Presented by Dr. Bill Winston
Celebrating the 25-Year Anniversary of the Joseph Business School
MARCH 22 – 23, 2024
LIVING WORD CHRISTIAN CENTER
7600 W. Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, IL 60130
2024 BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Dominating, and moving culture forward through a different system
ABOUT BLC
The 2024 Business & Leadership Conference (BLC) is a two-day experience purposed to equip entrepreneurs and leaders with strategies and tools to create their own economies and dominate their industries. Global business leaders will gather at BLC to discuss leadership strategies as well as to identify resources to take dominion over cities and nations.
The goal of BLC is to empower and advance the Kingdom of God in every area of influence: Business, Government, Education, Arts & Entertainment, Family, Media, and Religion.
The theme of BLC2024 is Next Level Entrepreneurship, a clarion call for Kingdom entrepreneurs to separate from traditional ways of thinking and doing business, and operate on a faith level directed by God. This power-packed conference will deliver rich, principle-based content from industry leaders and pioneers that have set a new standard through their contributions to business and culture. Join us at BLC2024 to learn how to supernaturally take new territory, reach unprecedented heights, operate with distinction, and lead by influence.
WORLD ACCOMPLISHED SPEAKERS
Proven industry leaders in business, finance, music, technology, marketing, law, media, and more
ENLIGHTENING WORKSHOPS
To empower and equip you to compete in a global marketplace
2 POWER-PACKED DAYS
Organized into topics relevant to the modern-day entrepreneur and leader as well as the state of today’s society.
GLOBAL ATTENDEES
Socially-conscious, Kingdom-minded entrepreneurs and leaders from around the world
THE BLC2024
BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION
The BLC2024 Business Pitch Competition, powered by the Illinois SBDC-ITC at the Joseph Center®, provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs throughout the world to showcase products and services that have a measurable kingdom impact, have the potential for commercialization and scalability, and fill a need that solves real problems in the marketplace. Cash prizes will be awarded to the three, highest-rated contestants in the final round.
Illinois Government Contracting Summit
Hosted by Illinois APEX Accelerator, the 1st Annual Illinois Government Contracting Summit is a statewide networking and training event for small business owners and more that are interested in learning how to “WIN” government contracts.
This year’s theme, “Get the WIN,” is catered toward small businesses that are seeking to perform services and sell products to the Illinois federal, state, and municipal governments. During this Summit, hear from agencies such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs (DOD-OSBP), attend breakout training sessions, and participate in exhibitor networking opportunities to learn how to improve your business’s chance of winning contracts, or expanding existing contracts with the government.
Careers In Trade
Open House
Gain insight into the world of trades at the Careers In Trade Open House: Indispensable Skills and Undeniable Value on Friday, March 22 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, presented by Living Word Christian Center.
Come out to hear and dialogue about the marketplace value of trade skills with esteemed panelists representing Chicago Laborers’ Union, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Carpenter Training Center, and The Foundation for Fair Contracting & Operating Engineers. Network and explore your professional possibilities!
Joseph Business School Global Alumni Event
Calling all Joseph Business School Alumni from around the globe! Join us as we celebrate 25 years of innovation and entrepreneurship at the JBS 25th Anniversary event, kicking off on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Embrace the event themed for BLC2024: Next Level Entrepreneurship and connect with fellow kingdom entrepreneurs as we share ideas, inspire one another, and celebrate our collective success. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your network, fuel your passion, and take your entrepreneurial journey to new heights. Secure your spot now, and be part of this extraordinary celebration!
