Dr. Renée Baker, DBA, RCC

Congratulations to the Fall 2023 graduates from the College of Arts & Sciences at USF! A special shout-out to my wonderful students at Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications at USF- your hard work and dedication truly inspire me. As an educator, nothing brings me more joy than pouring into the next generation of leaders and seeing the passion and intelligence the students will bring to their respective fields. Let’s celebrate all of the graduates as they embark on their next chapter. The best is surely yet to come for them, and we can all share in the excitement of their potential. Go Bulls! 🤘 🎓

What an incredible evening we had last night at the Admiral Society Winter Social! I'm deeply thankful to all who joined us, making it a night to remember.

Our gathering was a celebration of the remarkable efforts and achievements we've made with United Way Suncoast over the year, showcasing the power of representative philanthropy in action.

For those interested in learning more about our initiatives and how to get involved, visit https://bit.ly/3RgKQG7 and join us.

Let's continue to make a difference and lead positive change within the Tampa Bay community.

United we rise! United we win!

Exciting news! I'm honored to join the Advisory Board of the Florida Financial Educators Council. Our diverse team of board members shares a unified goal: advancing the financial wellness movement.

In my role, I'll be supporting the Leadership Team in crafting top-notch educational resources, driving business growth, and fostering positive social change. Here's to making a difference in financial education and economic empowerment!

Learn more: http://bit.ly/3sXxaYO

Back from the bustling streets of NYC, and it truly feels like a homecoming every time! Having spent a significant part of my career in the city, it's always exhilarating to reconnect with my finance colleagues. This whirlwind trip was packed with memorable moments - from judging and attending industry events to engaging discussions with peers, and of course, catching up with friends who've been part of my journey for years.

Amidst these reunions, I also squeezed in some important business meetings for my last business trip of 2023.

Breast cancer is devastating any time of year, but it is especially hard during the holidays. Your gift on ensures breast cancer patients have access to the resources and support they need this holiday season.

Don't miss your opportunity to make a gift on (Nov. 28) when it will have 4x the impact, thanks to Komen’s partners at . Ending breast cancer needs hope. Ending breast cancer needs all of us.

https://bit.ly/3QtbgUH

Susan G. Komen

Learn more about the work we are doing at United Way Suncoast with the Admiral Society and join us..

Suncoast Snapshot - Renee Barker United Way Suncoast leads into Giving Tuesday with an "Attitude of Gratitude." Admiral Society chair Renee Baker shares why she's grateful for grateful for t...

It's always a delight to connect with Darla Otey, Executive Director of Girls Inc Pinellas, with whom I have the honor of working in service as a board member. She's an incredible leader who makes a significant impact in our community here in Tampa Bay. This woman is on 🔥🔥🔥 empowering girls to be STRONG, SMART, and BOLD through her work and passion for uplifting our girls and women.

Learn more: https://girlsinc-pinellas.org

Today, we pause to honor our veterans' courage, sacrifice, and dedication. Your service transcends words and your bravery shapes our nation. To all who have served and continue to serve, we thank you! 🇺🇸 "

It’s hard to believe it’s been three months since the launch of The RBI Group. Time flies when you are having fun. Reflecting on the past three months of my entrepreneurial journey, I've been humbled and invigorated by the challenges and triumphs that have come my way.

Here are three key lessons I've learned:

🩷 Adaptability is Key: The ability to pivot and embrace change has been crucial. Whether tweaking the business model or adopting new strategies and programs, staying flexible has helped me to evolve the business and as an entrepreneur.

🩷 Networking Never Sleeps: The connections I've made have proven invaluable. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn and grow, and the advice and support from other founders and entrepreneurs has been a source of knowledge, inspiration and motivation.

🩷 Resilience Pays Off: There have been setbacks, but each has been a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. Pushing through tough times isn’t just important. It’s essential. Nevertheless I persist.

As I look ahead and continue to get better every day, I believe more than ever that the best is yet to come. To everyone who's been a part of my journey so far and to those I've yet to meet, let's embrace the future with open arms and a bold spirit powered by grit and perseverance.

Here's to growth, learning, and the future!
The best is yet to come. 🩷

It’s , in the Baker home. My two-year-old niece is visiting, so she has her money lessons from the Centsables playing with our app Dash For Cash and “reading” her factactivity workbooks offered by the The RBI Group . Train up a child in the way they should go. This is what we do, educate, empower and elevate when it comes to financial literacy. Children this young are like sponges. It’s never to early to teach kids positive money habits.

