Mayor Alyia Gaskins will give the keynote address at this Saturday’s Alexandria Diversity in Business Expo.
The free event is designed to foster connections and exchange ideas between local entrepreneurs and will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at My Father’s House Christian Church, located at 4746 Eisenhower Avenue. City Council Member John Taylor Chapman, a small business owner, will discuss how local policies can impact the bottom line.
The event is hosted by the Social Responsibility Group (SRG), a nonprofit based in Alexandria.
“The Alexandria Diversity in Business Expo is a city-wide celebration of culture, commerce, and community,” SRG said. “Rooted in a legacy of advocacy and leadership, the Expo brings together minority-owned and underrepresented businesses, corporate leaders, policymakers, and community champions to create real pathways to success.”
The event kicks off at 10 a.m. with a three-hour-long series of speakers, including:
- Pastor Lou Whiting, president of the Social Responsibility Group
- Keynote speech from Mayor Gaskins on inclusive leadership and corporate diversity
- City Council Member John Taylor Chapman will discuss how local policies impact small businesses
- Angel Livas, CEO of ALIVE Podcast Network, will talk about building your brand
- Howard Jean, CEO of Black Meta Agency, will conduct a discussion about AI and how to use emerging tech
- Chantrell M. McCormick, a business relationship banker at State Employees’ Credit Union, will host a business panel on financing, preparing strong proposals, and improving financial readiness
