Fifth Annual Community and Economic Engagement Summit

Fifth annual Community and Economic Engagement Summit

Early bird registration is $35 per person. Seating is limited, and advance registration is encouraged at https://bit.ly/ncatceesummit. 

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Office of Community Engagement will host the fifth annual Community and Economic Engagement Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elm & Bain, 620B S. Elm St. in downtown Greensboro.

This year’s summit, themed “Legacy in Motion: Fueling Wealth, Innovation & Transformational Impact,” will explore strategies that drive economic growth, innovation and equity across the Piedmont Triad region and beyond.

The summit will feature keynote speaker, Kwame Molden ’09, co-founder and president of SPGBK Watches, a designer brand known for stylish, affordable and community-inspired timepieces.

Through SPGBK’s Annual School Giving program, Molden has donated more than $35,000 worth of watches to teachers and staff nationwide, including at his alma mater, E.E. Smith High School.

Attendees will also hear from regional leaders, elected officials and industry experts during interactive panel discussions on workforce development, re-entry into the workforce after incarceration and the economic contributions of N.C. A&T.

The special guest speaker will be Rod Harvey, founder of StarStruck™, a fashion brand and cultural movement that blends luxury with urban-inspired design. Built on Harvey’s resilience and vision, StarStruck™ embodies grit, ambition and creativity. Harvey uses his platform to inspire others to pursue greatness despite adversity through his new book, “The Favored Felon,” a gripping memoir of resilience, redemption and divine favor. The book chronicles his journey of transformation, including overcoming the stark reality of facing 75 years in prison.

The full-day program will include a networking lunch featuring presentations from N.C. A&T’s Blackstone LaunchPad and the Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, with students participating in a “Mini Shark Tank” pitch competition.

The day will conclude with a networking mixer featuring live music by Victor Solomon ’22, international performing artist, former Mister A&T and finalist on NBC’s “The Voice” and American Idol®.