Diversity

Ignite Your Passion for Excellence with LeRoy Butler at the 2024 Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit

Jessica Reilly · Apr 16, 2024 ·

The 2024 Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit is set to kick off with an electrifying start, as we proudly announce LeRoy Butler, former Green Bay Packer and NFL Hall of Famer, as our inspirational morning keynote speaker. Butler’s journey from humble beginnings to achieving legendary status in the NFL is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the unyielding spirit of teamwork. His story is not just one of personal triumph but a blueprint for overcoming adversity, embracing diversity, and fostering an environment of inclusivity and success.

LeRoy Butler’s name resonates beyond the football field; it symbolizes a beacon of hope and determination for many. Rising from challenging circumstances in Jacksonville, Florida, Butler’s early life was marked by significant hurdles, including physical disabilities that could have sidelined his dreams from the outset. Yet, through sheer grit and an indomitable will, he not only conquered these obstacles but also carved a niche for himself in the annals of football history, playing his entire illustrious career with the Green Bay Packers (LeRoy Butler Inc).

Butler’s contributions to the sport include the creation of the iconic “Lambeau Leap,” a symbol of victory and community connection that endears him to fans worldwide. However, his impact extends far beyond the gridiron. As a speaker, Butler engages with diverse audiences, ranging from youth groups to corporate leaders, sharing messages of perseverance, leadership, and the critical importance of diversity and inclusion in achieving collective goals (LeRoy Butler Inc – Speaking Engagements).

His dedication to uplifting communities and fostering environments where diversity and equity are celebrated has been evident through his participation in various initiatives, including delivering keynote addresses at significant events like the Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) Conference. This engagement underscores his commitment to advocating for inclusive practices across different spheres (United Against Hate).

At the summit, attendees can look forward to an inspiring session with LeRoy Butler that promises to energize, motivate, and offer invaluable insights into turning adversities into opportunities. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone looking to make a positive impact in your community, Butler’s keynote will equip you with the mindset and strategies needed to excel and inspire those around you.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an unforgettable experience that will set the tone for a day of learning, networking, and growth. Reserve your tickets now for the 2024 Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit and prepare to be inspired by the remarkable journey of LeRoy Butler. Together, let’s embrace the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion to drive economic development and foster a more inclusive society.

Reserve your spot today: 2024 Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit Tickets

Join us for an event that promises not just to enlighten but to inspire action towards creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Unlock the Potential of Diversity and Inclusion with Michele Ghee at the 2024 Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit

Jessica Reilly · Apr 9, 2024 ·

In today’s rapidly evolving global market, diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords—they are essential pillars for innovation, growth, and competitive advantage. Recognizing this critical need, the 2024 Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit is proud to announce Michele Ghee as one of our esteemed keynote speakers.

Michele Ghee is a trailblazer in the realms of business development, diversity, and media. With an illustrious career that spans over various leadership roles, including her current position as the Chief Executive Officer at Expectant Media, Michele has consistently leveraged diversity and inclusion to drive business success. Her transformative work in developing EGM, the cultural marketing arm of Endeavor, showcases her unparalleled ability to bring in new business through inclusive strategies.

Ghee’s insights on diversity, inclusion, and business development have been recognized and celebrated across numerous platforms. She has been featured in prestigious publications and has shared her wisdom at significant events, making her an influential voice in the conversation around diversity and inclusion in business (LinkedIn, CRN.com).

At the summit, attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from Michele Ghee firsthand. Her keynote address promises to be a deep dive into how organizations can genuinely embrace diversity and inclusion—not just as moral imperatives but as core drivers of innovation, creativity, and profitability. Ghee’s perspective is particularly relevant as businesses strive to navigate the complexities of today’s economic landscape while fostering an environment where all talents are valued and nurtured.

Moreover, Michele Ghee’s participation in significant initiatives, such as her role in the African American Philanthropy Committee and her leadership at EBONY and JET magazines, underscores her commitment to uplifting diverse voices and stories. Her achievements in driving diversity in creative industries through partnerships with platforms like ADCOLOR further highlight the breadth and depth of her expertise (Cleveland Foundation, ADCOLOR).

The 2024 Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit is a must-attend event for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals across all sectors who are committed to leveraging the power of diversity and inclusion for economic growth and innovation. Michele Ghee’s keynote is just one of the many highlights of this summit, which promises to be an enriching experience filled with actionable insights and strategies.

