Tulsa Closing Panel: Where Do I Go Next?

You made it! GEW is coming to a close and you’ve spent the last week gearing up for your next steps in your entrepreneurial journey. But what do you do now? Join us for a panel discussion with 4 amazing resource providers located right here in Tulsa that can help point you in the right direction. Build in Tulsa, UMA Tulsa, Kitchen 66, and OSU Riata Center for Entrepreneurship, among many other Tulsa organizations, are all here to support you in your next steps! Get your questions answered and make your game plan at this closing panel!

Speakers:

Desiree Frieson has spent the last decade helping startup founders succeed. An entrepreneur herself, she’s worked at a variety of nonprofits before launching programming at Blackstone Launchpad at New York University, then leading operations and programming for NYDesigns as the Assistant Director. Born and raised in Queens, NY, Desiree moved to Tulsa in 2021 to help build the infrastructure for entrepreneurial success in the home of Black Wall Street.

Martha Isabel Zapata, Ph.D., M.A. is the Founder and Executive Director of The Uma Center Inc. (aka Uma Tulsa), a 501c3 organization that empowers underserved communities through culturally responsive educational and training programs. In partnership with Tulsa Tech and 36 Degrees North, the organization has implemented the first entrepreneurship bootcamp for Hispanics in the Tulsa Metro area.

Shagah Zakerion, a lifelong Tulsan, has spent the last decade working to make her city the best it can be. She serves as Executive Director of the Lobeck Taylor Operating Foundation (LTOF). An equal part Chief of Staff and Chief Operations Officer for LTOF and its programs, Shagah serves as the principal advisor and leader to LTOF, its programs, and staff on a wide range of strategic issues. The role brings together some of her favorite things - great food, vibrant culture, and placemaking.

Sarah Teague is the Tulsa Program Manager at the Riata Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at OSU and offices out of 36 Degrees North. Her efforts have been focused on growing the Riata Center to be a key player in Tulsa’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem by developing new programs and partnerships by working with local entrepreneurs, established organizations, alumni and students.

Kian Kamas serves as the Executive Director of PartnerTulsa, leading Tulsa’s comprehensive community and economic development strategy and a team of talented professionals dedicated to increasing economic opportunity for Tulsa residents. Kian is passionate about creating long-term, institutional change in how Tulsa pursues its economic and community development objectives and is committed to building a world-class and sustainable operating model that builds strong and stable long-term revenues for this work.
Learn more at https://www.36n.co/gew