Registration is Open

    AdmissionFee*
    Student Admission - Includes Founder Therapy, Workshops, Networking, Breakfast -2, Lunch -2, and Swag Bag.$99.00
    General Admission - Includes Founder Therapy, Workshops, Networking, Breakfast -2, Lunch -2, and Swag Bag.$249.00
    VIP Admission - Includes General Pass Features Plus Priority Access, VIP Dinner, Connectivity Lounge, and Premium Swag Items.$399.00
    VIP Dinner Pass - Join us for our VIP Dinner, where influential leaders in the startup ecosystem come together to celebrate the outstanding work being done to elevate founders and funders. Experience a unique opportunity to connect with visionaries and like-minded individuals that are leading impactful change.$150
    Vendor Registration - Includes 1 Table, 2 Chairs, VIP Dinner, Connectivity Lounge and BBM Signage.$499
    Mytoi Japanese Garden - Bike Ride - Embark on a scenic bike ride from charming Edgartown to the serene Mytoi Garden, a hidden gem on Chappaquiddick Island. Hop on the ferry and pedal your way through breathtaking landscapes before arriving at this tranquil, Japanese-inspired oasis.$35
    Yoga on Inkwell Beach - Join us for a refreshing morning yoga session on the historic Inkwell Beach. Surrounded by the soothing sounds of the ocean and the gentle warmth of the sun, this all-levels class is designed to center your mind, awaken your body, and set a positive tone for the day. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just beginning your practice, come breathe, stretch, and flow in community—connecting with nature, yourself, and others in a beautiful, sacred space. Donations suggested for the InkWellYoga organization after the session.FREE
    Inkwell Polar Bears Experience - Honor Heritage, Embrace Nature, and Take the Plunge: Start your day with an invigorating dip in the Atlantic alongside the legendary Inkwell Polar Bears! This cherished Martha’s Vineyard tradition is more than just a morning swim—it’s a soulful ritual rooted in community, resilience, and connection. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned Bear, take the plunge to awaken your senses, connect with fellow attendees, and pay homage to a rich legacy of joy, wellness, and Black history at this iconic beach. Rejuvenate your body, uplift your spirit, and make a memory that lasts.FREE

    Unleashing the Power of Exponential Growth Retreat

    COI Ladder Institute is thrilled to present its 12th annual Unleashing Retreat for founders, investors, and corporate partners who are prepared to drive their businesses forward by fostering impactful connections within a supportive community.This year’s Unleashing the Power of Exponential Growth Retreat 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.

    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.

    Agenda

    On Mobile: Rotate phone horizontally for best Agenda viewing.

    Day 1: Mon | Aug 4

    Investing inYourself

    Venue: Dr. Daniel Fisher House (99 Main St., Edgartown) unless otherwise noted

    TimeslotsSessions 
    9:00 AM- 10:00 AMBreakfastContinental Breakfast

    Old Whaling Church (89 Main St., Edgartown)
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PMRegistrationOld Whaling Church (89 Main St., Edgartown)
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PMConnectivity Lounge (VIP Only)VIP registrants have access to the lounge to host drop-in meetings, take phone calls, meet with an expert, and enjoy a relaxed environment with your guest.

    Old Whaling Church (89 Main St., Edgartown)
    10:00 AM - 5:00 PMBuying Black Marketplace ViewWitness your ancestors' wildest dreams as you shop at the Buying Black Marketplace. This is an opportunity for the community to support venture backed startups across all industries.

    Open to public
    10:00 AM - 2:00 PMSanctuary: GOLDENA restorative brunch to reflect, reconnect, and honor the wisdom, vision, and power within us.

    Host: Tangie Murray 👤
    2:00 PMOwn Your Narrative: Storytelling for Influence and ImpactIn today’s competitive landscape, your story is your superpower. This session is designed to help founders, funders, and changemakers craft a clear, authentic, and emotionally resonant narrative that moves audiences — whether they’re investors, customers, partners, family or friends.

    Speaker: Jasmine Jones 👤
    3:00 PMFrom Entrepreneur to Expert: Leverage Your Background to Get Paid!”Discover how to turn your lived experience and entrepreneurial journey into a powerful brand that commands respect — and revenue. This session explores how to position yourself as a thought leader, attract paid opportunities, and build influence beyond your business.

