(BPRW) Black Women Talk Tech Presents 9th Annual Roadmap to Billions Conference May 15-16, 2025 at Microsoft NYC
The Premier Tech Gathering for Black Women Founders returns to Midtown Manhattan
Black Women Talk Tech (BWTT), a collective of Black women entrepreneurs committed to building pathways to funding and success in the tech space, proudly announces the return of its flagship event, the 9th Annual Roadmap to Billions Conference, taking place May 15–16, 2025 in Midtown Manhattan (Times Square). After three incredible years in Brooklyn, the move signals a new chapter of visibility, growth, and elevation for the community.
Roadmap to Billions is the only tech conference created exclusively by Black women tech founders for Black women tech founders — and those who support them. “This new location reflects the expanding influence of Black women in tech and our commitment to elevating their stories on the most visible stages,” said Esosa Johnson, Co-Founder of Black Women Talk Tech. “At a time when our voices and ventures are under attack, Roadmap to Billions is a protected, intentional space where we can build boldly and lead collectively.”
The 2025 event will bring together 500+ founders, funders, and technologists for two dynamic days of learning, networking, and growth. Powered by the support of sponsors including Microsoft, GoDaddy, WOCSTAR Capital, Lowenstein Sandler and Camelback Ventures, this year’s programming will include:
• Expert-led workshops designed to equip founders with actionable insights
• Networking meetups that connect attendees with technical resources, innovators, and industry leaders
• Direct access to investors ready to fund Black
women-led ventures
• Interactive breakout sessions designed to foster innovation and collaboration
• Founders Retreat, an exclusive wellness experience with yoga, meditation, and mindfulness for founder renewal
• Strategically curated partners offering resources tailored for Black female founders Since its inception in 2017, Roadmap to Billions has empowered over 10,000 attendees, facilitated the rise of dozens of pitch competition winners, and helped generate nearly $30 million in venture funding for Black women-led businesses.
Confirmed speakers include trailblazing leaders such as Kunbi Tinuoye (Founder of UrbanGeekz), Antonia Dean (Principal, Black Ops VC), Tricia Taitt (CEO, FinCore), Lenore Champagne Beirne (Founder & Managing Partner, Bright Ventures), Victoria Yampolsky (Founder & CEO, Curastory), Dominique Aubry (Principal & CEO, Beacon Insights), Saydeah Howard (Managing Partner, Cherryrock Capital) and Stephanie LeBlanc-Godfrey (CEO & Founder, Mother AI), with more to be announced.
Whether you’re a founder, investor, tech professional, or advocate for equity in innovation, Roadmap to Billions is your opportunity to plug into a thriving ecosystem that’s actively shaping the future of tech — one billion-dollar business at a time.
Register now at www.roadmaptobillions.co.
About Black Women Talk Tech
Black Women Talk Tech (BWTT) is a collective of Black women entrepreneurs committed to identifying, supporting, and encouraging Black women-led technology companies.
Founded in 2017, BWTT aims to showcase the brilliance of Black women, foster deep connections, and create real funding opportunities for Black women in tech.
Eyekandy Launches the ‘Sales Ambassador™’
- The World’s
First Digital Human Super Salesperson For Every Point of Purchase
Eyekandy, the global leader in immersive commerce, today unveiled the Sales Ambassador™ - a groundbreaking AI digital human built to revolutionize how brands and retailers engage, convert, and retain shoppers across every shopping channel.
More than just a chatbot or automation tool, the Sales Ambassador™ is a hyper-intelligent, always-on digital sales rep that replicates the human shopping experience with unmatched accuracy, personality, and performance.
The Sales Ambassador™ delivers realtime, human-like product guidance online, in-store, and on social - transforming passive browsing into confident buying. It’s the first solution of its kind to offer ‘instant-on’ integration at scale, in most languages, across all retail touchpoints, driving real commercial impact from day one. It understands individual shopper needs and makes product recommendations based on them. In addition, it delivers a compelling augmented reality experience to further recreate the instore experience.
Built to Perform Better Than Your Best Sales Rep - 24/7
• Guide shoppers like real sales reps — across web, mobile, social, and even in-store kiosks
• Drive conversions day and night with alwayson product support and upselling
• intelligence
• Accelerate sales with real-time product match guidance and brand storytelling
• Win consistently at the point of purchase, no matter where it happens
• Reduce returns by helping shoppers find the right product the first time
• Human-like interaction that builds brand trust before the first click
• Fluent in most languages
• Plug-and-play deployment into existing eCommerce and retail infrastructure
Give Every Shopper a Personal Guide. Without Adding Headcount.