2024 JBS Global Entrepreneur of the Year Award
The Joseph Business School proudly announces the 9th Annual Global Entrepreneur Award. This Award will recognize the outstanding contributions made by entrepreneurs, and their organizations, as we work together to eradicate extreme poverty and transform communities. The 2024 Global Entrepreneur Award will be announced on Saturday, March 23, 2024, during the Business & Leadership Conference.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
AT A GLANCE
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Illinois Government Contracting Summit,
hosted by Illinois APEX Accelerator
Thursday, March 21, 2024
8:00 AM–3:30 PM | 6:30 PM–9:30 PM
Joseph Business School Global Alumni Event
(25th Anniversary Celebration)
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Check-in & Continental Breakfast
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Operational/Administrative Systems
Leveraging Operational Efficiencies for Next Level Entrepreneurship
Speaker: Lisa Burnett
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Health & Wellness Panel
Wellness Wealth: Balancing Mind, Body & Business
Panelists: Dr. Ola Kolawole, Bria Murphy & Dr. Lawrence Salone
Moderator: Mitzi Coaker
10:25 AM – 11:10 AM
Motherhood & Entrepreneurship
Where's the Balance? Navigating Entrepreneurship + Motherhood
Speaker: Brianna Hairlson
10:40 AM – 11:40 AM
Global Business Expansion Panel
Global Gateways: Unlocking Opportunities with Cross-Border Expertise
Panelists: Demitrus Evans, Dr. Gale Frazier, Samson Genya
Moderator: Evelyn Moore Jones
11:20 AM – 11:50 AM
Effective Leadership
Where's the Balance? Navigating Entrepreneurship + Motherhood
Michelle Mancha
11:50 AM – 12:50 PM
Lunch & Networking
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Branding Panel
Divine Digital Brilliance: Mastering Your Online Presence
Panelists: Angela Valentine, Sarah Sharp & Doc Murphy
Moderator: Jacqueline Ward
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Spiritual Life & Entrepreneurship
The Power of a Business Prayer Confession
Elois Sharpe
1:40 PM – 2:10 PM
Spiritual Life & Entrepreneurship
Keywords and Confession
Dee Lashawn Lockett
2:20 PM – 2:50 PM
Spiritual Life & Entrepreneurship
Crisis Management, Resilience & Tenacious Faith
Sané Molotsi
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Joseph Business School MillionHeirs Event
Keynote Speaker: Alicia Lyttle
Friday, March 22, 2024
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Careers in Trade Open House:
Indispensable Skills and Undeniable Value
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Business Pitch Competition
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
2024 Business & Leadership Conference Opening Session
Family Business & Building Generational Wealth
6:30 PM
Keynote Session
Speaker: Joseph B. Anderson, Jr.
7:50 PM
Panel Discussion
Panelists: Karla Trotman, Brigitte Daniel-Corbin & Jessica Johnson-Cope
Saturday, March 23, 2024
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
2024 Business & Leadership Conference
8:00 AM
Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Morning Session
Horst Schulze, Peter O. Estévez & Dr. Sam Adeyemi
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Breakout Workshops
Next Level Innovation with Phillip Boutte Jr. & Skot Welch
Next Level Finance with Rick Girven, Catrice Wells & Barbara Welch
Next Level Prayer with Shalita Williams
Next Level Entrepreneurship with Ivonne Payes (Spanish language)
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing Session
Global Entrepreneur Award & Dr. Bill Winston
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Dr. Bill Winston
Conference Host & Founder, Joseph Business School
Dr. Bill Winston
Dr. Bill Winston is the visionary founder and pastor of Living Word Christian Center, a 20,000-member church located in Forest Park, Illinois, and Tuskegee Christian Center in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Other entities under his leadership include nationally accredited Joseph Business School in Forest Park, with eleven other partnership locations across the U.S. and internationally; Living Word School of Ministry and Missions; Forest Park Plaza (a 33-acre shopping mall); Washington Plaza (in Tuskegee); and Golden Eagle Aviation among others.
He’s also the founder of Bill Winston Ministries (a ministry outreach that shares the Gospel through television, radio, and other media), and president and founder of Faith Ministries Alliance (FMA), an alliance of more than 540 churches and ministries in over 30 cities and eight countries that are under Dr. Winston’s ministerial covering and leadership. FMA’s influence reaches approximately 108,200 people in the U.S. and overseas.
Horst Schulze
Legendary Former Hotelier Renowned for Creating a Culture of Service
Horst Schulze
Horst Schulze is a legend and leader in the hotel world, whose teachings and vision have reshaped the concepts of service and hospitality across industries. He was one of the founding members of The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company in 1983. There Mr. Schulze created the operating and service standards that have become world famous. During his tenure at The Ritz Carlton, Mr. Schulze served as President and COO responsible for the $2 billion operations worldwide. After leaving The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, Mr. Schulze went on to found The Capella Hotel Group, a luxury hotel company that manages some of the most elite properties worldwide, which gave Mr. Schulze the opportunity to further define the luxury hotel industry, receiving countless awards and recognitions. Today, Mr. Schulze serves as Expert in Residence at Arch + Tower, a boutique, organizational strategy consulting firm. He recently completed his first book, Excellence Wins.
Dr. Sam Adeyemi
Founder & Senior Pastor, Daystar Christian Centre (Lagos, Nigeria)
Dr. Sam Adeyemi
Sam Adeyemi is a dynamic teacher, success coach, leadership consultant, and pastor. His broadcasts, “Excellent Leadership” and “Success Power” can be viewed on satellite channels all over the world. He is the Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos, Nigeria, with over forty thousand in attendance on Sundays. Sam Adeyemi Ministries spreads the gospel through television, radio broadcasts, publications, seminar and books. His sermons air weekly across the U.S., Europe, Middle East, and Africa. With over two decades in ministry, Senior Pastor Sam Adeyemi is a leading voice in proclaiming the gospel, sharing principles for maximizing potentials and helping others across the globe to cultivate the determination to succeed in every area of life. He founded the Daystar Leadership Academy (DLA) which is dedicated to raising a new generation of leaders who will serve as catalysts in the transformation of Africa and the whole world. As of 2022, over forty-two thousand have graduated from the school.