    Speaker: Nicole Anderson 👤
    4:00 PMUnscripted: The Real Talk of Building Something RealBehind every product in the Buying Black Marketplace is a bold founder with a powerful story. In this inspiring session, meet the entrepreneurs who turned vision into value. From overcoming obstacles to igniting change in their communities, these founders will share the heart, hustle, and heritage behind their brands — and how they’re building generational wealth through innovation and purpose.

    Speakers: Buying Black Marketplace Founders
    Facilitator: Sheree Anderson 👤

    Day 2: Tue | Aug 5

    Investing inYour Future

    Venue: Dr. Daniel Fisher House (99 Main St., Edgartown) unless otherwise noted

    TimeslotsSessions 
    8:00 AM- 9:00 AMBreakfastContinental Breakfast

    Old Whaling Church (89 Main St., Edgartown)
    9:00 AM - 3:00 PMRegistrationOld Whaling Church (89 Main St., Edgartown)
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PMConnectivity Lounge (VIP Only)VIP registrants have access to the lounge to host drop-in meetings, take phone calls, meet with an expert, and enjoy a relaxed environment with your guest.

    Old Whaling Church (89 Main St., Edgartown)
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PMBuying Black Marketplace ViewWitness your ancestors' wildest dreams as you shop at the Buying Black Marketplace. This is an opportunity for the community to support venture backed startups across all industries and stages. Meet the founders at 11 AM.

    Open to public
    9:00 AMWelcome and Keynote - Unleashing the Power of Exponential Growth!Join us for an inspiring keynote from a groundbreaking tech founder who turned bold ideas into exponential impact. Discover how he navigated early-stage uncertainty, harnessed innovation, and scaled rapidly in a competitive market—all while staying grounded in purpose. This session will illuminate the mindset shifts, strategic moves, and fearless decisions that fueled his journey from startup to standout. Attendees will leave energized and empowered with actionable insights to unlock their own path to exponential growth.
    10:00 AMNot My First Rodeo: How Founders and Funders Collaborate to Prevail in Challenging TimesWhen the stakes are high, the strongest partnerships rise. In this dynamic panel, seasoned founders and funders share how they’ve weathered economic headwinds, scaled during uncertainty, and leaned on each other to fuel resilience and exponential growth. Discover how collaboration—not just capital—drives success in tough times. Walk away with insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you thrive no matter the climate.

    Moderator: Monica Cummings 👤
    Panelists: Lara Metcalf, Mica Mayo, Kristen Clark
    11:00 AMThe Network Effect: Where Connections Become CatalystsIn today’s world, who you know can be just as powerful as what you know. The Network Effect is an intentional networking session designed to spark meaningful connections that go beyond the surface. Whether you’re a founder, funder, or ecosystem builder, this is your space to engage in high-value conversations, exchange ideas, and build relationships that multiply your impact. Come ready to connect, collaborate, and tap into the exponential power of community.

    All attendees
    12:00 PM - 1:30 PMTable of Ten LuncheonJoin us for a lunch experience designed to spark authentic dialogue and lasting relationships. The Table of Ten Luncheon brings together a carefully curated mix of founders, funders, and ecosystem builders for rich, purposeful conversations over a shared meal. Each table is intentionally matched to foster alignment, opportunity, and mutual support—creating the space where collaboration begins and connections thrive. Come ready to share your story, listen deeply, and leave with powerful new relationships to fuel your journey.
    1:30 PM - 2:15 PMExponential Edge: How AI Can Transform Your Business TrajectoryAI isn’t the future—it’s the advantage. In this forward-focused session, discover how founders can leverage artificial intelligence to accelerate growth, unlock operational efficiency, and uncover new revenue opportunities. From automating workflows to personalizing customer experiences at scale, we’ll explore real-world applications of AI that drive results. Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to deepen your strategy, this session will give you the edge to move faster, smarter, and further. This is your wake-up call!

    Moderator: Lakecia Gunter
    Panelists: Courtenay Ngo 👤, Brandon Andrews 👤
    1:30 PM - 2:15 PMThe Struggle is Real!: From Momentum to Headwinds - How BIPOC Fund Managers Are Adapting, Surviving, and ThrivingThe VC landscape for BIPOC fund managers has dramatically shifted. This candid panel brings together experienced BIPOC fund managers sharing unfiltered experiences navigating this reality. They'll discuss difficult decisions—from redacting investment theses and muting public messaging to pivoting strategies or leaving venture altogether. This isn't another diversity panel—it's raw truth-telling about survival, adaptation, and the path forward for BIPOC fund managers today.

