MAIN STAGE

• 9:30 - 9:45
  Welcome

  Welcome to the Culinary Creatives Conference, presented by EatOkra founders. Join us for a day of inspiring discussions, culinary demonstrations, and networking. Thank you for celebrating culinary excellence with us!

  

  Anthony Edwards Jr

  Co-Founder & CEO EatOkra

  

  Janique Edwards

  Co-Founder EatOkra
• 9:45 - 10:30
  Financial Management For Food Entrepreneurs

  Discover essential strategies for transitioning from initial support by friends and family to establishing a financially independent and sustainable business model. This panel will focus on critical financial management practices needed as your food business expands. Gain insights into securing external funding, optimizing cash flow, and planning for scalability. Industry experts will share their experiences and tips on how to navigate financial challenges, implement effective accounting systems, and use financial tools to ensure steady growth beyond the startup phase. This session is crucial for any food entrepreneur aiming to elevate their financial strategy and sustain their business’s expansion

  

  Melba Wilson

  Owner Melba's

  

  Jason Wallace

  Restaurant Consultant "The Restaurant Scientist" Hospitality Concepts

  

  Kenneth Ware

  Chef/Owner, President Backyard Barbeque, Black Restaurant Coalition

  

  Renee King

  Founder Fund Black Founders
• 10:45 - 11:30
  The Full Package: Scaling With Integrity

  In the fast-paced food and beverage world, scaling a business without compromising quality and values can be a formidable challenge. In this session, veteran CPG founders dive into top strategies for growing a brand that’s as responsible as it is robust. Discover practical approaches to upholding high standards, from sourcing ingredients sustainably to ensuring ethical practices across your supply chain. Mastering the art of expansion doesn’t ever have to mean diluting core principles.

  

  Jackie Summers

  Founder Sorel

  

  Nicole Applewhite

  Co-Founder The Little Fat Girl

  

  Jairus Morris

  Founder & CEO SUPLMNT

  

  Margaret Nyamumbo

  Founder & CEO Kahawa 1893

  

  Taylor Bauldwin

  Founder Rooted Ventures
• 11:30 - 12:15
  Fireside Chat w/ Partake Foods

  Join us for an enlightening fireside chat with Denise Woodard, founder of Partake Foods, renowned for its allergen-friendly snacks. In this session, Denise will share her transformative journey from corporate America to pioneering a health-conscious brand that champions inclusivity in the food industry. Dive into her strategies for securing funding, overcoming industry challenges, and scaling a mission-driven business. This conversation will offer invaluable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to innovate or excel in the food sector. Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the health food industry’s most influential figures.

  

  Denise Woodard

  Founder & CEO Partake Foods

  

  Brianne Garrett

  Journalist & Editor
• 1:30 - 1:45
  Afternoon Welcome

  Welcome to the Culinary Creatives Conference, presented by EatOkra founders. Join us for a day of inspiring discussions, culinary demonstrations, and networking. Thank you for celebrating culinary excellence with us!

  

  Anthony Edwards Jr

  Co-Founder & CEO EatOkra

  

  KJ Kearney

  Content Creator, Community Organizer, 2024 JFB Award Winner Black Food Fridays
• 1:45 - 2:30
  Culinary Demo

  Join Chef Renee Blackman at the Culinary Creatives Conference for a captivating culinary demonstration where she will be preparing a vibrant and flavorful dish: Curry Couscous with Jerk Salmon and Spiced Yogurt. This dish masterfully blends the bold spices of Caribbean jerk seasoning with the aromatic warmth of curry, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Accompanied by a creamy spiced yogurt that adds a cooling contrast, this dish is not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. Watch and learn as Chef Renee shares her expert techniques and tips on infusing traditional ingredients with contemporary twists, showcasing her unique culinary style that has captivated food lovers far and wide. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your cooking skills and bring a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen.

  

  Renee Blackman

  Chef Culinary Beasts, Netflix's PRESSURE COOKER, Food Network's ‘Chopped’ and ‘Kitchen Crash’

  

  Will Coleman

  Digital Creator & Food Writer Chef Will Coleman Brands
• 2:45 - 3:15
  Book Author conversation w/ BEM Brooklyn
• 3:15 - 3:30
  African Ancestry Presentation

  Join us for a fascinating presentation as Gina Paige, founder of African Ancestry, reveals the maternal lineage of EatOkra's founder. Discover the deep-rooted connections and rich heritage that trace back to African origins. This enlightening session promises to be a journey through history, identity, and the profound impact of genealogical discovery on personal and community narratives. Don’t miss this unique exploration of cultural roots and ancestral ties that shape who we are today.

  

  Dr. Gina Paige

  Co-Founder & President African Ancestry, Inc.

  

  Janique Edwards

  Co-Founder EatOkra

  

  Anthony Edwards Jr

  Co-Founder & CEO EatOkra
• 3:30 - 4:15
  Beverage Demo

  Join Jackie Summers, founder of Sorel, for a captivating beverage demonstration. Jackie will share the inspiration and process behind his acclaimed Sorel liqueur, crafted from exotic spices and botanicals. Learn how this vibrant, heritage-rich drink is made and how to mix it into signature cocktails. This session offers a unique glimpse into the art of artisanal spirit production and the cultural stories that shape our beverages. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into the world of innovative drink creation with a master craftsman.

  

  Jackie Summers

  Founder Sorel

  

  Will Coleman

  Digital Creator & Food Writer Chef Will Coleman Brands
• 4:30 - 5:15
  Rooted in Community

  Discover how integrating your food business with the local community can drive success and sustainability. This panel discussion, "Rooted in Community," highlights the importance of community engagement for building brand loyalty and enhancing social impact. Hear from seasoned entrepreneurs about leveraging community connections to enrich your business model and deepen consumer relationships. Learn actionable strategies for engaging effectively with local networks to boost your business's growth and societal contributions. This session is perfect for entrepreneurs eager to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

  

  Henry Obispo

  Founder & CEO Born Farms, Born Juice

  

  Renae Bluitt

  Founder, Producer She Did That

  

  Janique Edwards

  Co-Founder EatOkra

  

  Jamila Wright

  Co-Founder Brooklyn Tea