Black Envision Summit
Date: Tuesday June 22, 2021 | Time: 12pm – 5pm CST | Free Event
#blackenvisionsummit
About the Summit
EnVision: imagine as a future possibility, visualize.
Mission: Creating a platform for Black-Owned businesses, entrepreneurs and creatives to share resources, organic conversations and a plan to action to taking their vision to the next level in business, health, wealth and inspiration.
SPONSORED BY:
Moderated by:
Cortney Hall (NBC’s Chicago Today)
Fireside Chat with:
Chris Redd (Actor, Comedian)
PANELISTS
Bridgette Flagg
Owner, Soule’ Restaurant
Head Cook and Owner, Bridgette Flagg is a Chicago-based native hailing from a humble background of compassionate cooks and southern hospitality connoisseurs all of which were dedicated to making sure that each plate that reached the table, reached the soul. As a little girl, Flagg discovered her passion for cooking through vibrant in-kitchen experiences curated by her Grandmother, Beatrice “Bea” Tolliver. Tolliver migrated from “The Delta”, also known as Greenwood, Mississippi. Once in Chicago, her home became the neighborhood hub for huge feasts and great fun-filled company. With an open-door policy, Tolliver became known as “ Bea”, and overtime became Head Cook for Chicago Public Schools.
Throughout the years, Flagg watched both her Grandmother and Mother multi-task in the kitchen; baking and cooking foods that kept them glued to the stove throughout mornings, afternoons, and evenings. At their foot, Harris eventually learned everything there was to know about mixing the proper seasonings with the right amount of soul.
Although compelled to cook for friends and family, Flagg went on to graduate from high school and eventually attended Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. She studied Criminal Justice, and simply felt uninspired. She went back to Chicago for great reason.
As years passed, “Grandma Bea” physically passed away, and Flagg's Mother became ill. During that unprecedented time, Harris decided to “step it up” in the kitchen for Mom, while discovering she had the exact same gift. She was able to create the same tastes that both her Grandmother and Mother created for decades. Post her Mother’s departure, cooking became her connection; a therapeutic process that led Harris to organizing huge dinner parties. Of course, these “parties” were conducted with the same open-door policy that Bea had.
Soon Flagg became known in the community as what Bea was known to in hers: an amazing cook with immeasurable soul. Bridgette started catering small events, and eventually conceptualized Soulè Chicago. Through the support of friends and family, she was encouraged to open her first restaurant.
In 2017, Flagg did just that…
The mission? Cook food with the same amount soul as Bea and Momma did..
Chef Brian Jupiter
Executive Chef, Frontier Restaurant
Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Executive Chef Brian Jupiter has always believed that Southern comfort food is a true art form. Pulling inspiration from closely held family secrets and recipes, Jupiter spent his childhood alongside his grandmother in her kitchen. After beginning his professional career at the age of 16 in the kitchen of New Orleans’ famed Aurora Steakhouse, Jupiter eventually moved to Miami, Florida to pursue degrees in Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage Management. In 2003, Jupiter made the move to Chicago to fill the role as Chef de Cuisine, and eventually Executive Chef, at Narcisse Champagne and Caviar Salon. He later became an integral part of the menu development for the opening of Frontier in 2010 and Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods in 2018, as Executive Chef of Pioneer Tavern Group. Chef Jupiter’s accolades and television appearances include 2019 & 2020 James Beard Awards Semifinalist for "Best Chef: Great Lakes", 2020 Michelin Bib Gourmand, Cooking Channel’s “America’s Best Bites”, NBC Chicago News, NBC’s “1st Look”, Fox 32 Chicago News, WGN-TV News, Food Network, and “Check, Please!”
Juan Teague
CEO, Juan & Only Events
Juan Teague is an entrepreneur, an activist, and a connector of people. Her natural interpersonal skills and business savvy have made her an effective social and civic leader throughout Chicagoland and beyond.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the hotel and hospitality industry, Juan built her career from the ground up—without a college degree—to become director of entertainment and special events and, ultimately, director of sales and catering at the Hard Rock Hotel...particularly noteworthy, as Blacks represent only 2% of directors in this industry.
