Tag Archives: Arizona State University

Black Chamber of Arizona Announces 27th Anniversary Gala Presented by ASU & APS

The Annual Event Will Take Place in Glendale to Strengthen Statewide Economic Partnerships and Small Business Growth

GLENDALE, Ariz., Sept. 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Black Chamber of Arizona has announced its 27th Anniversary Pinnacle Pathways Gala, to be held Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at the Sheraton Glendale Renaissance Ballroom. The event will be presented by Arizona State University and Arizona Public Service.

Black Chamber of Arizona Announces 27th Anniversary Gala Presented by ASU & APS
Image caption Black Chamber of Arizona Announces 27th Anniversary Gala Presented by ASU & APS.

The Pinnacle Pathways Gala serves as the Chamber’s signature annual fundraiser, with proceeds supporting programs in youth development, small business expansion, workforce readiness and justice-impacted entrepreneurship. The 2025 gala is expected to draw more than 500 civic, business and community leaders from across Arizona and the country.

This year’s theme, “Resilience & Regional Impact,” reflects a commitment to economic growth and statewide collaboration. In keeping with its mission, the Chamber is expanding its reach by hosting the event in Glendale for the first time. Last year’s gala was held in Tempe.

“As a statewide organization, we are committed to building public-private partnerships that fuel small business success in every corner of Arizona,” said Dr. Velma Trayham, president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. “Glendale is a natural extension of our mission, especially as Arizona remains one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.”

According to recent U.S. Census data, the Phoenix metro area led the country in population growth from 2023 to 2024, adding nearly 85,000 residents. Small businesses remain the state’s primary economic engine, accounting for 67% of net new jobs in Arizona, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The gala will feature live entertainment, a red-carpet media experience, gourmet dinner, cultural performances and the presentation of the 2025 Pinnacle Awards. Honorees will include corporate and small business leaders recognized for their contributions to economic development and community impact.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for companies interested in supporting the gala. Options include brand visibility, on-site themed activations, media recognition and more.

For more information on tickets, sponsorships, and group ticket options, visit the link below. https://blackchamberaz.org/bcaz-27th-anniversary/

“We invite our partners and new sponsors to join us for a night of celebration and purpose,” Trayham said. “Together, we can advance economic growth and create opportunity for generations to come.”

For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets, visit www.blackchamberaz.org or email info@blackchamberaz.com.

About the Black Chamber of Arizona

Founded in 1995, the Black Chamber of Arizona advocates for economic growth and entrepreneurship across the state. Through strategic partnerships, advocacy and innovative programming, the Chamber supports thousands of businesses in driving wealth creation and community advancement. Visit https://blackchamberaz.org/.

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Image caption Black Chamber of Arizona Announces 27th Anniversary Gala Presented by ASU & APS.

NEWS SOURCE: Black Chamber of Arizona


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Business and Empowerment Leader Dr. Velma Trayham Named Keynote Speaker for Black Changemaker Series Presented by ASU and the State of Black Arizona

TEMPE, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- With a focus on building generational wealth, award-winning B2B/diversity consultant and leader Dr. Velma Trayham will serve as keynote speaker for the Black Changemaker Series on Nov. 9. The Black Changemaker Series: Building Generational Wealth, Empowering the Black Entrepreneur will share conversations and tools around growing wealth and using education as a springboard, connecting the local community to higher education leaders and entrepreneurs.

Dr. Trayham is the CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting, a Black- and woman-owned brand engagement and program development agency that opened its third office in Scottsdale, Arizona last year, and founder of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a nationwide nonprofit that provides entrepreneurial training and mentorship programming to help minority women rise above poverty through empowered entrepreneurship and spiritual development. Dr. Trayham is also an award-winning entrepreneur, author, speaker and mentor.

The special event takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Junior Achievement, 636 W. Southern Ave. in Tempe. Registration is free.

The overall effort is a multifaceted approach to a multifaceted issue that can have a significant effect on not only individuals' livelihoods but on Arizona's economy overall, said Teniqua Broughton, executive director of the State of Black Arizona.

"Investing in Black Arizonans is critical to the future of Arizona's economy. The Grand Canyon state cannot reach its full growth and development potential without understanding and acting upon the merits of inclusive prosperity," Broughton said.

Panelists include:

Joseph Early, an Arizona State University senior and business owner of Mane Strategies; Jay Hutchins, who recently launched his second business, Allied Help; and Adylia Gutierrez, a wellness coach for Yhor Life. The Black Changemaker Series is presented by Arizona State University, Arizona Public Service, The State of Black Arizona, Black Philanthropy Initiative Social Justice Impact Fund and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

"The Black Changemaker Series is already making waves and sparking change for young entrepreneurs across Arizona, and I am honored to share my insights on the ability to build wealth through entrepreneurship," said Dr. Trayham. "When we share our wisdom and pool our strengths, we build stronger individuals, businesses and communities."

Nationally recognized for creating programs for Fortune 500 companies and government entities that engage underrepresented communities and minority women, Trayham's previous national speaking and Influencer campaigns include Vistaprint, Cheddar News, Atlanta Black Chamber, Truist bank among others. Her previous speaking engagements include the American Heart Association, Georgia Power, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Greater Phoenix Urban League, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Texas Black Expo and many more.

She is the recipient of President Biden's Lifetime Achievement Award and was named Top 100 Women of Influence in Atlanta 2020, 2021 and 2022 as well as Women of the Year Finalist by the Atlanta Business League. To date, her programs have helped more than 8,000 women create small businesses and achieve economic empowerment.

About Dr. Velma Trayham:

Dr. Velma Trayham is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, speaker and economic empowerment specialist who believes in the power of inclusive, equitable businesses to create community and spark change. The CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting Group, which brings greater awareness to initiatives that support underserved communities. For more information, please visit https://velmatrayham.com/.

News from ThinkZILLA Consulting

With a focus on building generational wealth, award-winning B2B/diversity consultant and leader Dr. Velma Trayham will serve as keynote speaker for the Black Changemaker Series on Nov. 9. The Black Changemaker Series: Building Generational Wealth, Empowering the Black Entrepreneur will share conversations and tools around growing wealth and using education as a springboard, connecting the local community to higher education leaders and entrepreneurs.

Related link: https://thinkzillaconsulting.com/

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