“A key to happiness is deciding to be the source of it.” This profound statement was made by Allison Massari, the keynote speaker at this morning’s YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg Community Prayer Breakfast. The gathering of civic and business leaders to pray for our community was an inspiration and empowering experience.

Allison’s inspiring story of resilience and compassion deeply touched me, providing a fresh outlook on facing life’s challenges and having hope. I would like to express my gratitude to Debbie Moore, a YMCA board member, for extending the invitation to this inspiring event. It was great to also see a few community friends as well.

Overall, the opportunity to view Allison’s exquisite artwork and learn from her journey was a great way to begin this month centered in gratitude.

October has been a busy month but it's been worth it. Last week, I had the honor of both attending and contributing as a speaker at the Black Wealth Summit 2023, focusing on the important topic of financial empowerment. This event embodies the essence of wealth-building, offering invaluable insights and resources to all its participants. I also had the opportunity to meet with Governor Wes Moore and the actor Morris Chestnut. Thank you to Cedric Nash, Alana Robinson and Renea Pierre for such a rewarding experience and event. Looking forward to next year.

I am enjoying my time in NOLA at FinCon and got the opportunity to meet the amazing Erika Kullberg, the ultimate money nerd, attorney and influencer who reads the fine print so we don't have to. She’s incredibly down-to-earth and offered some great advice to help me conquer my video phobia.

I made a commitment to her that I’d step out of my comfort zone and post my first YouTube video before the month is out. Dropping this here to keep myself accountable. Looking forward to sharing.

I'm embracing the value of 'NO.’ As I work on growing my company and shaping my vision, I've realized that 'NO' is the most empowering word I can say. It's not just a response; it's a statement that I value my time and priorities. ‘NO' can be an investment in oneself. It's not about turning people or opportunities away; it's about ensuring every commitment aligns with my goals. Time is precious, so let's all make the best use of it. Here's to setting boundaries and focusing on what truly matters to you.

Knowledge truly is power, especially when it comes to our financial well-being and building wealth. That's why I'm excited to share that I'll speak on the topic at the Black Wealth Summit 2023 on Friday, October 27th, in Maryland.

Ready to empower yourself and take charge of your financial future? Join us at the event and be a part of this transformative experience!

Reserve your spot at the Black Wealth Summit in person or virtually, and let's embark on this financial journey and bridge the wealth gap!

The best is yet to come. 🩷

Register: https://lnkd.in/ghk3stjV
📍 Landover, MD⁠
📅 October 26-28

Last week, my advertising and media strategy classes at Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications at USF were graced by none other than the legendary Ernest Hooper, SVP Marketing & Communications at United Way Suncoast. It wasn't just a lecture; it was a masterclass in the art of persuasion in storytelling and advertising. Drawing from his vast experiences in the journalism industry and his passion for the nonprofit space, he provided invaluable insights, bridging classroom learning with real-world scenarios. Such moments truly enrich the educational journey for the students.

A big thank you to Ernest for inspiring the next generation of storytellers and advertisers. Go Bulls! 🤘

Every day, countless breast cancer patients must choose between paying rent or affording life-saving treatment. This is where financial toxicity threatens the lives of breast cancer patients everywhere.

In an exclusive new report, Susan G. Komen’s
Patient Care Center identified housing, transportation, and utilities as the top financial needs for patients as they carry the weight of medical costs. What may seem like the simplest
living expenses can pose a life-threatening ultimatum for patients who often delay or forgo care.

Through Komen’s Financial Assistance Program and the generosity of its donors, families across the U.S. receive vital financial assistance—but it’s not enough. Long-term solutions are desperately needed for tens of thousands of people facing breast cancer.

Komen’s impact is one reason why I’m so proud to be a Susan G. Komen board member, but we still have so much work to do to ensure all people have the best chance of survival.

Read Komen’s full report below.
https://www.komen.org/blog/making-ends-meet/

Making Ends Meet - Susan G. Komen® A new Susan G. Komen report shows how financial barriers undermine care for breast cancer patients, often forcing them to chose between paying for treatment or daily living expenses.

Each year during the month of October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month friends, families and co-workers join together to support those they love that have been affected by breast cancer. One of the unique ways we do this here in Florida is through Florida Goes Pink. Many local businesses are hosting special promotions throughout the month.

Funds raised through these programs will support Susan G. Komen in our comprehensive, 360-degree approach to fighting breast cancer. We fund research, provide access to care, offer community programs, and help people take action personally and through advocacy.

