Webinar Date: September 17, 2025, 1 pm ET/12 pm CT
Black men have long faced systemic barriers to economic opportunity — from historic exploitation of their labor to modern-day wage gaps, occupational segregation, and shrinking pathways to upward mobility. While recent gains in entrepreneurship, youth employment programs, and equity-focused investments signal progress, structural racism continues to shape who thrives in the labor market and who is left behind.
This webinar will explore bold, equity-driven strategies to move beyond short-term job access toward lasting economic justice. Drawing from the forthcoming Our Dreams Won’t Be Deferred report, panelists will examine actionable solutions to:
- Invest in youth employment pathways and equitable job pipelines
- Enforce civil rights and labor protections
- Expand financial inclusion and wealth-building opportunities
- Advance racially just policy initiatives
Through dialogue with leading experts, community advocates, and policy innovators, we’ll spotlight how to dismantle systemic barriers, reimagine economic systems, and build sustainable prosperity for Black men and boys.
Join us for a conversation that moves from diagnosis to action — and from jobs to justice.
Michelle Massie (she/her)
Consultant, The Moriah Group
Bio
Michelle K. Massie is a workforce development and social impact leader with over 20 years of experience advancing pathways to economic mobility. She has held leadership roles at The Forum for Youth Investment, The Moriah Group, and Mathematica, where she directed multimillion-dollar initiatives, built cross-sector partnerships, and provided technical assistance to workforce systems across the country. From managing a $75M federal grant to designing national career pathways programs and leading philanthropic grantmaking strategies, Michelle has consistently bridged policy, practice, and equity to expand opportunity for youth, returning citizens, and marginalized communities. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science from Rutgers University.
Yasmin Salina (she/her)
Co-Founder and Executive Director, The Hustler’s Guild
Bio
Yasmin Salina is the Founder and Executive Director of The Hustlers Guild, a nationally recognized social innovation enterprise preparing youth for the workforce through sports, entertainment, and hip hop education. A graduate of Alabama State University and the first alum to serve as a White House political appointee, she has partnered with corporations and managed philanthropic efforts for top entertainers to expand career pipelines. Under her leadership, The Hustlers Guild has provided millions in resources, technology, and workforce training to help students from marginalized communities secure jobs, contracts, and sustainable career opportunities.
Travis Manigan (he/him)
Founder & CEO, GRADIFY
Bio
Travis Manigan is the Founder and CEO of GRADIFY, a college and career readiness platform helping students from middle school through high school discover their purpose and prepare for the future. Under his leadership, GRADIFY has expanded to more than 73 cities, partnering with national organizations including the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Communities in Schools, as well as charter and public schools. Previously, Travis worked in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and taught history, experiences that fuel his mission to make opportunity and impact accessible to all young people. He is passionate about combining education, technology, and mentorship to empower the next generation of leaders.
