And The Winner is….

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As a woman of faith,” I knew I was going to attend, I just didn’t know how I was going to get there”; is what I said to myself in regards to The 2012 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference . I entered a contest sponsored by The BOSS Network and the prize was a ticket to Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference 2012,  in the end; it was “The Boss Network”, which granted me access to partake in a life changing opportunity.


I am Nakita ”Nicci” Whittaker, Founder and CEO of “The Whiz Kidz of America Foundation, NFP”. Whiz Kidz is an education focused incentive program that provides solutions for our youth that desire to be entrepreneurs now. Our signature program is the Annual Whiz Kidz Jr. Entrepreneur Competition, CPS kids have the opportunity to compete to win $10,000 to start for fund their business. I’m not only an advocate for inspiring our youth; I’m a BOSS, and a proud member of BOSS (The Boss Network)!
The Boss Network is an Elite Network of Polished, Poised and Professional minority women who come together to support, motivate, mentor, and brand each other in our careers. From the start, The Boss Network and Founder Cameka Smith has proved; “Yes, women can work together!”. I enjoy being a part of such a wonderful network of inspiring women who genuinely care about women growth and empowerment. I was introduced to the Boss Network by good friend Shay Atkins of Creative Turkey.
Allow me to tell you about my three day experience at Black Enterprise 2012. From the moment I walked through the doors of Hilton Chicago, I felt the positive energy of beautiful, hungry, minority entrepreneurs like me and everyone was so pleasant. Check in was a breeze, and before you know it, off to the first class I go…
The first class was hosted by Daymond John of ABC hit series “Shark Tank” this class set the platform for me as I am a huge fan of Daymond John and “Shark Tank” inspired me to put my creative side into action and create a way to help our youth become entrepreneurs. I learned so much about the differences between Venture Capitalist and Angel Investors. Do you know the difference? Allow me to briefly share:
• An Angel Investor is a person or a company that invest money for in house (their own money)
• A Venture Capitalist is a person or agency that invests corporate money.
The guest speakers were two Angel Investors who spoke on the dos and don’ts if you are looking for an investor. After the class I attended the networking reception where I met so many great people! My tip for anyone attending next year is to bring plenty of business cards!!!!!
I can talk to you forever about all the wonderful things I learned and the powerful people I met over the past three days but I don’t want to spoil it for you if you are attending next year. However I will say this, during the three days of Black Enterprise and my tenure since the start of BOSS, I’ve met investors, mentors and friends and connects NO MONEY can afford. I’m looking forward to next year’s conference and I’m certainly looking forward to my long relationship with BOSS! If you are serious about your career, BOSS and Black Enterprise is the place for you!
-Nakita Nicci Whittaker


To Learn more about  Nakita Nicci Whittaker check out her BOSS profile here: http://www.thebossnetwork.org/profile/NakitaWhittaker

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