Houston, TX – April 25, 2026 — The Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) successfully hosted its 2nd Annual Wealth Forum: Code to Capital at Rice University’s Anderson-Clarke Center, convening entrepreneurs, professionals, students, financial institutions, and industry leaders for a one-day, high-impact experience focused on building and sustaining wealth.

Held during Financial Literacy Month, the Wealth Forum continues to serve as a signature platform advancing GHBC’s mission to drive economic empowerment by equipping individuals and businesses with the tools, strategies, and access needed to achieve long-term financial success.

The forum’s mainstage programming opened with the Code to Capital panel, featuring Kim Roxie (LAMIK Beauty), Kimberly Evans (BeckEvans), and Jill Johnson (Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership), moderated by Amanda Sapp. The discussion provided candid insights into capital readiness, common barriers to funding, and actionable strategies to strengthen business positioning for access to capital.

The mainstage continued with a featured fireside chat, “Before Capital: The Financial Foundation Every Entrepreneur Needs,” led by Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. The conversation emphasized the importance of financial discipline, debt management, and foundational readiness as critical components of sustainable business growth.

A real-time program adjustment created space for deeper engagement, resulting in what many attendees identified as a defining and impactful moment of the event.

The forum also featured a dedicated College Track, highlighting conversations with emerging and established voices in entrepreneurship and culture. Tyla-Simone Crayton, founder of Sienna Wings, shared her journey building a nationally recognized brand, while Keyheira Keys of DreamCon provided insight into the growth and expansion of one of the country’s fastest-growing cultural conventions. These sessions offered students practical, real-world perspectives on ownership, brand building, and scaling within today’s economy.

In addition to mainstage programming, attendees participated in a series of interactive workshops covering financial management, business growth strategies, wealth building, access to capital, and estate planning. The Lender Matchmaker Lounge facilitated direct connections between attendees and financial institutions, while the Wealth Coach Corner provided one-on-one guidance from financial experts.

A standout component of the forum was the AI Implementation Lab, which sold out ahead of the event and delivered hands-on training focused on integrating artificial intelligence into business operations. Participants developed customized implementation plans and gained practical tools to improve efficiency, increase revenue potential, and scale their businesses.

The event concluded with The Wealth Exchange, an exclusive networking reception sponsored by the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL), providing attendees with an opportunity to continue building relationships and exploring collaborative opportunities.

“The Wealth Forum is designed to move beyond conversation and into action,” said Dr. Asheli S. Atkins, President & CEO of GHBC. “Our goal is to create intentional spaces where entrepreneurs and professionals gain not only knowledge, but clear pathways to capital, growth, and long-term wealth.”

The continued success of the Wealth Forum underscores GHBC’s commitment to supporting Houston’s business community by fostering access, education, and opportunity.