Drake University Business Clinic Partners with Athene Black & Brown Business Summit to Offer Complimentary Tickets to Students

WEST DES MOINES, IA (March 4, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced a partnership with the Drake University Business Clinic to offer an allotment of complimentary tickets to Iowa high school and college students to attend the 4th Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo hosted April 18-19, 2024 The Drake University Business Clinic will be recognized as a “Future Innovator Sponsor” of the event as a result of the partnership.

Students can register with their school-provided email address and use promo code DRAKE to access the discount, available for both individual day and all-session summit ticket packages.

“This partnership highlights the Drake University Business Clinic's dedication to fostering the next generation of business leaders," stated Katherine Harrington, President and CEO of the WDM Chamber. "We take pride in our support for students and future leaders through this event.”

The Athene Black & Brown Business Summit will bring together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from diverse backgrounds to share insights and strategies for success. With the support of partners like Drake University Business Clinic, the summit continues to expand its reach and impact, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant business community.

“Fostering a more inclusive and vibrant business community is a value that the Drake University Business Clinic and the Athene Black and Brown Business Summit share,” said Paula Kueter, Director of Drake University’s Buchanan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. “Through the Future Innovator Sponsorship, the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders will be introduced to a network that transcends all boundaries.”

Avenue Scholars Des Moines, a youth empowerment organization, commended the initiative, stating, “Last year, four students from Avenue Scholars Des Moines participated in the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit,” said Mary Core, Community Engagement Director of Avenue Scholars. “This event offered them invaluable networking opportunities and valuable insights from various industry leaders. It resonates deeply with our mission to bridge the divide between education and business for the students we support.”

Those interested in the event can learn more via the WDM Chamber’s website. Questions about the program should be directed to Tom Florian, VP of Membership & Strategic Marketing via tom@wdmchamber.org.

Sponsors and partners of the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit play a crucial role in making this event possible. A portion of sponsor proceeds benefits the Pitch Competition, Presented by Bank of America. Over the past three years, pitch competition winners have collectively received over $100,000 in prize money. For the 2024 event, sponsors, partners, and supporters (listed alphabetically) include African American Museum of Iowa, Athene, Bank of America, Bankers Trust, Belin McCormick, Black Capital Project/Iowa CORE, Chase, City of West Des Moines, Des Moines University, Drake Business Clinic, Dubuque Bank & Trust, Eide Bailly, Elevate by Principal, F&G, Forvis, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Holmes Murphy (ethOs and Broker Tech Ventures), Hy-Vee, IMT Insurance, Krause Group, Merchants Bonding, NCMIC, Paychex HR, Sammons Financial Group, Shazam, Inc., Symetra, Turner Construction, Wells Fargo, Whitfield & Eddy, Women Lead Change.

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About the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
The Athene Black & Brown Business Summit is an annual event dedicated to providing a platform for Black and Brown professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders to share insights, inspire change, and foster connections. The Summit serves as a catalyst for growth, empowerment, and collaboration within the community.

About the WDM Chamber of Commerce
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, established in 1924, is a dynamic organization dedicated to championing all things West Des Moines. With a focus on strengthening local businesses, providing personalized resources, and attracting a top-tier workforce, the Chamber aims to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. Celebrating a century of excellence, the Chamber boasts a diverse community of over 800 members, offering something for everyone. Explore the possibilities, learn more about the chamber, and discover how you can get involved in shaping the future of West Des Moines at wdmchamber.org.