Passion to Profit – East Bay

Join us for the “Passion to Profit” conference, where aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners gather to turn their dreams into reality! This engaging event features inspiring speakers, practical guidance, and invaluable networking opportunities designed to ignite your passion and transform it into a thriving business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, you’ll leave with actionable insights and the motivation to succeed. Don’t miss the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and elevate your entrepreneurial journey!

Meet our Master of Ceremony

Anita Russel, Community Development Manager, Working Solutions CDFI
is a polished, poised, conversant, responsible for procuring new partner relations while maintaining existing ones; coaching new applicants seeking access to capital and holding current clients with unswerving integrity; and supporting a diversity of community outreach efforts. Anita brings an indubitable ability to lead, empathize, and communicate as a vibrant visionary, engaging in an assortment of informationally robust symposiums centered on financial preparedness and access to capital.
 
In her past corporate career track, Anita functioned in various roles as a job developer procuring new employer relationships with local and corporate business owners, and also as a career coach responsible for onboarding, training and co-managing, hundreds of marginalized Bay Area youth from underserved communities.
 
Anita’s avid acumen for advocacy, communication, and partnership-building has been solid for more than 27 years. Of all the capacities where Anita has served, what she appreciates most is bringing her heart to each role! “Meaningful connectivity involves the ability to be genuinely intentional, relatable, reliable and empathetic. And while every outcome may not be favorable, most often, all people want is to be seen, heard, and assured the listening ear authentically cares.”

Meet our Keynote Speaker

Will Jackson, Vice President, U.S. Bank For over 20 years, Will Jackson has been a noteworthy leader and consummate professional as an VP in the Compliance space; and most recently in Diversity and Inclusion, as well as a leader in Resource Management via the Resource Groups. You may know him as the National Chair of the African American Resource Group. Will also is credited with his tremendous work in serving underserved communities with education on Financial Literacy, Credit Money Management, and the Home Buyers informational sessions.  In addition to his expertise in his field, he is an active member of 100blackmen Bay Area, contributing to the organization’s mission to empower and uplift the black community. Will also is a Board Member with the OK Program of Oakland, where they make a positive impact by mentoring young individuals and helping them overcome challenges. As VP Business Access Advisor for USBank, Will plays a pivotal role in providing guidance and support to aspiring entrepreneurs. Recognizing the importance of equitable lending practices, Will is a passionate advocate for fairness and equal opportunities in lending spaces. Through his work and commitment, he strives to foster a more inclusive and just financial landscape for all.

Pictures from last year’s Passion 2 Profit Conference