HBCU Founder Talks™

HBCU Founder Talks™ unpacks what it takes to work and live with purpose. Leading startup founders and well-established entrepreneurs talk building and growing. All HBCU First events are exclusively for HBCU First interns.

Shawn Prez Talks Power Moves

Join Shawn Prez, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, for a discussion on Making Power Moves.

The open conversation will cover:
• Purpose
• Leadership
• Power Moves

Shawn Prez is the founder of Power Moves Inc., a marketing and branding agency serving some of the world's most recognized brands.

In his 20+ years in the entertainment and marketing industries, Prez’s accomplishments have earned him a reputation as a marketing expert, often called upon by CNN, Fox News, Ad Week, Crain, among others, to render marketing analysis.

Innately a mentor and coach, Motivational Speaker and South Bronx native Shawn Prez, escaped poverty and circumstance to become a millionaire by the age of 30. Drawing on both personal and professional experiences, Shawn Prez shares his knowledge in hopes of guiding those seeking to fulfill their purpose and potential to make POWER MOVES. Learn more and connect

Julye Williams Talks Tools for Your Journey

Join Julye Williams, educator & entrepreneur, for a discussion on Tools for Your Journey.

The open Q&A will cover:

• Mindset
• Self-Love

• Flow
• Creativity

• Resilience

Julye Williams is the founder of Project 2043, an educational consulting firm committed to helping individuals, organizations, and educators develop an inclusive, equitable, and healthy multiracial democracy.

In her 15-years in education, Julye has established free tutoring programs in NYC, created and led international youth exchange programs, co-founded a public elementary school, and created resources on race & diversity, trauma, and social-emotional learning that have been downloaded by over 75,000 educators nationwide.

Julye is a passionate advocate for racial and social justice and holds an MBA from Florida A & M University. Learn more and connect

Abby Brody Talks the Future of Higher Ed & the Workplace

Abby Brody, educator & founder of MYX, will lead a discussion on how to stand out as an early professional in the new normal.

The open Q&A will cover:
• Rapid changes happening in both education and the workplace
• The resume of the future
• What inspired Abby to start MYX

Abby is a lifetime educator with over 15 years of experience in the classroom and 12 years in administration. With the launch of a new higher education hybrid, MYX, she is leading the charge to present a new approach to higher education that meets the needs of the 21st century by creating experiences for young adults to find their life purpose while also gaining essential skills for life success.

Abby earned her B.A. at Duke University and her M.S. in special education from Bank Street College. Learn more and connect

HBCU First's mission is to increase college success + career access for Black youth.