Kafene - Black History Month
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About the event

Kafene - Black History Month

Speakers in the $2500 range

Madison Butler
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Redefining Workplaces with Authentic Leadership & Human-Centered Innovation

Short Bio

Madison Butler is an unapologetic advocate for authenticity, vulnerability, and creating workplaces where people feel safe to show up as their true selves. A New Englander turned Austinite since 2017, Madison is passionate about helping organizations embrace the power of human connection and psychological safety as the cornerstones of a thriving culture.

Known for building bold, ethical and authentic brands through storytelling, tough empathy and data, Madison facilitates conversations that many shy away from—conversations about mental health, trauma, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable at work. She believes that embracing humanity in leadership isn’t just a nice-to-have; it's a business tenet. Humanity is the key to building resilient teams and sustainable organizations that empower people to show up fully.

Rhode Island

Speaker Highlights

Speaker Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWQAYIwUARg

Coloring Outside of the Lines: Living Your Life for You

This talk will focus on the process and liberation in breaking away from societal expectations. It is easy to feel trapped when society creates a mold for you to stay within, but life is beautiful when you determine what it looks like. Madison Butler is a fierce advocate for being human at work, and this talk centers on just that- being human without expectations of those around us but being you for you.

“Madison Butler is an incredible speaker; her presence, passion, knowledge, and storytelling ability are second to none. Our company learned so much from just a single one-hour session with Madison; not only how to better approach diversity, equity, and inclusion but also how to start taking specific steps actions in both our personal and professional lives to improve our relationships, workplaces, and communities. Thank you, Madison!”
Paige VanDemark
HR Generalist, MaryRuth Organics
Mitchella Gilbert
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CEO and Founder of Oya Femtech Apparel, Visionary Startup Founder, Innovator, Motivational Speaker

Short Bio

Mitchella Gilbert is a visionary startup founder, innovator, and the CEO and Founder of Oya Femtech Apparel, a groundbreaking brand that addresses feminine health issues. She is one of the first 200 black women to secure over $1,000,000 in venture capital, and has received prestigious accolades such as the John Wooden International Leadership Award. She also served as a 2024 diplomatic delegate to Japan on behalf of the City of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, CA

Speaker Highlights

Speaker Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chu6UHiTGWY

From Advocate to CEO: Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey

As I reflect on my journey from advocating for myself in the inner city to becoming the CEO of my own startup, I am reminded of the challenges and triumphs that have shaped my entrepreneurial path. Each chapter of this journey has taught me invaluable lessons—lessons that have become the bedrock of my success as a leader and innovator.

Chapter 1: Progress is More Important Than Perfection

Chapter 2: Develop Your Voice Through Experience and Reflection Until You Trust It

Chapter 3: Always Take Time to Ground Yourself Among People Who Are Not Afraid to Work Hard With You

As I continue to chart my course as a CEO, I am reminded of the importance of embracing imperfection, trusting my voice, and surrounding myself with a community of dedicated collaborators. For in the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, it is not perfection, but progress that paves the way for meaningful change and lasting impact.

Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Challenges as a Minority Entrepreneur

As a minority entrepreneur who has navigated the turbulent waters of the business world, I have encountered numerous obstacles on my path to success. Yet, with perseverance, determination, and a refusal to accept the status quo, I have risen above these challenges to become one of the first 200 black women to secure over $1,000,000 in venture capital. In sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others facing similar hurdles to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with tenacity and resilience.

Lesson 1: Do Not Be Afraid to Use Your Voice

Lesson 2: Learn to Speak the Language of People with Power

Lesson 3: Be Relentless in Achieving Your Goals

In conclusion, the journey of a minority entrepreneur is fraught with challenges and obstacles. Yet, by embracing our voice, learning to navigate systems of power, and remaining steadfast in our pursuit of success, we can break through barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. As I continue on my entrepreneurial journey, I am committed to empowering others to pursue their dreams and overcome the challenges that stand in their way. Together, we can defy expectations, shatter stereotypes, and build a more diverse and vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.

"It was great. Mitchella was exactly the right person for us to work with and their personalization of the content to our team was top tier. Everyone left the presentation feeling motivated and inspired." - Kathleen Sikora, Director Talent Effectiveness & Development, Code42

Harold Hughes
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Founder and CEO of NFNTE Capital, Co-Founder of Catalyst Labs, Tech Innovator and Diverse Ventures Champion

Short Bio

Harold Hughes is a serial entrepreneur, CEO and founder of NFNTE Capital, an Entrepreneur Support Organization helping startup founders leverage social capital. His entrepreneurial curriculum has been adopted by institutions including Benedict College, the University of Texas, and Furman University to further students' entrepreneurial mindset in their communities. As a first-generation American who prioritizes education, he holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Political Science and an MBA from Clemson University. As a community leader, he authored and published "A Kids Book About Blockchain" to make Web3 technology accessible to all ages.

North Carolina

Speaker Highlights

Speaker Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kRiXhvNvR4&t=3s

Underestimated: Keys to Navigating Being a Person of Color in Tech

As a first-generation American and son to Jamaican parents, Harold knows what it is like to overcome challenges. Being one of 5 children growing up in Columbia, South Carolina, he understood what it was like to grow up without some of the key resources that he needed. Now, an entrepreneur, Harold shares his story with others as well as his hacks for overcoming the challenges of being a person in color in tech as it relates to growing your network, raising capital, and getting in the door with your first customer.