Celebrating Veterans and Entrepreneurship in Vegas: Freedom Week 2024
July 16, 2024 Lauren JonesComments Off on Celebrating Veterans and Entrepreneurship in Vegas: Freedom Week 2024
Las Vegas, NV – Freedom Week 2024 was a remarkable celebration dedicated to empowering veteran entrepreneurs. This week-long event brought together veterans, supporters, and influential leaders committed to honoring and uplifting those who have served. The series featured engaging workshops, networking events, and special recognitions, with an impressive turnout of around 50 participants.
Honoring Key Contributors and Special Guests
US Senator Rosen was a key figure at the event, acknowledging the essential contributions of various partners who helped make the veteran-focused library a reality. Distinguished guests included Veterans Congressional Advocate Christina Rebecca Thomas, CD-4 Veterans Caseworker Larry Hamms, NV Assemblywoman Clara Thomas, Jason LeDuc, CEO of LeDuc Leadership, West Las Vegas Library Branch Manager Lenina Coleman, SBA Veteran Business Outreach Center Director Lourdes Madrigal, and US Senator Rosen’s Regional Representative Eric Cardona.
Showcasing Veteran Stories
A significant highlight of Freedom Week was the ongoing initiative to capture and share veteran stories. These narratives will be archived with UNLV Libraries and featured in an upcoming podcast and mini-documentary series focusing on the profound impact of veterans in Las Vegas. To date, over 12 veteran stories have been nominated for this project.
It’s Freedom Week Las Vegas! Celebrating with Vets In Tech, Global Entrepreneurship Week Vegas, Veteran Social, Warrior Rising, Southern Nevada Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Syracuse University Bunker Labs, Bunker Labs, Ervina’s Media, and Tower Training Academy.
Collaborative Efforts from Key Partners
The success of Freedom Week was driven by the collaborative efforts of numerous partners, including:
Nevada Partners: Offering resources and support for local entrepreneurs.
Vets in Tech: Providing job matching and startup assistance for veterans.
Global Entrepreneurship Network: Supporting global entrepreneurial ventures.
Governor’s Office of Economic Development: Promoting small businesses and commemorating the initiative.
AulTru Care: Advocating for veteran healthcare, particularly home care services.
Veterans Advocacy Council: Developing onboarding and resource matching for veterans.
SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center: Hosting classes and events at the new library.
Dave Burlin Celebrating Las Vegas Freedom Week with a guest
Event Highlights and Activities
Freedom Week featured a series of impactful events designed to educate, connect, and inspire veteran entrepreneurs:
Monday: The week began with a CPR AED Workshop at Tower Training Academy, led by Nick Martaki, focusing on essential CPR and AED skills.
Tuesday: Office Hours at the Leatherneck Club offered personalized support from mentors Dave Berlin (Vets in Tech), Edgar Rodriguez (Bunker Labs), and Frank Manteau (Warrior Rising), followed by a networking event hosted by Warrior Rising with speakers Preston McCormick and Frank Manteau.
Frank Monteau Smiles at the camera during the Warrior Rising event at the Leatherneck Bar in Las Vegas.
Thursday: The Veteran Entrepreneur Library event at Nevada Partners, facilitated by Dave Burlin (Vets in Tech) and Elias Benjeloun (Nevada Partners), created a supportive environment for veteran entrepreneurs and announced a new docuseries by UNLV Library.
Later in the day, the VetCap event at DraftKings provided insights on raising capital. It featured speakers Ikram Mansouri, Rene Bobb, Maggie Saling, and Travis Patton, as well as an introduction by distinguished Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, who spoke about his commitment to making Nevada more business-friendly.
Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony discusses how he removes barriers for businesses in Nevada, making the State more business-friendly.Pizza: A Dave Burlin favorite offered at the Veteran Entrepreneurship panel at Draft Kings HQ
Friday: A workshop hosted by the Ervinas Executive Group offered attendees valuable business insights and skill development.
Saturday: The week concluded with a lively Veteran Social Club event at Ole Red featuring karaoke, special performances by She Served SheRoes, and a vibrant atmosphere for veterans and supporters to network and celebrate.
Our Founder, Nadya Rousseau, donated books to the Veteran Entrepreneurial Library inside Nevada Partners.Our Co-founder Lauren Jones, at the Veteran Entrepreneurial Library, celebrating veterans and donating books to the libraryElias Benjelloun of Nevada Partners celebrates the grand opening of the Veteran Entrepreneurial Library at Nevada Partners
Looking Forward
Freedom Week 2024 highlighted the importance of supporting veteran entrepreneurs and their significant contributions to the community. With ongoing initiatives, including a veteran documentary and podcast series, the momentum of Freedom Week will continue, empowering veterans and celebrating their stories. The event was organized under the leadership of Dave Burlin (Nevada State Coordinator) and the GEW Squad, including Elias Benjelloun (North Las Vegas Coordinator) and Megan Buckley (Las Vegas Coordinator), with the support of the committee Nadya Rousseau (PR and social media), Lauren Jones (PR and social media), Suriel Cruz (Photography and videography), and Ben Laifsky (Web development and Marketing).
Stay Connected and Informed
For more information and updates on future events and initiatives, visit the following websites and social media channels:
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