Spearheaded by Root Purpose, a podcast that gets to the ROOT of every conversation, The Entrepreneurs Collaborative is a showcase of Entrepreneurs whose passions and wisdoms first took root within their journeys through the NSBE pipeline.

  • Workshop

    There’s No Traffic When You Create Your Own Lane

  • Description

    Entrepreneurship is when an individual or team creates a new product, service, or idea to solve a problem or improve upon solutions currently available. During the entrepreneurial journey, you have the freedom and opportunity to create a new lane, but often, we ignore or are unaware of the obstacles that will arise during the process. This workshop will give real accounts of entrepreneurs who have overcome this and allow you in the audience to ask questions that can help you navigate on your own potential journeys.

MODERATORS

Josh aka "AnUrbanNerd" is Co-Host of the Root Purpose Podcast. Originally from Groton, CT, he now resides in New London, CT. AnUrbanNerd attained a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University. He intertwines his diverse upbringing with his art, merging influences like Godzilla with navigating varied cultures. With over 15 years devoted to poetry and rap, he embraces his outsider perspective, giving voice to marginalized narratives. As an educator and engineer, he guides young black men to embrace their interests. Through collaborations, he champions racial equality, spotlighting marginalized voices. As New London's Poet Laureate, he fosters dialogue and empathy. AnUrbanNerd's creations spark discussions and advocate for a more inclusive tomorrow.

Andrew Ellis a.k.a "Chip" is Co-Host of the Root Purpose Podcast. Originally from Chester, PA, he currently resides in Wilmington, DE with his wife and three daughters. Chip attained a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from Howard University and a Masters from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the same field. Since graduating he has worked within the aerospace industry as a Wire Design Engineer. Shortly before the pandemic he took up the game of golf and immediately saw many of the inequities within the game. This led to him co-founding A Golf Collab, with the mission of introducing those from under-represented communities to the game of golf. No matter what Chip is a part of his main focus is centered around the holistic health of his family, friends and community by focusing on the Root of what it takes for us all to be our whole selves.

PANELISTS

Camille Camejo

Camille Camejo is the founder of Spectral Theory, a professional incubator, studios and academy developing visualization tools for creative collaboration and career acceleration. She is currently pursuing her second Master’s in Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and contributing to research in Engineering Education and plans to pursue her PhD in the same field shortly after. As of 2023, she has completed 3 internships and 2 years as a full-time Software Engineer at Qualcomm creating innovative front-end and back-end web development solutions, focusing on the curation of software analytics test tools and enhancing data visualization tools for global partners. Camille served as Secretary of Qualcomm’s Black Inclusive Group (QBIG) and enjoyed passionately engaging as a liaison for the exponentially innovative movement to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) of marginalized groups in the industry, specifically female engineers and those from the black and brown communities around the globe. Camille holds (2) Bachelor degrees in Chemical Engineering and Computer Science from the illustrious Howard University and Florida Atlantic University, respectively, and recently completed her Master’s in Software Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, Silicon Valley where she developed a breadth of knowledge in robotics, wireless device architecture, and computational practices in machine and deep learning.


Website: www.thespectraltheory.com

IG: @thecamtheory/@thespectraltheory

Tashiah Eatman

Tashiah Eatman graduated from Temple University in 2015 with a Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering. While maintaining a full time job in engineering, Tashiah has been able to start successful businesses within multiple industries that includes, a board/card game, a published author, and real estate investing. Her card game, Color Swap Cards, proves that learning can also be fun in a game that teaches or reminds you about the primary and secondary colors. Color Swap Cards is available for purchase on the website colorswapcards.com. Her memoir discusses the real struggles of being a black lesbian and looking to become a mom with limited resources. The memoir, “A Black Lesbian’s Journey to Motherhood” is available on Amazon.


Website: colorswapcards.com

IG: @colorswapcards

Ken Carter

Kenneth Carter is a graduate of both Temple and Drexel University with a Bachelors and Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Initial funding from Temple University launched Kenneth's current venture - Abstract Soundz. Using additive manufacturing and True-Wireless technology, Abstract seeks to create signature headphones for artists in the same way Nike creates signature sneakers for athletes. Follow the journey at abstractsz.com.

Website: abstractsz.com

IG: @abstract.soundz

Lauren King

Lauren King graduated from Howard University in 2012 with a Bachelors degree in electrical engineering and in 2014 with an MBA. Lauren has worked in several industries ranging from automotive to real estate. Her passion for having an impact in her community led her to commercial real estate development, investment and construction. Today, Lauren works for a commercial real estate developer and has built her own construction management firm called HK Management which has been a part of several teams responsible for the construction of several projects across the city of Detroit. She’s also been recognized and honored in Crain's Detroit 40 under 40 list as a mover, shaker and change maker. She’s an avid traveler, golfer and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.


IG: @hkmanagementgroup