Joseph B. Anderson, Jr.
Chairman & CEO, TAG Holding LLC
Joseph B. Anderson, Jr.
Joseph B. Anderson, Jr. and the infantry platoon he commanded in Vietnam were subjects of the highly acclaimed documentary film, “The Anderson Platoon,” which has been shown in more than 20 countries and has won both Oscar and Emmy awards. Mr. Anderson’s military awards included two silver stars, five bronze stars, three Army Commendation Medals, and eleven Air Medals. While in the Army, Mr. Anderson was selected to be a White House Fellow and worked as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Commerce. Following a distinguished military career, Mr. Anderson became a General Director at General Motors, responsible for a business unit with 7,000 employees and a $1 billion revenue. Mr. Anderson is currently the majority owner, Chairman and CEO of TAG Holdings, LLC which owns several manufacturing service and technology-based companies based in North America. Mr. Anderson is very active in the Detroit area, serving on multiple, highly esteemed business and community boards.
Peter O. Estévez
Author, Host & Businessman (Energy/Oil/Gas)
Peter O. Estévez
Peter O. Estévez was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and migrated to the United States at the age of 10. He is an entrepreneur and partner in several companies in the energy, gas, and oil sectors in Mexico.
Peter is also a philanthropist, international speaker, and expert on Hispanic behavior in the United States. He is the author of the upcoming book, “From Lies to Riches - 13 Steps to a Healthy Life.” Additionally, he is the founder of LatinTalks, often referred to as the TED Talks for the Latino community, a traveling series of talks and conversations designed to inspire, educate, transform, and empower the Latino community.
Furthermore, Peter is the co-founder of the “Financial Revolution” movement and a partner in the fastest-growing financial services company in America, focusing on teaching disadvantaged communities the importance of financial literacy, creating a financial plan, and finding their path to financial freedom and wealth creation.
Brigitte Daniel-Corbin
CEO, Wilco Electronic Systems, Inc.
Brigitte Daniel-Corbin
As an award winning telecom visionary and vocal advocate for gender and cultural diversity in the tech industry, Brigitte Daniel Corbin is the CEO of Wilco Electronic Systems, a private telecom operator that has specialized in providing affordable technologies to underserved communities as well as multifamily residential and commercial real estate properties. She is the Founder of Mogulette, an organization committed to diversifying and expanding the reach of opportunities for women, with a focus on women of color, within technology sectors. Brigitte also spearheaded the historic acquisition of Wilco’s cable division to Comcast in 2018 which allowed for the influx of new technologies to enter Philadelphia’s public housing communities. She has been an appointed member on Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s transition team leading the technology subcommittee, the SmartCityPHL Advisory Committee, and Philadelphia Works, Inc., Philadelphia’s workforce development board.
Jessica Johnson-Cope
President, Johnson Security Bureau, Inc.
Jessica Johnson-Cope
Jessica Johnson-Cope is President and Principal of Johnson Security Bureau, Inc., a third generation family-owned security services firm based in the Bronx, New York. Jessica proudly serves as a small business advocate, promoting issues that are critical to minority and women entrepreneurs. She is the Chair of the National Leadership Council for 10,000 Small Businesses Voices, a platform to help emerging entrepreneurs use their collective voices to impact government policies affecting small businesses. She is also an advisor to the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women initiative. Jessica has leveraged the following corporate business development programs: ASCEND, the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network, and the Salesforce Black-Owned Mentor Program to position Johnson Security for contracting opportunities with global brands. Jessica is also committed to building her community through service to multiple organizations, and her fervent goal is to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Karla Trotman
President & CEO, Electro Soft, Inc.
Karla Trotman
Karla Trotman is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Electro Soft, Incorporated (ESI), an electronics manufacturing and engineering firm in the United States and has experience in supply chain logistics, purchasing, global scheduling, and ecommerce. Karla utilized the power of the Internet in combination with her logistics background to start a successful online business, Belly Button Boutique, selling products for prenatal and postnatal women. Serving celebrity and international clientele, Karla was featured on NBC 10 News, People Magazine’s Celebrity Baby Blog, CBSNews.com, Huffington Post Live, several radio shows, books, and countless blogs. Over the past 15 years she served at ESI as Special Projects and Marketing Manager, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and currently as the Chief Executive Officer. Karla has won many awards and served on multiple community boards, focusing on assisting her fellow minority business owners and executives to rise to the top.
Alicia Lyttle
Alicia Lyttle
Alicia Lyttle is a renowned entrepreneur, AI aficionado, TEDx Speaker, and digital marketing expert with 23 years of experience. Before transitioning to the digital realm, she held prestigious positions at The White House, USEPA, and The City of New Orleans Mayor's Office. As a speaker and trainer, she has shared her expertise internationally, teaching others to leverage the Internet for business success.