    Moderated by: Untapped Investing
    2:30 PM - 3:15 PMPreparing for Growth: The Right Capital StackGrowth doesn’t happen by chance—it’s engineered with the right foundation. In this founder-focused session, we unpack how to build a smart, strategic capital stack that positions your company for sustainable scale. Learn the pros and cons of different funding sources, how to align capital with your business stage, and what savvy founders do to stay in control while unlocking exponential opportunity. Whether you're bootstrapping, raising venture, or exploring creative financing—this conversation will equip you with the insights to fund your vision with confidence.

    Moderator: Maya Peleg 👤
    Panelists: Dr. Liz Clayborne 👤, Courtney Caldwell 👤, Kim Roxie 👤
    2:30 PM - 3:15 PMInvestor Activation: Your First Step Into the GameCurious about investing but not sure where to start? This session is designed for aspiring investors who want to demystify the path to building wealth and impact through early-stage investments. Learn the fundamentals of becoming an investor—from understanding deal flow and evaluating opportunities to setting your investment thesis and building confidence. Whether you're looking to write your first check or support the next wave of innovation in your community, this session will give you the tools, language, and mindset to take your first bold step into the investor seat.
    3:15 PM - 4:00 PMThey Not Like Us!: Sustaining your personal brand beyond takeover.When everything was on the line, these founders didn’t fold—they leveled up. From takeover to commanding the comeback, they turned setbacks into fuel and kept their personal brands in check. This electrifying session dives into the grit, vision, and strategy behind their bounce-back stories. It’s a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and building a brand that endures. Bold. Unbreakable. Unmatched. Because when the dust settles—they not like us.

    Moderator: Julia Collins 👤
    Panelists: Stacy Spikes 👤, Brian Brackeen 👤, Donnel Baird 👤
    4:15 PM - 5:00 PMFireside Chat: Real Talk Strategies for SuccessThis fireside chat brings together founders and funders for a refreshingly honest dialogue about the messy, meaningful middle of entrepreneurship—when you’ve had some wins, but you’re still figuring it out. Learn how to identify and repeat what’s working, navigate uncertainty with confidence, and build authentic relationships that support your growth. Just as importantly, this session emphasizes the power of community—how supporting one another strengthens the entire ecosystem. When founders and funders work together and lift each other up, we all move forward. Join us for a powerful, real-world dialogue that centers growth, connection, and collective success.

    Panelists: Veronica Woodruf, Randy Wiggins, Kristen Clark
    .Closing Session 
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PMVIP Dinner & AwardsJoin us for our VIP Dinner, where influential leaders in the startup ecosystem come together to celebrate the outstanding work being done to elevate underestimated founders. Experience a unique opportunity to connect with visionaries and like-minded individuals that are leading impactful change.

    Day 3: Wed | Aug 6

    Investing inYour Wellness

    TimeslotsSessions 
    7:30 AMInkwell Polar Bears ExperienceHonor Heritage, Embrace Nature, and Take the Plunge: Start your day with an invigorating dip in the Atlantic alongside the legendary Inkwell Polar Bears! This cherished Martha’s Vineyard tradition is more than just a morning swim—it’s a soulful ritual rooted in community, resilience, and connection. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned Bear, take the plunge to awaken your senses, connect with fellow attendees, and pay homage to a rich legacy of joy, wellness, and Black history at this iconic beach. Rejuvenate your body, uplift your spirit, and make a memory that lasts.

    Oak Bluffs, MA
    8:00 AMMytoi Japanese Gardens Bike RideA beautiful bike ride from Edgartown to the beautiful Mytoi Garden via Chappaquiddick Ferry. Enjoy the beauty of this Japanese inspired garden as you clear your head and connect with all your senses. It is a great way to start your day.

    Edgartown, MA
    8:00 AMYoga on Inkwell BeachJoin us for a refreshing morning yoga session on the historic Inkwell Beach. Surrounded by the soothing sounds of the ocean and the gentle warmth of the sun, this all-levels class is designed to center your mind, awaken your body, and set a positive tone for the day. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just beginning your practice, come breathe, stretch, and flow in community—connecting with nature, yourself, and others in a beautiful, sacred space. Donations suggested for the InkWellYoga organization after the session.

