BlackStars Experience is the nation’s premier conference and awards showcasing the transformative power of Black talent, leadership and innovation across industries. The event brings together nearly 2,000 professionals, industry leaders, influencers, and allies for an action-packed multi-day program packed with insights, connections, and inspiration.
The BlackStars Summit & Expo offers a morning and afternoon packed with insightful sessions, workshops, exhibition, networking, and recruitment opportunities.
A night of excellence and inspiration, the BlackStars Awards Gala honors trailblazing leaders and allies at the forefront of innovation and transformation in their industries.
East Region Market Leader & New York Managing Partner
Deloitte LLP
SVP, Strategic Alliances and Outreach
United States Chamber of Commerce
VP, People eXperience & Technology, Global Operations
Amazon
SVP, Head of Business Operations
National Basketball Association (NBA)
SVP Region Manager - EAST Veteran | Leader | Girl Dad
Cox Communications
CEO
Expectant Media
Fireside Chat: Wealth and Legacy, Advancing the Black Economic Ecosystem
Executive Vice President | Talent Solutions
Per Scholas
Leading the Charge: Diversifying the Tech Landscape | Breaking into Tech: Your Roadmap to Success
President and CEO
Corporate Community Connections, Inc.
Advancing the Diaspora: Investment Opportunities in Africa & The Caribbean
Academic Head of Department and Professor of Applied Mathematics
University of the Free State
Academic Head of Department and Professor of Applied Mathematics
University of the Free State
Fireside Chat with Abdon Atangana- Highest Ranking Mathematician in the World
Managing Director | Head of Markets | Latin America
Citi
Executive Director, Global Inclusion, Diversity & Equity
TEKsystems
Chief of the Minority Business and Workforce Division
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Chief of the Minority Business and Workforce Division
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Seizing the Future: Unlocking Opportunities in Emerging Industries
Global Live Event & Broadcast Host
Erskine Communications
Metropolitan Pavilion: 125 West 18th Street New York, NY
8:30am-9:30am
Metropolitan Pavilion
BlackStars Experience team will be ready to assist you as you check in, receive your event materials, and prepare for an inspiring day of learning and networking.
9:30am-9:45am
Main Stage
Sought-after Speaker and Executive Coach Dethra Giles, our MC, will welcome guests and set the stage for the day!
9:45am-9:55am
Main Stage
Dr. Gena C. Lovett, author of “C-Suite Quotient: The 8 C-Suite Behaviors That Propel A Leadership Culture” will kick us off with opening remarks!
10:00am-10:30am
Main Stage
Join us for a Fireside Chat with Prof. Abdon Atangana, the world's highest-ranking mathematician, moderated by Quita Highsmith, VP & Chief Diversity Officer at Genentech as they will delve into Abdon's remarkable journey, his contributions to mathematics, and the impact of diversity in STEM.
10:30am-11:15am
Main Stage
Gain invaluable insights from executives who are at the forefront of global business leadership as they share their journeys to the C-Suite, and the strategies, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped their paths.
SVP & Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer
Verizon
Global Chief Operating Officer
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Managing Director | Head of Markets | Latin America
Citi
East Region Market Leader & New York Managing Partner
Deloitte LLP
11:15am-12:00pm
Main Stage
Learn how allyship can act as a powerful multiplier in driving diversity, equity, and inclusion and gain strategies for building and sustaining a supportive community through network, sponsorship, and mentoring.
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Global Head of Talent
Citi
Founder & President
JAZZ HOUSE KiDS
Executive Director
New York Jobs CEO Council
Global Head of Technology Communications, Marketing & Philanthropy
Morgan Stanley
12:00pm-12:45pm
12:20pm-1:05pm
Breakout Room
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with two visionary leaders who are at the forefront of driving DEI in the tech industry. This engaging discussion will delve into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with leading diversity initiatives from the highest levels of an organization.
12:45pm-1:30pm
Main Stage
Curious about untapped career opportunities in high-growth sectors? Join key leaders from the tech, healthcare, and energy industries for a dynamic discussion on the groundbreaking innovations and emerging trends reshaping these fields.
1:00pm-1:30pm
Breakout Room
Curious about what it takes to own a McDonald’s franchise? This session will walk you through the entire process, from application to opening your doors. Learn about the financial requirements, funding options, and the support available to franchisees.
1:30pm-2:10pm
Main Stage
In this dynamic workshop, discover how to turn your unique skills and experiences into powerful assets in today’s market. Explore current trends and learn actionable strategies to position yourself for success, whether you're aiming to advance in your career, start a business, or pivot into a new industry.
2:10-2:50pm
Main Stage
Explore the vast investment opportunities available across Africa and the Caribbean in this insightful session. Learn how to leverage your resources to contribute to economic growth and development in these regions.
SVP, Strategic Alliances and Outreach
United States Chamber of Commerce
Chief Executive Officer
Capemay Properties Limited
President and CEO
Corporate Community Connections, Inc.
Co-Founder
PanaGenius LLC
2:50pm-3:30pm
Main Stage
Take control of your financial future with this comprehensive Financial Planning Workshop. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your financial strategy, this session will cover essential topics like budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning.
2:50pm-3:30pm
Breakout Room
This session provides a clear roadmap for navigating the tech industry, whether you're a newcomer or looking to pivot. Discover key skills, industry trends, and strategies for landing your first role or advancing in the field.
3:30pm-4:10pm
Main Stage
Engage in a thought-provoking Fireside Chat focused on wealth building and legacy within the Black community. This session will explore strategies for advancing the Black economic ecosystem, from creating generational wealth to supporting Black-owned businesses.
4:10pm-4:30pm
Main Stage
Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, will deliver a powerful closing keynote address, sharing critical insights on justice, equity, and the path forward for Black communities and our allies.
5pm-10pm
Blue Midtown
Join us at The Dean NYC for an evening of food, music, and networking at BlackStars Connect, the official post-summit networking mixer.
6pm-8pm
Private
A private event exclusively for honorees, speakers, and VIP ticket holders. Invite only!
In my 22-year career, I’ve attended and been part of many award ceremonies, galas, and fundraisers. BlackStars was by far the best one yet. I’m still buzzing. What the PanaGenius team has put together here will forever define the meaning of Black Excellence!
Thank you for this extraordinary celebration of Black Excellence! I am truly humbled to be one of the 2023 honorees, and I am inspired by all of the other amazing leaders in my cohort and those before me. Thank you again for your commitment to sharing the brilliance of our stories in such a powerful way!
It was powerful to see so many Black professionals across different industries. You had folks from tech, finance, law, healthcare…never before have I been to a conference like BlackStars! The synergy was amazing, talk about opportunities for client development, opportunity to mentor others and to be mentored. It was amazing!
I loved the spirit and energy of the BlackStars conference, as much as the professional organization, effortless style, and ideas and insights that were shared. It was a wonderful event with great speakers and a warm and collaborative atmosphere. Everybody there was there to win and help each other. And the organization was fantastic! There was a huge amount of joy, openness, and positivity.
