Awareness: Action-Oriented Economic Re-Education that Prioritizes the Black Experience
2024 Consultrepreneurship Program
On Monday, June 10th, we welcomed our eighth cohort of Consultrepreneurs to DIFFvelopment. Hailing from Liberia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and America, these diverse students embarked on a transformative journey into the historical and socioeconomic dimensions of the global Black experience.
During the guest entrepreneur speaker session with DIFFvelopment Legal Advisor, Arinze Onugha, Esq, Consultrepreneurs learned about the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship as well as the importance of business partnerships and contracts. For the eighth year in a row, Arinze provided priceless firsthand insights into the real-life challenges entrepreneurs face, providing our Consultrepreneurs with priceless perspective on what it really takes to be an entrepreneur. In setting the stage to describe what it was like as a restaurant owner to finally effectively train a dream team, just for his restaurant’s head chef to not show up on one of the busiest days of the week, Arinze shared that “One of the wild things about being an entrepreneur is that your money [. . .] happiness and enjoyment [constantly] go [up and down . . .] You [finally] have a rhythm and it could fall apart at any moment [. . .] I hated that aspect of the business. I could never predict what was going to happen.” Such insights prepare young people for the real challenges they will face as business owners, taking them beyond the superficial “be your own boss” narrative so many of them are used to hearing.
Amid their immersive theoretical learning experience, our Consultrepreneurs have also engaged deeply in a consulting practicum where they have had the invaluable opportunity to address critical business development challenges for Daba, an emerging technology company. Consultrepreneurs have been researching Daba’s challenges and applying their newfound insights to develop innovative solutions and provide vetted strategies for future growth.
This cohort has not only embraced the complexities of global business but has also exemplified the spirit of collaboration and visionary leadership that defines our program. Their contributions to Daba and our community at large have underscored the impact of cultural diversity and inclusive thinking in driving meaningful change.
As we reflect on this quarter, the integration of historical consciousness with entrepreneurial spirit continues to be a cornerstone of our mission at DIFFvelopment, empowering Consultrepreneurs to envision and create a more equitable future for all.
Advancement: Activated & Hungry to Effect Change
Seeds of Change: The Transformative Journey of Our Alumni at the 2024 Good Soil Forum
At the 2024 Good Soil Forum, seven of our Consultrepreneurship alumni experienced a weekend of profound growth and learning, setting the stage for our upcoming Impact Report Vol. 2. The Good Soil Forum brought together global leaders like T.D. Jakes, Pinky Cole Hayes, Tabitha Brown, Charles D. King, and Wallstreet Trapper, who shared transformative insights and innovative strategies for business growth and financial independence. This valuable alumni engagement was made possible by funding from the Harman Family Foundation.
Historically Centered Re-education
A highlight of the forum was its inherent focus on historically centered re-education. Business leaders like Dr. Gina Paige, co-founder of African Ancestry, highlighted the immeasurable power in knowing one’s identity, “[African Ancestry works to] transform the way Black people see themselves and the way they see Africa.” She and COO of TD Jakes Enterprises, Michael Phillips, challenged the audience to think about “How powerful it would be for our people to know who they are AND be creators,” concluding that it would lead to more much-needed diasporic business on the continent. These unique, educational conversations challenged and expanded our alumni’s perspectives on global Black entrepreneurship and financial literacy. This approach not only deepens their understanding but also equips them to drive meaningful change in their communities and industries.
Looking Ahead
We have been elated to see how the Good Soil Forum has catalyzed our alumni to think bigger and act bolder, embodying the spirit of visionary leadership that the Consultrepreneurship champions. As such, our Impact Report Vol. 2 will focus on the impact they experienced, more specifically highlighting the lessons they learned and new ways in which they have been inspired to continue developing their world differently. Stay tuned for more detailed stories of individual and collective progress in our next volume as we continue to empower our network of changemakers to transform the world.
Images Source: Adewale Oluwatosin Thompson
Transformation: Developing Their World DIFFerently
Empowering Change: Introducing Our Upcoming Online Resource Center for Black Economic Empowerment
We are excited to share that our Online Resource Center’s beta version is advancing rapidly and is set to go live by October, thanks to the generous support of Experian. This innovative platform is designed to address the root causes of global Black economic disparities and provide actionable strategies for building personal, generational, and communal wealth that fosters sustainable change.
Key Features of the Online Resource Center
Life-Changing Masterclass: Our core offering includes a mandatory masterclass that delves into the current state of global Black economic powerlessness. This masterclass will examine pivotal historical moments that have shaped economic disparities and will inspire participants to view themselves as active agents of change. It’s designed to transform understanding and empower individuals with the knowledge and mindset necessary to drive impactful change.
Targeted Workshops: In addition to the masterclass, we offer targeted workshops that focus on solving common wealth-building challenges faced by Black individuals and communities. These workshops are tailored to address the unique historical experiences that influence economic outcomes and will provide practical, actionable solutions for overcoming these challenges.
Our goal is to create a robust platform that educates and equips Black communities with the tools and insights needed to thrive. As we approach the launch, we invite you to be part of this transformative journey. If you’re interested in supporting the growth of our Online Resource Center and contributing to its success, please reach out to us at https://diffvelopment.org/contact-us/. Join us in making a lasting impact and fostering a future where economic empowerment and sustainable change are within reach for all.
Here is a glimpse inside.
Learn More About DIFFvelopment
- To get a full 360 view of our impact, check out our 2023 Annual Report!
- Check out our new organizational deck that links to overviews of all three of our programs.
Organizational Updates
- DIFFvelopment’s book, Understanding How to Build Black Generational Wealth was featured in the Smith College Alumnae Quarterly.
Fundraising Progress
- DIFFvelopment received $100,000 from Lennox Foundation and $10,000 from Harmon Family Foundation in unrestricted funds, making it possible for us to continue securing our team and making transformative impact. Thank you Lennox Foundation and Harmon Family Foundation for playing a key role in keeping our doors open!
How You Can Support Our Efforts
- If our work resonates with you, we invite you to invest in our growth so we can empower more aspiring Black visionaries to develop their world differently through personal, generational and communal wealth building.
- Fill out our Professional Mentorship & Fundraising Collective Enrollment Form and let us know how you’d like to get involved with DIFFvelopment.