This session will explore the landscape and crossroads of impact investing, the creative economy, and racial equity. The panel will explore what avenues are available particularly for artists of color to practice their crafts in a way that is financially sustainable for themselves and their enterprises. We will consider these issues in a top down way, including perspectives from the impact investor community, as well in a bottom up way, including perspectives from practicing artists.

PANELISTS
+CARL CARRELL, a Denver, Colorado native, is best recognized by his artist moniker CRL CRRLL. His soulful, textured beat-making has landed him gigs with Red Bull Sound Select and Red Bull Music Academy, and he’s played shows alongside the likes of Anderson .Paak, Sango, Washed Out, Broods, Xiavier, Tokimonsta, and Jamie XX, to name a few. https://linktr.ee/crlcrrll

+PHIL KIRSHMAN, CFA, CFP® is the Founder of Impact Metropolis, a resource for all things and people involved in or interested in learning more about the world of impact investing. Prior to Founding Impact Metropolis, Phil was a founding partner and served as Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Capital Group, an RIA where Phil oversaw over $1bn in assets under management. Currently, Phil serves on the board and on the Executive Committee of Calvert Impact Capital (formerly the Calvert Foundation). He recently served on the board and Executive Committee of US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, and was Treasurer of the US SIF Foundation. Phil also recently completed a term on the Advisory Council to the City of Denver Office of Sustainability, by appointment of the Mayor of Denver, and chaired its Finance Committee. https://www.impactmetropolis.com

+EMILY WINSLOW is the Director of Investments and Impact Opportunities for Social Venture Circle. In this role, she catalyzes and supports national deal flow, cultivates relationships with aligned community partners, identifies impact opportunities, and promotes best practices across the SVC network. Emily is also the Co-Founder and CEO of All Wins Ventures. Prior to starting All Wins Ventures, Emily achieved a deep understanding of impact investing as COO for PeakChange, an early-stage impact investing family office. Emily has facilitated the operations of nonprofit and for-profit boards, helping to implement best practices, establish clear communications, and build organizational capacities. https://svcimpact.org

+MELISSA CHEONG joined Blackhorn Ventures in January 2019 as a Managing Partner. In her role, Melissa balances her time between managing the firm’s strategic goals, procedures and policies, creating partnerships and working with talented and inspiring company founders, and developing the firm’s investment strategy for current and future funds. https://blackhornvc.com

+VALENTINO VALENTINE is a Front End Developer, curator, and creative. They have created a true passion for software development and some of their favorite Tech Stack include React, ES6, SASS, CSS/HTML, and JavaScript. They also hold a BFA in Acting which has allowed them to enrich the Denver community. Valentino is the mother of the House of Flora, proving that they possess the tenacity to spread awareness and guidance to members of the Black, Latino, and LGBTQIA+ community. Along with their original work that was commissioned by MeowWolf, Valentino directed, filmed, edited, and performed in their original work “Black Trauma Black Dreams” for this year’s Burning Man Festival. You’ll be able to catch a streaming of this short film during Denver Startup Week along with a vogue femme workshop lead by Valentino. Valentino always strives to create true connections as well as a solid sense of community with a team — “let’s create!”. https://www.instagram.com/valentinovalentin/