African American Leadership Conference to focus on careers, business growth and community impact

OMAHA, NE, UNITED STATES, September 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Residents, entrepreneurs and civic leaders from Omaha and across the country will gather Oct. 1-2 at CHI Health Center Omaha for the Empowerment Network’s 20th anniversary African American Leadership Conference, a two-day event focused on business growth, wealth building and leadership.

This year’s conference, themed “This Is Our Season,” will mark 20 years since the Empowerment Network hosted its first leadership meeting in 2006. Programming will focus on entrepreneurship, career advancement, leadership development, mindset mastery, and civic engagement, with a particular emphasis on expanding economic opportunities.

Thursday’s sessions will center heavily on entrepreneurship and business development, bringing local entrepreneurs and professionals together with national business leaders for presentations, breakout sessions and discussions about building sustainable businesses and creating long-term economic opportunities.

National speakers scheduled to participate include James Bailey, president and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship; Dr. George Fraser, CEO of FraserNet Inc.; Dr. Pamela Jolly, CEO of Torch Enterprises; Dr. Randal Pinkett, managing partner of BCT Partners; Simon T. Bailey, former Disney executive and CEO of Simon Bailey International; and Jaylen Bledsoe, chief executive business officer of The Potter’s House.

The conference comes as the Empowerment Network marks two decades of connecting African-Americans leaders and allies to build stronger communities through partnerships among residents, businesses, faith organizations and community groups.

“For 20 years, this conference has been about bringing people together around opportunity, leadership and collaboration,” said Willie Barney, CEO and founder of Empowerment Network. “As we reflect on our collective progress, we’re focused on what’s next.”

The anniversary conference will recognize leaders, residents and community partners who have contributed to that work while examining opportunities for continued economic and community growth.

The conference is designed to connect attendees with information, professional networks and resources related to entrepreneurship, wealth creation, and career development. Sessions will also address leadership, purpose, excellence, collective investments, and community building.

The African American Leadership Conference is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Village Empowerment Center and from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St.

About Empowerment Network
The Empowerment Network is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing economic, social and civic progress within Omaha’s African American community, North Omaha and the region. Celebrating 20 years of collaboration and impact, the organization works to create opportunities for empowerment and transformation in every zip code and neighborhood in Omaha and in partner communities across the country. Empowerment Network is supported by sponsors and partners, including the Weitz Family Foundation, City of Omaha, Charles E. Lakin Foundation, Revive, Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, American National Bank/Associated Bank, CHI Health, Mutual of Omaha, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Carver Legacy Center, Nebraska Medicine and PRPP Innovations.

Conference registration and additional information are available at aalcomaha.com.

Vicki Quaites-Ferris
The Empowerment Network
+1 402-502-5153
email us here
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

Media gallery

About The Author

Written By: EIN Presswire