CREATING PATHWAYS TO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - WHY THE DASHIKI CAREER & BUSINESS NETWORKING EXPO MATTERS

Creating a solid career development plan can be a significant challenge, especially when there are uncertainties regarding the expectations of companies and organisations. At the Colorado African Innovation and Cultural Center (CAICC), we believe that career development is more than just landing a job. We believe the plan starts with you discovering and unlocking your potential, building sustainable businesses, and cultivating leadership qualities that will shape the future of our communities.

That is why this year CAICC went on a mission to organize an inspiring event tagged "The Dashiki Career & Business Networking Expo", to create a community-powered, purpose-driven experience built to support aspiring professionals, entrepreneurs, and job seekers with the tools, insights, and connections they need to thrive.

The event took place on Friday, August 1st, 2025, at the Community College of Aurora, 6000 E. CentreTech Parkway, Aurora, CO 80011, from 4:00 PM. – 8:30 PM.

This year, free booths were offered to various organisations, and an incredible panel of professionals, entrepreneurs, and workforce leaders were invited to discuss the topic, “From Purpose to Progress: Building Careers, Businesses & Communities That Last”.

Meet our Panelists

Our Panelists Included:

• Lena Taylor – VP, Chief Information Security Officer, CROCS Inc.

• David Lopez – Director, Workforce Development, Elevate Quantum

• Professor Lori Huertas – Doctoral Candidate – Assistant Director of Industry Partnerships MSU Denver

• Dr. Jamal Bowen – Founder, Empowering Community Entrepreneurs

• Sam Ogah – Founder, CAICC & ZICT

• Pete George – Manager, Global AI/ML Solution Consulting, EPAM Systems

• Henry Wright – Board Member, Chambers Capital Ventures Inc.

Our dynamic panel shared their experiences, journeys, ideas and guaranteed tips that steered them into their career Path and could help anyone present build meaningful, long-term careers and businesses in the rapidly changing industries.

They presented powerful insights that helped everyone learn how to leverage their skills, build with purpose and grow meaningful careers and businesses while staying rooted in values.

They unpacked key topics like navigating pivots, building with purpose, and thriving in fast-changing industries such as AI, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship.

Exciting Opportunities Await at the Dashiki Career Expo!

The 2025 Career & Business Networking Expo was nothing short of amazing and enlightening. Each attendee, whether they are just starting or starting over, was taught, reminded and given new plans on how to grow their business, create lasting relationships, and take bold steps toward their future.

Attendees were encouraged to bring their resumes for live review and support at our workshop sessions.

We had 2 workshop sessions:

• Workshop 1: Building a Business That Lasts: Financial Foundations for Entrepreneurs

  This session is led by Alpine Bank’s Esgar Acosta (SVP, Head of Community Inclusion & Engagement) and Briana Fernandez Luna (SVP, Lender).

  This session offered practical steps to build solid financial structures for any business.

  
  

• Workshop 2: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market – Resume Mastery

  Led by Sam Ogah (Founder, CAICC & ZICT) and David Lopez (Director of Workforce Development, Elevate Quantum).

  In this session, attendees were helped with upgrading their resumes and then shown how to pitch their skills in a manner that positions them strongly in the evolving workforce.

What to Remember

The Dashiki Career & Business Expo was not just an event. It was and is a movement of purpose, progress, and possibility. So whether you are looking to launch a business, shift careers, find mentorship, or simply explore what's next, you belong in this space.

This was a rare chance to connect directly with panellists, workshop leaders, business owners, professionals, our incredible sponsors and partners who were eager to share, uplift, and collaborate with everyone enthusiastic to reach their desired career goals. Stay connected and follow us on our social media channels so you don't miss the next one.

A Special thanks to Alpine Bank, Community College of Aurora, FirstBank, The Colorado Health Foundation, Zoe Innovation Cloud Technology, and the Colorado Office of Economic Development.