Some say 17,405 kilometers.
Others say 10,815 miles. Either
way, it’s the distance FAMU School of LaTanya White traveled last fall to spread her message of entrepreneurial
education and access. Business and Industry (SBI) Professor
Her trip to Bali,
Indonesia, was a life-changing experience for White that took her advocacy to
the global stage. She’ll share
highlights of her journey in a presentation titled, “THE POWER OF ‘CAN’: One
Woman’s Challenge to the Global Entrepreneurial Community” scheduled for today at 9 a.m. at the President’s Coffee, a quarterly business meeting
hosted by the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce. The event will take place at the Pittman
Conference Center at the Riley House/Museum, 419 East Jefferson Street.
“Entrepreneurism is a hot topic again,” said White, who is
also the successful owner of 71 Proof; a beverage catering company that
services the southeast region of the United States. “We need to make sure that minorities realize
equal access to educational and business opportunities in this new
entrepreneurial ecosystem that’s being constructed around the world.”
White says access to entrepreneur-focused networks where
research, learning and development take place must be inclusive.
In September of last year, White took advantage of a
four-week study abroad opportunity in Bali, the tropical paradise island that
is part of the Republic of Indonesia.
She was one of only a select group of participants from around the world
and the only participant from the United States. White was challenged to
explore the concepts of entrepreneurism as a tool for social innovation. Undeterred by the rigor of the curriculum and
the obvious language and cultural barriers, she found a global platform there
for strengthening her message of equal access and equal opportunity. In doing
so, White forged new friendships, found new business partnerships and pledged
to help others find their voice.
“As I listened to the
entrepreneurial interests and stories of the other participants, I was
gratified by the rare opportunity to place my experiences against this powerful
backdrop of the entire world,” says White.
“Our stories all shared the familiar theme of inclusion…of using
entrepreneurism, business startups, and the like, as a tool to empower the
citizens in the communities where we live.”
White says she intends to be supportive of other enterprises
as she works to build entrepreneurial education in Florida.
“Professor White lives, breathes and sleeps her passion for
ensuring that all students and adults are exposed to and engaged in global
entrepreneurship,” said FAMU SBI Dean Shawnta Friday-Stroud. “Her presentation will not only leave you
inspired, but more important, it will force you to think outside of the box
about how you can contribute to her movement, her passion of Global
Entrepreneurism."
Windell Paige, president and executive director for the Big
Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, has championed minority inclusiveness and
access as it pertains to opportunities for small business enterprise, which are
issues that he has focused on for many years in the state of Florida. He calls White a young entrepreneur,
business owner, educator and thought leader.
“The fact that LaTanya has now taken the message into the
international arena can only help boost awareness and support here at home,”
said Paige. “She has an amazing story to
tell and we’re delighted to provide her with a platform through our quarterly
President’s Coffee event.”