President's Circle Networking Reception
President's Circle Networking Reception
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM) (EDT)
Description
The President's Circle Executive Mixer
Powering Business Growth Through AI: Leadership, Innovation & Strategic Connections
Hosted by the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce Tech & AI Committee
Connect with visionary founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, technology leaders, and innovators who are leveraging artificial intelligence to transform industries, scale businesses, and shape the future of our region.
Join the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce Tech & AI Committee for a special evening of connection, conversation, and collaboration focused on the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.
This is more than a networking event. It is an opportunity to engage with forward-thinking business leaders who are exploring how AI can drive productivity, innovation, workforce development, customer engagement, and sustainable business growth.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the global economy, business leaders must understand not only the technology itself but also the opportunities it creates for entrepreneurship, investment, talent development, and competitive advantage. This event is designed to foster meaningful relationships, encourage the exchange of ideas, and create strategic connections that lead to real business opportunities.
Guests will enjoy engaging discussions, networking, and insights from business and technology leaders while connecting with a community committed to innovation, growth, and economic impact.
Program Agenda
OPENING - 4:00 to 4:15 PM - Welcome & Legislative Update Corey Griffin, Board Chair, GWBCC
• Welcome remarks from GWBCC Board Chair
• President's Circle overview and upcoming class preview
• Legislative update: policy initiatives and mayoral update
• Council election preview and advocacy priorities
NETWORKING RECEPTION- 4:15 to 5:15 PM - Networking Reception
• Open networking with founders, CEOs, and business leaders
• Heavy hors d'oeuvres and rooftop views
• Ra- Jah from The Washington Informer on-site (Best of the DMV voting)
• Non-member guests welcome
TECH COMMITTEE PROGRAM- 5:15 to 5:20 PM - Tech Committee Opening Remarks Howard R. Jean, Co-Chair, GWBCC Technology Committee (Black Meta Agency)
• Welcome to the tech portion of the evening
• Overview of how AI and technology are shaping DC businesses
• Context on the agentic AI landscape and what it means for small business
Introduction of Demo Segment Michael J. Charles, Co-Chair, GWBCC Technology Committee (Solutions Meet)
• Introduction of Melissa Daley and context for the live demonstration
5:20 to 5:35 PM- Live Demo: Agentic AI and Automation for Small Business Melissa Daley, CEO, Orca Intelligence / Tech Committee Council Member
• Live demonstration: solving a real business problem using agentic AI tools
• Practical use cases for automation in daily business operations
• Audience Q&A
5:35 to 6:00 PM- Fireside Chat: AI, Tech Equity, and Business Impact in DC Moderator: Howard R. Jean
• Panelists: Michael J. Charles (Solutions Meet), Kristina Noel (Anacostia BID), Mike Utaegbulam (Black Digital Group)
• How are DC businesses being shaped by AI and automation?
• Addressing the tech divide and tech equity for small businesses
• GWBCC initiatives: BASE Accelerator and Let's Talk Black Tech Conference
• What the chamber is doing to close the gap for Ward 7, 8, and underserved business corridors
6:00 to 6:05 PM - Tech Committee Closing Remarks Howard R. Jean and Michael J. Charles
• Invitation to join the Technology Committee
• Upcoming events and announcements
• Handoff to program close
PROGRAM CLOSE- 6:05 to 6:20 PM
Closing Remarks and Program Close Michael J. Charles and GWBCC Board
• Closing remarks from board leadership
• Final announcements and next steps for President's Circle applicants
• Continued networking to close of evening
About the GWBCC Tech & AI Committee
The Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce Tech & AI Committee serves as a platform for education, innovation, and strategic collaboration. The committee is dedicated to ensuring that Black-owned businesses and underserved entrepreneurs are positioned to participate and thrive in the rapidly growing technology and AI economy.
Through thought leadership, networking opportunities, educational programming, and partnerships, the committee helps businesses navigate emerging technologies while building pathways to growth, innovation, and economic opportunity.
The future of business is being shaped by technology. Join us as we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming industries, creating opportunity, and driving the next generation of business growth.
Your next breakthrough partnership, innovation, or opportunity may be one conversation away.
About the President’s Circle
The President’s Circle is an executive-level program of the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce created for business owners and leaders who are committed to scaling their companies, strengthening their organizations, and creating lasting impact. Through peer learning, strategic conversations, and access to a powerful network of leaders and partners, President’s Circle members support one another in building companies that grow, scale, and endure.
The Executive Mixer provides an opportunity to experience the President’s Circle community firsthand, meet current members and partners, and learn how you can become part of the next President’s Circle cohort.
3000 K St. NW
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