join us for our virtual event!

Thursday, MARCH 18, 2021

8:30AM-12:30PM

Wilmington Alliance is grateful for all the partnerships we have developed and for the collaborations in which we have played a part. But now more than ever, we need to fuel transformative change in our city and with your help, that is just what we will continue to do! If there’s one thing that the pandemic has brought to light, it is that there is a need to focus on community and economic development that is more inclusive- one that takes into account the entire system and all of its stakeholders.

That is why our focus will be Equitable Economic Mobility: Charting Wilmington's Path to community growth and revitalization, increased income security and wealth accumulation for all.

In 2021, we will have three dynamic experts sharing the virtual stage!

meet the speakers:

SAMIRA

COOK GAINES

National Partnership Lead for Rising Tide Capital

Through her work at Rising Tide Capital, Samira seeks to expand opportunities for business education across the country. Samira also serves as the Economic Development Manager for Takoma Park, Maryland where she guides the growth and development of the only Opportunity Zone in Montgomery County.

ANDRE PERRY

Fellow at the Brookings Institution

Andre’s research focuses on race and structural inequality, education, and economic inclusion. He is a regular contributor to MSNBC and has been published by The New York Times, The Nation, The Washington Post, TheRoot.com and CNN.com. Andre is the author of Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Property in America’s Black Cities.

LYNEIR RICHARDSON

Executive Director of the Rutgers Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development

Lyneir is the Executive Director of The Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CUEED), a research and practitioner oriented center at Rutgers Business School in Newark, NJ. Lyneir also teaches an MBA course in Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development and consults with small business owners on strategic projects.

Last year’s event drew nearly 200 attendees, including representatives from dozens of companies and community organizations. Yes, Wilmington is an outstanding networking and marketing opportunity, as well as chance to support the individuals and organizations that are making Wilmington a better place to live, work, play, learn and invest!

We would be thrilled for you to join us!

Also, please consider supporting our work in the city, by sponsoring Yes, Wilmington! —as this is our main fundraising event for the year. Learn more.