SF Black MBA Empowering Visionaries Scholarship & Awards Gala 2026

This is not just a gala. It’s where leadership shows up.

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National Black MBA Association hosts the Empowering Visionaries Scholarship & Awards Gala—an evening dedicated to honoring leaders who are driving impact across business, community, and innovation.

For the first time, we are bringing this signature event to Sacramento.
A new city. A broader stage. An expanded network of influence.

This annual gathering brings together:

• Senior executives and decision-makers
• Entrepreneurs and founders
• Corporate partners and sponsors
• Emerging leaders and high-performing professionals

Throughout the evening, we will recognize this year’s honorees—visionaries whose work is shaping industries and expanding access to opportunity—while raising critical scholarship funds to support the next generation of Black leaders.

• Honoree Recognition Ceremony
  Celebrating leaders across industries making measurable impact
• Scholarship Awards
  Investing directly in future Black professionals and students
• Curated Networking
  A room intentionally built for connection, visibility, and opportunity
• Elevated Gala Experience
  Dinner, program, and an atmosphere designed for influence
• Post-Event Experience
  Continued connection with attendees, honorees, and partners

Because proximity matters.

This is the room where:

• Relationships turn into opportunities
• Conversations turn into partnerships
• Visibility turns into access

If you are serious about being in spaces that move careers, businesses, and communities forward—this is one of them.

• Executives and senior leaders
• Entrepreneurs and business owners
• Corporate partners and sponsors
• Professionals building toward leadership roles
• Community leaders and advocates

Secure your seat. Join the room. Be part of the moment.

Info: VIP guests and sponsors are welcomed for early access to the evening.
Check-in opens for the private reception experience.

Info: An exclusive pre-event experience reserved for VIP guests and sponsors.
Enjoy early entry into the space with a private cocktail reception designed for meaningful connection, offering direct access to honorees, executives, and key partners before the evening begins. This is where the room is set.

Info: Doors open for all guests.
General admission check-in begins as the full room comes together for the evening program.

Info: Guests are invited to take their seats as we prepare to begin the formal program.

Info: An opening to set the tone for the evening—grounded in purpose, leadership, and impact.

Info: The centerpiece of the evening.

We honor leaders whose work is shaping industries, expanding access, and creating lasting impact.
Includes:

Honoree presentations
Scholarship & Award recognitions
Select remarks and acknowledgment

Info: The room opens earlier to allow for continued connection and movement.

Guests may transition into the post-gala experience featuring music, conversation, and expanded networking while the evening continues.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, 500 J Street, Sacramento, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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