HBCU Connect CEO Will Moss to Speak at Howard University's PNC Center Fourth Annual HBCU Empower Summit, June 24-26

Howard University will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, ecosystem builders, and students from across the country for the Fourth Annual HBCU Empower Conference, hosted by The Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship. The national convening takes place June 24–26, 2026 at The Westin DC Downtown in Washington, D.C.

Held under the theme "Securing Our Place in the Future," the three-day gathering will examine how rapid advances in technology, shifting financial landscapes, and the rise of digital and creator economies are reshaping what ownership and entrepreneurship look like. Artificial intelligence will take center stage as a driver of how businesses are built, scaled, and sustained, with founders, investors, and technology leaders sharing practical strategies across two full days of panels, workshops, and mainstage conversations.

The Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship serves as a national consortium and resource hub focused on enhancing entrepreneurship education across the nation's network of 100+ HBCUs. Launched in October 2021 through a $16.8 million, five-year grant from PNC, the National Center supports the launch, growth, and acquisition of business ventures by providing access to capital, curriculum, research, skills training, and events. Headquartered at Howard University and supported by four regional centers, it has become the epicenter of HBCU entrepreneurship.

HBCU Connect CEO Will Moss to Speak on Entrepreneurship & HBCU Talent Development

Among the voices featured at this year's summit will be William R. Moss III, CEO of HBCU Connect, LLC — the largest online community and career platform serving HBCU students, alumni, and African American professionals. Moss will bring his perspective on connecting HBCU talent with the employers, startups, and investors driving today's innovation economy.

His session will center on bridging the gap between HBCU campuses and real-world career and ownership opportunities — turning exposure into access, and access into long-term economic mobility.

• Preparing HBCU students and alumni for emerging career pathways
• Building stronger bridges between HBCUs, employers, startups, and investors
• Expanding access to venture capital, technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystems
• Creating talent pipelines that move from exposure to real opportunity
• Helping students translate campus experiences into career readiness
• Using storytelling, digital platforms, and community networks to increase visibility
• Strengthening employer engagement and inclusive recruiting strategies
• Positioning HBCU talent for leadership, ownership, and long-term economic mobility

For more than two decades, HBCU Connect has championed the visibility of Black talent and built pathways between HBCU communities and leading employers. Moss's participation reinforces a shared mission with Howard University and PNC: ensuring that the next generation of HBCU graduates is positioned not only to find opportunity, but to create it.

What Attendees Can Expect

The conference will open with a dynamic Welcome Reception introducing attendees to AI as a tool for entrepreneurial wealth building through live demonstrations, founder showcases, and curated networking. Other highlight experiences include:

• Dreams to Dollars: Night Market & Art Gallery (June 25th) — an immersive evening celebrating HBCU student, alumni, and community entrepreneurs
• Entrepreneur Resource Fair + Office Hours — connecting founders with funding pathways, technology platforms, and expert consultations
• MECCA Marketplace presented by FICO — a curated pop-up showcase of HBCU alum-owned businesses
• HBCU Empower Pitch Competition — spotlighting student founders from across the Center's programming
• HBCU Empower Awards Dinner — recognizing founders, partners, and program participants advancing the Center's mission

Programming is organized around three pillars: Elevating Entrepreneurs, Empowering the Ecosystem, and Investing & Impact — each designed to give founders, university leaders, and investors the tools, strategies, and connections to scale ventures in a rapidly evolving economy.

Registration is open now, with full-conference passes starting at $249 for students, faculty, and staff and $349 for general admission, plus day passes and individual event tickets. Learn more and register at hbcuempower.com.

Learn more about the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship at business.howard.edu.

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