The Business Behind Developing Underserved Communities

Minority groups represent 30% of the U.S. population and will grow to more than 50% by 2050. The 100 largest inner cities in the US consist of approximately 0.1% of US land area and 32% of US Minority poverty. These statistics present a significant business opportunity for those who understand the social complexities of underserved communities and have a genuine desire to foster economic growth.

This panel will discuss the development of underserved communities through a holistic approach: Restoring educated human capital, utilizing public and private financing sources, addressing prevailing environmental/health issues, and influencing public policy.

“The time has come to recognize that revitalizing our nation’s inner cities requires a radically different approach. We must stop trying to cure the problems of these distressed urban areas by perpetually expanding social programs and hoping that economic activity will follow. Our nation’s urban policies and programs have fallen into the trap of only redistributing wealth. The necessity and the real opportunity is to create income and wealth, by harnessing the power of market forces rather than trying to defy them.” - Michael E. Porter, “The Competitive Advantage of the Inner City”

Moderator: Roderick Hardamon – Managing Director, Infrastructure & Integration, NA Alternative Investment Services, Citigroup; Founder, The Urban Renaissance Growth & Empowerment (URGE) Movement

Speaker(s):

• Marc Jahr – President, New York Development Corp
• Majora Carter – President, Majora Carter Group LLC
• Tarrus Richardson – Co-Founder and Managing Partner, ICV Capital
• Benjamin Kennedy – Special Assistant to the President for Innovative Capital, The Kresge Foundation

Leveling the Playing Field: Addressing the Racial Wealth Gap

While the success of many minority groups in America has been well documented, the gap in average incomes between minorities and mainstream America continues to grow.

What does this phenomenon mean to high achieving minorities on the MBA level and beyond?  As we achieve individual success should we be concerned with the well being of others in our community, or will that just be a distraction?  Is it even realistic to expect average incomes to converge with the broader population in a society based on free competition?

This panel will address complex and controversial questions such as these, as well as discuss ways in which minorities can help reverse this trend.  The panel will consist of professionals involved in education, entrepreneurship, home ownership, and community development who will share what they are doing to address this issue, and how you can help “level the playing field.”

Moderator: Ryan Mack – President, Optimum Capital Management LLC

Speaker(s):

• Dominique Reese – Founder and CEO, CommuniTree LLC
• Blondel A. Pinnock – Senior Vice President of Carver Federal Savings Bank and President of Carver Community Development Corporation (CCDC)
• Joseph Godwin – Managing Director, Private Wealth Management Division, Credit Suisse
• Nicole Campbell – Vice President, Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation

Paths to Success: Career Versatility in Today’s Global Economy

The global economic crisis over the past year has permanently changed the employment landscape.  Industries once considered indestructible now are shaken.  The unemployment rate is at record levels.  And no one seems to know what the global economy will look like in the future.

What are the ideal careers of tomorrow?  Should individuals seek careers that will satisfy their passion?  Or should someone seek a job today and forfeit their dream of finding the perfect career?  Is it even realistic to look for ideal jobs in America anymore?

This panel will address complex and controversial questions such as these, as well as discuss ways in which individuals can satisfy their inner passion in the current employment environment.  The panel will consist of professionals involved in entrepreneurship, real estate, financial services and healthcare who will share what they are doing to address this issue, and how you can find the “path to success.”

Moderator: Malik O. Ashiru, Director, Client Solutions, American Express Business Travel

Speaker(s):

• Thomas Campbell – Founder, Thorobird Companies
• Jullien Gordon – Author and motivational speaker
• Deborah Wijnberg – Global Human Resources Leader, Beckton, Dickinson & Co.

Town Hall Community Discussion: Leadership and Workplace Diversity

The Town Hall will be an open and interactive community discussion. Attendees will be expected to share questions, thoughts and personal experiences about the leadership challenges and opportunities they face as a result of workplace diversity.

Introduction by: Aynesh Johnson – Vice President and Global Head of Global Leadership & Diversity, Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Discussion Moderator: Modupe Akinola – Professor, Columbia Business School