Alicia founded Pow Social Media and Monetized Marketing, a training and marketing company run alongside her sister Lorette. She's also a successful real estate investor and co-owner of Protected Equity LLC. Alicia has received numerous accolades, such as the MarCom Awards, Ava Digital Awards, Communicator Awards, dotComm Awards, Nation Builders Awards, Clickfunnels Two Comma Club Awards twice, and the Traffic Sales and Profits Circle of Seven Award.
A regular contributor to Public Broadcasting Television, Alicia hosts a weekly segment, "The Digital JamPreneur," where she educates entrepreneurs on building online empires. As a business owner and coach, she is dedicated to helping others succeed, teaching them to harness the internet and AI to grow their businesses.
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
Phillip Boutte Jr.
Award-winning Concept Artist & Artistic Director
Phillip Boutte Jr.
Phillip is an award-winning Concept Artist and Artistic Director for film, music video, and television with a career that has spanned 16 years and 74 films and projects. He is also Creative Director and Co-Founder of 9B Collective Studio, the first Black Owned Concept Art Studio made up primarily of BIPOC artists. His client list includes Warner Bros, Sony, Marvel Studios, Netflix, Fox, Disney, DreamWorks, and many more. His work spans a multitude of blockbuster hits including Marvel’s Black Panther 1 & 2, Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil, Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, Inception, The Greatest Showman, and Jungle Cruise starring Dwayne Johnson. He has also production-designed several music videos for artists Ariana Grande, The Black Keys, Panic at the Disco, Tiesto feat. Busta Rhymes, Travie McCoy, Fefe Dobson, Hot Chelle Rae, Saint Motel, and the UK band The Blackout. Plus, three world tours of illustrating costumes for Madonna under the direction of Costume Designer Arianne Phillips.
Rick Girven
Assistant Comptroller, Department of Finance, City of Chicago
Rick Girven
As an Assistant Comptroller in the Department of Finance for the City of Chicago, Rick Girven has 27 years of experience in the field of Financial Public Service as well as 15 years in Commercial Banking. Historically, Rick excels in areas of problem solving and thinking outside the box. He has been a public motivational speaker for many years, including speaking at Chicago Public Schools and Christian Business Associations. As Co-Captain for our own Living Word Kingdom Running Club, Rich also taught on “mind renewal” for KRC. He has a passion for running and has completed numerous full and half marathons held nationwide. Rick says his Christian journey and faith walk as a believer in Jesus Christ has been nothing short of amazing through experiencing victories after victories and overcoming life challenges.
Barbara Welch
Personal Finance & Small Business Coach
Barbara Welch
Barbara Welch, Personal Finance and Small Business Coach and Consultant/Speaker/Author, is the Managing Member and Co-Founder of Inheritance Development LLC, a respected firm which offers personal finance, and small business coaching and consulting focused on helping professionals and emerging business owners master their finances and build wealth under the brand, The Good Life Money Coach. Barbara’s entrepreneurial journey includes co-launching, Generations Products Inc., one of the first African-American owned multi-level marketing companies in the U.S. with her husband in 1996. Her professional experience also includes roles as a registered investment advisor, personal finance, and small business facilitator where she partnered with corporations and non-profits, and served as an officer and branch manager for a regional bank. Barbara is the author of "The Good Life Money Mindset: 8 Principles for Living The Good Life Now."
Skot Welch
Global Diversity & Inclusion Strategist
Skot Welch
Skot Welch, Global Diversity & Inclusion Strategist and Thought Leader/Speaker/Author, is the Principal/Founder of Global Bridgebuilders (GBB), a firm he founded in 2006 that focuses on organizational development, cultural transformation and inclusion. Global Bridgebuilders is an international team providing services to enterprises across the globe. Global Bridgebuilders serves a wide range of clients in the U.S. and a host of other countries around the world. Prior to the launch of Global Bridgebuilders, Skot served as Vice President of Business Development and Benchmarking Services for DiversityInc magazine in New Jersey, where he worked with many of the Fortune 500’s biggest global brands across a broad range of industries. Skot is also a prolific author and film maker. He is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of The New Community Transformation Fund a $25M venture capitalist (VC) fund focusing on entrepreneurs of color.
Catrice A. Wells
Chief Investment Officer, Joseph Wealth Management
Catrice A. Wells
Catrice A. Wells is the Chief Investment Officer for Joseph Wealth Management in Forest Park, IL, a Registered Investment Advisory started by Dr. Bill Winston. For 30 years, she has been a stockbroker and held high-level financial positions with major Wall Street investment firms, including A. G. Edwards & Sons, Zacks Investment Research, and Louis Holland. Catrice's television and radio credits include CNBC, Wall Street with Louis Rukeyser, “The Stock Market Observer: Ask an Expert” on Chicago’s UPN, and her own television show called Wells Street with Catrice Wells.
