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Built from Scratch

Black Business Month Panel Discussion

Join local business owners who have built their businesses from the ground up and are actively involved in supporting entrepreneurs in our community.

Hear from our talented panel of guests about their varied experiences personal entrepreneurship journeys, as well as challenges specific to growing in the greater New Haven area. Bring your questions for a Q&A at the end!

Panel Guests:
Alisha Crutchfield, BLOOM, Alisha Crutchfield is a prominent Fashion/Celebrity Stylist, Tech and Lifestyle Entrepreneur, as well as a mom. Her keen fashion sense, work ethic, and risk-taking have led to a successful career in high fashion, editorial, runway, theater, tv, and film as well as coveted roles as Fashion Director for Miss Universe Organization and CEO of MODABOX. Alisha is constantly evolving and growing her professional portfolio. Through her StyleWise Life (SWL) program, many have learned to create more of what they want in their lives– more wellness in their bodies, minds, and spirits. With her venture BLOOM, she is combining these same principles with an emphasis on mental health and local talent by providing a community space for professional and personal growth.

Kobéy Smith, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, has an MBA from Albertus Magnus College with a concentration in Management. He recently started as the Business Support Specialist at the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. Previously he was the Coordinator for the Albertus Magnus College Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, where helped students who have an interest in starting a business but don't know where to start and help students grow their businesses if they already have one. In addition to entrepreneurship, one of Kobéy's other passions is meditation and mindfulness. He has a goal to become a certified meditation instructor and create a business that teaches people, especially those from unrepresented communities, about meditation, mindfulness, and self-care.

Kim Weston, Wábi Gallery, is a photographer, artist, and teacher who has dedicated her life to sharing fine art and photography with people of all ages and abilities regardless of their circumstances or resources. She has a BFA in Fine Art from Cooper Union and MFA in Photography from Bard College/International Center of Photography. In addition to the gallery, Kim also runs the FOCUS Fellowship, a photography mentorship program for teens that is close to Weston’s heart. Not only does Kim teach her craft with an enthusiasm that is infectious and inspiring, she also enlightens creatives on how to be successful and create a fruitful living doing so. She is deeply dedicated to serving her community by developing artists from within the community and preparing them for the next step in their artistic journey.

Roz Zavras, Aropa Consulting, is a non-profit operations expert with over 15 years of experience. She has solved challenges ranging from revamping cash-based accounting systems in East Africa to creating grant and donor tracking for a city-based community foundation. Roz created her own practice, Aropa Consulting, for small and growing nonprofits to bring a human and equity centered approach to nonprofit consulting. She has a MA in Law and Diplomacy and a BA in Economics and Mathematics. She spearheaded the creation of the first Racial Equity Committee among the Community Boards of NYC. Roz is also a zero-waste advocate and diversity consultant.

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