“Imagine deploying your most persuasive, knowledgeable salesperson to every product page, every store aisle, and every shopper’s pocket,” said Joe Golden, Product Director of Eyekandy. “That’s what the Sales Ambassador™ does. It doesn’t just sell - it delights, personalises, and performs at every touchpoint.”
With seamless integration into online stores, retail environments, and social shopping experiences, the Sales Ambassador is poised to become the most scalable and consistent salesperson in retail.
Retailers and brands ready to boost customer confidence, reduce returns, and unlock sales growth can visit eyekandy.com to learn more and request a live demo.
FINANCE
Brandcil Announces New Ambassador Program to Empower Social Media Marketers with Lucrative Partnership Opportunities
Leverage IndustryLeading Social Media Management Solutions to Boost Your Earnings
Brandcil, a cutting-edge social media management SaaS platform known for cloud-based scalability, and user-focused solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its Ambassador Program. This new initiative provides marketers,
influencers, and industry professionals with the opportunity to partner with Brandcil, offering top-tier social media management tools while earning competitive commissions for successful referrals.
Maximizing Value for Ambassadors
Brandcil’s Ambassador Program is designed to benefit participants in several ways:
Lucrative Commissions: Ambassadors can earn a generous commission for every referral that converts into a paid Brandcil user, providing a clear and measurable path to income generation.
Access to Industry-Leading Tools: Ambassadors can share Brandcil’s powerful platform with their network, showcasing features like advanced security, centralized management of multiple social platforms, and robust performance analytics. These tools cater
to businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises, and offer unmatched security and scalability.
Dedicated Ambassador Support: Participants gain access to personalized resources, including marketing materials, onboarding guidance, and ongoing support from Brandcil’s expert team. This ensures partners have the tools and knowledge they need to successfully promote Brandcil to their audience.
About Brandcil
Flexible and Scalable: Whether you’re a digital marketer, influencer, or social media consultant, Brandcil’s Ambassador Program is flexible enough to suit individual goals, making it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the industry.
“We’re excited to launch our Ambassador Program because we know how powerful partnerships can be,” said Jim Morrison, Senior VP of Sales. “This program isn’t just about expanding our customer base – it’s about helping our ambassadors grow alongside us by offering them world-class technology and support.”
Brandcil is an all-in-one social media management SaaS platform that empowers businesses and agencies to seamlessly manage their online presence across multiple social platforms. With over 90 years of combined leadership experience and more than 20 patents in data management and cloud technology, Brandcil delivers advanced, secure
solutions that are customizable to meet the needs of today’s digital landscape. Ambassadors are invited to join Brandcil in transforming how businesses approach social media management while tapping into a lucrative income stream. The sign-up process is straightforward, and participants will have immediate access to all the tools they need to start earning right away.
How to Join
Interested parties can learn more and apply to become an ambassador by visiting the official Brandcil Ambassador Program page at https://www.brandcil. com/affiliate-program.
Media Contact: Jim Morrison Senior VP of Sales Sales@brandcil.com WWW.Brandcil.com
Source: Black PR Wire
Ask Your Money Coach
By: Jen Nash, AFC®
Money doesn’t just live in our wallets. It lives in our relationships, our health, in the food we eat, in how we spend our time… It determines how many options we have. It can be a constant source of stress or it can give us the freedom to live life on our own terms.
Most people carry their financial challenges in solitude. It wasn’t spoken of in their home growing up and they don’t talk about it now. Don’t worry. I won’t pressure you to break your silence. Instead, I come bearing a safe, anonymous space for you to share your concerns freely and receive compassionate, expert financial guidance. This is a place where judgment has no home, and your struggles are met with empathy, understanding and actionable solutions.
Q: Every time I try to budget, life throws something unexpected at me— car repairs, school events, or medical bills. I feel like I’m failing at adulting and I can’t get ahead no matter how hard I try. Is there a realistic way to stick to a budget when there are so many unanticipated expenses?
A: You’re not failing at adulting; you’re navigating life in real time. Budgets that don’t bend, break. So, let’s build one that flexes with you. Try shifting to a zero-based or priority-based budget where every dollar is assigned a job— including savings for unexpected expenses. This means adding a “Life Happens” category (think: $100/month or whatever you can afford) just for curveballs. Also, don’t budget for a
“perfect month.” Budget for the month you’re actually living. You’re not drowning—you’re learning to swim in deeper water. And that’s powerful.
