Oakland, CA  – August 29, 2023 – The Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL) will host a fireside chat with Silicon Valley pioneer and best-selling author Cheryl Contee, CEO of The Impact Seat Foundation on September 6, 2023, in Oakland, California. 

The Oakland event is being held in conjunction with the IFEL Creating Conscious Collisions Road Show, a 10-city event series that brings together investors, executives, allies, and champions with the aim of leveraging our collective energy and resources to propel women of color entrepreneurs farther and faster on their journey to entrepreneurial success. The fireside chat with Cheryl Contee will be an honest, tell-all about what it really takes and the sacrifices required to reach the coveted exit—the holy grail. Cheryl is the first black woman to lead a business purchased by a Nasdaq-listed company.

“We’re excited to be hosting this event in support of the amazing community of women of color entrepreneurs that exists in Oakland,” said Jill Johnson, CEO and Co-founder of IFEL. “Cheryl is a pioneer whose story needs to be shared so that others can learn from her insights. She is a wonderful supporter and friend of the organization and we are grateful that she has chosen to spend time with us to do this event.”

Contee is not only an accomplished and exited founder and co-founder of multiple technology-driven enterprises, but also the celebrated author of the bestselling book, Mechanical Bull: How You Can Achieve Startup Success.

“The Impact Seat Foundation’s support of the Women of Color Connecting community is a testament to our unwavering belief in the power of collaboration, mentorship, and community building,” says Cheryl Contee, CEO of The Impact Seat Foundation. “This community serves as a platform where aspiring entrepreneurs can find the support, guidance, and inspiration they need to transform their dreams into reality. I am  thrilled to collaborate with and provide my insights to amazing founders in the Oakland Area and beyond.”

Following the fireside chat, there will be an investor panel discussion to provide the investor perspective on what gets them to write a check. To request an invitation or to learn more, visit www.woccon.org/oaklandroadshow. 

About The Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership

IFEL is a nonprofit organization that leverages the power of relationship capital to create pathways to success for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs and small business owners. Founded in 2002, IFEL’s mission is to eradicate the systemic barriers that prevent people from historically excluded populations from being able to access the knowledge, networks, and capital required for entrepreneurial success and wealth creation.

Media Contacts

Sandra Correa

Rally Point for IFEL

917-319-8472

sandra.correa@rallypoint.pr