Entrepreneur Duquan Brown and his team have developed an EdTech platform that seamlessly integrates mentorship, technology, and cultural leadership to equip the next generation of entrepreneurs centered around innovation.
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / March 3, 2026 / ElevateUS.ai Founder Duquan Brown has Built a New Model for Teaching the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs. At a time when young adults are searching for clearer pathways into business ownership, leadership, and economic mobility. This platform was built with the intention of advancing a different approach to education, one rooted not in theory but in direct access. Through the platform ElevateUS.ai, Brown has created spaces where emerging entrepreneurs can learn directly from industry leaders operating at the highest levels of business, sports, entertainment, finance, tech, and art.
This vision came to life at the previous ElevateUS.ai summit featuring global leaders including Magic Johnson, Damon John, Baron Davis, Candace Nelson, Ashley Simpson-Ross, Taylor Ping, Allen Clary, Marcus Adolfsson, Tom Frederick, and Marci Wilhelm, all positioning the platform as an emerging challenger within the rapidly growing education technology space.
Following the success of its inaugural gathering, the 2026 ElevateUS.ai Summit was held in Los Angeles at WePlay Studios, hosted by Director/CVO Maksym Bilonogov, during NBA All-Star Weekend and Black History Month. This partnership would not be possible without Browns relationship with Grammy Award-winning producer Larrance “Rance” Dopson of 1500 or Nothin’, who continues to set the bar, reinforcing legacy, community, and cultural impact.
Designed as both a live conference and professional studio production, the summit immersed young attendees and a live audience, able to experience inspiring conversations shaping modern industries. Participants experienced entrepreneurship in action by witnessing leaders share personal insight, discipline, and decision-making frameworks rarely accessible at early stages of career development.
One of the day’s most powerful moments featured Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, founders of the internationally renowned The Kinsey Collection, who took the stage together to speak on cultural stewardship, and the responsibility of preserving Black history through art and legacy. Their presentation reinforced how art, preservation of historical archives, and economic empowerment remain deeply interconnected.
A notable moment of the summit included a surprise appearance by music executive Mathew Knowles. Knowles, who previously appeared as a featured speaker at the First Annual ElevateUS.ai Summit, was recognized for his continued support of the platform and for a career defined by developing global talent, mentorship, and ownership as foundations for generational success. His presence reinforced his commitment to ElevateUS.ai’s mission to connect emerging leaders with those who have shaped culture and industry at the highest level.
Additionally, Mental health expert and leadership strategist Bianca D. McCall, LMFT, delivered a keynote-style presentation centered on entrepreneurial mindset and mental fitness before joining Emmy Award-winning journalist Cathleen Trigg-Jones for an in-depth interview exploring resilience, identity, and sustainable success. Music executive and manager, Silas White, and Darin Radcliff, Founder of Pico Digital Academy, addressed pathways into the entertainment industry, emphasizing structured education and sustainable career development for young creators.
Entertainment and media leadership conversations continued with Doug DeLuca, executive producer of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and an eleven-time Emmy Award-nominated television producer, alongside Paolo Moreno, brand strategist and media entrepreneur. They were joined by Leila Steinberg, acclaimed music executive, entrepreneur, and early mentor and manager to Tupac Shakur, whose joint discussion examined storytelling, brand development, mentorship, and navigating influence within today’s evolving media landscape.
Panels throughout the day reflected ElevateUS.ai’s cross-industry approach. Entrepreneurs Houda Chami, Noelle Haddad, Tanishia Nicole, and Angel Collins led conversations focused on women in business, leadership, and the importance of maintaining authenticity. Cultural entrepreneur Jamal Meezy Worldwide joined wellness advocate Natasha Pestano to explore discipline, health, and long-term personal performance. Coach Kevin K blessed the stage and delivered a powerful reflection centered on accountability, mindset, and personal transformation.
Innovation within athletics and product development emerged during a featured conversation between footwear innovator Rob Purvy, known for his work connected to elite athletes including Allen Iverson and Shaquille O’Neal, and former NBA player, player development and WNBA coach, John Lucas III, whose leadership in elite player development focuses on mentoring athletes beyond the game and preparing them for long-term success on and off the court.
Purvy and Lucas discussed how discipline learned through the game translates directly into entrepreneurship, leadership, and accountability beyond the court.
Financial literacy and emerging technologies also played a central role. Russell Redeaux, founder of StampXGroup, moderated a discussion on NIL opportunities and the evolving economics surrounding student-athletes alongside Deshonne Redeaux, Navy Bowl All-American Player of the Year and USC Trojan, and California State Champion, Trent Mosley.
Investor and technology entrepreneur Michael Golomb joined Host Tiffany Banks, exploring mentorship, innovation, and the future of digital finance. Golomb, known for his work in venture investment and Bitcoin infrastructure, shared perspectives on building sustainable businesses in a rapidly evolving economy. Music industry executive Steve Lobel, recognized for developing and managing influential hip-hop artists, participated in an impactful conversation, also moderated by Tiffany Banks, discussing artist development, brand longevity, and entrepreneurship within entertainment and culture.
Brand architect, executive strategist, and author, Erica Pittman joined Cathleen Trigg-Jones for a powerful conversation of intentional branding and strategic growth. Pittman is widely recognized for scaling global businesses and shaping transformative marketing strategies. Pittman shared insight on building purpose-driven brands that create lasting impact beyond visibility, emphasizing leadership, authenticity, and integrity as long-term value.
Behind the scenes, the summit was produced under the leadership of Founder and Executive Producer, Duquan Brown, alongside Cathleen Trigg-Jones, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, media entrepreneur, and founder of the global streaming platform iWomanTV, whose decades of broadcast leadership and storytelling expertise helped guide conversations bridging media and entrepreneurship. The production was further supported by Executive Producer Aaron Bolden, returning as a lead executive contributing seasoned leadership and continuity to the event’s evolving vision and execution. Additional Producers include Danielle Miranda Simms, Justin Frerichs, and Marvin Horn. ElevateUS.ai’s EdTech partnership with WePlay Studios enabled the summit to operate within a world-class production facility transforming the event into a fully immersive networking environment.
All panels and discussions will be accessible through the ElevateUS.ai digital platform, allowing subscribers worldwide to experience the summit’s insights and participate in an expanding ecosystem focused on mentorship, innovation, and entrepreneurial education. As the modern workforce shifts toward entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and innovation-led industries, ElevateUS.ai represents a new model of experiential learning that places emerging leaders directly inside environments where future opportunities are actively being built. Brown’s long-term vision is clear. Entrepreneurship should not be reserved for those with proximity or privilege but made accessible through exposure, technology, and community.
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media contact: us@elevateus.ai
SOURCE: ElevateUS.ai
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