Q: My partner is a spender, and I’m a saver. Every time we talk about money, it turns into an argument. We love each other, but our financial habits are tearing us apart. What do we do?
A: Money and relationships go handin-hand, but it’s rarely a smooth ride when you have different financial personalities. The good news? This isn’t about changing each other—it’s about learning to understand and respect your differences. Start with a Money Date. Not a fight. Not a spreadsheet session. Just 30 minutes with snacks, a pen, and no blame. Talk about your money stories— what you learned (or didn’t) growing up, what money means to you (freedom, security, joy?). This builds empathy, not resentment. Then, create shared goals you both care about—saving for a trip, paying off a credit card, building an emergency fund.
Let each of you have a little personal “no-judgment” spending money too. This prevents resentment from building when one person wants lattes and the other wants to pay off the mortgage.
Remember that financial wellness is a journey, not a destination. The goal is really just to be 1% better today than you were yesterday. You’re not alone in this journey—reach out, let us know what’s keeping you up at night. We’re here to support you.
MEET THE FOUNDER
New Femme Med and Spa in Fort Wayne Offers New Technology to Burn Fat, Tighten
With its Grand Opening Event Scheduled for May 22 Femme Med and Spa, a new, health center that blends medical expertise with aesthetic finesse has opened its doors in Fort Wayne. The center offers women comprehensive care for reproductive health needs, weightloss help and cosmetic enhancements. It is one of the first in the area to offer leading-edge, noninvasive technology using muscle activation to build muscle, burn fat, tighten skin and strengthen the pelvic floor. These groundbreaking devices will be demonstrated during the launch party on Thursday, May 22.
Emsculpt NEO, a needle-free and laser-free technology creates muscle contractions and uses radiofrequency to generate heat. That combination burns 30 percent fat and builds 25 percent muscle in hard-to-treat areas, including the abdomen, buttocks, arms, and thighs. The device forces muscles to experience tens of thousands of contractions -- equivalent to 20,000 sit-ups in just 30 minutes.
“For those on a weight-loss journey, Emsculpt NEO can help to tone and tighten skin,” says Ashley Scott, M.D., Founder of Femme Med and Spa and board-certified gynecologist and weightloss specialist.
Emface, another non-invasive technology uses heat and muscle activation to boost collagen production and tighten facial skin. In just 20 to 30 minutes, it revitalizes the face by stimulating underlying tissue, which
reduces fine lines.
Skin, Reduce Incontinence
patients to enjoy daily activities without losing bladder control.
Emsculpt NEO by BTL uses muscle activation and heat to burn fat and build muscle in hard-totreat areas, such as the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and underarms. For the abdomen, it is equivalent to doing 20,000 sit-ups.
Another new technology, EMSELLA, is a gamechanger for the more than 25 million Americans struggling with pelvic floor weakness and incontinence. Patients are fully clothed and sit in the EMSELLA chair, which uses electromagnetic energy to strengthen the pelvic floor by inducing muscle contractions. A 30-minute session is equivalent to doing 11,000 Kegel exercises. EMSELLA has a 98-percent patient satisfaction rate and allows
“These procedures are needle-free, pain-free and there is no bruising,” says Dr. Scott. “With no downtime needed, patients go back to work and daily activities after each session.”
To learn more about these leadingedge technologies, you are invited to a complimentary launch party, 3 to 6 p.m., Thursday, May 22, at Femme Med and Spa, 5015 W. Jefferson. Attendees can demo Emsculpt NEO, Emface and EMSELLA and enjoy refreshments, special discounts on procedures, and raffle prizes. To RSVP: log on to www.femmemedandspa.com or call 260252-4080.
SOURCE Femme Medical and Spa
Women Presidents Organization Unveils 2025 List of
50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies
The Women Presidents Organization (WPO) announced its 18th annual list of the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/ Led Companies. The businesses on this year’s list collectively generated more than $7 billion in gross revenue, and employed more than 15,000 people, in 2024 alone.
For each of the five years since 2020, the honorees sustained substantial yearover-year growth, demonstrating postpandemic recovery in industries like travel and hospitality, health and wellness, manufacturing, food and beverage, consumer goods and more.
