Founder of StitchCrew and VEST Her Ventures, Erika Lucas talks about how entrepreneurship can close wealth gaps in America and a trillion dollar investment opportunity.

Guest Biography

In collaboration with NBA team the Oklahoma City Thunder she established an accelerator program to support entrepreneurs in the middle of the country. Erika also founded VEST, a curated network of C-suite women working together to expedite the pipeline of more women in power. As she states in her TED talk: America’s trillion dollar blindspot, Erika’s mission is to help close the funding and wealth gap for women and entrepreneurs of color.

Prior to launching StitchCrew and VEST, Erika was a Partner at a Private Equity Firm with investments in the U.S. and Europe. Before that she was the Deputy Director for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce where she oversaw the Global Investment and Trade Division. Erika began her career facilitating the establishment and in-country operation of several international manufacturing companies in Mexico.

Boards: Arvest Bank, OK Policy Institute, Diversion Hub, OKC County Health Department, the Oklahoma Downtown Partnership, Mercy Foundation.

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In this episode, you'll learn:

  • The challenges that women-led startups face
  • Why advocacy work is important in the context of investing
  • Stay tuned in to the end to hear how private investments can help close the wealth gap as well as return a good profit.

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/262

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