Reaching New Heights

March 25, 2021

09:00am - 06:00pm

Zoom

Simple X is bringing together Black professionals and allies from Portland and the Pacific Northwest for a virtual Summit. As Simple X plans to highlight Black leaders and entrepreneurs, the Simple X Summit acts as an accelerator for individuals to gain fellowship in the Portland area.

First African American Footwear Designer

Mr. Wilson Smith, is a Portland Legend, he is the first African American Footwear Designer. Join us in celebrating Wilson Smith and his life. Smith will share his story about growing up in Portland and how his interest in architecture and design led him to a successful career at Nike. Smith has worked on projects that run the gamut of the design profession. He’s developed products for athletes including Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Derek Jeter and more.

Event Recap

SCHEDULE

March 25, 2021 9 : 00 AM - 10 : 30 AM Zoom

Wealth Creation: Promoting economic growth and prosperity

Simple X Summit opens with an intimate conversation on economic wealth and development. From the perspective of community development, access to capital and racial injustice, our guests will share their stories and unpack a methodology that encourages opportunities for a promising future.

Marcus Carter Director of Social Equity at Cinder

D’Artagnan Bernard Caliman Director at Meyer Memorial Trust

Stephen Green COO of A Kids Book About

Kristen Ingram Founder of PLUS ONE society

March 25, 2021 11 : 30 AM - 12 : 30 PM Zoom

Disruptive Leadership: What’s not written on the brochure

This session will highlight black women leaders as they disrupt their respective industries. Come learn firsthand how they’ve built their careers, refined their leadership styles, and the steps they are taking to build a stronger workplace.

Blaire G. Hervey Co-Founder of Visionary Squad

Karen D. Foster, MSIMC Co-Founder of Visionary Squad

Tiffany Golden Producer at Wieden + Kennedy

Jennifer Hunter, J.D. Sr. Director DEI at Portland Trail Blazers

April Allen, J.D., M.P.A. Sr. Director DEI at PeaceHealth

September 25, 2019 1 : 00 PM - 2 : 30 PM Zoom

Community Conversation: The experience of Black professionals from different walks of life

Grab a bite to eat and listen to three community leaders share their story while talking about their true to life experience living and working in Oregon. By attending this event, you will have the opportunity to engage with the community in an intimate format.

David “OG ONE” Jackson Official NBA Portland Trail Blazers DJ

Donna Maxey Founder at Race Talks

Akasha Lawrence-Spence Founder of Fifth Element

Ian Williams Founder of Deadstock Coffee

March 25, 2021 3 : 30 PM - 4 : 30 PM Zoom

Simple X Mixer: Design your Path to Success

Wilson Smith III is a Portland Legend - The first African American footwear designer in the footwear industry. Smith worked on projects that run the gamut of the design profession. He’s developed products for athletes including Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Derek Jeter and more

Wilson Smith III DNA Design Specialist at NIKE

March 25, 2021 5 : 00 PM - 6 : 00 PM Zoom

Virtual Networking & Career Fair (Recruiting)

The Simple X Summit concludes with a great opportunity to network with black professionals and a virtual job fair to connect job seekers and employers by providing a virtual platform where attendees can connect with recruiters and companies that are looking for talents.