SIMPLE X SUMMIT

March 25, 2021

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Zoom

Simple X is bringing together Black professionals and allies from Portland and the Pacific Northwest for a virtual Summit. As Simple X plans to highlight Black leaders and entrepreneurs, the Simple X Summit acts as an accelerator for individuals to gain fellowship in the Portland area.

First African American Footwear Designer

Mr. Wilson Smith, is a Portland Legend, he is the first African American Footwear Designer. Join us in celebrating Wilson Smith and his life. Smith will share his story about growing up in Portland and how his interest in architecture and design led him to a successful career at Nike. Smith has worked on projects that run the gamut of the design profession. He’s developed products for athletes including Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Derek Jeter and more.

Wilson Smith III

DNA Design Specialist at NIKE

Kristen Ingram

Founder of PLUS ONE society

Stephen Green

COO of A Kids Book About

D’Artagnan Bernard Caliman

Director at Meyer Memorial Trust

April Allen, J.D., M.P.A.

Sr. Director DEI at PeaceHealth

Jennifer Hunter, J.D.

Sr. Director DEI at Portland Trail Blazers

Tiffany Golden

Producer at Wieden + Kennedy

Shaina Pomerantz, JD, MSOL

Chief Operations Officer at Race Talks

Ian Williams

Founder of Deadstock Coffee

Akasha Lawrence-Spence

Founder of Fifth Element

Donna Maxey

Founder at Race Talks

David “OG ONE” Jackson

Official NBA Portland Trail Blazers DJ

Karen D. Foster, MSIMC

Co-Founder of Visionary Squad

Blaire G. Hervey

Co-Founder of Visionary Squad

Marcus Carter

Director of Social Equity at Cinder

SCHEDULE

The Pacific Northwest Summit, featuring black leaders and entrepreneurs from various industries, is a virtual, community led conference. This year, we are learning about resilience, perseverance and innovation as we build sustainable connections with each other and the Pacific Northwest we call home.

March 25, 2021 9:00 am - 10:30 am Zoom

Wealth Creation: Promoting economic growth and prosperity

Simple X Summit opens with an intimate conversation on economic wealth and development. From the perspective of community development, access to capital and racial injustice, our guests will share their stories and unpack a methodology that encourages opportunities for a promising future.

D’Artagnan Bernard Caliman Director at Meyer Memorial Trust

Kristen Ingram Founder of PLUS ONE society

Marcus Carter Director of Social Equity at Cinder

Stephen Green COO of A Kids Book About

March 25, 2021 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Zoom

Disruptive Leadership: What’s not written on the brochure

This session will highlight black women leaders as they disrupt their respective industries. Come learn firsthand how they’ve built their careers, refined their leadership styles, and the steps they are taking to build a stronger workplace.

April Allen, J.D., M.P.A. Sr. Director DEI at PeaceHealth

Blaire G. Hervey Co-Founder of Visionary Squad

Jennifer Hunter, J.D. Sr. Director DEI at Portland Trail Blazers

Karen D. Foster, MSIMC Co-Founder of Visionary Squad

Tiffany Golden Producer at Wieden + Kennedy

March 25, 2021 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Zoom

Community Conversation: The experience of Black professionals from different walks of life

Grab a bite to eat and listen to three community leaders share their story while talking about their true to life experience living and working in Oregon. By attending this event, you will have the opportunity to engage with the community in an intimate format.

Akasha Lawrence-Spence Founder of Fifth Element

David "OG ONE" Jackson Official NBA Portland Trail Blazers DJ

Donna Maxey Founder at Race Talks

Ian Williams Founder of Deadstock Coffee

March 25, 2021 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Zoom

Simple X Mixer: Design your Path to Success

Wilson Smith III is a Portland Legend - The first African American footwear designer in the footwear industry. Smith worked on projects that run the gamut of the design profession. He’s developed products for athletes including Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Derek Jeter and more

Wilson Smith III DNA Design Specialist at NIKE

March 25, 2021 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Zoom

Virtual Networking & Career Fair (Recruiting)

The Simple X Summit concludes with a great opportunity to network with black professionals and a virtual job fair to connect job seekers and employers by providing a virtual platform where attendees can connect and find related resources.