Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) made its mark at Walt Disney World resort
From stakeholders to speakers executives and program leaders each participant expressed the varying rhyme and reason for attending.
Dr. Lisa Williams | Michael D Young| Courtesy of RICE
Dr. Williams, who is the creator of Black Panther Wakanda Forever collectible dolls and speaker on the small business vendor panel, came to shed light on the benefit of preparedness:
“I didn’t know but we have been preparing for decades to work with Disney,” Williams told BE.
“What I was really doing was just making the best product, the best dolls I could, that empowered our children and adults, but when the Wakanda opportunity came forward, we were ready.”
Williams continued: “We got that knock from Disney … they were asking if we had distribution; international distribution; software; certification; insurance.”
The answer to each ask was yes Dr. Williams shared. Her company was so prepared, the next best step was to take the opportunity and begin to collaborate and “create this magical doll.”
Williams’ message resonated with stakeholders because hers was a great feat for a small business and the same is possible for every stakeholder in attendance
I’m here on this Disney Institute trip because I am a part of the RICE accelerated program,” Charmaine Gibbs-West, Founder and CEO of Essence Tree told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“It has been life changing. It has been so impactful for my business. I have a goal to impact women at a deeper level of their healing and wellness journey. Learning from Disney that at every single touch point you can bless and give and sprinkle magic on everybody and touch all of your clients—I cannot wait to implement a lot of the things I learned.”
“It’s critical for us to create an environment where, if you literally just got an idea, this morning and you want to turn into business, we have a place for you as well as a business owner that may have been in business for ten years,” Paul Wilson told BE about the work RICE does and in its partnership with Disney. Wilson, who is vice president of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at RICE, continued.
Disney had several engaging experiences that pleased the senses including a Disney Institute tour of Epcot center, a candlelight procession, a dessert reception at Terrace Des Fleurs and a presentation of “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” fireworks. RICE’s Supply Chain Accelerator Program Partnership with Disney Institute struck the perfect balance of leisure and learning. The takeaways were priceless.
To learn more about the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, check out the history and mission at russellcenter.org.
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Source: Black Enterprise
