FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: For more information, contact Na'Tisha Natt at natisha@nexusla.org or 225-218-1100
Pinky Cole Hayes to Keynote BizTech Challenge during Bayou Classic Weekend
Baton Rouge, LA - Nexus Louisiana is thrilled to announce that Pinky Cole Hayes, the visionary founder of Slutty Vegan, will be the keynote speaker for the 9th annual BizTech Challenge, taking place at the Westin New Orleans on Friday, November 29, 2024. This year’s event promises to be an electrifying gathering of the brightest entrepreneurial minds from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the state.
Pinky Cole Hayes has become a cultural and culinary icon, transforming a late-night craving into Slutty Vegan, a multi-million-dollar business that has taken the food industry by storm. Her innovative approach to branding, coupled with her commitment to community and social responsibility, makes her an exemplary leader and a perfect fit for the BizTech Challenge.
“Pinky is not just an entrepreneur; she’s a movement,” said Narcisse Burchell, Programs and Events Manager at Nexus Louisiana. “Her story of resilience, creativity, and bold leadership is exactly what we aim to inspire in the young entrepreneurs participating in the BizTech Challenge. We are honored to have her share her insights and experiences at this year’s event.”
As a proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Pinky Cole Hayes represents the power and potential of HBCU alumni. Her entrepreneurial journey, from starting Slutty Vegan as a small concept to expanding it into a nationally recognized brand, will resonate deeply with the BizTech Challenge participants, who are eager to make their own mark in the business world.
The BizTech Challenge, now in its 9th year, continues to be a premier event for emerging entrepreneurs from HBCUs, providing them with the platform to showcase their innovative ideas, gain valuable mentorship, and compete for funding to launch their businesses. This year’s event will bring together top talent, industry experts, and visionary leaders for a day of inspiration, competition, and celebration of entrepreneurial excellence.
Nexus Louisiana is a Baton Rouge-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides high-potential, technology-enabled companies with the coaching, capital, and connections they need to accelerate their growth.