as we shape the future of work on jobsites.
RIMBERIO
theyneedtothrivetoandthrough theirdestination.
Erica Ho Founder and CEO
Map Happy
SPEAKER
Donna Stroupe
esitehasreceivedthehighest velsofindustryrecognition, nningtheSocietyofAmerican avelWriters'LowellThomas wardsbronzeforBestTravel urnalismWebsite. ealsohasspokenatpremier dustryeventsandinstitutions chasTheNewYorkTimesTravel ow,ConsumerElectronicsShow, dColumbiaJournalismSchool, thebusinessofmedia,andthe eandimportanceofdiversityin edia.
ebeganhercareerasawriter andeditorforGawkerandTheAwl network.Herworkhasappeared inTIME,CNN,MSN,TheHuffington Post,CondéNastTraveler,Travel+ Leisure,Mashable,Jetsetter,and Yahoo!amongotheroutlets.
RIMBERIO
ssionate about the 0 to 1 in just out anything. I'm a self-taught signer who upskilled into web d mobile app development rough free classes in the South onx.
SPEAKER
Donna Stroupe
tting millions back into the hands those who really need it with the lp of Friends&Family, a16z, and e Robin Hood Foundation.
Daryl Homan Jr., MPA Founder REVIVAL
RIMBERIO
simply do not have time to sit in a salon for hours to achieve their d sired look. My clients love my stom creations and my nail art. They st me to to work within their dget to create the ultimate cessory for their special occasions. r nails are reusable and can be talled and removed quickly to fit yone's needs. Get PressedT leads th the importance of autonomy and e power of choice.
SPEAKER
Donna Stroupe
perience as a Small Business Owner:
ng trends to determine when to put t cohesive nail collections
- Create marketing materials using Canva, CapCut, Mojo, and more to push the brand on social media, and in-person pop-up shops
- Determine menu items through customer data and buying behaviors
- Create an experience to ensure customer loyalty and repeat clientele
Kharese Gittens
RIMBERIO
humanpotential.
BorninTrinidadandTobagoandraisedin Brooklyn,Ibeganmycareerasamodel beforebecomingascout,agent,runway coach,andFounderofSTRUTModels,aNew Yorkboutiqueagencybuilttoexpandaccess andchallengeindustrynorms.Igrewthe agencytomorethan100represented modelsinthreeyearswhilesecuringmajor brandpartnershipsanddevelopingdiverse talentacrossrunway,beauty,editorial,and commercialmarkets.
Shaw Bernard Founder
STRUT Models + STRUT AI
SPEAKER
Donna Stroupe
IalsofoundedSTRUTEsteem,afashionbasedleadershipandworkforce developmentinitiativethathelpsstudents andemergingprofessionalsbuild confidence,presentationskills,andcareer readiness.
Mycareerspansluxuryretail,fashion houses,agencyownership,andexecutive leadership.Today,asFounderofSTRUTAI andaFractionalChiefAIOfficer,Ihelp brandsandbusinessleadersleverageAIto increaseefficiency,unlockopportunity,and future-prooftheirorganizations.
Fashionisinfrastructure.
AIistheamplifier.Ibuildwherethetwo meet.
RIMBERIO
g
time, I built and ran a software development and marketing agency, designed curriculum for women reentering the workforce, launched a artisan civic engagement app during the 2020 ction, and earned recognition from the U.S. use of Representatives for using technology rive civic and community education.
also hands-on technically, building full-stack ducts end-to-end, from system design to loyment. through line?
SPEAKER Donna Stroupe
cation that actually works in real life. Not ory. Not credentials gathering dust. Skills t move people forward.
t focus led me into regulated industries, ecially beauty, health, and wellness, where I a gap no one was addressing. Licensed fessionals doing precise, demanding work h almost no access to the continuing cation their careers require.
mp Academy is my answer to that.
A continuing education platform built for regulated industries, connecting licensed professionals to master level instruction in the areas licensure does not cover but practice demands.
This is the work I am committed to. Building education that functions at the pace and pressure of real life.
Nickay Piper Founder
Pomp Academy
RIMBERIO
TECH
THE MESSY MIDDLE
Wherefounders talkaboutthe partnobody postsabout. ismadepossible by:
SPEAKER
Donna Stroupe
