Danesha Smith to Serve as Panelist at HBCU Awarefest Atlanta, Powering Conversation on Entrepreneurship, Ownership, and Legacy
Atlanta, GA – March 17, 2026 – Entrepreneur, business strategist, and transformational leader Danesha Smith will take the stage as a featured panelist at HBCU AwareFest Atlanta on Saturday, March 21, 2026, joining a distinguished group of McDonald’s Owner/Operators for a powerful discussion titled: “From Vision to Ownership: Building Pathways of Entrepreneurship and Legacy.”
Hosted at the Woodruff Library | AUC Promenade, the panel is presented by McDonald’s and will spotlight influential Black business leaders who have transformed vision into ownership while creating lasting community impact. The conversation will be moderated by Morehouse student and emerging entrepreneur Isaiah “Zai Steppa” Evans.
Danesha Smith, a proud HBCU alumna of Clark Atlanta University, brings to the panel a proven track record of building wealth, scaling businesses, and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. As a McDonald’s Owner/Operator and a visionary committed to economic empowerment, Smith has dedicated her career to creating opportunities that extend far beyond business success.
“Ownership is not just about building a business, it’s about building something that outlives you,” said Danesha Smith. “My journey began with a vision, but it was shaped by discipline, education, and the courage to pivot when necessary. HBCUs gave me the foundation to think bigger, and now my mission is to help the next generation not only dream, but execute, own, and create lasting impact in their communities.”
The panel will explore critical themes including entrepreneurial mindset, navigating career pivots, the influence of HBCU culture, and the importance of legacy-building through community investment. Attendees will also gain insight into real-world pathways to business ownership, including opportunities within the McDonald’s system.
The event is part of the broader HBCU AwareFest experience, which runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and includes the McDonald’s Chef’s Remix Experience, interactive programming, and access to scholarship resources such as the Black and Positively Golden Scholarship, which will award $1 million to HBCU students for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Danesha Smith joins fellow panelists Lauren Mitchell and Donte Cleaves, alongside opening remarks from McDonald’s Owner/Operator Mark Mines, representing a collective commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and economic advancement within the Black community.
Through her work, Smith continues to drive a bold mission to create 1,000 new entrepreneurs by 2036, reinforcing her role as a leading voice in wealth creation, ownership, and generational legacy.
EVENT DETAILS
Title: From Vision to Ownership: Building Pathways of Entrepreneurship and Legacy
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Panelist Call Time: 9:30 AM)
Location: Woodruff Library | AUC Promenade
111 James P. Brawley Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
ABOUT DANESHA SMITH
Danesha Smith is an Entrepreneur, McDonald’s Owner/Operator, and business strategist known for her dynamic leadership and commitment to economic empowerment. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University, she has built a powerful platform centered on entrepreneurship, wealth-building, and mentorship. Through her work, she is on a mission to develop 1,000 entrepreneurs by 2036, equipping individuals with the tools, mindset, and strategies needed to create sustainable success and generational legacy.
For media inquiries, interview requests, or press credentials, please contact pr@aoagwllc.com
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