The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Stanford GSB has a goal to build a dynamic global community of entrepreneurs and leaders with a common purpose to change the world. In an effort to do so, they recently sponsored a virtual conference, Building Momentum: Diversity and Entrepreneurship, and encouraged entrepreneurs to participate. The event had an enormous turnout from all communities with an increased appearance from historically underrepresented communities among entrepreneurs, such as Black, Latinx, Indigenous, LGBTQ, and women founders. This event was specifically advertised to all students who are aspiring or active founders, investors and providers to founders, and others generally interested in learning more about diversity in entrepreneurship.
There were quite a few familiar keynote speakers at the conference, such as Morgan DeBaun—Founder and CEO of Blavity, Inc., who gave advice and provided insights to these young and bright minded entrepreneurs. This conference also provided in-depth conversations regarding innovative ways to take new businesses to the next level. For example, one of the conference discussions was “What is Product-Market-Fit and How to Find It?” There were also intriguing panel discussions that shared invaluable skills and personal stories of both success and failure. Conference discussions continued further covering a wide variety of topics from sales to team building.
Karen Grajeda—one of the attendees—said, “The inclusion of the conference allowed me to reflect on entrepreneurial possibilities through economic inclusion. I was inspired to share my experience with my students at Vallejo High School. All who are able and who want to be inspired entrepreneurs, I encourage [to] attend the conference. I was inspired to find and to take one action to support diversity in entrepreneurship.”
The priorities of this conference were to create a place where entrepreneurs could learn from one another and to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration. This annual event is a great opportunity for any business student looking to learn more about the entrepreneurial field.
Learn more about the Building Momentum: Diversity and Entrepreneurship conference here.
