| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jan 15 4–6 PM |
Orientation Session #1 | Overview of RICE, expectations, program pathways, sectors, and navigation of resources. | New stakeholders; returning stakeholders seeking clarity. | RICE Program Team | Register |
| Sat, Jan 17 10 AM–12 PM |
Orientation Session #2 | Weekend repeat of Orientation with all sectors represented. | New stakeholders; those who missed Session #1. | RICE Program Team | Register |
| Tues, Jan 20 6–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching #1: Clarity + Goal Setting | Goal-setting and clarity-building through peer coaching and guided prompts. | Stakeholders needing direction or accountability. | Marie Hunter, President, KRG Oil Company | Register |
| Tues, Jan 20, 27 1 PM–2 PM |
Tech Tuesday Workshop AI Tools for Growing Businesses |
Overview of practical AI and no-code tools, workflow automation, rapid prototyping, and tech-enabled growth strategies for small business owners. | Entrepreneurs new to AI tools; stakeholders seeking scalable, tech-enabled workflows. | Cam Flowers, Founder & CEO, Floreo Labs | Register |
| Thu, Jan 22 1:30–3:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday The Art of the Strategic Partnership |
Overview of collaborative learning, peer-led discussion, and practical skill-sharing through Think Tank Thursdays in Stakeholder Central. | RICE stakeholders; entrepreneurs seeking peer learning and strategic collaboration. | Courtney Counts, KTC | Register |
| Thu, Jan 22 5:30–7:00 PM |
Productivity, Focus & Well-Being Session for CEOs | Facilitated conversation on productivity, focus, and sustainable leadership for founders and CEOs. | All stakeholders; especially business owners seeking better focus and balance. | Tiffany Ellis, CEO – G Anns Cold Pressed | Register |
| Thu, Jan 29 1:00–2:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday Creating and/or Enhancing Your Capability Statement |
Overview of collaborative learning and practical guidance on developing or strengthening a capability statement through Think Tank Thursdays in Stakeholder Central. | RICE stakeholders; entrepreneurs preparing for partnerships, contracts, or growth opportunities. | Keya Grant, CEO, The Curated Olive | Register |
| Thu, Jan 29 6–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching #2: 90-Day Planning | Traction-building and action planning to close out the month. | All stakeholders. | Myra Herring, Coach | Speaker | Trainer | Register |
| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tues, Feb 3 6–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching #1 (Feb) | Early-month reset, momentum recap, and accountability. | All stakeholders. | Dr. Berkley Baker | Register |
| Tues, Feb 3, 10 1 PM–2 PM |
Tech Tuesday Workshop AI Tools for Growing Businesses |
Overview of practical AI and no-code tools, workflow automation, rapid prototyping, and tech-enabled growth strategies for small business owners. | Entrepreneurs new to AI tools; stakeholders seeking scalable, tech-enabled workflows. | Cam Flowers | Floreo Labs | Register |
| Wed, Feb 4 10AM–12 PM |
World Cup Forum: Fireside Conversation with Jay Bailey | World Cup Forum fireside conversation featuring honest insights on leadership, business wins, and lessons learned. | All stakeholders; especially early-stage entrepreneurs. | Jay Bailey | Register |
| Thurs, Feb 5 6–7:30 PM |
Entrepreneur Essentials (NEW) | Business fundamentals: models, revenue, value proposition, customer basics, and what “scale” actually means. | All new & returning stakeholders. | Dr. Berkley Baker | Register |
| Tues, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 2–5 PM |
Advising Tuesdays | Weekly sector-aligned advising focused on clarity, planning, financial health, and next steps. | Any stakeholder needing targeted support. | Dr. Berkley Baker; Mark Peterson | Register w/ Dr. Berkley Register w/ Mark Peterson |
| Tues, Feb 10 6–7:30 PM |
Learning Lab #1: Business Foundations | Business models, customer identification, and value proposition basics. | New and early-stage entrepreneurs. | Mark Peterson | Register |
| Thurs, Feb 12 5:30–6:30 PM |
Stakeholder Mixer / Community Hour | Fun, light community-building space across sectors. | All stakeholders. | RICE Program Team | Register |
| Tues, Feb 17 6–7:30 PM |
Learning Lab #2: Finance Basics | Cash flow, budgeting, pricing, and basic money management. | All entrepreneurs; those intimidated by finance. | Mark Peterson | Register |
| Wed, Feb 18 5:30–7:00 PM |
