In a truly regal event in honor of Women’s History Month, “The Gathering of Queens” recently convened local and national leaders in economic empowerment at Thinkzilla’s Skysong office, at the Arizona State University Scottdale Innovation Center. Sponsored by Blaylock Van, Wall Street’s oldest continually operating Black-owned Investment banking firm. The special women’s event was part of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy’s economic empowerment programming for minority women.
“We had a packed house and unbelievable energy, motivation, and connection,” said Millionaire Mastermind Academy founder and Thinkzilla Consulting CEO Dr. Velma Trayham. “When we expanded to Scottsdale, this is exactly what we envisioned: supporting more women through economic empowerment, culture, and opportunities for growth.”
The Gathering of Queens featured an empowerment panel, a leadership discussion led by Dr. Trayham, a business exchange networking opportunity, and more. Attendees included: Jackie Johnson, the new Diversity Director for the City of Scottsdale; Cameron Robb, Senior Economic Development Consultant at APS who shared vital information on how attendees can grow business through economic development and community resource grants; and Cloves Campbell Jr., CEO, and publisher of the Arizona Informant Newspaper, among others.
According to participant Vanessa Vence, “this event was amazing! Just being there surrounded by faithful women was an awesome experience. All the speakers were incredible and very inspiring. This event was definitely a life-changing experience for me because it motivated me and inspired me to know I am a valuable woman and can do anything with God in my life!”
In addition to Dr. Trayham and Robb, speakers included: Veronica Aguilar: Senior Managing Director of Teach for America, and Founder of Young & Empowered; Comedian Kiana Dancie: Entrepreneur and franchise owner seen on BET, MTV, and Netflix; Keasha Beach: Founder and President BASE Arizona, Chandler community leader; Ashlee Atkins: Diversity Manager, Arizona State University, and President of Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals; and Amber Kellogg: Chief Strategy Officer at Thinkzilla Consulting Group.
As a nonprofit organization, the Millionaire Mastermind Academy welcomes corporate sponsors seeking to support community engagement programs and minority businesses. They can make an impact through annual sponsorship commitment, employee volunteerism, a one-time donation, or monthly reoccurring donation.
The Millionaire Mastermind Academy expanded to Scottsdale, Arizona two years ago and has helped thousands of women nationwide gain the education they need to succeed in business through education, mentorships, and college-level business training. The program now offers a 15-week Entrepreneur Accelerator and a 12-week Real Estate Accelerator Program to help more minority women succeed in business.
About Millionaire Mastermind Academy
The Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to educate and support the growth of women-owned business enterprises, thereby strengthening the economic impact in their community. We have mentored more than 7,000 women through our programs. For more information visit millionairemastermindacademy.org.
