The 19th Annual Auntie Karen Young Entrepreneurs Conference was a tremendous success, held in partnership with Benedict College’s Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Marketing. With this year’s theme, “Voting for Vision: Nurturing Young Business Leaders,” the event attracted a vibrant group of aspiring business leaders, industry experts, and seasoned entrepreneurs. Together, they engaged in dynamic workshops, thoughtful discussions, and inspiring talks aimed at cultivating the next generation of innovative leaders.
As we reflect on the continued growth of the conference since its inception in 2004, the Auntie Karen Foundation is proud to highlight the impact this event has had on young entrepreneurs across the region. Each year, participants leave with valuable resources and connections that fuel their entrepreneurial journeys, leading many to achieve notable success in their respective industries.
A highlight of this year’s event was the announcement of the recipients of The Deborah Woodard Memorial Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding young entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional talent, vision, and commitment to their craft:
Brandon Davis Bostic,
Pictured (Left to Right): Naim Musalini, Brandon Bostic (YE of the Year), Christian Bostic, Karen Alexander-Banks (Auntie Karen).
owner of Dave’s Creations, which specializes in party planning, entertainment, and toy creations.
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Naim Muslin, founder of zSync, a clothing brand that emerged from Naim’s personal journey of resilience and creativity.
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Christian Bostic, founder of Divine Design Digital Creations and an accomplished author, whose business is focused on digital design.
These exceptional young entrepreneurs embody the spirit of the Auntie Karen Foundation’s mission to empower future leaders through mentorship, support, and the promotion of economic independence. The scholarship winners are a testament to the positive impact this conference continues to have, helping young people realize their dreams and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
We are grateful to all the speakers, sponsors, and volunteers who made this year’s conference possible, as well as to Benedict College for their ongoing partnership in supporting young business leaders. We look forward to witnessing the future successes of this year’s participants and the lasting contributions they will make in the world of entrepreneurship.
About The Auntie Karen Foundation
The Auntie Karen Foundation’s mission is to empower, enlighten and educate through the arts. Organized in 2001, the foundation is committed to empowering young individuals through programs and initiatives that promote creativity, entrepreneurship, and personal development. For more information about the foundation and its programs, please visit www.auntiekaren org.
