ANN ARBOR – The public is invited to a panel discussion, “Entrepreneurs: Why They Start & What Keeps Them Going,” to be hosted at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) on Thursday, April 4.
Rep. Debbie Dingell, from Michigan’s 6th Congressional District, will deliver opening remarks to kick off the event. The panel discussion will feature prominent entrepreneurs from diverse industries who will share their journeys, motivations for starting their businesses and the strategies that have kept them resilient amidst challenges. The event aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, business students and community members interested in the entrepreneurial path.
The discussion, hosted by WCC’s Entrepreneurship Center, will be 3-5 p.m. at the auditorium in the Morris Lawrence Building on campus, 4800 E. Huron River Drive. A networking event will follow from 5-6 p.m.
Admission is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is recommended.
The primary discussion will be moderated by Amy Cell, owner of Amy Cell Talent, LLC. Panel guests include Sassa Akervall, Chief Executive Officer; Akervall Technologies Inc.; Lisa Bee, Founder of Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea; Breanne Stuart, Owner of Homewatch CareGivers; Andrea Thompson, Founder and CEO of Ladies Entrepreneur Empowerment Circle.
Additionally, an Entrepreneur Support Panel, moderated by Chernissa Williams, Economic Opportunity Manager at Washtenaw County, will provide valuable insights and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. Panelists include Michelle Julet, Director of the Entrepreneurship Center at WCC; Kirstine Nash-Wong, Director of Entrepreneurial Services at Spark East; Jeni Olney, Director for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship at OptiMize, University of Michigan; Ylondia Portis, Co-founder of the Association of Businesses of Color (ABC).
For more information, please email entrepreneurship@wccnet.edu.
IF YOU GO
What: “Entrepreneurs: Why They Start & What Keeps Them Going” panel discussion
Where: Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor
When: Panel discussion is 3-5 p.m. Thursday, April 4, followed by a networking event 5-6 p.m.
Who: Free and open to the public
Register: Advanced registration recommended.
Contact: Email entrepreneurship@wccnet.edu.
About Washtenaw Community College
Washtenaw Community College (WCC), Ann Arbor, Michigan, educates students through a wide range of associate and certificate programs in areas such as liberal arts, health care, business, STEM, advanced transportation and mobility. WCC offers accelerated and online programs to meet student needs. The college also works through community, business and union partnerships to develop highly specialized training programs to meet the region’s workforce talent needs.
For more information about Washtenaw Community College, visit www.wccnet.edu.