Since 2009, Juan has operated her own Chicago-based production and events company—Juan & Only, LLC—producing and co-producing large-scale festivals in the Chicago area, such as Aahh! Fest by Common, Spring Awakening, and Mamby on the Beach. With the goal of changing the narrative created by media and redlining, Juan has specifically worked to bring festivals and entertainment to predominantly Black communities in Chicago.
With premiere clients such as Kanye West, Donovan McNabb, Def Jam, Dwyane Wade, Columbia Records, Atlantic Records, Jack Daniels, Heineken, and President Bill Clinton, Juan and Only has diverse experience serving corporations, nonprofit organizations, and high-profile sports, entertainment, and political figures at events throughout the U.S.
Juan is a member of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), and during the pandemic, she became a fierce advocate for financial assistance and mitigations for small venues and entertainment-related gig workers. In addition, as a creative and innovative civic leader, Juan serves on the City of Chicago’s subcommittee for tourism and culture and as co-chair for Year of Chicago Music. She is also a mentor for students in the Grammy U® program at NYU and Columbia College.
Committed to investing in Chicago’s Black and Brown communities and providing job training and opportunities for local youth, Juan recently purchased property in the West Side’s Austin neighborhood, where she will be opening a venue called The Bruce, named after her late father. Batter & Berries will serve breakfast and lunch in the shared facility during the day—and at night, The Bruce will host events and entertainment programming.
Ever passionate about helping people, Juan launched yet another business in 2020—Washington West—through which she partners and consults with small Black and Brown businesses, connecting them with financial investors and other capital resources.
After growing up on Chicago’s West Side, Juan now resides in Washington Park on the South Side, where she is proud to live in the former home of Jesse Binga, Chicago’s first Black millionaire. With her wealth of real-world experience and her host of influential contacts all across the country, Juan Teague is an inexhaustible force of positive energy and contagious enthusiasm for helping others and making a difference in the world.
Dr. Ian Smith
Physician, TV Personality
Dr. Ian Smith is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling books, SHRED: THE REVOLUTIONARY DIET, SUPER SHRED: The Big Results Diet, BLAST THE SUGAR OUT, The Clean 20, THE ANCIENT NINE, CLEAN & LEAN and eleven other books with millions of copies in print. His newest book—THE UNSPOKEN, the first installment of his Ashe Cayne mystery series, will be released on October 1st, 2020.
He is currently the solo host of the nationally-syndicated, Emmy award-winning television show , THE DOCTORS, and a longtime medical contributor to Emmy award-winning The Rachael Ray Show.
He also served as the medical/diet expert for six seasons on VH1’s highly-rated Celebrity Fit Club. He is the creator and founder of the national health initiatives The 50 Million Pound Challenge and The Makeover Mile. Dr. Smith is the former medical correspondent for NBC News Network and NewsChannel 4 in New York, where he filed reports for NBC Nightly News and The Today Show as well as WNBC's various news broadcasts. He has appeared extensively on numerous broadcasts, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, Dr. Oz, Steve Harvey Show, The Talk, Larry King Live, Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, MSNBC, and many more. He has written for various publications including Time, Newsweek, Men’s Fitness, and the New York Daily News. He has been featured in several other publications including, People, Redbook, Details Magazine, Essence, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, and Black Enterprise.
A highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Smith's work has been honored by several organizations, including the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for his coverage on the momentous events of September 11th, 2001. He is also very active in charitable causes. Dr. Smith has also served on the boards of the American Council on Exercise, the New York Mission Society, the Prevent Cancer Foundation, The New York Council for the Humanities, and The Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity.