More businesses are also participating throughout the state! Be sure to check out our full list here, https://bit.ly/3PE9Ia7 and learn how each business is supporting Susan G Komen. 🩷

Hello wonderful Facebook community! 🍂 October is here, and with it comes fresh opportunities and new beginnings. I'm excited to share that The RBI Group will be touring various cities, diving deep into the realms of financial education and empowerment.

Here's where we'll be:

📍 New Jersey
📍 Philadelphia
📍 New York
📍 New Orleans
📍 Atlanta
📍 Nashville
📍 Maryland

Through our financial literacy division, RBI Wise, we are committed to educating, empowering, and elevating individuals towards transformative financial freedom, guiding them towards economic empowerment and lasting financial freedom. If you're nearby and schedules align, I'd absolutely love to meet and discuss how we can collaborate and grow together. Reach out for dates and event specifics.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Let's embrace this month and all the learning it promises! 🩷

Follow The RBI Group to keep up with updates and financial education information.

Yesterday was a testament to the power and unity of women. An exhilarating day filled with networking, sharing, and collective growth. Honored to have joined the Working Women of Tampa Bay Expo, sharing my personal journey alongside the incredible Rita Lowman. A huge shoutout to Jessica Rivelli for orchestrating such a transformative event. When women unite, there's truly no limit to what we can achieve. I truly feel I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be in this moment, and I love every second of this journey. 🩷

Congratulations!

Girls Inc of Pinellas is excited to announce this year's Celebrating Women in STEAM honorees. Please join us in congratulating:

Dr. Cynthia Johnson, CEO/Director Pinellas County Economic Development
Linda Olson, CEO & Founder of Tampa Bay Wave
Katie Avila, Clinical Laboratory Technologist | Molecular Pathology
Kathy Avila, Cytogenetic Technologist at Moffitt Cancer Center

We invite you to join us for lunch on Friday, December 8th as we honor these exemplary role models and affirm our dedication to encouraging girls to consider careers in STEAM. These amazing women have birthed ideas, thoughts, academic and professional endeavors, all while being positive influencers, inspiring themselves and others to dream and live BIG.

Get Tickets and Sponsorships here: https://girlsinc-pinellas.org/celebrating-women-in-steam-luncheon/

Make a purchase that can save lives from breast cancer. When you shop Live Pink this October, you are supporting lifesaving breast cancer research and vital patient support services with Susan G. Komen. Shop now: komen.org/livepink

I had a great meeting early this morning with Ernest & Cassie from United Way Suncoast to chat about all things Admiral Society. As Chair, I'm passionate about fostering community change through philanthropy and leadership. Peep the The RBI Group swag. 😉Learn more and get involved: https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/admiral-society

As a Black women entrepreneur, I’ve experienced firsthand the complex web of challenges we face and one of the most pressing is the struggle for capital. Traditional funding avenues have historically been less accessible to Black women due to systemic barriers and biases. This has led to a significant funding gap, which, in turn, limits our ability to grow and scale our businesses in comparison to other demographics - all things being equal.

The Fearless Fund, by focusing on Black women entrepreneurs, is attempting to bridge this gap and provide much-needed resources to an underserved community. Initiatives like this are essential not only for promoting diversity and inclusion but also for harnessing the vast untapped potential of Black women in the entrepreneurial space.

Edward Blum's attempt to block the Fearless Fund underscores the hurdles that Black women continuously face, even when solutions are crafted to address systemic disparities. The judge's decision is a welcome affirmation of the legitimacy and importance of targeted initiatives like the Fearless Fund.

However, the legal challenge itself serves as a reminder that the path to equity is fraught with resistance. While the judge's decision is a victory, it also underscores the importance of continuous advocacy, awareness, and action to support Black women entrepreneurs. It's not just about leveling the playing field but rectifying longstanding imbalances and ensuring that Black women have equal access to opportunities and resources.

It’s about all of us, not some of us.

Stay fearless, my friends! 🩷

Judge dumps injunction bid in Atlanta VC fund discrimination case The Fearless Fund, an Atlanta-based and Black women-founded venture capital firm, on Tuesday won the first battle in a lawsuit they are facing alleging a grant program for Black women small business owners is racially discriminatory.

Today, I was unexpectedly caught in traffic for 2.5 hours due to an accident. I hope everyone is ok. Initially, I felt a wave of frustration, thinking about the meetings I had lined up. But rather than seeing it as a setback, I adapted. My face-to-face meetings turned into phone calls, and as I chatted with fellow entrepreneurs, something incredible unfolded.

These impromptu phone conversations became more than just catch-ups. We brainstormed, shared insights, and discovered new avenues for collaboration. It's truly remarkable how, sometimes, unplanned events can lead to the most fruitful outcomes.