Shalita Williams
Empowerment Teacher & Prayer Leader
Shalita Williams
Shalita Williams is an empowerment teacher whose passion is to bring life and hope to others through biblically-based teaching, training, and education that will propel them to a higher level of living. She has developed curriculums and taught many classes and workshops on prayer, spiritual enrichment, and personal growth. She teaches with revelatory insight, inspiration, and compassion. Shalita has managed the Prayer Ministry and Accounting Department at her church, Living Word Christian Center, for over 25 years.
Ivonne Payes
Ivonne Payes
Like many proud Chicagoans, Ivonne fell in love with the opportunities that this
diverse city offers and has become an expert in assisting others with their own
real estate journey in the Chicagoland area. Her industry specialties include
sellers, luxury condos, first-time homebuyers, foreclosure investments, estate
sales, family relocations, and pre-retirement investments. With 15 years of
experience in the real estate industry, Ivonne has been through multiple market
cycles as an agent, buyer, and investor, and because of those experiences, she
has a deep understanding of the often-complicated processes that her clients
may encounter that you simply won’t find elsewhere.
Some of her achievements and recognitions include: In 2021, Ivonne was named to
the “20 under 40” list of the Mainstreet Association of Realtors. Other recent accolades
include being the youngest president of the Chicago Chapter of the National Association
of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) in 2020. As the youngest and only the
second woman to be installed into this lead-role position, Ivonne keeps breaking
barriers for all young entrepreneurs in the Real Estate industry. For her team’s volume,
she was inducted into RE/MAX’s 2022 Lifetime achievement Club award, and for five
consecutive years NAHREP has ranked her one of the top 50 Latino Agent & teams in
America as well as being named for 4 consecutive years by Chicago Agent Magazine's
-Who's Who in the Chicagoland area. She has previously owned two Re/Max
Franchises however, Ivonne launched in 2023 her own independent Real Estate Firm,
Payes Real Estate Group whose offices are located in Deer Park, Illinois. Ivonne has
been named as 1% agent in the nation by Real Trends. Ivonne was named the RE/MAX
Rising Star in Illinois in 2015. Payes’ business style is to have fun while educating
clients, Ivonne wants clients for life, so her focus is on delivering top-notch customer
service with as little stress to her clients as possible.
Ivonne Payes is a proud member of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate
Professionals, Women's Council of Realtors, the Mainstreet Association of Realtors and
North Shore Association of Realtors as well as a Graduate and alumni of the Stanford
School of Business (LBAN) Latino Business Action Network and a Graduate and Alumni
of the Joseph Business School.
JBSAA WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
Bria Murphy
Founder & Group Fitness Instructor/Dancer, BriaFit Dance & Wellness
Bria Murphy
Bria is a Professional Dancer, Model, and an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Weight Management Specialist, and Senior Fitness Specialist. Bria has over 20 years of dance training, teaching and performance experience including dance intensives at Dance Theatre of Harlem, The Ailey School, and Steps on Broadway. Bria used her knowledge and passion for dance and wellness to choreograph, perform and teach classes for all ages nationally including Chicago Park District, Pier Dance at Navy Pier, Baltimore City and NYC Public Schools, and studios in Baltimore, DC, and NYC. Bria has performed in company shows, festivals, and fashion shows including Anne Everett Fashion Designs and Nick & Jack Cave’s “The Color Is”, churches, an awards show, and a Bollywood tour. Bria is the founder of BriaFit Dance & Wellness where she merges dance, fitness, and wellness techniques to create artistic, educational, and recreational services for all ages.
Dr. Ola Kolawole, MD
Founder, EmpowerHer Wellness & Weight Loss Simplified
Dr. Ola Kolawole, MD
Dr. Ola is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Doctor with over 15 years of expertise devoted to saving lives and restoring health. Her commitment to excellence led her to participate in Harvard's Blackburn Course in Obesity Medicine, further highlighting her dedication to combating obesity. She is also a member of the American college of Lifestyle Medicine.
Beyond practicing medicine, Dr. Ola is a Speaker, and the Founder of EmpowerHer Wellness & Weight Loss Simplified—a Virtual Wellness and Weight Transformation Program dedicated to empowering busy women to achieve healthy weight loss, wellness and confidence. She is married to her husband of 21 years and they have a wonderful son. Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Lawrence Salone
Founder, Post Trauma Institute
Lawrence Salone
Dr. Lawrence Salone is the Founder of Post Trauma Institute (PTI), an integrated mental healthcare system with a vision to employ, empower, and equip employees in communities across America to eradicate mental bondage. PTI services include psychiatric evaluations and medication management, psychological testing, talk therapy, and intensive outpatient substance abuse services. PTI also partners with municipalities and businesses to improve organizational performance and employee health.
