OUR MISSION

Venture Noire brings high potential founders and experts together with leading Public and Private corporations to develop and lead projects that help eradicate the quality of life gap.

OUR PROCESS

We believe that we can unlock the chains of generational poverty by unleashing human potential. We are reprogramming and instilling confidence in our teams to create the companies and leaders of the future. We believe in quality education, work ethic, inventiveness and strong economic systems to turn ideas into output.

projects

BUILDING BUSINESS ONE ENTREPRENEUR AT A TIME

We're building an ecosystem of entrepreneurs that are not only changing their lives, but the fabric of their communities through job creation. We promote volunteerism and provide opportunities for corporate sponsors' employees to volunteer.

IMPACT

Venture Noire grew out of an apartment in Brooklyn and is currently based in Bentonville, Arkansas, New York and Los Angeles.

LEARN MORE

Venture Noire looks for high integrity, intellectually curious owners and operators with a hacking mindset for reshaping the future

JOIN OUR TEAM

The Team

Keenan Beasley

Jeff Johnson

Jocelyn Tragesser

Shaheen Lokhandwala

Myron Branford

TEAM BIOS

Stephanie Ogbogu

Head of Content & Social

Highly motivated multitasker with over 15 years of experience in the digital space. Her expertise ranges from marketing and branding to various aspects of audience growth and editorial.

Vondell Brown

COO

Results-driven strategic leader with over 25 years of professional and support management; seeking to make a direct impact within a dynamic and diverse team by utilizing strengths in leadership, business acumen, humanitarian assistance, and customer retention.

Keenan Beasley

President

Keenan Beasley is a proud #girldad, successful entrepreneur, industry disrupter and visionary who embraces and utilizes technology to tell stories and influence consumers in dynamic ways. Keenan’s expertise in blending tech, art and creativity has changed the marketing landscape and opened the door to modern strategies and fresh approaches.Keenan is the founder & CEO of Sunday II Sunday, an active haircare brand at the intersection of health and beauty. Keenan’s non-profit arm, Venture Noire, mentors and develops diverse entrepreneurs and provides them with access to critical resources to help close the quality of life gap for underserved Americans.

Jeff Johnson

COO and Heartland Director

Jeff has a long history with Venture Noire and brings two decades of experience serving our community through impact vehicles and media outlets. He will bring senior level vision and leadership while ensuring continuity as we continue our mission to improve quality of life through economic development.

Jocelyn Tragesser

Chief of Staff

Jocelyn received her Bachelor’s degree from Mount Saint Mary’s University where she majored in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. She has supported CEO’s in healthcare and in tech by implementing practical, long-term solutions to internal processes. At Venture Noire, Jocelyn works to manage projects which include but are not limited to identifying and improving operational deficiencies.

Shaheen Lokhandwala

Program Manager and NWA Execution Lead

At Venture Noire, Shaheen works to bring the organization's flagship programs, In the Black and City of Entrepreneurs, to life in Northwest Arkansas and around the world. Shaheen comes from the world of higher education, having spent the last 10 years working at the University of Arkansas and the University of Houston helping researchers and students turn their ideas into successful startup companies. Her passion for generating equality in entrepreneurship is unmatched, creating access to resources and opportunities for traditionally underserved populations.

Myron Branford

Creative Director

Having accrued many years of experience in design of all shapes and sizes, I have discovered and cultivated a passion that stretches across various media. Prior to joining Venture Noire, I’ve had the privilege of working with such brands and companies as Adidas, Emporio Armani, Burberry, Zodiac, Michele, DKNY, Mary Kay, Marc Jacobs, Diesel, AT&T, Karl Lagerfeld and Michael Kors. From packaging and retail websites to print ads, catalogs and consumer brochures, my experience has allowed for an expansive, diverse portfolio of work I’m very proud of.