    Oak Bluffs, MA

    Retreat Venue

    Dr. Daniel Fisher House & Gardens
    99 Main Street
    Edgartown, MA 02539

    Ferry Reservations (For Your Vehicle)

    2025 Martha's Vineyard Summer Ferry Reservations

    Note: Ferry reservations are open for vehicles

    Housing & Lodging

    Links for available lodging on Martha's Vineyard

    Past Years' Notable Speakers

    COI Ladder Institute

    COI Ladder Institute: Empowering Communities, Elevating Futures

    Founded in 1995, COI Ladder Institute began with a simple yet powerful vision: to build assets and create lasting change in the communities we serve. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we have always been driven by the belief that empowering individuals and communities through education, mentorship, and opportunity is the key to transforming lives and fostering sustainable growth.Over the years, our mission has evolved, but our commitment to driving positive impact remains unwavering. In 2013, we expanded our reach with the Unleashing Your Power Retreat, a transformative initiative designed to serve the often overlooked and underestimated founders and funders within the startup ecosystem. This program, along with our other offerings, aims to provide the essential resources, networks, and opportunities needed to break down barriers and elevate individuals to new heights of success.At COI Ladder Institute, we understand that true empowerment goes beyond basic education—it’s about unlocking potential and providing the tools necessary for sustainable success. Our flagship programs, including STRIVE Youth, kW for Good, SEE Index, and a range of ad hoc initiatives, are tailored to address the unique needs of both individuals and businesses. Each program is designed not only to foster personal and professional growth but to uplift entire communities, creating a ripple effect of opportunity and prosperity.Our Unleashing Your Power Retreat is particularly close to our hearts. By focusing on founders and funders, we aim to bridge the gap in a startup ecosystem. Through access to specialized educational resources, mentorship from industry leaders, and strategic networking opportunities, we create an environment where participants can elevate their businesses, unlock new opportunities, and transform their lives.Beyond our programs, COI Ladder Institute is deeply committed to philanthropy, energy efficiency, and sustainability. We believe that true change is achieved not only through direct action but by fostering an ecosystem of shared knowledge, compassion, and responsible stewardship of resources. Our vision is one of equity—where every individual, regardless of background, has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain dedicated to our core mission: empowering communities to rise, supporting individuals to break through limitations, and creating lasting change that extends far beyond today. We are driven by the belief that the power of connection, mentorship, and opportunity can catalyze exponential growth, both for individuals and the communities they touch.At COI Ladder Institute, we don’t just build assets—we build futures.

    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. COI Ladder Institute does this with its afterschool STEM leadership development program and female founders programming for tech startups.

    About Our Partners

    Thank You for your support.

    Sponsorship Interest?

    Check out the opportunities to elevate founders and funders to the next level. The Sponsorship Packages help ensure the quality programming our stakeholders have come to enjoy continues. Make an impact today by pledging your level of support. Sponsorship is tax deductible.

    Downloadable Sponsor Packet

    Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the event!

    Toolbox

    Unleashing22 Founder Retreat (on-site) Includes 3 day wellness and resilience activities, networking, swag bag, 1:1 coaching

    Juneteenth Special Offer: Until June 19, 20242 for 1 Deal - Bring a friend with you for free. Get two tickets for the price of one.
    $249 $124.50

    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 VIP
    Register today with code BOGO23 for Buy One Get One Free .

    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

    Speakers & Panelists

    Speakers

    Marketplace

    The COI Ladder Institute's Buying Black Marketplace

    We are dedicated to supporting and amplifying businesses and foundersThis marketplace serves as a vibrant hub where you can explore and purchase a wide array of products and services offered by tech-enabled businesses in the B2B, B2C, and Small-Medium categories. We aim to foster an empowering environment that celebrates the incredible talent and diversity within the founder community.Join us in making a direct impact. Every purchase you make is a step towards supporting economic growth and closing the racial wealth gap. Explore the marketplace and discover everything from cutting-edge products and services to handcrafted goods. Let’s uplift and propel the success of these businesses together!

    B:B

    B:C

    SMB

    hello@coiempowerment.com