for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions

April 17, 2012

(LANHAM, Md.)—The White House hosted a Summit on Entrepreneurship for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) on April 16, 2012, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Education.  The summit brought together leaders from HBCUs/MSIs, government experts and business owners to explore opportunities and support solutions to existing economic challenges within these underserved communities and how the Administration and federal agencies can work with these entities to create awareness and increase entrepreneurial services to minority serving two- and four-year institutions. 

During the summit best practices and successful initiatives were highlighted that showcase HBCU and MSI leaders and organizations that are supporting underserved communities to become economically sustainable through entrepreneurial development programs. The event began with opening remarks from Marie Johns, SBA Deputy Administrator, and John Brown, White House Initiatives on HBCUs Associate Director.

Deborah Scott Thomas, President & CEO of Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated, participated on a panel with Ron Busby, President of the U.S. Black Chamber and member of the SBA Council for Underserved Communities; Terry Clark, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Business Development, Urban League; Valerie Moseley, Senior Vice President and Partner, Wellington Management Company; and Luis Borunda, President & CEO, U.S. Hispanic Youth Entrepreneurship.

Another panel during the summit consisted of the following leaders: Dr. Laurel Jones, President, Mission College; Ron Stodghill, Director of Diversity, Workforce and Small Business Development, Johnson C. Smith University; Dr. Julianne Malveaux, President, Bennett College; Dr. Dt Ogilvie, Professor of Business Strategy & Urban Entrepreneurship, Rutgers Business School; and Cassius Butts, Regional Administrator, SBA.

The panel moderators for the summit were: Michael Chodos, Associate Administrator with SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development, and Warren Ballentine, Radio Talk Show Host. Dr. Debra Saunders-White, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Postsecondary Education provided closing remarks.

Contact
Tammi L. Thomas, Vice President for Strategic Management, [email protected],  240-487-1479, www.dstincorporated.com