“The 50 Fastest Growing WomenOwned/Led Companies list honors the remarkable accomplishments of women who are not only driving impressive revenue growth but also redefining the future of business,” said Camille Burns, CEO of the Women Presidents Organization. “Their leadership demonstrates the profound economic and societal impact of women at the helm. With a strong commitment to innovation, purpose, and people, these companies exemplify the essential role women-owned and led businesses play in building a more sustainable and inclusive economy. This recognition is more than a milestone—it’s a powerful affirmation of the transformative influence women have in shaping modern business.”
Topping the list of 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies are the following:
• Collette led by President and CEO Jaclyn Leibl-Cote; based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
• Unite Digital led by President and CEO Stacey Coopes; based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
• Embark Beyond led by Co-founder and Managing Partner Julie Danziger; based in New York City
• BuzzBallz (Southern Champion) led by CEO and Founder Merrilee Kick; based in Carrollton, Texas
• Cymbiotika led by CEO Durana Elmi; based in San Diego, California
To be considered for this list, businesses must operate under woman ownership or leadership, and have a minimum of at least $500,000 in annual revenue for each of the preceding five years. The 50 Fastest list is sponsored by J.P. Morgan
Commercial Banking and participation was open to all qualifying businesses, irrespective of WPO membership. A comprehensive evaluation process then ranked all eligible companies using a proprietary sales growth formula that factored in both percentage and absolute growth, ultimately finalizing the WPO’s selection of the top 50 performers for recognition on its 2025 list.
More about this year’s 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Businesses: Average years in business: 19
• Blended sources of startup capital and growth capital:
• 58% of startup capital / 4% growth capital -- personal savings
• 26% of startup capital / 22% growth capital -- line of credit
• 24% of startup capital / 6% growth capital -- friends and family rounds
• 18% of startup capital / 12% growth capital -- bank loan
• 6% used credit cards as startup capital
• 4% of startup capital / 8% of growth capital -- private investors
• 4% of startup capital -- angel investors
• 2% of startup capital / 8% of growth capital -- venture capital
Employee benefits, which outperform the national average:
• The majority of companies offer remote work arrangements and parental leave
• Success and growth attributed to consistent themes:
• Resilience, grit, persistence, perseverance were named frequently
• Company milestones included major contracts secured, national retailer launches, and celebrity testimonials
The 50 Fastest companies are being honored during a ceremony at the WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum on May 8, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas at The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort.
Immediately following the ceremony, there will be a hosted discussion featuring
the 50 Fastest honorees, who will share insights for WPO members looking to grow their businesses.
For the full list of 50 Fastest honorees, please visit https://www.womenpresidents.com/news-events/50fastest/2025-50-fastest-list/
ABOUT WOMEN PRESIDENTS ORGANIZATION (WPO)
The Women Presidents Organization (WPO) is a non-profit organization that supports and addresses interests of dynamic and diverse women business leaders around the world, tapping into collective insight and providing access to entrepreneurial equals, innovative ideas and executive education. WPO members have guided their businesses to generate at least $2 million USD in gross annual sales (or $1 million USD for a service-based business). Each WPO chapter serves as a professionally-facilitated peer advisory group for members where they can harness the momentum of their successes and cultivate new strategies that will take them even farther. Learn more at women-presidents.com.
SOURCE Women Presidents Organization
The 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies of 2025, presented by the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and sponsored by J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking.
Ashley Scott, M.D., Founder of Femme Med and Spa
Las Vegas Sands Continues
Funding for Dress for Success
Southern Nevada’s Workforce Development Programs
The $100,000 Sands Cares contribution underwrites organizational capacity building to enable services for unemployed and underemployed women.
Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) has contributed $100,000 through the Sands Cares global community engagement program to Dress for Success® (DFS) Southern Nevada for its professional styling, job readiness, career coaching and financial literacy programs, which empower disadvantaged women to pursue economic independence through a variety of job search and skills development resources.
The 2025 Sands Cares donation continues capacity-building support for DFS Southern Nevada’s transformative offerings, enabling the organization to aid clients through its Styling for Success personalized suiting and styling service; job readiness, career coaching and mentorship resources; and financial and digital literacy programs.
For its ongoing support of DFS Southern Nevada, Sands was honored with the organization’s Community Impact Award at the 2025 Vintage Glamour and Grace Champagne Success Showcase Luncheon on May 1.
“Sands has helped bolster our capabilities over the years, enabling us to serve women in Southern Nevada with professionalism and critical career tools so they can gain the essential skills and confidence to pursue successful futures,” Roxann McCoy, executive director of DFS Southern Nevada, said. “Sands understands the cumulative impact of our workforce development programs, which enable women to break the cycle of poverty
by preparing them for sustainable employment.”