Leadership & CEO Perspective Session | Executive insights on leadership, decision-making, and navigating business growth from the CEO lens. | All stakeholders; especially founders and operators. Professional Services Sector. | Dr. Lawrence Henderson, CEO – Boss LLC | Register |
| Sat, Feb 21 9 AM – 2 PM |
Situational Leadership | Situational Leadership equips founders to lead diverse teams effectively by tailoring their approach to the specific needs of each individual. | Founders and leaders managing teams. | Dr. Berkley Baker | Register |
| Tues, Feb 24 6–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching #2 (Feb) | End-of-month accountability check + troubleshooting, systems, automation, team development. | All stakeholders needing structure. | Mark Peterson | Register |
| Thurs, Feb 26 6–8 PM |
Advanced Learning Lab: Scaling + Systems | Revenue optimization, and expanding operations. | Established, revenue-generating businesses ready to grow. | Dr. Berkley Baker | Register |
| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Mar 17 6–7:30 PM |
Tech Tuesday: 4-Week Series | Design Thinking Mini Bootcamp WEEK 3 | Generate Bold Ideas |
Participants will explore multiple solution possibilities using quick sketching methods such as Crazy 8s and SCAMPER Lite. They will learn how to generate a large quantity of ideas, evaluate them, and select one direction for early prototyping. This week emphasizes creativity, exploration, and visual communication — even for non-artists. | Stakeholder Only Event | Thomas Clifton | Register |
| Tue, Mar 17 6–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching: The Profit Audit - What's Actually Making You Money | Not all revenue is created equal. We’re doing a deep dive into your sales data to separate the "vanity metrics" from the actual profit. Learn to double down on what works and cut the "busy work" that’s draining your bank account. | Stakeholder Only Event | Dr. Berkley Baker | Register |
| Wed, Mar 25 6–7:30 PM |
AI Innovation for Entrepreneurs | Stakeholder Only Event | — | — | |
| Mon, Mar 30 6–9:30 PM |
Group Coaching: The Art of the Ask | Stakeholder Only Event | Marie Hunter | Register |
| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Apr 2 6:00–8:00 PM |
RICE Mind, Body & Business: A Holistic Path to Thriving Women Entrepreneurs Session 4 | A guided session supporting sustainable business growth by strengthening mindset, wellbeing, and leadership alignment. | Stakeholders - Special Group | Paul Mayberry, Armelia Cartier | — |
| Tue, Apr 7 6:00–7:30 PM |
Learning Lab: Lead Adoption & Customer Conversion | Learn how to convert interested leads into loyal paying customers through stronger follow-up and conversion strategies. | Stakeholders - All | Dr. Berkley Baker | Register |
| Tue, Apr 7 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Foundations of Global Product Innovation _ MPesa & Apple in China | Define global product innovation, explore adaptation frameworks for product globalization, and review case insights from MPesa’s agent network scaling and Apple’s China-specific customization. Participants will map their own Market Adaptation Snapshot and engage in peer Q&A. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | — |
| Thu, Apr 9 1:00–3:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: Understanding Your Verticals (B2C, B2B, B2G) | Discover how balancing B2C, B2B, and B2G revenue streams can stabilize income, reduce risk, and expand business opportunities. | Stakeholders - All, General Public | Malcolm Ali | Register |
| Tue, Apr 14 1:00–3:00 PM |
Tech Tuesday Workshop TrapGPT: Creating an AI Workforce |
Learn how to build practical AI agents that automate routine tasks and improve operational efficiency across your business. | Stakeholders - All, General Public | Malcolm Ali | Register |
| Wed, Apr 15 6:00–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching: 90-Day Planning Q2 + Check-In | Align your Q2 priorities, refine strategy, and track progress through a structured quarterly planning and accountability session. | Stakeholders - All | Myra Herring | Register |
| Thu, Apr 16 6:00–8:00 PM |
RICE Mind, Body & Business: A Holistic Path to Thriving Women Entrepreneurs Session 5 | Continue building a sustainable business by strengthening leadership, wellness, and long-term growth alignment. | Stakeholders - Special Group | Paul Mayberry, Armelia Cartier | — |
| Tue, Apr 21 6:00–7:30 PM |
Business Health Check (Formerly Business Foundations) | Identify and close operational, financial, and legal gaps to ensure your business foundation can support future growth. | Stakeholders - All | Mark Peterson | — |