Don’t miss this chance to be inspired and informed by one of the most influential voices in the field of diversity and inclusion. Reserve your tickets now and join us for a transformative experience that will empower you to lead your organization towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Reserve your tickets here: 2024 Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit

Embrace the opportunity to shape the future of your organization and the broader economic landscape. We look forward to welcoming you to an event that promises to redefine the paradigms of leadership, diversity, and economic success.

Tickets Now on Sale: Secure Your Spot at the 2024 Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit

Jessica Reilly · Apr 3, 2024 ·

The Urban League of Greater Madison together with the Madison Region Economic Partnership is thrilled to announce that the 2024 Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit is officially open for registration. This premier event, set to take place on May 2, 2024, at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in downtown Madison, promises to be an unforgettable day filled with inspiring speakers, innovative ideas, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

The summit stands as the Madison Region’s leading gathering of business and community leaders dedicated to pushing the boundaries of workplace and economic inclusion. It’s more than just a conference; it’s a movement towards creating a more inclusive, diverse, and prosperous region for all.

Why You Should Attend

This year’s summit boasts an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and panelists who are at the forefront of their respective fields. Attendees will have the privilege of hearing from:

Michele Thornton Ghee, Business Transformation Visionary and former CEO of Ebony & Jet Magazine, will share her insights on leadership and innovation in media and business.
LeRoy Butler, Pro Football Hall of Famer and motivational speaker, will inspire with stories of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness.
Matthew Kures, Community Economic Development Specialist and Researcher, will provide valuable data and analysis on regional economic development.
Brian “Woody” White, Technology Executive, will delve into the impact of AI on society, jobs, and particularly its implications for communities of color.

These featured speakers, among many other compelling presenters to be announced, guarantee a day rich in knowledge, inspiration, and actionable insights.

What to Expect

The day kicks off with a continental breakfast and networking session, offering a great opportunity to connect with other forward-thinking individuals from across the eight-county Madison Region. Following this, attendees can look forward to:

An opening keynote presentation by LeRoy Butler that is sure to motivate and energize.
A variety of engaging breakout sessions covering topics ranging from artificial intelligence to entrepreneurship, allowing participants to tailor their summit experience to their interests and professional needs.
A luncheon keynote presentation by Michele Thornton Ghee, offering a deep dive into the world of business transformation and media.

Beyond the plenaries and sessions, the summit provides ample opportunities for networking with business, government, nonprofit, and community leaders.

Register Now

With individual and group registration options available, securing your spot at the 2024 Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit has never been easier. Whether you’re attending on behalf of an organization, with a sponsor or special code, or as an individual eager to learn and connect, now is the time to act. Spaces are limited, and you won’t want to miss out on what promises to be the most impactful summit yet.

Your registration includes access to all keynote presentations, breakout sessions, continental breakfast, lunch, and countless opportunities to network and collaborate with peers and industry leaders.

Be Part of the Change

The 2024 Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit is not just an event; it’s a catalyst for change. It’s an opportunity to be part of a collective effort to drive economic growth and promote diversity and inclusion in the Madison region.

Don’t miss this chance to contribute to meaningful conversations, connect with like-minded professionals, and gain insights that could shape the future of your career or business. Reserve your spot today and join us in making a difference.

Click here to register now and secure your spot at the summit.

Let’s come together to envision and build a more inclusive, diverse, and economically vibrant Madison region. See you on May 2, 2024!

MadREP Announces Entrepreneur Bootcamp in Partnership with Lightship Foundation & The American Family Insurance Institute

Jessica Reilly · Sep 14, 2023 ·

Lightship’s Bootcamp is a free entrepreneurship education program, serving underrepresented early-stage business founders.

Lightship Bootcamp is coming to Madison, WI. September 19-21, 2023.

Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) and Lightship Foundation unveiled plans to bring the Lightship Bootcamp program, powered by the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact (the Institute) to the Madison Region. The organizations will host three days of “bootcamp” (September 19-21, 2023) at the Goodman South campus of Madison College, providing mentorship, specialized curriculum, and networking for underrepresented entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses within South Central Wisconsin.

“We’re ecstatic to unite with the American Family Institute to introduce Lightship Bootcamps to Madison, Wisconsin,” says Candice Matthews Brackeen, CEO, Lightship Foundation. “Our aspiration is for this partnership to ignite the flames of innovation and opportunity, enriching neighborhoods and empowering founders from diverse backgrounds.”

Bootcamp is designed to help founders rediscover, refine, and reinvent their business strategy while reevaluating their product, sales, and marketing strategies. Interested founders should apply now at lightship.education/apply.

