Keynote and Registration Announced for Fifth Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit

WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, November 12, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has opened registration for the fifth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, presented by Wells Fargo. The 2025 event will feature Christine Hà as the keynote speaker.

Christine Hà is a Vietnamese American chef, writer, and TV host who rose to fame as the first blind contestant and winner of MasterChef Season 3 in 2012. Despite losing her vision due to an autoimmune condition called neuromyelitis optica, she has built a successful culinary career, authoring the best-selling cookbook Recipes from My Home Kitchen and opening two restaurants, The Blind Goat and Xin Chào, in Houston. Christine is celebrated for her inspiring story and her skill in blending traditional Vietnamese flavors with modern techniques.

“We are thrilled to open registration for the fifth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit,” said Katherine Harrington, President and CEO of the WDM Chamber. “This event has become a cornerstone for promoting diversity and collaboration in our business community. With an outstanding keynote speaker this year, we look forward to inspiring conversations and impactful connections that drive inclusive growth and innovation.”

The summit will take place on Wednesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 17 at the West Des Moines Sheraton Hotel, and will focus on promoting diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in the local, statewide, and national minority business community. Attendees can expect practical discussions, dynamic speakers, engaging workshops, and ample networking opportunities.

In addition, the award-winning event will feature a pitch competition where contestants have won over $150,000 in the last four years, and 75 speakers and panelists covering a variety of important industry topics. Panelists are from diverse backgrounds and experiences, providing insights and in-depth discussions.

Registration for the event is now open. Visit https://members.wdmchamber.org/events/details/athene-black-brown-business-summit-2025-4360?calendarMonth=2025-04-01 to learn more. For more information about the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, please visit bbbsummit.com.
 
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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.