Virtual Panel Event: African-American Entrepreneurs Discussing the Highs, Lows, and Opportunities
On February 24th at 11:00 AM EST, Pivot Capital LLC is bringing together African American-owned businesses and industry leaders to discuss business ownership’s highs, lows, and opportunities. Join us to hear from our esteemed panel of experts engaged in their personal entrepreneurial experiences.
This is a free virtual event.
Meet the Panelists:
Allen Amun, Pivot Capital LLC
Moderator
Allen Amun is a founding member of Pivot Capital LLC and is a Managing Director with the Firm. As an experienced and successful entrepreneur, Mr. Amun brings 25 years of experience in every aspect of business. He is highly experienced in business development, operations, and program/project management. He has successfully led multiple enterprise buyside & sell side acquisition integrations . He is experienced and successful at working with Fortune 20 companies in Banking, Healthcare, Telecom and Energy sectors.
Alvina Alston, More Media International
Panelist
New York native, Alvina Alston, founded More Media International on the foundation of many years of education and experience in journalism, entertainment, publicity and multimedia production. A graduate of the New York Institute of Technology with a BFA in Communications, Alvina landed her first job as a General Assignment Reporter for LI News Tonight. She then went on to work for Inside Edition, FOX News Network, Fox Business Network, WABC-TV/Eyewitness News, News 12 Connecticut, News 12 New Jersey, New Jersey’s Channel 10 News, City News, CBS News, Channel 9 News and News Nation – and international channels Arise, i24News and Cheddar. Continuously recognized as a “Leader in the Field of Communications”, the award-winning Journalist, Publicist and Brand Manager has a proven track record, delivering unmatched results.
JT Thompson, Hip Hop Hall of Fame
Panelist
James ‘JT’ Thompson is an Entrepreneur, TV/Film Writer & Producer, Live Events Producer, Record Promoter & Executive Producer, US Army Veteran, a former College & International Basketball Player, Community Advocate, Real Estate Ownership & Property Management Group, and MBA candidate. He is a Brooklyn Born, Queens, Harlem, and Los Angeles raised Hip Hop Connoisseur. He originally created the Hip Hop Hall of Fame Awards TV Show ‘Induction Ceremony & Concert’ in 1992, which was one the first independently produced Hip Hop shows on the BET Cable Network. The show was to serve as chief fundraising vehicle for building The Hip Hop Hall of Fame utilizing The Rock Hall template until the tragic deaths of Tupac & Biggie. As Founder/CEO of the Chartered Non-Profit @HipHopHallofFameINC, his team is set to unveil its Harlem Gallery in 2022 and its Manhattan Hip Hop Hall of Fame & Hotel Entertainment Complex Building Development in 2024.
Dre Thompson, Hubert Development, LLC
Panelist
Dre has been in the real estate business for over 20 years. His background is varied in the construction and development fields with partnered developments of over $500M. His expertise includes site analysis and preparation, plan concept/design, and proforma cost savings analysis. Dre Thompson ensures that each project encompasses the latest in technology and WELLNESS, along with green building materials and unsurpassed craftsmanship. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where he majored in Business and Farmingdale State College, majoring in Architecture.
Shanda McFadden, Merrill Lynch
Panelist
Shanda is a financial advisor with the Oberlander Timmerwilke Group, a well-recognized, Chicago-based team who has helped individuals and families pursue their financial goals for more than 40 years. Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Shanda holds unique expertise in helping business owners transition their businesses to the next generation, employees or a third-party. Shanda is passionate about shrinking the racial wealth gap and focuses her non-profit involvement on financial literacy. She is a Bank of America Better Money Habits Champion and volunteers her time teaching Chicago’s youth about money management and introducing them to careers in banking and financial services. Shanda earned her BS in Economics from DePauw University and her MBA from Indiana University.
Will Witherspoon, Entrepreneur and Independent Consultant
Panelist
Will Witherspoon is a former 12-year NFL veteran with a history and passion for entrepreneurship and giving back to the community. From speaking to congress about ending the use of antibiotics on healthy animals, to multiple USO tours and speaking engagements, Will’s long list of charity work continues with his work on multiple boards such as the historic Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club. He has many accolades: 2007 Rams MVP Award, 2012 Ed Block Courage Award, MBA from George Washington University.