So here's a little inspiration for all of us: Whenever life throws a curveball, remember that there's always a way to turn it into an opportunity. Embrace the detours; they might lead you to unexpected treasures.

Join me, along with a host of phenomenal women entrepreneurs, this Wednesday 9/27 at the ‘Women Mean Business Expo’ at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theatre, Saint Petersburg, FL.

I'm thrilled to share the stage with the always inspiring Rita Lowman, Owner/CEO of Hooperwill Group, for a fireside chat.

Hosted by Working Women of Tampa Bay this event promises powerful networking, actionable insights, and stories of triumph in the business world. Let's elevate our businesses, foster collaborations, and celebrate the prowess of women in the entrepreneurial realm.

📅 Mark your calendar for an inspiring day dedicated to amplifying women's voices in business. Let's together break barriers and pave the way for the next generation of women business owners and leaders.

🎟️ Register now to be part of this transformative experience: Link to the event https://workingwomenoftampabay.com/womenmeanbusinessexpo/

🚀💥

Tonight begins the holiest event of the Jewish calendar: . Wishing all who observe, a blessed day of atonement, reflection and a meaningful fast.

G’mar Chatimah Tova.

Recently, I've been carving out moments just for me—no distractions, no to-do lists, just pure, undiluted 'me time'. It's incredible how spending time with yourself can be so rejuvenating.

In these quiet moments, I've rediscovered passions, realigned my goals, and most importantly, reconnected with my inner voice. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes the best company is our own.

To everyone reading this: In our ever-busy lives, don't forget to schedule some time with the most important person in your life—YOU. It's not selfish; it's self-care. 🩷

Happy Friday! As I navigate this entrepreneurship journey, the high high and the low lows, I am reminded of a quote by Steve Jobs: "Stay hungry. Stay foolish." And that's precisely what I intend to do. 🌈☀️🙌🏾

As a Board Member of Susan G. Komen, I hope you join me at this free virtual Komen Health Equity Revolution Summit x HUED tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. CDT.

You will learn from informative sessions spotlighting health equity and advancing breast health empowerment. You’ll hear inspiring patient stories, learn about solution-driven Komen resources, and engage in the power of advocacy to break down health equity barriers for Black, Latino, and historically underserved communities.

I look forward to seeing you there! You might save your life or that of a loved one. 🩷

Register Now: Sign up today at bit.ly/3skFbpR

The cherry on top of a fantastic week was being honored by with the Fifty Under 50 Top Distinguished Professionals Award and hearing words of encouragement & support from LeCount R. Davis, the first Black Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Quad A and his beautiful wife during the Annual V.I.S.I.O.N conference. 🩷 Its nice to be recognized from your industry peers.

Reflecting on my 2nd year attending the Future Proof Festival last week with , it's hard to encapsulate just how transformative this event was. It seamlessly blended professional growth with joy, authenticity, and a beachside chill that's rare to find at a financial services conferences.

Some highlights from the conference:

Networking: The Breakthru Networking Meetings were an incredible way to forge new relationships and introduce The RBI Group to familiar faces and new connections.

People: From familiar faces to industry luminaries, the community here was unmatched. It was a who’s who of industry leaders sharing innovative ideas and best practices.

Entertainment: Only at would you see hundreds of professionals rock to G.Love & Special Sauce followed by Method Man & Redman - in a word, ICONIC!

Food: I enjoyed the variety of food options and healthy food choices amongst a sea of good trucks supporting local small businesses.

Vibes: There’s something about a beachside conference that gives everything a relaxed, genuine touch. It’s unmatched by other conferences, casual but still very professional.

Overall, time well spent! Eagerly awaiting next year's adventure, saving the date for September 15-18th, 2024.

Kudos to entire team for another amazing event and for being visionaries in this space. The marketer in me swoons at the ex*****on of this event and the level of detail.

Loved meeting so many new people and spending time with so many industry friends. Some pictured

Embrace your 'extra'! ✨

Leaving the stage, but the message remains: The best investment you can make is in yourself.' - Warren Buffett.

Here's to empowering another audience towards financial freedom and stepping into their brilliance. 🎤💡🩷

Looking forward to speaking at the Association of African American Financial Advisors - AAAA Annual V.I.S.I.O.N Conference. Joining a group of powerhouse financial services leaders to discuss, Unleashing Brilliance: Elevating Black Women. Elevating Black Women in Global Finance and Wealth Management. Black girl magic unleashed!

# blackexcellence

The RBI Group

Enjoying my time Future Proof Festival.