SPEAKERS

We are our resources!
Panelists

Lectures & Panels

Pain points of Entrepreneurship

Entreprenuership can be challenging, we will address the daunting challenges entreprenuers face when going in to business for themselves....
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James Alexander, Moderator
Dr. Remi Duyile
Prof. Bagher Fardnesh
Tebabu Assefa, Entrepreneur & Co Founder US Africa Business Council

Winning Contracts with the Local, State and Federal Government: How to succeed as a minority owned business

From requests for proposals to pathways to funding, we will address how to succeed as a minority owned business and all the opportunities available to you...

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Soffie Ceesay, Moderator
Tawanda Matinenga
Cherri Branson

Legal & Regulatory Considerations When Starting A Business

This panel will address the laws and regulatory steps you should know when venturing in to business...
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Fatima Barrie, Esq. Attorney at Barrie Law Center
Johanna LeBlanc, Commissioner, DC Commission on African Affairs
Felix Lindeire, CPA at Lindeire & Company International CPAs
Evelyn Lewis

Importance of mentorship & strategic partnerships

This panel will address the significance of strategic alliances and working with other businesses & the greater community....
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Jainaba Ceesay
Professor, Bowie State University
Ifeoma Onyia, CEO DMV Fashion Week
Carmen Monereo
International Business Strategist
Matthews Mutale
CEO Diamondale Foundation
30 MIN

Lunch and Learn

How to create an effective Elevator Pitch
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Intellectual Property Workshop

Workshop on patents, trademark, copyright, and licensing

As we have learned from Shark Tank, having protection of your intellectual property in the form of a patent, trademark or copyright is a golden ticket to investors. However, did you know that Intellectual Property is a contributing factor in growing and developing economies too? Get ahead of the curb and get the information on how to protect your original work before it ends up in the wrong hands. After all, as Africans we are natural born innovators; let’s protect our IP while lifting our economies. The presentation will include an overview of IP as it pertains to creatives and entrepreneurs, and discussion of the IP process and resources available.

Bio:
Margaret Kamara is an intellectual property (IP) paralegal with a decade of experience in U.S. patent prosecution and trademark. and is the co-founder of YAP DC, a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to connect young African professionals for career development and opportunity creation. She is also the co-owner of District Chop Bar., a West African fusion food concept.
Young African Professionals Network (YAP)

Website: http://www.YAPDC.org

Facebook Page

Twitter: @YAPDC
Jainaba Ceesay
Professor, Bowie State University
Award

Innovation Award

Networking

I/O Spaces After Event Reception