BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-// - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://synapsefl.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for 
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250826T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250826T190000
DTSTAMP:20260502T062430
CREATED:20250805T070023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250826T090008Z
UID:358996-1756231200-1756234800@synapsefl.com
SUMMARY:Beyond the Label: Reimagining Equity & the Future of Black-Owned Business
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a candid fireside chat on identity\, equity\, and the evolving role of the “Black-owned” business label during Black Business Mont\n\n\nAt Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)\, we believe in building more than businesses — we build dialogue\, community\, and equity. This August\, in honor of National Black Business Month\, we’re hosting a timely and thought-provoking fireside chat between two of our own board members on what it means to build\, fund\, and grow as a Black entrepreneur in today’s shifting cultural and economic landscape. \nThe focus: Is the “Black-owned” business designation still serving us — or is it time to move beyond the label? This session will explore what the designation has meant\, how it’s used (or not used) in business\, and what comes next. This conversation is for anyone navigating the intersections of identity\, entrepreneurship\, and equity — and for those ready to ask deeper questions about how we build not just businesses\, but better systems. \n\n\nWhat You’ll Learn\n\nThe history and impact of Black Business Month\nThe impact — and limitations — of the “Black-owned” designation\nRisks of “othering\,” benefits of visibility\, and the question of merit\nHow customers\, investors\, and government can support Black businesses in sustainable ways\nWhat an equitable future beyond labels could actually look like\nReal-world experiences\, myths to bust\, and powerful stories of success\n\n\n\n\nMeet Our Speakers: \n\nDr. Sarah Matthews\, Founder & CEO at Health Communications Consultants\, Inc. \nSarah Matthews is a scientist\, entrepreneur\, and award-winning public health leader whose firm serves global clients with a mission rooted in innovation\, advocacy\, and human-centered problem-solving. A former epidemiologist and current researcher in AI acceptance in public health\, Sarah brings a unique systems perspective to business\, technology\, and equity. She is widely published and the recipient of multiple state and national honors for her leadership in health\, tech\, and policy. Sarah also serves as a Board Member on the Advocacy Committee at Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship\, helping shape inclusive dialogue and drive systemic impact across the WTE community. \n \nSafia Porter\, Executive Director at Black Orlando Tech \nAs Executive Director of Black Orlando Tech\, Safia Porter is at the forefront of advancing Black innovation through leading edge tech and startup entrepreneurship training. She leads efforts to create access\, opportunity\, and visibility for underrepresented communities in Florida’s tech ecosystem. With a background in digital marketing and a deep commitment to community empowerment\, Safia works to close equity gaps and amplify Black excellence in innovation. She is a passionate advocate for inclusive economic growth and a rising voice shaping the future of tech leadership. Safia also serves as a Board Member on the Advocacy Committee at Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship\, where she contributes to WTE’s mission of equitable access and representation in business and tech. \n\n\nAbout Black Business Month\nFounded in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan\, Sr.\, National Black Business Month honors the legacy and contributions of Black entrepreneurs—past\, present\, and future. It’s a moment to reflect on what still stands in the way of equity\, and how we move forward together. \n \nAbout Black Orlando Tech (BOT)\nBlack Orlando Tech (BOT) is a nonprofit organization committed to accelerating tech education\, startup entrepreneurship\, and career advancement for Black and underrepresented communities in Central Florida and beyond. Through immersive programs\, events\, and community partnerships\, BOT equips individuals with the skills\, resources\, and support they need to thrive in the innovation economy. From coding bootcamps to founder summits\, BOT is building a more inclusive tech ecosystem—one bold breakthrough at a time. \n\n\n\nAbout Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)\nWomen in Tech & Entrepreneurship is a dues-free\, member-led organization helping women across all industries start\, scale\, and lead in today’s economy. We provide educational programming\, near-peer mentorship\, and a thriving community of support for women building bold careers and businesses — on their own terms
URL:https://synapsefl.com/communitycalendar/beyond-the-label-reimagining-equity-the-future-of-black-owned-business/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://synapsefl.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/d157289670908be30c1a4351cc52385f.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR