2021 Diversity Den

Diversity Den is an intentional effort to bring together an audience of entrepreneurs, investors and mentors who are passionate in helping early-stage companies of diverse backgrounds. Together we will learn to identify ideas and innovations from different contexts, backgrounds, and cultures and be able to integrate them in the way we do business as a competitive advantage. The purpose is to broaden our network and create mentorship relationships to help these early-stage companies launch and grow their businesses that honor and glorify God.

2021 Diversity Den Pitch Companies

Fireside Feedback Panel

Keynote Speakers

Joe Martin of "Real Men Connect"

Joe Martin, Ed.D. is an award-winning, internationally known speaker, university professor, author, and professional builder of men. He holds a B.A. Degree in Public Relations (University of West Florida), M.A. Degree in Mass Communication (University of West Florida), and an Education Doctorate in Curriculum Development (Florida A&M University).

As an educational speaker and consultant, he has trained more than 260,000 teachers and administrators during the course of his career. Dr. Martin has addressed more than 750 organizations, associations, businesses, colleges and universities, churches, and school districts, helping hundreds of thousands of students and staff members across the country achieve more, live and serve more passionately, and maximize their leadership potential. The Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities selected him as their national “College Speaker of the Year,” and he has also been nominated for the “Lecturer of the Year” by Campus Activities Magazine.

He currently hosts the #1-rated radio podcast for Christian men on Apple Podcasts called “Real Men Connect” that mentors, trains, and disciple men on how to be amazing husbands, awesome fathers, and extraordinary leaders. His man-building, multi-media website, RealMenConnect.com has received rave reviews from men’s ministry organizations like Man in the Mirror™, Iron Sharpens Iron™, and the Men’s Ministry Network™.

Dr. Martin has made several guest appearances on both television and radio, including national appearances on ABC, NBC, and TBN, and he’s been featured in several newspapers, including USA Today, and in dozens of online organizational newsletters across the country.

He’s the author of nine books, including: “Man Accomplished: 50 Challenges to Help You Be the Man God Made You to Be,” “Are You the Man: 201 Lessons I Wish My Dad Would’ve Taught Me,” “The Real Man Spiritual Leader Blueprint: 21 Practical Ways to Love and Lead Your Family,” “Good Teachers Never Quit,” and “Stop Parenting & Start Coaching.”

Justin Forsett of Hustle Clean

Justin Forsett is a former 9yr NFL Pro Bowl running back and now a successful entrepreneur and the founder / CEO of Hustle Clean. His business has been featured on Shark Tank, Fox, CBS, NBC and Cheddar with products available at every Target & over 4,000 Walmart locations across the country. The Hustle Clean mission is to inspire the next wave of Clean Hustlers towards holistic greatness, believing that the cornerstone of this mission includes a commitment to give back.

Justin has a genuine desire to positively impact others with his message of perseverance through life’s disappointments. His witty and down-to-earth personality engages audiences from corporate environments to youth groups as he shares his inspirational journey of hope, focus, determination, and the importance of legacy.

He played 9 years in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, and Denver Broncos. His best season came in 2014 as a member of the Baltimore Ravens when he was selected to the Pro Bowl.

As a motivational keynote speaker, Justin draws from his experiences as a professional football player and entrepreneur – often referred to during his career as “undersized and overmatched.” He went from poverty to peak performance and challenges audiences around the world to do the same.

Diversity Den