Dr. Salone served in the US Army for 10 years as a Signal Officer and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III (OIF-III). Currently, Dr. Salone serves as a gratis professor at Louisiana State University where he researches the impact mental health has on the US economy.
He is a 2021 graduate of the Joseph School of Business Accelerated program.
Demitrius Evans
Principal, The Evans International Law Firms, TEIL Firms, LLC
Demitrius Evans
Attorney Evans is a lively speaker who brings energy, information, and truth to everything she does. She is known for her clear explanations of very complex legal issues. She holds licenses in the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Court as well as maintains licenses in the Northern District Trial Bar, United States Supreme Court, the Federal Circuit, and the International Court of Trade. Her B.A. is from Denison University and her J.D. is from the University Of Miami School Of Law in Miami, Florida, where she worked on Asylum applications for Haitian refugees and studied International Constitutional Law, at the University of Nairobi in Kenya. Her International Trade Law Master’s Degree, LLM, includes a Finance concentration, obtained from John Marshall Law School. She is a JBS alum and she currently teaches business law courses for the school. In addition to practice, she arbitrates for Cook County Mandatory Arbitration and speaks on international contracts for National Women’s Organizations and the Federal Courts.
Starting her legal career as a Ralph J. Bunche Fellow for Amnesty International. am MGO she deeply cares about people. She has been an associate and supervising attorney for several Chicago-based law firms before going in-house with the National Railway Company to focus on international sales and distributorships. From there she partnered and decided to open The Evans International Law Firms (“TEIL Firms”) in 2009. To do this, she left a career as a trial attorney in the Northern District of Illinois Federal Court. TEIL Firms has a business/Intellectual property focus and encourages global trade.
Demitrus is a 2024 member of the Illinois District Export Council, U.S. Department of Commerce. In 2024 she has also received recognition from the Urban League of Chicago, The Joseph Business School’s Global Entrepreneur of the Year, Nasbite’s Global Award, Diversity MBA Magazine’s Top 100 Executives, and more. She is the board Chair for the Global Chamber of Commerce, Secretary for The African Global Chamber of Commerce, and co-chair for the Black Women’s Law Association Judicial Review Committee.
Demitrus is married to Anthony Foster, a mother of two girls, Sophia and Shelly, and is a long-distance runner, and dog owner.
Gale Frazier
VP, Technical Operations, Global Institute of Planning and Sustainable Development
Gale Frazier
Dr. Gale B. Frazier has an extensive background in construction management, engineering education, education, and as certified clinical trauma professional. She exhibits outstanding leadership with a proven record of exceeding goals and objectives. As a conference speaker, entrepreneur, and consultant with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Frazier has presented to both national and international audiences; providing consultation on various projects and topics. She is an author of three books; President and Founder of the Daughters of Sarah International Outreach Ministries; founding member and faculty of the Global Grassroots University—Caribbean; National Dean for the US Minority Contractors Association; President of the International Construction Consortium Group, Ltd.-- Zambia, West Africa; and VP of Technical Operations for the Global Institute of Planning and Sustainable Development--Nigeria. She has a BS in Civil Engineering, Master’s in Project Management, Doctor of Education, and recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.
Samson Genya
CEO, Endlesstec Limited
Samson Genya
Samson Genya, BSc. SE, is a visionary leader with a passion for technology-driven solutions. As CEO of Endlesstec Limited, he spearheads innovative projects in software development, leveraging over a decade of experience in emerging technologies. With a Bachelor's in Software Engineering from the University of Dodoma in Tanzania, he has led Endlesstec to prominence as one of Dar es Salaam's top software companies. Samson's expertise extends to strategic business development, evidenced by his role in expanding Endlesstec's international clientele to 21 countries across 5 continents. For the past 2 years, he serves as an Emerging Technologies Expert for the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), leading and collaborating with a team of fellow experts as they seek to advance Africa's adoption and use of emerging technologies. Samson's entrepreneurial journey includes recognition as one of Tanzania's top tech startups in 2017 and the JBS Global Entrepreneur of the Year 2020. Committed to youth empowerment, he actively participates in initiatives fostering digital skills and job creation. Samson is serving as the President of JBSAA Tanzania.
