From Black Lives Matters to the healthcare inequalities accentuated by COVID, racial equality has hit the headlines in 2020. But as an advisor, how can you tackle a defining issue of our times and activate investment portfolios to further the cause?
Join us as we welcome Ben Watson and Ben Carson, Jr. to understand how intentional investment in closing the racial wealth gap can drive returns and long-term, sustainable impact.
A first round draft pick and Super Bowl Champion, Benjamin Watson is a true talent and an offensive force in the NFL. While in high school in South Carolina, Benjamin was a standout athlete. His talents afforded him a place on the Duke University football team and later with the University of Georgia. In his senior year, Benjamin was selected as an NCAA preseason All-American and an All-SEC selection at UGA. He was also named the Bulldogs’ offensive captain for the season and was honored as an All-SEC selection by numerous publications after a stellar season, capped off by touchdown receptions in both the SEC Championship game and the Capital One Bowl.
It is no surprise that Benjamin was a first round NFL draft selection. The New England Patriots knew he was a special talent and selected him as the 32nd overall pick. He has been a powerhouse in the NFL ever since. Known for his speed and astounding athletic ability, Benjamin is widely recognized for what is considered “the most amazing play of the entire 2005-2006 NFL season” – a remarkable run to deny a touchdown in a critical playoff game.
After six successful seasons with the Patriots, Benjamin landed with the Cleveland Browns where he continued to be a dominating force, leading the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. As an NFL veteran, Benjamin has been a key playmaker for teams such as the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and currently, the New Orleans Saints. With 530 receptions and nearly 6,000 yards in his career, Benjamin has been a model of consistency and talent through his 15 years in the league.
Benjamin’s passion for football mirrors his passion for giving back. Understanding just how blessed he is, Benjamin and his wife Kirsten established their foundation, One More. One More is a non-profit organization dedicated to impacting the lives of those in need by providing enrichment opportunities and promoting education through charitable initiatives and partnerships. Benjamin holds annual events such as The Big BENefit Christmas Toy Giveaway, Thanksgiving Turkey Drop, School Givebacks and much more. Benjamin also partners on numerous events and projects with the International Justice Mission, working to end sex trafficking.
In 2015 & 2017, the NFL recognized Benjamin for his incredible philanthropic efforts by naming him a Walter Payton Man of the Year Finalist. Benjamin also received the prestigious 2017 Bart Starr Award. Off the field accomplishments for Benjamin also include being cast in The American Bible Challenge, participating in the 14th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Fest, speaking at the Pentagon, Liberty University, SXSW and being named one of CNN’s Most Extraordinary People of 2014.
In 2015 Benjamin wrote several powerful essays on cultural topics; his most notable outlined his thoughts on racial tension in America and became an internet sensation, reaching over 44 million. This Facebook post was the catalyst for Benjamin to write his first book, Under Our Skin, which garnered critical acclaim and eventually led to the release of his highly anticipated second literary work, The New Dad’s Playbook.
Benjamin’s uncanny ability to objectively address controversial topics in such an eloquent manner has placed him on major TV networks, such as ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, the Christian Broadcasting Network, and the Dr. Phil Show to share his opinions. Benjamin has also spoken on current events at schools, churches, and conferences across the country.
Benjamin’s talents on and off the field, coupled with his down-to-earth personality, have paved the path to a very bright future post-NFL. In 2018, Benjamin announced he would be retiring after 15 seasons in the NFL, along with a surprise in-game touchdown celebration announcing that he and his wife are expanding their family, expecting twins in spring of 2019. To only shock the world once more, Benjamin returned to the NFL for one final season. Joining the New England Patriots in 2019, Benjamin was able to give it all his got and close out a chapter in his life once and for all.
Mr. Carson is Co-Founder and Partner at FVLCRUM Funds, a CRA Eligible Lower-Middle Market Private Equity firm based in Washington DC, where he is responsible for the overall strategy of the company and its portfolio. FVLCRUM is one of the few minority-owned private investment firms in the country and targets transactions between $10-40 million backing proven executive teams leading highly scalable businesses. The fund exclusively invests in minority owned businesses with the goal of creating generational wealth for the executive teams and substantial economic opportunity for minorities.
Prior to founding FVLCRUM, Mr. Carson was Co-Founder and Partner at Interprise Partners, where he continues to serve as Chairman. Interprise Partners is a leading lower-middle market private equity firm with expertise in Minority Business investment. Prior to Interprise, Mr. Carson served in an executive capacity at The Warner Companies, a middle market financial services and consulting firm, where he advised companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital structuring, capital raises, investments, risk management and strategic planning.
Mr. Carson has also been involved in several political initiatives and served on the board of Carson America, the presidential campaign of Dr. Benjamin Carson, in 2016-17. Mr. Carson continues to be actively involved in political initiatives in Washington, DC to support entrepreneurship, workforce development, and minority- and women-owned businesses.
In 2015, the Carson Family established their Single Family Office, Floreat Park, where Mr. Carson serves are head of the Investment Committee.
Mr. Carson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Tufts University. He is a 2019 AEI Scholar and also the recipient of Baltimore's 35 Under 35 award, the Envest Foundation's 40 Under 40 award, Franchise Journal’s MBE Titans, Washington Life’s 40 Under 40, and DCA Rising Stars of GovCon. Mr. Carson is dedicated to community involvement and serves on several boards, including Tufts University (Tufts Entrepreneurship Center), Young Presidents Organization (YPO), the Minority Wealth Commission, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital Foundation Board, and The Carson Scholars fund.
Paula DeLaurentis is the chief retail officer of Folio Financial and CEO of The SRI Conference and Community. She was recently named one of the Top 100 Women in FinTech, and brings over 25 years of experience serving retail investors through digital advice and online investing solutions. She is also passionate about helping women excel in their careers, build wealth, and achieve financial freedom. While at LendIt, the world's largest fintech conference, she spearheaded its women's initiative, working to leverage LendIt's platform to increase the number of women in FinTech. While at TD Ameritrade, she launched the highly successful "Save Yourself" program in partnership with Suze Orman Media. Save Yourself is a brokerage and retirement savings plan designed to meet the unique needs of women.
The SRI Conference & Community is not an investment adviser and does not make investment or tax recommendations. Opinions expressed at the webinar do not reflect the opinions or views of The SRI Conference & Community or its affiliates (SRICC Parties) or any employees, officers, directors or agents of SRICC Parties.
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