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Innovation Conference to Feature Local Entrepreneurs, Leaders

March 5, 2024

The Office of Technology, Innovation and Industry Relations invites everyone from the campus community and the general public to attend the first Inclusivity in Innovation Entrepreneurship Conference, scheduled for March 15 in the UC Merced Conference Center.

After breakfast — featuring opening remarks by Vice Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development Gillian Wilson and a keynote address by Annissa Fragoso, president of the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce — there will be five breakout sessions:

  • “Confronting and Overcoming Impostor Syndrome”
  • “Connections That Count: The Unfair Advantage in Networking”
  • “Capital Catalysts: Empowering Diversity in Entrepreneurship”
  • “Unlocking Government Resources: A Comprehensive Guide to Ensuring Accessibility for All”
  • “Pioneering a New Way to Lead: Leadership Beyond Boundaries”

Presenters include UC Merced alum Uday Bali, founder of the Bali Learning Center; Chris Horton, president of the National Black Entrepreneurs Project; Jessica Salinas, chief investment officer at New Media Ventures; Tara Lynn Gray, director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate; and others.

The conference starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m., and breakfast and lunch are included. RSVP on the office’s website or on Start-up Tree.