“Equitability, accessibility and inclusivity is sewn into the very fabric of everything we do. When we prioritize equitableness and strategically create opportunities, exciting things start to happen.”
MadREP President & CEO Jason M. Fields, CEcD, CFEI, CCRS

The Madison Region’s upcoming Lightship Bootcamp also serves as the first formal program under the Economic Equity & Investment priority of the organization’s newly formed “Bridge Wisconsin” initiative led by Bridge Wisconsin Chief Strategy Officer Tonnetta Darcel Carter. The initiative works collaboratively to close economic gaps and drive innovation for rural and urban communities, supporting five strategic priority areas: Housing, Early Childhood Education, Economic Equity & Investment, Workforce Development, and Sustainability.

“Equitability, accessibility and inclusivity is sewn into the very fabric of everything we do,” says MadREP President & CEO Jason M. Fields, CEcD, CFEI, CCRS. “When we prioritize equitableness and strategically create opportunities, exciting things start to happen. Lightship Foundation’s Bootcamp, powered by the American Family Institute, is the perfect opportunity to expand economic equity across our region and formally launch our Bridge Wisconsin initiative.”

“The Institute is excited to bring together mission-aligned organizations like Lightship Foundation and MadREP to provide equitable opportunity to founders within the Madison Region,” said Nyra Jordan, social impact director with the Institute. “We believe this is a place where founders of color can thrive, and we want to provide access to world class resources as early as possible.”

“Access to capital has been historically disproportionate for women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color,” says Dr. Jack Daniels, President of Madison College. “At Madison College, we pride ourselves on providing equitable and affordable access to resources, technical assistance, and education in our communities. We are excited to host the entrepreneur bootcamp at our Goodman South campus and to welcome Lightship Foundation to our Region.”

Apply Now

MadREP Announces Rural/Urban Strategic Initiative

Jessica Reilly · Jun 27, 2023 ·

Bridge Wisconsin will address the necessary interdependence between urban and rural communities for a thriving regional economy.

Bridge Wisconsin Chief Strategy Officer Tonnetta Darcel Carter

Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is pleased to announce a new initiative, Bridge Wisconsin, launching this fall. Bridge Wisconsin aims to serve as the connection point for the Madison Region, working collaboratively to close the economic gaps and drive innovation for rural and urban communities. This initiative will support five strategic priority areas: Housing, Early Childhood Education, Economic Equity & Investment, Workforce Development, and Sustainability.

“To be successful, economies must acknowledge and leverage the interdependence between their urban and rural assets,” said MadREP CEO Jason M. Fields, CEcD, CFEI, CCRS. “When I joined MadREP two years ago, I identified this as our Region’s most pressing obstacle to achieving the next level of success. To lead the implementation of Bridge Wisconsin, MadREP is excited to welcome our newest team member, Tonnetta Darcel Carter.”

Tonnetta joins MadREP as Chief Strategy Officer of Bridge Wisconsin where she is tasked with developing and executing the strategic vision of the regional initiative and driving innovation across Madison Region and the broader state. “I recognize that our rural and urban counties are ripe for development, innovation, and expansion, and Bridge Wisconsin is a unique opportunity to lean into our strongest industries and work collaboratively to provide capital and resources to bridge these communities under a shared common goal, advancement,” said Tonnetta.

A leader in technology, Tonnetta previously served with local venture firm, gener8tor, as the firm’s inaugural Investment Director, leading their multi-million-dollar capital fundraise and overseeing the fund management process across 18 markets and over 50 industries to support more than 230 venture-backed startups and entrepreneurs worldwide.

Tonnetta is also an entrepreneur as Founder and CEO of Carter Wilson Group, an alternative asset consulting firm that provides strategy and access to unique investment opportunities in venture and economic development. She began her career as Chief of Staff in the US Army National Guard, spending years abroad in Afghanistan and South Korea where she provided thought leadership and focused on the strategic efforts in supporting the demobilization of more than 20,000 US troops.

An advocate for health equity and philanthropy, Tonnetta served as Assistant Development Director at the Medical College of Wisconsin where she co-led the institution’s $300M healthcare campaign supporting healthcare technology, cancer research, and community-facing initiatives.

Tonnetta has served in leadership roles for a variety of public sector organizations like New Leaders Council-Wisconsin and Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals. She currently serves on the Advisory Committee for Waukesha County Technical College Real Estate program and the State of Wisconsin Board of Veteran Affairs where she helps veteran-owned business, entrepreneurs, and families thrive across the state.

Tonnetta is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin native and alumnae of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, having received her BBA in Finance.