Dr. Smith graduated from Harvard College with an AB and received a master’s in science education from Teachers College of Columbia University. He attended Dartmouth Medical School and completed the last two years of his medical education and graduated from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
Love McPherson
Relationship Expert
In a world where failing marriages and toxic relationships have become the societal norm, Relationship Expert, Love McPherson is the voice of hope that says, “I was born for this.” She is a passionate author, captivating speaker, and engaging media personality on a mission to impact generations and heal relationships by teaching individuals how to love better. In 2010, she founded her relationship coaching company, Love Infinity, Inc., which has allowed her the opportunity to make a global impact speaking to national and international audiences such as T.D. Jakes Ministries, Northwestern University, DePaul University, the Black Women’s Expo, as well as various small businesses and non-profit organizations. Love brings over two decades of experience as a mental health professional to her vast audiences. Love is a recurring guest on the #1 news broadcast in Chicago, WGN TV, as well as Bravo TV’s Real Housewives of Atlanta, Windy City Live on ABC Network, WCIU’s The Jam, and the Willie Moore Jr. Show ATL. Graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Love puts her degree in Communication to use weekly on the two-time Stellar Award winning iHeartRadio station, Inspiration 1390AM, with host Sonya Blakey for her “Relationship Talk Thursday” segment during the morning drive. She has also been featured on other media outlets such as - FOX SOUL, NBC network, People Magazine, Woman Evolve Podcast, WVON 1690AM, and V103 FM. Love says her greatest success by far is being the wife to Anthony McPherson, her husband of 37 years and Vice President of Love Infinity, Inc. Together they have two beautiful daughters, Tiffany McPherson, her Executive Assistant and Brand Manager, and Christa McPherson. When Love isn’t on the speaking circuit or conducting private coaching sessions, you can find her dating her husband or enjoying family time.
Rashad Bilal/Troy Millings
Founders, Earn Your Leisure Podcast
The Earn Your Leisure Podcast gives behind the scenes financial views into the entertainment and sports industries,highlights back stories of entrepreneurs,breaks down business models and examines the latest trends in finance. Earn Your Leisure is a college business class mixed with pop culture. We blend the two together for a unique and exciting look in to the world of business.
Rachel Rodgers
CEO, Hello Seven
Rachel Rodgers is the founder of Hello Seven, a multi-million dollar company that teaches women how to earn more money and build wealth.
Rodgers has been featured in Time, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, the Washington Post, on NBC News, and Cosmopolitan.
Rodgers’ mission is to teach women—especially women of color—how to end the cycle of overworking, under-earning, and financial stress, once and for all.
Through her podcast and blog, Rodgers’ reaches over 50,000 women every week—sharing guidance on how to take charge of your financial situation, increase your income, work smarter, and make decisions like a millionaire (even if you aren’t one, yet).
As a business coach, attorney, CEO, Black woman, working mother, and self-made millionaire, Rodgers brings a powerful combination of professional and personal insight. She’s known for her blunt, sensible advice and for calling out the elephant in the room—whether it’s racism, misogyny, or centuries of unfair legal practices that have stripped financial power away from women. Rodgers teaches her clients how to succeed financially in spite of the very real obstacles along the path.
Rachel started her career working on The Hill with nonprofits, federal judges, and iconic leaders including Hillary Clinton. When she realized that changing the world is a lot easier when you have some cash in your bank account, she decided to become wealthy and teach other women how to do the same.
Rachel is the host of The Hello Seven Podcast and founder of We Should All Be Millionaires: The Club, an online network for professional women. Her forthcoming book, We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power from HarperCollins Leadership will be released in Spring 2021. She resides in North Carolina with her husband and four kids on a 53-acre ranch, leading a life that is beyond her ancestors’ wildest dreams.
Law Roach
Celebrity Stylist
Celebrity stylist Law Roach is frequently credited with Celine Dion ’s triumphant fashion transformation and has worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Ariana Grande, Zendaya, Monica Brown, Brandy and Jessie J.
Roach started his career at his now-defunct Deliciously Vintage boutique in Chicago’s Pilsen neighbourhood. His styling debut happened by chance when Kanye West walked into the store in 2009 and brought the attention of paparazzi and industry insiders from around the world.
An outsider to the fashion system and a self-proclaimed “image architect,” Roach moved to Los Angeles and was introduced to Zendaya, who became his first major client. Roach is now the co-creative director of her clothing and shoe line Daya by Zendaya.
In 2016, Roach was announced as one of the judges for cycle 23 of America’s Next Top Model, alongside Ashley Graham , Rita Ora and Drew Elliott . The following year, he then partnered with Celine Dion to style her for Couture Week in Paris and became the first African American stylist to cover the annual The Hollywood Reporter’s Stylist & Stars issue. Dion and Zendaya joined Roach for the cover.
