Hey listeners, you’re tuning into the third episode of WorkParty Money Moves: Founder’s Framework! In this series, successful founders are sharing their perspective on a startup funding scenario: They’ve just received a $10,000 small business loan to start a business, let’s see how they build a framework to spend it!

Joining me today is Lauren Maillian, CEO of digitalundivided, the nation’s leading nonprofit that leverages data, programs, and advocacy to catalyze economic growth and success for Black and Latina female entrepreneurs. She is also the Founder & CEO of LMB Group, a strategic marketing and brand advisory company working with Fortune 500 brands and high-growth startups.

Lauren was the first black woman to start an early-stage venture capital fund and is now an Investor for and Advisor to the Athena Consumer Acquisition Corporations, the second all women Athena SPAC. Lauren is also the author of her own bestselling memoir, The Path Redefined: Getting To the Top on Your Own Terms.

She is a multi-hyphenate change agent committed to diversity, innovation, and inclusion with over 15 years of experience. She has advised and invested in over 40 startups and her portfolio represents more than $5 billion in market capitalization. Needless to say, this woman has a well of knowledge when it comes to strategic spending.

Lauren—thank you so much for joining us!  I’m so excited to hear how you would take on this $10,000 in funding.

 

Sponsors:

• Bank of America | Bank of America knows that women entrepreneurs often face challenges in accessing the necessary capital and resources to run and grow their own businesses. That’s why they invest in partnerships that connect you to the mentoring, training and capital you need to find success. You can get access to experts, award-winning insights and business solutions so powerful,you’ll make every move matter. Visit bankofamerica.com/womenbusinessowners.

 

Resources:

• To join the WorkParty click HERE 
• To connect with Lauren Maillian click HERE
• To connect with Jaclyn Johnson click HERE
• To follow along with Create & Cultivate click HERE
• To follow along with digitalundivided click 

Join Us for 2026 World’s Largest Festival for Women in Business here: https://www.createcultivate.com/festival

To follow along with Create & Cultivate:
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To connect with Jaclyn Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/jaclynrjohnson
To connect with Marina Middleton: https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton