



MARTHA'S VINEYARD & VIRTUAL
AUG 7-9, 2023
Why Attend?
Unleash the Power of CONNECTIONS
COI Ladder Institute is thrilled to present its 10th annual Unleashing Retreat for female and BIPOC founders, investors, and corporate partners who are prepared to drive their businesses forward by fostering impactful connections within a supportive community.This year’s theme, Unleashing the Power of Connections centers on cultivating meaningful relationships to drive personal and business success. This retreat will create a space that enables participants to develop deep, lasting connections.
Female and BIPOC founders comprise a large percentage of US and global businesses yet are commonly underrepresented in securing venture funding. This gathering will offer actionable strategies from the most influential entrepreneurs, investors, accelerators, and strategic partners to advance and transform businesses through the power of connections.Central to all activities hosted at the retreat will be Founder Therapy. The founders’ physical, mental, and spiritual health will be thoughtfully woven into the agenda. Founders will leave the retreat equipped with strategies and tools to solve BIG problems that are sustained by profound connections.
Registration is OPEN
Registration | Fee* |
---|---|
"In Person" Attendance | |
Student Ticket (In-Person) | $99 |
One Day Pass (In-Person) | $149 |
General Admission TIcket (In-Person) | $199 |
VIP Ticket (In-Person) - includes priority access, VIP reception, lounge, content replay and premium swag items | $399 |
"Virtual" Attendance | |
Student Ticket (Virtual) | $49 |
General Admission Ticket (Virtual) | $99 |
VIP Ticket (Virtual) - includes priority access, content replay and premium swag items | $269 |
COI Ladder Institute will follow the CDC guidelines in collaboration with state and local health officials in presenting our 2023 Unleashing retreat. That being said, a hybrid experience will be offered. The retreat will be available in person and virtually. We will continue to monitor the situation and post updates to this website. The health and safety of our attendees and staff are our priority.
Ferry Reservations
2023 Martha's Vineyard Summer Ferry Reservations
Note: Ferry reservations open January 24th, 2023.
Housing & Lodging
Links for available lodging on Martha's Vineyard
Agenda
Day 1: Mon | Aug 7
Doing it forYOURSELF
Sessions | (Sponsored by Goodie Nation) |
---|---|
Welcome Reception: | Founders Are People Too |
Reflect: | How am I doing personally and professionally? |
Refocus & Rebalance: | Mental Health and Performance Work Hand in Hand |
Buying Black: | $300B Economic Significance - What it Means for Business and Our Community |
Founder Therapy: | Being a Founder Affects My Personal Life (Goodie Nation) |
Relax & Recharge: | Menemsha Beach Sunset (Dinner on your own) |
Day 2: Tue | Aug 8
Doing it for yourFUTURE
Sessions | |
---|---|
Continental Breakfast | |
Welcome & Kick-Off | |
Keynote Address: | The Hidden Power of being an Outsider (Stacy Spikes) |
Connections Break | |
Investor Real Talk Panel: | Funding During Economic Uncertainty |
Black Female Unicorn: | Journey to Becoming the First (Julia Collins) |
Session 1: | Becoming: From Founder to Investor |
Session 2: | Funding Sources with Minimal Dilution |
Lunch Accelerator Salon: | A Candid Discussion Conversation with (Allyson Felix) |
Session 3: | Founder's Journey: How I Got Here? |
Session 4: | Tools to Elevate Your Brand: Using Digital Platforms |
Origin Story Break | Networking |
Emerging Trends in Technology | Emerging Spaces in Web3, Climatetech, AI/ML, Hardtech, and more. |
Fireside Chat: | The Power of Connections as We Rise (Nathalie Molina Nino) |
VIP Cocktail Reception |
Day 3: Wed | Aug 9
Doing it for yourCONNECTIONS
Sessions | |
---|---|
Morning Activities | Yoga at the Inkwell Beach, Polar Bear Plunge, or Island Bike Ride to Mytoi Japanese Garden |
Morning Office Hours: | Investors, Accelerators, Corporates, Executive Coaches, Therapists, and Legal (15min time slots - maximum of two slots per attendee) |
Morning Remarks | |
Talent is the Backbone…How to Ensure it is Exceptional | FOUNDERS ONLY Session on what is keeping them up at night and hacks to succeed. |
Preparing The Pitch! | Ensuring the pitch is perfect for the targeted audience |
Reflection Empowerment Luncheon | |
Closing Remarks and Retreat Evaluation | |
Afternoon Office Hours: | Investors, Accelerators, Corporates, Executive Coaches, Therapists, and Legal (15min time slots - maximum of two slots per attendee) |
Speakers & Panelists
Keynotes
Past Years' Notable Speakers
COI Ladder Institute