Despite creating multiple looks over the years for the Met Gala, Roach attended the event in 2019 for the first time with Zendaya, accompanying the actress fairy godfather-style as he brandished a wand that lit up her Cinderella-themed Tommy Hilfiger dress on the red carpet.
Melvin Rodriquez
COO Mielle Organics
Since inception, Mielle Organics’ products have taken the hair care market by storm. After mere months, Mielle Organics was widely recognized for its results-driven products and excellent customer service.
Mielle Organics launched in 2014 with the creation of the first Mielle Organics product, the Advanced Hair Formula, a unique proprietary blend of herbs, amino acids and minerals to support healthy hair, skin and nails, and immune system. After popular demand, Mielle Organics began producing products customers demanded with the introduction of the the Mint Almond Oil, acclaimed for its scalp sensation and root stimulation that aid in hair growth and provide illustrious shine.
Mielle Organics is armed with an array of products including best sellers: Babassu Oil and Mint Deep Conditioning Protein/Moisture Replenisher, Detangling Co-Wash, Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk, Adult Healthy Hair Formula and the White Peony Leave In Conditioner, just to name a few. With a heavy emphasis on incorporating organic ingredients being its “root to results,” Mielle Organics continues to create a line of natural beauty products for all hair types.
TODAY, MIELLE ORGANICS IS A GLOBAL AND VIRAL SENSATION, WITH ORDERS IN OVER 87 COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD.
Monique Rodriquez
Executive Chef, Frontier Restaurant
Since inception, Mielle Organics’ products have taken the hair care market by storm. After mere months, Mielle Organics was widely recognized for its results-driven products and excellent customer service.
Mielle Organics launched in 2014 with the creation of the first Mielle Organics product, the Advanced Hair Formula, a unique proprietary blend of herbs, amino acids and minerals to support healthy hair, skin and nails, and immune system. After popular demand, Mielle Organics began producing products customers demanded with the introduction of the the Mint Almond Oil, acclaimed for its scalp sensation and root stimulation that aid in hair growth and provide illustrious shine.
Mielle Organics is armed with an array of products including best sellers: Babassu Oil and Mint Deep Conditioning Protein/Moisture Replenisher, Detangling Co-Wash, Moisturizing Avocado Hair Milk, Adult Healthy Hair Formula and the White Peony Leave In Conditioner, just to name a few. With a heavy emphasis on incorporating organic ingredients being its “root to results,” Mielle Organics continues to create a line of natural beauty products for all hair types.
TODAY, MIELLE ORGANICS IS A GLOBAL AND VIRAL SENSATION, WITH ORDERS IN OVER 87 COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD.
ILLEST & Perry Donta’e
Deejays
ILLEST & PERRY DONTA'E ARE A DJ, DRUMMER AND MUSIC PRODUCTION TEAM THAT PERFORM HIGH ENERGY SHOWS. THEIR PERFORMANCES INTEGRATE A FULL DRUM SET, ELECTRONIC DRUMS, INDIAN DRUMS, MPC SYSTEMS, BEATBOXING AND EMCEE TO CREATE HYPE MUSIC FOR AUDIENCES TO MOVE TO.
SCHEDULE
Timeline
12pm – 12:30pm
Fireside Chat w/Comedian Chris Redd (SNL)
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Culture, Food and Entertainment
Featuring: Bridgette Shaw, Chef Brian Jupiter and Juan Teague
1:30pm – 1:45pm
Networking Break
1:45pm – 2:45pm
Health & Wellness
Featuring: Dr. Ian Smith and Love McPherson
2:45pm – 3pm
Networking Break
3pm – 4pm
Financial Wealth
Featuring: Rachel Rodgers, Rashad Bilal and Troy Milling
4pm – 4:15pm
Networking Break
4:15pm – 5:15pm
Fashion & Beauty
Featuring: Monique and Melvin Rodriquez and Law Roach
5:15pm – 6:15pm
Happy Hour/Networking hosted by Tito’s Handmade Vodka (featuring a performance by iLLEST and Perry Donta’e)
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