Black Businesses Through the Years: A Roadmap for Success
Tommy G. Thompson Center for Public Leadership Event
Mark your calendar for Feb. 19, 2025, and join us for an inspiring evening that celebrates Black entrepreneurship while providing valuable insights into growing a thriving business.
Presented by the UW-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education, with support from the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership, this free event is your chance to hear from successful business leaders and an engaging Milwaukee historian, looking at the past, present and future of Black business owners.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025
Time: 4–5:30pm, with reception following
Cost: Free
Location: Online or in-person at UWM School of Continuing Education – Downtown Milwaukee – 161 W. Wisconsin Ave. | 7th Floor Conference Center
Why Attend?
- Real-World Wisdom: Learn from a dynamic panel of successful Black business owners.
- Inspiring Speakers: Hear from experienced Black entrepreneurs and business owners, from Milwaukee locals to nationally recognized leaders, as they share their secrets to success.
- Actionable Takeaways: Leave equipped with a practical toolkit to elevate your business.
- Meaningful Connections: Network with Milwaukee’s community of business owners and create partnerships that spark growth.
Meet Our Speakers
Keynote: Carlton Highsmith
Carlton Highsmith is a UW graduate who founded Specialized Packaging Group (SPG), a package design company that was recognized as the largest minority-owned firm in the state of Connecticut in 2009 and was ranked as #26 on Black Enterprise Magazine’s prestigious BE 100 list.
Black Business Leaders Panel
Moderator: Ray Allen
Ray Allen is the president of Specialized Business Services, a marketing consulting firm, and a partner in Madtown Paradies LLC, which operates retail stores at the Dane County airport. He is the only African American to have served as Secretary of Wisconsin’s Department of Financial Institutions and Department of Workforce Development.
Trez Pugh III, Sip and Savor (Chicago)
Trez V. Pugh III, Founder and CEO of Sip & Savor Hospitality Group, has transformed his six-location coffeehouse brand into a cornerstone of Chicago’s cultural and community life.
Edna Abarnathy, E.R. Abarnathy Industrial Inc.
Edna R. Abernathy is the president and CEO of E. R. Abernathy Industrial, Inc., a national distributor of industrial, safety and construction supplies, and Abernathy Consulting, Ltd., a full-service consulting firm.
Gaulien “Gee” Smith, Gee’s Clippers
Gaulien “Gee” Smith is the owner of Gee’s clippers, a Milwaukee barbershop that has grown into one of the largest in the Midwest. He also opened the MKE Wellness Clinic, a health center that provides free screenings and vaccinations.
Can’t Make This Event?
Already have plans? Register to attend virtually and we’ll send you a link to the recording. Be sure to join our mailing list to receive information about upcoming events and professional learning opportunities.
