The second annual Summit will bring together more than 750 Black entrepreneurs, business professionals, non-Black allies, and DEI leaders. Join us for engaging speaker discussions, networking opportunities, daily keynotes, and more than 20 sessions focused on culture, community, civic, and corporate life.
Get access to culturally-relevant experiences, information and resources to navigate the city, and an authentic personal and professional network.
Boston While Black is a membership network for Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and students who are seeking connection and community.
Through our digital platform and in-person and virtual programming, we serve members who are seeking access to culturally-relevant experiences, information and resources to navigate the city, and an authentic personal and professional network.
We are shaping a city where Black people want to live and work because they have the spaces, tools, and relationships to find their tribe, grow their network, navigate the city, and have fun.
PINKY COLE
Serial entrepreneur, brand strategist, and veteran television producer, Pinky Cole pours all her love, experience, and talent into a recipe for success. From her beginnings in a shared kitchen to a food truck to three locations and pandemic grand openings, Cole is building an empire as the owner and visionary of Slutty Vegan, an Atlanta-based vegan restaurant that has recently expanded to New York, Alabama, and throughout Georgia (with more on the way)! The company’s revenues grew to 4 million within the first six months of its grand opening, the same time when other restaurants were closing due to the pandemic.
Cole is also an economic supporter of the Atlanta community, helping pay rent for local businesses, paid the tuition of 30 Clark Atlanta students, and provided coats to those in need.
The daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Cole was raised by a single mother and a father sentenced to federal prison on the day she was born. Defying the odds is in her DNA! Her father has even provided her with business strategy from behind bars. One of his greatest lessons was to create your own opportunity.
SHEENA COLLIER
In 2020, Sheena founded Boston While Black (BWB), the first membership network for Boston-based Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and students who are seeking connection and community. Through programs, events, and a digital community, BWB connects Black people who are active in their local neighborhoods, working at the most innovative companies, building the businesses of the future, attending the area’s universities, and shaping the culture of the region. Boston While Black is creating a city where Black people want to live and work because they have the spaces, tools, and relationships to find their tribe, grow their network, navigate the city, and have fun.
• MORE SPEAKERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON! •
*Sessions and schedule is subject to change and updates
Who is Funding Boston’s Black Entrepreneurs?
Black Joy, Expression, and Access
Does DEI Still Matter for Corporations?
What About Your Friends? How to Find Your Tribe at Events.
EQUITY - Can Black People Get What They Deserve Through Policy?
Building Power Through Owning Property
Biotech and Life Sciences is the Future of Boston - Where is the Black Talent?
Settling In: Celebrating Boston's Black History and Building Its Future
Authentic Mentoring Relationships to Shape Your Career
Reimagining Boston as a Fun City
A Conversation with Pinky Cole
Remote Work, Layoffs, Inclusion & Belonging - Working in the Tech Sector Today
Black Future - Who is Serving Our Youth?
The Complexity of Black Identities Across the Diaspora
Corporate While Black - Are there Safe Spaces at Work?
Networking for Introverts
Personal Finance Workshop
Is Anybody Dating Anymore? Let’s Talk Relationships?
Roundtable with Black Leaders in Boston’s Top Industries
We Are Not Well - Speaking Out Loud About Mental Health
From BlackPlanet to Black Twitter to Boston While Black
9:00 am - 12:30 pm Keynotes, Panels & Performances
12:30 - 2:00 pm Lunch Break & Speed Dating
12:30 - 4:30 pm Job Fair
2:00 - 5:30 pm Keynotes, Panels & Performances
5:30 - 6:30 pm Networking Reception
9:00 am - 12:30 pm Keynotes, Panels & Performances
"Attending this event gave me connections to a black Boston professional body that I have never had before. I left feeling a great sense of pride, being a native black Bostonian. I felt energized to contribute to the change this city needs. Looking forward to attending more events."
2-DAY PASS
$250
2-Day Access to all Conference Sessions, Panel Presentations and Daily Keynotes
Access to Both Days of Job Fair
Coffee, Snacks & Refreshments
Daily Networking & Happy Hour
VIP PASS
$350
All of the 2-Day Pass Benefits
PLUS ...
Exclusive Q&A with Conference Speakers
Exclusive 'Find Your Tribe' Lounge Access
Professional Headshot
Reserved Seating at General Sessions
VIP Check-in
Swag Bag ($100+ value)
1-DAY PASS
$150
Thursday or Friday
1-Day Access to all Conference Sessions, Panel Presentations and Keynote Access to Job Fair
WHEN IS THE SUMMIT TAKING PLACE? The Summit is taking place April 13 - 14, 2023.
WHERE IS THE SUMMIT BEING HELD? The Westin Copley Place, Boston 10 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116
DO I HAVE TO BE A BOSTON WHILE BLACK MEMBER TO ATTEND? No, you do not have to be a member to attend. All are welcome.
DO I HAVE TO BE BLACK TO ATTEND? No, you do not have to be Black to attend. We welcome all non-Black allies and DEI leaders.
CAN I SUBMIT A SESSION OR TOPIC IDEA? Yes, our call for proposals and ideas is open until March 6 at 11:59pm EST.
IS THIS AN "IN-PERSON" EVENT? Yes, this is an in-person event experience. We will continue monitoring the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 positivity rate to make necessary adjustments.
"I felt more proud to be Black after attending HTBWB Summit. I'm grateful my company financially supported me in paying for my ticket. My CEO understood how important it was for me to connect with others who looked like me. I hope this is the start of many more HTBWB Summits to come."
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