About COI Ladder Institute
COI Ladder Institute, a program of STRIVE Inc., started with a simple premise: Make available to every woman and young professional the resources required to elevate their business to the next level. This is done by educating and empowering women so they could positively impact the space they occupy.This idea is the premise STRIVE Inc. was founded on in 1995 and still drives us today. The track record speaks to our commitment to women, youth, families, and the community at large.Net proceeds from each event benefits STRIVE’s STEM Leadership development program for students in 3rd thru 12th grades. You can make a tax deductible donation today to help a child realize her/his full potential.
STRIVE Inc.
The motivation for starting STRIVE in 1995 was to give back to young people and help build assets in the communities STRIVE serves. In 2013, the idea of expanding STRIVE to reach women and young professionals was born.Since our inception, we have hosted workshops and networking events throughout the country with our annual signature event hosted on Martha’s Vineyard every August.The founder believes that to whom much is given, much is required. She gives back and pays it forward because someone did the same for her.

SaLisa L. Berrien
Founder, COI Ladder Institute
SaLisa L. Berrien, Founder and Board Chair, has over 25 years of experience in non-profit leadership and clean energy space. From volunteering at charities, mentoring, working at utilities and clean tech companies, to establishing an endowment and scholarships, she has been committed to making the space she occupies better than she found it. SaLisa holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and an Executive MBA from Saint Joseph’s University.One of SaLisa’s core values is philanthropy. She believes that to whom much is given, much is required. Her mission in life is to positively impact the space she occupies by building assets. STRIVE Inc. does that with its afterschool STEM leadership development program and female founders programming for tech startups.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Check out the opportunities to elevate female and BIPOC founders to the next level. The Sponsorship Packages help ensure the quality programming our founders have come to enjoy continues. Make an impact today by pledging your level of support. Sponsorship is tax deductible.
Downloadable PDF
Need Assistance?
Please contact us for registration assistance or sponsorship interest!
Toolbox
Registration is Opening Soon.
Registration is OPEN
Due to COVID cases increasing, all sessions will be virtualexceptfor wellness activities which will be on-site (Martha's Vineyard)
L I M I T E D - P R O M O
ALL TICKETS ARE BUY ONE GET ONE FREE FOR EARLY BIRD PRICING
Includes both in-person & virtual attendance for Students, General Admission, and VIPRegister today with code BOGO23 for Buy One Get One Free .
4:00PM - 8:00PM
Registration | Fee* |
---|---|
"In Person" Attendance | |
Student Ticket (In-Person) | $99 |
General Admission TIcket (In-Person) | $199 |
VIP Ticket (In-Person) - includes priority access, VIP reception, lounge, content replay and premium swag items | $399 |
"Virtual" Attendance | |
Student Ticket (Virtual) | $49 |
General Admissions Ticket (Virtual) | $99 |
VIP Ticket (Virtual) - includes priority access, content replay and premium swag items | $269 |
In light of COVID-19 and its variants, COI Ladder Institute will follow the CDC guidelines in collaboration with state and local health officials in presenting our 2022 Unleashing retreat. That being said, a hybrid experience will be offered. The retreat will be available in person (guidelines permitting) and virtually. We will continue to monitor the situation and post updates to this website. The health and safety of our attendees and staff are our priority.
B O G O - P R O M O
ALL TICKETS ARE BUY ONE GET ONE FREE FOR EARLY BIRD PRICING
Includes both in-person & virtual attendance for Students, General Admission, and VIP
L I M I T E D - P R O M O
Who said independence should only be celebrated one day a year?Register today with code INDEPENDENCE for 98% off your ticket price until July 13th. Celebrate your independence today and every day.Ready. Set. and Grow.
L I M I T E D - P R O M O
In celebration of Juneteenth, we are offering a BOGO promotion for you and a friend because everything is better with a friend!Register today with code BOGO for Buy One Get One Free until June 18th.Ready. Set. and Grow.