Entrepreneurs who represent diverse identities are changing the face of leadership as more startups embrace diversity and inclusion in many aspects of what they do.
On Wednesday, March 24, the Elmhurst University E-celerator will host the panel discussion “Why Does Diversity in Entrepreneurship Matter?” During this virtual event, a panel of successful entrepreneurs will explore why diversity among entrepreneurs is important; its impact on businesses and organizations; and the obstacles faced by entrepreneurs with diverse identities.
About the panelists:
- Christina Montalvo, MBA ’16, started her first business—a personal training studio—in 2012 out of her single-car garage. Five years later, she expanded it into a 2,000-square-foot warehouse gym. Montalvo now works exclusively online helping other women entrepreneurs build their businesses, with an emphasis on inclusion, feminism and autonomy.
- Quincy Banks ’00 founded his business, Graphix by Dzine, Inc. while pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Elmhurst in art education and graphic design. Using his expertise in visual communication, Banks has worked with celebrity/philanthropists like Common and the Common Ground Foundation, Dwayne Wade and the Wade’s World Foundation, Donda’s House, and the Kanye West Foundation.
- Jennie Oh Brown, a renowned flutist with an entrepreneurial spirit, is the artistic and executive director of Ear Taxi Festival, a festival showcasing Chicago’s vibrant, innovative new-music community. Brown also is an active performer throughout Chicagoland in solo, chamber, contemporary and orchestral settings, as well as the artist behind multiple critically acclaimed albums.
“Why Does Diversity in Entrepreneurship Matter?” will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24, in a virtual format. For more information and to access the event, visit the website.
The Elmhurst University E-celerator is the campus’ resource center for learning about launching a new business or innovating from within an existing one. By sharing ideas and learning from others, the E-celerator champions the entrepreneurial spirit at Elmhurst U. and in its surrounding communities.