Tech Together | Minority Business Showcase

Presented by EmpoweredAI | In Collaboration with TolHouse

Part of Great Lakes AI Week — the Largest AI Conference in the Midwest

Event Details

• Date: Friday, November 7, 2025 (**Please update GLAI Week website to reflect this**)

• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Venue: TolHouse
  1447 N Summit Street, Toledo, OH 43604

• Admission: Free with registration

• Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tech-together-tickets-1864539641259

• Arrival Time for Panelists: 5:30 PM (for setup and coordination)

Event Host

LeSean Shaw
Vice President, EmpoweredAI | COO, Actual Reality Technologies'

Panel Host

Marcus Harrison
Director of Marketing & Communications, WGTE Public Media

Panelists

• David Ross – Creative Placemaking Coordinator, The Arts Commission

• Diana Patton – CEO, Rise With Diana

• Ebony Carter – VP of Minority Business Services & Director, MBAC

• Dalien Ahiekpor – Senior Technical Account Manager, AWS

Event Theme

Empowering Minority Participation in Tech, AI, and Entrepreneurship
A community-driven conversation on how diverse voices can help shape Toledo’s entrepreneurial and tech ecosystem — locally and regionally.

Agenda

5:30 PM – Panelists Arrive / Setup & Logistics
6:00 PM – Networking & Refreshments
6:45 PM – Panel Discussion: Empowering Minority Participation in Tech, AI & Entrepreneurship
7:15 PM – Audience Q&A
7:25 PM – Continued Networking & Open Conversations
8:00 PM – Event Concludes

Appetizers & Refreshments

• Pizza appetizers provided (until exhausted)

• First 100 guests receive a complimentary drink ticket, courtesy of the Smith & Jones Family Foundation

Purpose & Atmosphere

This event is designed to be a forum for connection, curiosity, and collaboration — a space where entrepreneurs, innovators, and community members of all backgrounds can:

• Build authentic connections

• Explore business and tech opportunities

• Discuss challenges and solutions for minority participation in tech

• Reimagine what’s possible for Toledo’s innovation ecosystem

Sponsors & Partners

• Presented by: EmpoweredAI

• In Collaboration with: TolHouse

• Sponsored by: Smith & Jones Family Foundation

• Part of: Great Lakes AI Week

Additional Notes

• Attendees are encouraged to stay after the panel for networking and one-on-one conversations with the event host, panel host, and panelists.

• Photography and video recording will take place during the event.