The Road to Black Tech Week

Building on Your Own Terms w: Aisha Bowe

In this inspiring and wide-ranging fireside chat, Aisha Bowe shares her journey from struggling student to rocket scientist, tech entrepreneur, and astronaut. Her story challenges traditional notions of success, celebrates authentic leadership, and offers a blueprint for building companies—and futures—on your own terms. Guest: Aisha Bowe – Aerospace Engineer, Entrepreneur, Astronaut Host: Sophia Stanley Recording:July 20th 2023, Black Tech Week – Cincinnati, OH

Boostrapped To a Billion Delali Dzirasa

In this inspiring fireside chat, Delali Dzirasa, CEO of Fearless, shares how he built one of the largest Black-owned software companies in the country—starting from his mother’s basement with $6,000 and a dream. He breaks down the power of bootstrapping, public sector innovation, and staying mission-aligned while scaling to nearly 500 employees. Guest: Delali Dzirasa, Founder & CEO, Fearless Host: Brian Brackeen, General Partner, Lightship Capital Recorded: July 20th 2023, Black Tech Week Cincinnati, OH

Changing the Narrative w/ Detavio Samuels

In this electrifying conversation, Detavio Samuels—CEO of Revolt—pulls back the curtain on building the “Black Disney,” staying mission-aligned, and leading a billion-dollar Black-owned media company against impossible odds. With humor, urgency, and truth, he discusses ownership, legacy, faith, and the challenge of raising capital while keeping Revolt 100% Black-owned. Guest: Detavio Samuels, CEO of Revolt Host: Umindi Francis, Founder of UFCG Recorded: July 18th 2023, Black Tech Week - Cincinnati, OH

Innovation and Culture with Damien Hooper-Campbell

Damien Hooper-Campbell, StockX's first Chief Impact Officer, delivers a powerful conversation on building inclusive innovation cultures, navigating corporate leadership as a Black man, mental health in the workplace, and the evolving role of DEI. This honest, vulnerable, and empowering conversation sheds light on what it truly takes to lead with integrity, purpose, and impact in today’s corporate landscape. Guest: Damien Hooper-Campbell, Chief Impact Officer, StockX Host: Thornell Jones, Managing Partner at the Ovation Agency Recorded: July 19th 2023 Black Tech Week 2025, Cincinnati, OH

Authentic Leadership w/Everette Taylor

Everett Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter, sits down for an honest and powerful conversation on authentic leadership, mental health, culture, and resilience. In this wide-ranging and deeply personal chat, he reflects on navigating identity, building intentional teams, operating in the spotlight, and how empathy fuels both his business and personal life. Guest: Everett Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter Moderator: Candy Glenn, Senior Commercial Executive for Microsoft Education Recorded: July 17th 2023 Black Tech Week Cincinnati, OH