The National Black MBA Association® (NBMBAA®) is thrilled to announce a compelling roster of speakers and events for its 47th Annual Conference & Career Exposition, “TRANSFORM 2025.” This year’s transformative three-day experience is set to inspire and empower thousands of underrepresented professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and students, offering unparalleled networking opportunities, thought leadership, and career advancement.
Leading the charge as keynote speakers are Ashley Etienne, CBS News Political Contributor, and former Political Senior Advisor and GRAMMY Award-winning artist, activist, and entrepreneur Michael “Killer Mike” Render.
Michael “Killer Mike” Render is recognized for many things—being an Outkast protégé, half of the rap powerhouse duo Run the Jewels, a cultural truth-teller, and one of Atlanta’s fiercest advocates. With his 2023 triple GRAMMY-winning solo album MICHAEL, he introduced the world to the full scope of his identity: a lifelong hip-hop head shaped by barbershop discourse, church traditions, and Southern rap lineage. Beyond music, Render is a serial entrepreneur and community builder. He is the founder of S.W.A.G. Shop Barbershop (with three Atlanta locations and a new men’s grooming line), co-owner of Bankhead Seafood in his childhood neighborhood, and partner in Run The Jewels’ expanding beverage brand, Juicerunners, which recently secured multi-state distribution.
Widely known as the “queen of the war room,” Ashley Etienne has spent over 15 years advising the highest levels of American government, including Presidents Obama and Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi. A former Deputy Assistant to President Biden and Communications Director to Vice President Harris, Etienne is now the founder of Etienne & Saint and a senior advisor at Weber Shandwick. Her work has helped leaders navigate some of the most high-stakes moments in recent political history, and she brings unmatched insight into leadership, media, and policy-making at the highest level.
“TRANSFORM 2025 is more than just a conference; it’s a pivotal moment for our community to connect, innovate, and drive forward the agenda of Black economic empowerment,” said Orlando Ashford, Interim CEO of the National Black MBA Association. “Our carefully curated program, featuring these influential voices, is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge, networks, and opportunities to shape their futures and lead the next era of influence.”
Featured Conversations and Panels:
Adding to the robust programming, award-winning journalist Ed Gordon will host an exclusive fireside conversation with Ashley Etienne, delving into the intersections of communications, politics, and cultural leadership. Attendees will gain unique insights into the strategies and challenges of navigating high-stakes environments.
Killer Mike will join CNBC’s Frank Holland for what promises to be an essential discussion on “The Black Economic Renaissance: Leading the Next Era of Influence.” This conversation will explore critical topics shaping the future of Black entrepreneurship and wealth creation.
A major highlight of “TRANSFORM 2025” is the “Future Forward: Navigating the Tech-Driven Business Landscape” panel, featuring three trailblazing voices at the forefront of technology and innovation:
- Angle Bush, CEO & Founder of Black Women in Artificial Intelligence
- Kimberly Bryant, Founder of Black Girls CODE
- Dr. Brandeis Marshall, Founder and CEO of DataedX Group
This dynamic discussion will be moderated by James Francis, CEO of Paradigm Asset Management and Founder of Artificial Integrity, offering attendees a deep dive into the evolving tech-driven world.
Beyond the Main Stage:
Helping to amplify and champion this groundbreaking event are the distinguished conference honorary co-chairs:
- L.P. Green II, Founder & Managing Partner at Savoy Venture Partners
- Angle Bush, CEO & Founder, Black Women in Artificial Intelligence
Green is a notable and proven cultural connector who leads Savoy magazine. Under his leadership, the magazine emphasizes the power, substance, and style of the African American lifestyle and highlights various aspects of Black culture, such as entertainment, sports, business, and politics. Angle Bush is a visionary, innovator, and advocate shaping the future of AI. In 2020, she founded Black Women In Artificial Intelligence with a mission to Educate, Engage, Embrace, and Empower. Under her leadership, BWIAI has grown into a global movement across five continents, partnering with Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Amazon to drive opportunity and inclusion.
Beyond the dynamic speakers and panels, the 47th Annual Conference and Exposition will feature a comprehensive career expo with recruitment opportunities from nearly 200 Fortune 500 companies. Attendees can also participate in an exciting pitch challenge and engage in interactive breakout sessions focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.
Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. Register now to be part of “TRANSFORM 2025” and shape your future with the National Black MBA Association.
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