Architects Roundtable: Designing Innovation & Economic Empowerment with RICE
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), inspired by pioneering developer and civic leader Herman J. Russell, is transforming the business landscape as the largest incubator for Black entrepreneurs.
More than just a business generator, RICE fosters economic mobility by empowering entrepreneurs to innovate, scale, and create jobs, contributing to Metro Atlanta’s evolving built environment.
RICE President and CEO James “Jay” Bailey will share opportunities for architects to engage with growing businesses, support community-driven design, and contribute to developing spaces that drive economic impact.
Join us at our Architects Roundtable breakfast to explore how RICE’s mission to “Build. Black. Business.” intersects with architecture, urban development, and the future of Atlanta’s business landscape.
Learning objectives
- Learn how the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) was started and uncover their core values.
- Understand the six “C”s formula RICE uses to work with and develop successful businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Discover the impacts RICE has made on the metropolitan Atlanta business community.
- Learn how to become involved in RICE through volunteerism, engagement, mentoring and financial support.
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Date and Time: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
8:00 am - 9:30 am -
Location: Hurt Building
50 Hurt Plaza SE
Atlanta, GA 30303 - Credits: 1 LU (Pending)
- Provider: AIA Atlanta
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Our Speaker
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James "Jay" Bailey
BioJames "Jay" BaileyPresident and CEO, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs
James M. Bailey (Jay) is a dynamic force committed to his unwavering motto, “Build As We Climb.” With a transformative vision, he embodies the essence of a change agent, thought leader, entrepreneur, and emerging philanthropist, directing his life’s mission towards uplifting others.
As the President and CEO of the H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), he leads the world’s largest entrepreneurial hub dedicated to growing, scaling, and developing Black businesses. In just five years, under Jay’s visionary leadership, RICE supports over 600 entrepreneurs full time, sustaining 4,125 jobs in the community, and sparking a staggering $557 million of new economic impact in the Metro Atlanta area. Jay and his team have transformed RICE into an economic empowerment and innovation powerhouse.
An Atlanta native, three-time TED Talker, and die-hard Georgia Bulldog, Jay has a proven track record of success. His leadership and commitment to the community have been recognized by three U.S. Presidents. In 2012, he was one of eight Americans honored at the White House as a “Champion of Change: Following in the Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”. In 2016, President Barack Obama bestowed upon him the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his dedicated volunteer service.