N.C. A&T to Host 2025 Community and Economic Engagement Summit on Oct. 8

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Sept. 12, 2025) – 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. It falls during the 99th edition of the Greatest Homecoming on Earth, Oct. 5-12

Top sponsors include Elm & Bain, Proximity Hotel, the N.C. A&T Office of University Relations, Skyla Credit Union, Truliant Federal Credit Union, and the Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau. Community partners include the Triad Business Journal, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, the City of Greensboro, High Point Furniture Market, Business High Point Chamber of Commerce and others.

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.

Raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Molden has grown SPGBK into a nationally recognized company with retail distribution in more than 350 stores, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, Belk and Nordstrom Rack. In 2023, SPGBK was named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things and has been featured by Good Morning America, Oprah Daily, The New York Times, and AfroTech.

Through SPGBK’s Annual School Giving program, Molden has donated more than $35,000 in watches to teachers and staff nationwide, including at his alma mater, E.E. Smith High School. Before launching SPGBK, he spent more than a decade as a senior process engineer for Fortune 100 companies in the finance and retail industries.

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. Each piece is crafted with precision and innovation, featuring exclusive StarFlex™ fabric that combines comfort with style for leaders, dreamers and innovators.

Today, 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.

“North Carolina A&T has a long legacy of leading transformational impact in our community and continues to serve as a leader in economic development in the state of North Carolina,” said Lovelle McMichael, director of community engagement. “This summit is an opportunity for everyone, and it brings together innovators, aspiring entrepreneurs, policymakers and community leaders to exchange ideas and build partnerships that fuel lasting economic and social change.

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®.

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