| Tue, Apr 21 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale "Using AI to Build Product Roadmaps _ Tesla's China Gigafactory" | Explore market entry models such as export, licensing, JV, and WFOE, along with OEM/ODM, policy and trade considerations, and Tesla’s negotiation and localization pathway in China. Participants will apply entry models to their own businesses and engage in Q&A. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | — |
| Mon, Apr 27 6:00–7:30 PM |
Learning Lab: Protecting Your Legacy Through Risk Strategy | Learn how to identify hidden risks and build smart protections that allow you to grow boldly without jeopardizing your business. | Stakeholders - All | Mark Peterson | Register |
| Tue, Apr 28 1:00–3:00 PM |
Tech Tuesday Workshop TrapGPT: Proposal Powerhouse |
Use AI to quickly create persuasive, professional proposals that win clients and move decision-makers to yes. | Stakeholders - All, General Public | Malcolm Ali | Register |
| Tue, Apr 28 6:00–7:30 PM |
Group Coaching: Creating Executive Capacity | Learn how to delegate effectively, empower your team, and free up time to focus on high-level business growth. | Stakeholders - All | Chris Hanks | Register |
| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, May 5 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Cultural Literacy in Service Delivery (Delta Airlines) | Cultural literacy for service brands, service blueprint mapping, and Delta’s data-driven personalization and global consistency. Participants will draft a mini-service blueprint and engage in group discussion on cultural adaptations. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | — |
| Thu, May 7 6:00–8:00 PM |
RICE Mind, Body & Business: A Holistic Path to Thriving Women Entrepreneurs Session 6 | A guided session supporting sustainable business growth by strengthening mindset, wellbeing, and leadership alignment. | Stakeholders - Special Group | Paul Mayberry, Armelia Cartier | — |
| Tue, May 19 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Innovation Pathways: From Prototype to Market _ Xiaomi's Globalization Strategy | Prototyping frameworks such as MVP, pilot, and sandbox, along with regulatory considerations and Xiaomi’s rapid iteration strategy. Participants will outline 10-step validation plans and engage in peer Q&A. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | — |
| Thu, May 21 6:00–8:00 PM |
RICE Mind, Body & Business: A Holistic Path to Thriving Women Entrepreneurs Final Ceremony | Closing celebration and reflection recognizing participant growth, achievements, and completion of the program journey. | Stakeholders - Special Group | Paul Mayberry, Armelia Cartier | — |
| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Jun 2 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Nonprofit Scaling Services Globally (CARE) _ The Power of Partnerships | Locally led, globally scaled service models, Lean Service Protocol structure, and CARE’s MEL (monitoring, evaluation, learning) systems. Participants will design an LSP for their services and engage in group discussion and Q&A. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | — |
| Tue, Jun 16 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Financing & Fundraising for Global Innovation _ Nubank: Democratizing Financial Services | Global funding instruments, venture capital options, capital stack mapping, and investor signals such as traction, unit economics, and compliance. Participants will draft capital stack plans and engage in peer Q&A. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | — |
| Thu, Jun 25 1:00–2:00 PM |
Think Tank Thursday: Creating and/or Enhancing Your Capability Statement | A hands-on, strategy-driven workshop designed to help entrepreneurs understand, create, and refine a compelling capabilities statement that positions their business for corporate, government, and institutional opportunities. Participants will learn what a capabilities statement is, why it matters, and how to tailor it to highlight their unique entrepreneurial strengths while aligning with supplier diversity and procurement expectations. | Stakeholders - All, General Public | Keya Grant | Register |
| Tue, Jun 30 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Service Supply Chains & Global Partnerships (UPS) _ UPS & HP: Value Creation Through Supply Chain Partnerships | Mapping a service supply chain, Partner Stack structure including roles, SLAs, and data flows, and UPS’s phased outsourcing and integrated operations. Participants will build a partner stack with KPIs such as OTIF, FCR, and NPS, followed by Q&A. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | — |
