Benson Joins a World-Class Speaker Lineup at the Multiday Event
(Baton Rouge, La., April 6, 2023) — Nexus Louisiana today announced that Gayle Benson, billionaire businesswoman and owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, will headline this year’s Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week (BREW), scheduled for May 1-6, 2023. Benson will deliver BREW’s keynote, speaking on the importance of entrepreneurship and venture capital opportunities.
"We are thrilled to have Gayle Benson as the headliner of our event," said Na'Tisha Natt, director of community engagement at NexusLA. "Her long history of success and message of resilience and perseverance will be an inspiration to the entrepreneurs and small-business owners in the community."
Benson, a New Orleans native, is a self-made businesswoman and the first woman to be the majority shareholder of voting stock in both an NFL and NBA franchise. She has been recognized by many organizations for her business acumen and philanthropy.
In addition to her ownership of the Saints and Pelicans, Benson established GMB Racing Stables in 2014. Benson is the owner of four local automotive dealerships (Best Chevrolet, Cadillac of New Orleans, Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans and Mercedes-Benz Van Center), Benson Tower, Benson Capital Partners, Faubourg Brewing Co. and Corporate Realty, among other ventures.
"Gayle Benson's success story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere," said Natt. "Her keynote address will be a powerful reminder that hard work and dedication can help people reach their goals, no matter how difficult the challenge."
In addition to Benson’s keynote address, BREW will host a master class series consisting of three exciting sessions from local and national influencers:
- Author and illustrator Patti Dobrowolski will walk attendees through exercises for envisioning and attaining the future they want.
- Elena Valentine, founder at Skill Scout Films, will explain the power of storytelling in transforming company culture and driving business growth.
- ThreeSixtyEight CEO Kenny Nguyen will demonstrate how founders can audit behaviors for alignment with their values — and why that matters.
The 12th annual Baton Rouge Entrepreneur Week (BREW), NexusLA’s flagship event, will take place during the first week of May. The weeklong event will bring together entrepreneurs, small-business owners and industry experts to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in Baton Rouge. Festivities kickoff on Monday, May 1, with a family-friendly block party in Town Square and culminate May 6 with a live pitch competition that features an investment prize totaling $100,000.
For more information about BREW or to view the entire session lineup and purchase tickets, visit www.celebratebrew.com.
About NexusLA
Nexus Louisiana’s mission is to accelerate the growth of high-potential companies by providing them with coaching, capital and connections. Our programs leverage regional collaboration to foster mentorship, investment and opportunity for local entrepreneurs to grow their ideas and transform the technology industry in Louisiana. For more information, please visit https://nexusla.org.