Angela Valentine
Founder, ADVScholars
Angela Valentine
Angela Valentine is the Founder of ADVScholars, a nonprofit organization focused on bridging the digital learning divide by providing quality digital literacy training programs to underserved communities. She is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and holds a B.A. in HR Management as well as an MBA. Her 15 year corporate career with a Fortune 500 telecommunications company included global management responsibilities in the HR, Distance Learning (Corporate Trainer), Global Compliance and Business Ethics fields. She is a recognized expert in customizing and delivering professional development training for various businesses and educational organizations in the U.S. and abroad. As a conference speaker and author, she is passionate about sharing her love for technology with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Sarah Sharp
President, & Chief Communications Strategist, Jireh Communications, LLC
Sarah Sharp
Sarah Sharp, President, and Chief Communications Strategist of Jireh Communications,
LLC is the trusted visionary behind what has become a premier full-service consulting firm with expertise in media, public relations, and brand management.
Sharp began her career in journalism as one of the first African American female journalist for Great Lakes Publishing serving multiple communities with cutting edge up-to-the minute news reports in the Chicago-land area, later also joining the Sun-Times Media Group as a news and features reporter.
While enjoying a lucrative career in journalism, Sharp sought out a new challenge and joined a national public relations firm honing her skills in niche’ public relations with such national clientele as The Studio Museum of Harlem, Miller Brewing Company, Lawry’s Foods, and Kraft.
Being recognized by industry leaders for creative thinking, expertise in developing strategic national partnerships, and integrity in brand management, Sharp began Jireh Communications LLC in 2012.
Doc Murphy
Founder, Everywhere Network
Doc Murphy
Doc Murphy is a serial church planter with over 20 church plants. He is also a successful business owner and coach, He has produced over 10 gospel albums and EPs, written hundreds of songs, have established a non-accredited Bible School, a business school, and have written over 50 books!
Lisa Burnett
Chief Administrative Officer, Ignite
Lisa Burnett
Lisa Burnett is a 2001 graduate of the Joseph Business School, and currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer at Ignite, Org, a non-profit organization that serves youth who are experiencing homelessness on their journey to a home and a future with promise.
Lisa has nearly 30 years of experience in the areas of administration, operations, human resources, and finance, and has served in the education, workforce development, non-profit, and financial industries.
Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and MBA with concentrations in Accounting/Finance and Human Resources from Roosevelt University.
Lisa is a native Chicagoan, born and raised on the south side and currently a resident of the North Lawndale community. She is married and has 6 beautiful daughters. She has a love for community with a heart to transform, renew and restore youth through her gift of administration.
Brianna Hairlson
Founder & CEO, Bri’s Dance Place and Brianna Hairlson LLC
Brianna Hairlson
Brianna Hairlson is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur using joy to activate others to pursue purpose. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard University receiving her BBA with a concentration in Marketing and Dance Minor. Launching Bri’s Dance Place in 2018 through Joseph Business School, she created Bump N’ Dance Class for expectant moms, taking her class on a 7 city tour at 6 months pregnant, and continuing to dance until 4 days of giving birth. Bri’s Dance Place, which is a dance studio for all ages, stages, and abilities focusing on age appropriate choreography, costumes, and music has garnered both national and international recognition, most recently featured in Comcast Rise’s documentary: Road to RISE, working with millennial entrepreneurs in South Africa is 2021, and a current member of the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Fund. Located in Merrillville, Indiana, Bri’s Dance Place has served over 2000 families since opening.
Michele Mancha
CEO, Unapologetically Pink Solutions
Michele Mancha
Michelle Mancha is a published author, workshop facilitator, Certified Covenant Coach and the CEO of Unapologetically Pink Solutions. Her blog, Loving Leadership, provides insight and encouragement for being a powerful, impactful and dynamic leader. She is a 2020 graduate from the Joseph School of Business and has a Master of Science Degree in Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation from Syracuse University.
With over 30 years of leadership experience, Michelle focuses on developing leaders, coaching CEOs and encouraging people to be bold and do what God has put in their heart.
Michelle was raised in Detroit MI where she attended Bible school and met her husband Don. They have been married for 29 years and have five children. They pastor Faith Christian Center of San Francisco a multi-ethnic ministry focused on teaching people faith and walking in their purpose.
Elois Sharpe
Founder, Meditated Moments
Elois Sharpe
Elois Sharpe is an ambassador in the kingdom of God. She has served as a lead intercessor and prophetic voice in several prominent ministries in the Chicagoland area.
Elois has served as a founding executive board member of the Inspired to Live Again Foundation. She has taught and ministered to many men, women, and young adults, in various workshops, seminars, and conferences. She has been a guest panelist on Great Lakes Radio 1570AM in Chicago, Illinois.
Elois is a 2010 graduate of the Joseph Business School. She is the author of the Love to Stay but the Grace to Leave: Transitions and the principal of Meditated Moments, a greeting card/life card company. Elois resides in the Chicagoland area with her family.
Dee Lashawn Lockett
Principal CEO, The MARK[ED] Agency
Dee Lashawn Lockett
Dee Lashawn Lockett is the Founder and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at The MARK[ED]™Agency and Author of The Ultimate Marketing Workbook. She has over 20 years of experience consulting with small business owners, community organizations, churches, and charities.
