We brought together business leaders, Howard University faculty and stakeholders to advance a shared vision for inclusive economic growth throughout our region for “HBCUs as Catalysts for Regional Inclusive Economic Growth”. The event featured a fireside chat with Greater Washington Partnership CEO, KathyHollinger, and Dr Ben Vinson, President of Howard University, discussing Howard’s strategic vision and its crucial role in regional economic development. This conversation builds on a pivotal moment from two years ago when leading employers, joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman, convened at Howard to announce a transformative $4.7 billion pledge aimed at accelerating economic growth and fostering inclusive prosperity from Baltimore to Richmond.
Commitments like these reinforce the necessity of private-sector involvement, and following the fireside chat, we heard remarks by Tony Pierce, DC Partner in Charge at Akin and Robby Moser, CEO of Clark Construction Group who shared insights from the employer community and how intentional partnerships with institutions like Howard play a vital role in creating lasting change through inclusive economic development. The outcomes of these partnerships can result in real-life success stories, and we were delighted to be joined by Cheo Hurley, CEO of THG Companies LLC, who shared his professional journey as a Howard alum and graduate of Clark Construction’s Strategic Partnership Program.
Thank you to DC Councilmembers Christina Henderson, Kenyan McDuffie, Matthew Frumin, Brianne K. Nadeau and Zachary Parker for attending this event and reaffirming their commitment to supporting Howard and, by extension, the wellbeing of the region through growth and collaboration.
Read more about this meaningful discussion on how HBCUs are driving progress and shaping the future of our region: https://bit.ly/4e1LMbC