| Date | Program | Description | Who Should Attend | Facilitator(s) | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Aug 4 2:30–3:30 PM |
Let's Talk Innovation - How Big Companies Scale - Capstone: Designing a Global Innovation Strategy _ Spinbrush: John Osher: The Electric Toothbrush that Sold for $475M | The Global Strategy House, localization decisions, partnerships, and global operations. Amazon’s lessons applied to small business. Participants will present 3-minute strategy presentations followed by peer feedback and Q&A. | Stakeholders - All | Shakiri Murrain | — |
Terri-Nichelle Bradley is the Founder and CEO of Play at Brown Toy Box. Bradley believes that Black children should see themselves positively represented in every space the experience regularly, starting with their toybox and the toy aisle. Bradley, an equity in play advocate, is on a mission to disrupt the $27B toy industry by creating a brand that reflects the world we live in today. Launched in 2017 as a STEAM kit, Brown Toy Box evolved into a full-scale educational toy company producing and curating STEAM toys, media, and experiences for centering and celebrating Black children in a manner all children can enjoy, learn, and have fun. Prior to starting Brown Toy Box, Bradley led a communications consultancy working with Fortune 500 companies in campaigns designed to connect with the African American community. Prior to that, Bradley served as the VP of Corporate, Crisis, and Public Affairs for the world’s largest global PR agency. Bradley has been awarded the Civic Impact Award, was recognized as a 2019 Atlanta’s Top 100 Businesswomen of Influence by the Atlanta Business League, acknowledged on the 2020 Who’s Who in Black Atlanta list of influential leaders and most recently named to Inc. Magazine’s 2020 Female Founders 100 list. Brown Toy Box is sold in Target stores nationwide, with Amazon, over 30 museums including the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, as well as other independent specialty toy stores and retailers. Learn more at browntoybox.com
Stefan Miller is the Co-Founder and CMO for Young King Hair Care, which launched in December 2019. Young King Hair Care is a multicultural grooming and lifestyle brand company with tailored offerings catering to specific needs of young men of color. Stefan is a marketing professional with 15+ years of experience across marketing, sales and consulting in the CPG and tech industries. At Young King, Stefan has been featured in over 75+ national publications, was recognized by Mintel as one of the top US brand innovations of 2021, partnered with Disney and Marvel Studios for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and was a participant on Season 13 of ABC’s Shark Tank. Currently Young King Hair Care is available in multiple retail partners, including Target, Walmart, and CVS, selling in over 3,000 stores across the US. Prior to founding Young King Hair Care, he led business strategy and marketing communications, while launching innovations across multiple billion-dollar brands and categories at IBM, Johnson & Johnson, General Mills, Coca-Cola, and Red Bull. Stefan L. Miller Bio Stefan holds an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University with concentrations in Brand Marketing, Media Management and Management in Organizations, and is a proud HBCU alum of Morehouse College with a BA in Business Administration. He currently lives with his wife and co-founder Cora and 2 kids, Kade and Cree in Atlanta, Georgia. Learn more at youngkinghaircare.com
Ceata E. Lash, CEO and founder of PuffCuff has emerged as a pioneering figure in the natural hair accessory industry, holding the distinction of being the first African-American woman to secure four US patents in this domain. Her journey to entrepreneurship was built upon a 30-year career as a graphic designer, which laid the foundation for launching PuffCuff in 2013. Ceata’s innovative leadership has earned her prestigious accolades, including the President’s Innovation Award from Sally Beauty and the New Voices + Barefoot Wine Beauty Business Grant. These achievements have placed her among the top female founders featured in Inc. Magazine. Committed to lifelong learning and growth, Ceata has completed the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses National Cohort and was part of the inaugural Amazon Black Business Accelerator Cohort. Her recent completion of the “Building a Successful Diverse Business” program at Tuck Executive Education, Dartmouth, further underscores her dedication to continuous improvement and leadership in the business world. Learn more at thepuffcuff.com
