Maconomics Wealth Summit 2024 Recap: A Weekend of Financial Empowerment and Unity

By: I'Ja Marie

This past weekend, Chicago's Maconomics Wealth Summit 2024, curated by Ross Mac, took the city by storm. Running from July 12th to July 14th, the summit focused on financial empowerment, networking, and philanthropy, bringing together Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an unforgettable experience.
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Friday, July 12 - All-White Yacht Party: The weekend kicked off with an All-White Yacht Party at Navy Pier. The event was a perfect mix of networking and celebration, with the Chicago skyline providing a stunning backdrop. 

Saturday, July 13 - Maconomics Wealth Summit: The main event at Whitney Young featured an impressive lineup of panels and speakers, emphasizing various aspects of wealth creation and financial management. Mayor Brandon Johnson's address the critical role of financial literacy in bridging the racial wealth gap, setting the tone for discussions throughout the summit.

Panels ranged from practical real estate advice with Rashauna Scott and MG The Mortgage Guy, to insights on building generational wealth by Ryan Smith and LaVaisha Davis sponsored by Atlanta Life Insurance. Keynote speaker Mandell Crawley, sponsored by Morgan Stanley, shared strategies for achieving financial independence, while panels on entrepreneurship and investing provided actionable insights from industry leaders like Carter Cofield and Bobby Norman.
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The summit also highlighted the intersection of health and wealth, with panels like "Health Is Wealth" moderated by Resa Luster-Mac, stressing the importance of physical and financial well-being. Discussions on alternative real estate investments and financial strategies for athletes and entertainers rounded out the diverse panels.

Sunday, July 14 - Maconomics Celebrity Charity Basketball Game: The weekend wrapped up with the Maconomics Foundation Celebrity Charity Basketball Game at Whitney Young High School from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, combining philanthropy and fun to benefit the community and promote financial education.

The game brought together notable figures from sports, entertainment, and community leadership to promote financial education and philanthropy. Coaches included NBA players Javonte Green and Evan Turner, alongside WNBA star Dana Evans, adding their expertise to the friendly competition. ​

Maconomics Team

• ●  Ross Mac, Founder and CEO: Ross Mac is a Wharton School of Business grad and former Wall Street pro. He’s all about providing financial literacy to underserved communities to help close the racial wealth gap.
• ●  Resa B. Luster-Mac: Balancing her role at Luster Products with being a dedicated mom, Resa embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and wellness.
• ●  Production Team: Jasper Hagan (Executive Producer) and Ciara (Assistant Producer) kept everything running smoothly.
• ●  Public Relations: Briahna Gatlin of Swank PR handled media relations, boosting the summit’s reach and impact.
• ●  Hosts: Zach Boog, WGCI 107.5 radio personality and comedian, brought his humor and charisma to the summit, keeping the energy high. Portia King, multi-media personality and host, delivered insightful and culturally relevant content that resonated with everyone.

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A Community United
The Maconomics Wealth Summit was more than just an event; it was a powerful gathering that brought Black people together, fostering a sense of unity and community pride. With sessions that covered everything from real estate and investing to health and entrepreneurship, the summit provided attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to secure their financial futures. 

To learn more about Ross Mac and the Maconomics Wealth Summit you can revisit our latest conversation with him on illanoize radio