Innovation For Equity’s Upcoming Martha’s Vineyard Gathering Celebrates 5th-Year Anniversary with a Resounding Call for “Building Collective Power”
Washington, D.C. (August 7, 2023) – Innovation For Equity (IFE), a powerful network of Black leaders and allies across the education ecosystem committed to improving life outcomes for Black learners of all ages, is thrilled to announce its upcoming gathering on Martha’s Vineyard on August 13th – 14th, commemorating IFE’s 5th-year anniversary. This unique event will serve as a platform for stimulating and insightful discussions, empowering transformational leaders, and fostering innovative solutions towards a more equitable education ecosystem.
Under the theme of “Building Collective Power,” the gathering will highlight Black education innovation in several ways. The 2nd Annual Black Education Forum, a highly-anticipated centerpiece of the gathering, will explore the rich history and present state of Black education entrepreneurship. Esteemed panelists, including David C. Banks, Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education; Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-Winner, 1619 Project & Staff Writer at The New York Times Magazine; Dr. David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC); and Henry Hipps, Senior Advisor and Entrepreneur in Residence at Owl Ventures, will contribute their expertise to the Forum, skillfully moderated by award-winning journalist Michele Norris. Additionally, an inaugural Black Innovators’ Showcase will shine a spotlight on visionary Black leaders who have developed groundbreaking solutions for Black learners.
The event will also feature the IFE Awards Ceremony to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of three exceptional Black education champions. This year, the Rising Star Award will be presented to David Yancey, Account Executive and Director of Client Services at the Skillman Corporation; the Advancing Equity Award to Earl Martin Phalen, Founder and CEO of Phalen Leadership Academics; and a special award will be given to commemorate IFE’s 5th-year anniversary.
Angela Romans, IFE’s Executive Director, expressed her enthusiasm about the upcoming event, stating, “The Martha’s Vineyard Gathering holds immense significance as we celebrate five years since our founding on the Vineyard by a group of education innovators dedicated to fostering impactful solutions for Black learners . Our theme, ‘Building Collective Power,’ underscores our commitment to uplifting Black leaders and driving transformative change in the pursuit of equity in education.”
IFE is excited to welcome hundreds of educators, employers, investors, policymakers, workforce professionals, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and more. This remarkable gathering would not be possible without the generous support of amazing sponsors, such as MGT Consulting, HMH, Southern New Hampshire University, Vistria Group, Code.org, Jeffries, and more.
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About Innovation For Equity
Founded in 2018 by a diverse, accomplished group of education and workforce leaders, Innovation For Equity (IFE), is a network of changemakers across the education ecosystem – leaders in PK-12, postsecondary, research, technology, and business – committed to disrupting the status quo and transforming the life outcomes of Black learners of all ages. By connecting and cultivating Black leaders in education to build collective power and scale innovative solutions, IFE shapes a future where Black learners thrive across the nation. For more information, visit www.InnovationEquity.org.
For media inquiries, interviews, or press passes, please contact:
Stanley Celestine, Jr.
Outreach and Communications Manager
stanley.celestine(at)innovationequity.org