She is a graduate of Joseph Business School and Living Word School of Ministry. She has her Project Management certification and her Women’s Entrepreneurship certification from Cornell University.
business owners, community organizations, churches, and charities.
Ms. Dee Lockett has been called on to teach marketing workshops to help struggling business owners for the City of Detroit, Fifth Third Bank, Luminary NYC, Operation Hope, Great Lakes Women’s Council, Michigan Women Forward, and TechTown Detroit, just to name a few.
business owners, community organizations, churches, and charities.
In addition, she was recently asked to mentor two of the American Express 100for100 (#AMEX100for100) award recipients. Over the years her mentees have received features in major publications, increased revenues by 40%, and secured over $325,000 in funding.
Sané Molotsi
Mechanical Engineer & Pastry Chef
Sané Molotsi
Sané is a mechanical engineer by day and a self taught pastry chef by night. The journey of life and entrepreneurship has taught her invaluable lease on perseverance, resilience and faith. Through life’s challenges she forges ahead in a male dominated engineering industry, wining an award for her contribution to engineering research in KZN. All this while expanding her patisserie; Choux Eclairs.
BLC IS A MUST-ATTEND EXPERIENCE
THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE FEATURES:
Hotel Information
Enjoy special savings at our partner hotels.
Shuttle service will be available from each hotel.
The Drake Oak Brook, Autograph Collection
10 Drury Lane
2301 York Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
$169
Book by phone at (630) 571-0000 and mention “Living Word Business and Leadership Conference.”
Deadline to secure conference hotel rates: February 26th
Hilton Chicago / Oakbrook Suites
10 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
$136 (includes parking)
Book by phone at (630) 941-0100 and mention “Living Word Business and Leadership Conference.”
Deadline to secure conference hotel rates: March 1st
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/Oakbrook Terrace
1000 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
$129
Book by phone at (630) 941-1177 and mention “Living Word Business and Leadership Conference.”
Deadline to secure conference hotel rates: March 1st
Hyatt House Chicago/Oak Brook
210 W. 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Den King Room – $150
Studio King Suite – $160
Book by phone at (630) 590-1200 and mention “Living Word Business and Leadership Conference.”
Deadline to secure conference hotel rates: March 1st
2024 Business & Leadership Conference
FAQs
GENERAL
#BLCJBS24
• Dr. Bill Winston ― Conference Host & CEO/Founder of Joseph Business School. A visionary business leader and the senior pastor of Living Word Christian Center (LWCC), a multicultural, non-denominational church located in Forest Park, Illinois, and Living Word Christian Center – Tuskegee, in Tuskegee, Alabama.
More exciting speakers to come!
For more detailed information and speaker updates for the 2024 Business & Leadership Conference, visit: www.blc.billwinston.org
TBA
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Morning Session: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Evening Session: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
We are expecting thousands of attendees to join us in person and online from around the globe.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Illinois Government Contracting Summit, hosted by Illinois APEX Accelerator
Thursday, March 21, 2024 | 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Joseph Business School Global Alumni Event (25th Anniversary Celebration)
Friday, March 22, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Careers in Trade Open House: Indispensable Skills and Undeniable Value
Friday, March 22, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Business Pitch Competition
Friday, March 22, 2024 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
2024 Business & Leadership Conference Opening Session
Saturday, March 23, 2024 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
2024 Business & Leadership Conference
The Conference is being held at Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park, IL, and you may also watch it from the comfort of your home on any device via web, social media, or the Living Word Christian Center Roku channel.
No
Yes, the main tent session will be translated into Spanish.
No. Childcare will not be provided.
No. Recording is not allowed.
No. Daytime sessions will be live streamed only. Post Conference, the sessions will be available for purchase.
REGISTRATION
The 2024 Business & Leadership Conference is free, but registration is required.
Yes. Please visit blc.billwinston.org to register.
Registration for the 2024 Business & Leadership Conference will end on Friday March 22, 2024 at Noon.
No.
Yes, you can attend just one day.
Attendees will receive an automatic e-confirmation from Eventbrite after registration.
Please call us at (866) 816-4653. We will be glad to assist you further.
Please call us at (866) 816-4653 to register.
Please call us at (866) 816-4653 for additional information.
WORKSHOPS
Conference workshops will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, where a designated speaker or panel will present on a specific topic related to the Conference theme. A Q&A session will follow presentations.
Please visit blc.billwinston.org for additional details on workshops.
No. We currently do not offer certificates.
DOWNLOAD APP
Our app to stay up to date on the Business & Leadership Conference! Connect with other attendees, view the event schedule, get important notifications during the event, and more!
Android App OnGoogle Play
Download OnApple Store
Prayer Confession
English
PDF - Download
Spanish
PDF - Download