PROGRAM HOST: JENEE OSTERHELDT

8:00 AM — Breakfast & Registration

9:00 AM — Opening Session

• Jeneé Osterheldt, Deputy Managing Editor for Culture, Talent, and Development, Boston Globe 

9:15 AM — Women.IN — A spotlight on the women who move and lead the industry forward.

• Moderator: Sheena Butler-Young, Senior Correspondent, Business of Fashion
• Jaime Wynn, President, Jimmy Choo Americas
• Tracy Reese, Fashion Designer and CFDA Board Member 

9:45 AM —Research, Role Models, and References, powered by New Balance — Exploring the relationship between confidence, style, and continuity - showing up consistently for what you want in life. Delve into the significance of openly acknowledging and embracing role models while creatively referencing the people and projects that paved the way before us.

• Moderator: Aria Hughes, Editor & Chief, Complex
• Misa Hylton, Fashion Designer & Stylist
• Sharifa Murdock, Chief Impact Officer, Kith; Co-Founder & CEO of ENVSN

10:30 AM — Black Genius Talk, powered by adidas — Providing practical insights and strategies for achieving professional excellence while maintaining personal well-being and fostering a sustainable approach to career success.

• Moderator: Jessica Smith, CEO & Founder, i.e. and Co-Founder, adidas S.E.E.D.
• Felecia Hatcher, CEO, Black Ambition and Co-founder, Black Tech Week
• Alli Simon, Founder and Executive Director, Black Being
• Daziah Green, Assistant Footwear Designer, adidas Basketball 

11:00 AM — BREAKOUT SESSION: Beyond the Surface: Deepening Relationships to Real DEI, a BEAM Moment powered by Steve Madden — The heart of every successful initiative is the strength of its relationships. This session will delve into the relationships that power the Steve Madden and Howard University partnership. We’ll explore the essential connections that drive DEI work, particularly for Black professionals navigating the industry. From fostering internal relationships that champion and sustain these initiatives to building authentic partnerships with HBCUs, this session uncovers how these relationships profoundly impact students, shaping their experiences with corporations, their peers, and their academic leaders.

• Gregg Meyer, Chief Sustainability Officer, Steve Madden
• April Dinwoodie, DEIB Lead, Steve Madden
• Fezeka Barnes, Howard University Student
• Cathy House, BRAG President and Professor, Howard University  

11:00 AM — BREAKOUT SESSION: The Six Secrets of a Successful Collab — Discover the six secrets to creating impactful collaborations with The COLLAB Framework by Bimma, a proven method that helps brands, creatives, and marketers craft cultural moments that resonate and succeed.

• Bimma Williams, Founder & Creative Director, Collab Lab Marketing 

12:00 PM — Lunch & Networking Break

*Lunch will be available for purchase from a variety of local and top-rated food trucks

12:00 PM — The Law Lab with Kenneth Anand - attorney and Sneaker Law author Kenneth Anand will be giving free legal consultations and advice, courtesy of Jayaram Law - Lawyers for Innovators™️. Consultations will be first come, first served, and limited to 10 minutes.

1:15 PM — BREAKOUT SESSION: Legacy – Past, Present, and Future with April Walker— A one-on-one with the iconic and trailblazing April Walker.

Location: April Walker Apparel Design STU/DEO

• April Walker, CEO, Walker Wear & A. Walker Group 

1:15 PM — BREAKOUT SESSION: TappedIn — Exploring various career pathways and how to tap into transferable skills.

• Moderator: Mikeisha Vaughn, Storyteller, Copywriter, Joe FreshGoods
• Garvey Buchongo, Run Perception Researcher, Brooks Running
• Sasha Chaplin, Sr. PLM, Sportswear, Under Armour
• Dan Eastland, Marketplace Performance Running EKIN, Nike

1:15 PM — BREAKOUT SESSION: Take it this Far — Introspective conversation with experts who have mastered their skills and transformed their fields into something new and transferable. Our panelists will reflect on their journeys, exploring how they evolved categories that didn't previously exist or seemed unrelated.

• Moderator: Jazerai Allen-Lord, Consultant & Founder, True to Size
• Esther Wallace, Founder & Creative Director, Playa Society
• Herbert Beauclere, CEO & Co-Founder, Sneaker Week PDX
• Brett Brown, Director of Immersive Design, Nike
• Jamiersen Green, CEO & Creative Leader, Leader Quality 

2:15 PM — Black Genius Talk, powered by Converse

• Brandis Russell, GM/VP of North America, Converse 

2:45 PM — Free Game: No Complaints, All Solutions

• Moderator: James Whitner, Owner & Founder, The Whitaker Group: A MA Maniere, Social Status & APB
• Matt Tomamichel, Owner of Corporate & Co-Founder of Bigger Than Sneakers
• Jennifer Ford, Founder & Owner, Premium Goods
• Ro Spit, Owner, Burn Rubber & Two 18 

3:45 PM — Blacklight Awards

4:15 PM — Black Genius Talk: Betting on Yourself – The Power of Self-Belief and Resilience, powered by Puma

• Moderator: James Whitner, Owner & Founder, The Whitaker Group: A MA Maniere, Social Status & APB
• Emory Jones, Co-Founder and CMO, Paper Planes 

5:15 PM — Networking Mixer