Since its founding in 2009, DFS Southern Nevada has helped more than 13,000 women encompassing multiple generations and including a large portion of single mothers. More than 50% of clients report living below the poverty line, and 77% have reported confronting systemic barriers and disparities.
The 2025 Sands Cares funding is supporting job readiness initiatives such as expansion of digital skills education; investment in software for job application processes such as resume builders, interview preparation software and career assessment tools; facility upgrades to provide increased privacy for client coaching and training sessions; Career Center hardware and software resources for in-person mentorship and training sessions; and group learning, networking and mentorship opportunities with major industries in the Las Vegas Valley.
In addition, the Sands Cares investment supports DFS Southern Nevada’s signature Styling for Success program, which provides clients with personalized suiting and styling services in which they receive interview and work attire to instill the self-assurance and professionalism that is crucial for successful job searches.
Finally, the Sands Cares contribution also supports the organization’s financial and digital literacy programs, which aim to close knowledge gaps. Online and in-person courses cover financial topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, debt management and home ownership. The digital literacy
course covers topics ranging from office software training to social media etiquette, and clients receive laptops when they complete the course to aid with their continued learning.
“Our partnership with DFS Southern Nevada is in complete sync with our priority on workforce development and empowering unemployed and underemployed women to achieve a pathway to self-sufficiency and success,” Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, said. “The organization has transformed so many lives, not only the women served by DFS Southern Nevada but their entire families, and we see our Sands Cares support as an investment in continued strengthening of a model that has proven impact in our community.”
DFS Southern Nevada is the Las Vegasarea affiliate of the international Dress for Success organization, which empowers women to achieve economic independence through a network of support, professional attire and developmental tools to thrive in work and life.
Sands’ partnership with DFS Southern Nevada is aligned with the company’s priority on workforce development to advance job skills and career training for Team Members, hospitality industry professionals and the local labor pool in its regions.
To learn more about Sands’ corporate responsibility initiatives and other Sands Cares community engagement activities, visit https://www.sands.com/responsibility.
To learn more about Dress for Success Southern Nevada, visit https:// dressforsuccesssouthernnevada.org/.
Career Switch Programs & Initiatives
Skillpoint Alliance – Accelerated Trades Training
Skillpoint Alliance offers free, fast-track training programs in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and manufacturing. These programs are designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for immediate employment. For instance, Marlee Snodgrass, a former Certified Nursing Assistant, successfully transitioned into the HVAC industry through their program.
National University’s “The Nest” – Career Transition Hub
National University has launched “The Nest,” a co-learning hub in San Diego aimed at supporting adult learners, including parents and military personnel. The facility offers career-transition assistance, particularly in fields like cybersecurity, IT, and K-12 education, with services partially funded by a federal grant.
Generation USA – Job Training & Placement
Generation USA provides free programs that prepare adults for careers in over 34 professions across technology, healthcare, customer service, skilled trades, and green jobs. They connect candidates directly to employers who are hiring, facilitating smooth career transitions.
Encore Fellowships – Midlife Career Transitions
Encore Fellowships are temporary work placement programs designed to help mid-career professionals transition into the nonprofit sector. These fellowships offer a stipend and the opportunity to apply existing skills in a new, socially impactful context.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) –One-Stop Career Centers
WIOA provides funding for job training and employment services through One-Stop Career Centers nationwide. These centers offer career services, access to training programs, and labor market information to assist individuals in making informed career transitions.
Open Philanthropy – Career Development Funding
Open Philanthropy offers funding for individuals at any career stage who want to pursue careers that could help reduce global catastrophic risks or improve the long-term future. Support includes funding for graduate study, unpaid internships, independent study, and career exploration periods.
U.S. Department of Labor –
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP provides employment-focused training and resources to help transitioning service members and their spouses achieve their employment and training goals. The program connects participants to partner organizations for additional support.
Kick off Small Biz Fest by entering the $1
Loud and clear. The big stage for small businesses.
TikTok is the ultimate stage for small businesses, and you’re invited to the front row. In our commitment to help small businesses accelerate their growth, TikTok is launching a series of nationwide initiatives, including ad credits, mentorship, and educational resources, designed to support, spotlight, and supercharge entrepreneurs. When you support small, you’re part of something big.
PHOTO BY ALEXANDER SUHORUCOV
