The Power of Entrepreneurship to Fortify Democracy
About The Event:
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Abraham Lincoln
Fundamental to entrepreneurship is the idea that any person–anywhere–can dream up an idea that disrupts existing frameworks or proposes a better solution, and have the agency to turn that vision into reality. This belief can hold true not only for ideas that may become businesses and create economic growth, but also for ideas that impact social and political change.
Rather than crossing our arms and throwing in the towel, the spirit of entrepreneurship calls us to roll up our sleeves and find solutions, an attribute critical to democracy.
We invite you to join our fantastic panelists, Donna Harris, Victor Hwang, and Hilary Crow, to discover how the spirit of entrepreneurship can pave the way for change in all facets of our life. In this discussion, we’ll explore case studies where entrepreneurial ventures have challenged the status quo, inspired civic engagement, and created opportunities for marginalized communities. Learn how entrepreneurship drives innovation, encourages social mobility, and builds resilient economies. From grassroots initiatives to disruptive startups, discover the ways in which entrepreneurial endeavors contribute to the foundations of democracy.
To create the future that we want, we need more people embracing and exploring the spirit of entrepreneurship.
Schedule:
Thursday, February 22, 2024
1PM-2PM ET
1:00PM (ET) Welcome + Introductions
1:05PM (ET) Presentation by B+B CEO Donna Harris
1:15PM (ET) Panel Discussion
1:50PM (ET) Q+A
2:00PM (ET) Panel Ends
Speakers:
Donna Harris
Moderator
CEO of Builders + Backers
Donna Harris is the founder and CEO of Builders + Backers, a venture capital firm and philanthropic initiative igniting entrepreneurial action and experimentation in communities around the world. She is also General Partner of 1776 Ventures, a Washington, DC based venture capital fund born out of the 1776 network of entrepreneurial incubators she co-founded in 2013. With investments spanning five continents, the fund invests in young enterprises tackling critical world challenges and building innovations that matter. Harris is also a Venture Partner at Praxis Labs in New York, where she advises the faith community on the power of redemptive entrepreneurship and investing to generate thriving.
Harris is a serial entrepreneur and was previously the Managing Director of the nonpartisan Startup America Partnership during the Obama administration. She is on the Board of Directors of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, which operates a platform of projects and programs in over 170 countries aimed at making it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business. Harris is also a member of the International Advisory Council of APCO Worldwide and the Policy Council of the Economic Innovation Group, which produced the Distressed Communities Index, spearheaded the Investing in Opportunity Act to create Opportunity Zones, and leads a variety of research and policy initiatives to empower entrepreneurs and investors to forge a more dynamic economy.
She is also an active angel investor and cofounder of K Street Capital. She was recognized as one of the top 25 female early-stage investors in the United States in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Recognized as one of Washington, DC’s Power 100 by Washington Business Journal and Washington Life, and as a Tech Titan by Washingtonian Magazine, she has become one of the most influential leaders on the intersection of entrepreneurship and economic thriving. She is a frequent speaker and contributor to publications such as Fortune, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and others.
Harris holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and MBA with distinction from The University of Michigan Ross School of Business. She also holds an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from American University.
Victor Hwang
Panelist
Founder + CEO of Right To Start
Victor W. Hwang is an economic growth expert. His ideas have shaped the economic lives of millions of people worldwide. His work has helped over 300 communities, cities, states, companies, and entire countries create greater prosperity.
Victor’s path was inspired by his parents, as educators who had to start a business to afford sending him to Harvard. But after the first day of Economics at Harvard, Victor left the class and never returned. He realized that Economics – the way it was taught at elite institutions – was flawed. It didn’t account for his parents, and all the ordinary people like them trying to make their way. Victor’s life’s journey followed from that day. He searched for answers to the questions, “How can we create prosperity by taking into account everyday people? How do we make a world that doesn’t stand in their way?”
Victor became an entrepreneur and started several companies, organizations, and initiatives fighting to remove barriers holding people back. Previously, he was Vice President of Entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation, the world’s leading philanthropy supporting entrepreneurs with an endowment of $2 billion.
Victor pioneered the concept of “rainforest” ecosystems in a business context by showing how communities can replicate the historical innovation dynamics of Silicon Valley. His book, The Rainforest, was awarded Book of the Year, Gold Medal, by ForeWord Reviews for “a big idea that defines a way of thinking.”
National Public Radio named Victor's graduation address to Austin Community College one of “the best commencement speeches ever.”
Hilary Crow
Panelist
Vice-President, Civics of U.S Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Hilary Crow is vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. As the nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for communities across America and the world.
Hilary’s responsibilities include running The Civic Trust – an initiative focused on civic literacy, civics at work, and elevating civics as a national priority. The Civic Trust aims to energize and modernize America’s civic life by changing the conversation and perception of civics in classrooms, board rooms, on social media, and through other platforms.
As part of this work, Hilary leads the National Civics Bee – an annual competition aimed at increasing civics literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities through partnership with state and local chambers of commerce. Launched in 2022, the National Civics Bee started in 5 communities and has grown to more than 100 communities across 28 states. The Bee will expand to all 50 states by 2026.
Previously, Hilary was vice president of programs at the Foundation, overseeing the organization’s efforts to educate the public through events and programs on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive and emerging issues that shape the future.
Hilary also serves on the cabinet of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Women Taking the Lead initiative. This program convenes and connects women leaders across business and government, providing a platform to showcase top talent, help women leaders create and strengthen a network of allies to champion their work, and provide opportunities for professional growth and development.
Hilary earned dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and philosophy from The American University in Washington, DC. She resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and three children.