Lauren Maillian Bias

Lauren Maillian is a former model turned serial entrepreneur, author, and influential speaker. She is the CEO of digitalundivided, a nonprofit organization that uses data, programs, and advocacy to foster economic growth for Black and Latinx women entrepreneurs. Maillian is also a founding partner and managing director at Gen Y Capital Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm. She is the author of the bestselling business memoir "The Path Redefined: Getting To the Top On Your Own Terms" and co-starred in the startup-focused docu-series "Quit Your Day Job" on Oxygen (NBCU).

At the age of 19, Maillian co-founded Sugarleaf Vineyards, becoming the youngest winery owner in the country. The winery quickly gained international recognition as an award-winning wine brand. She served as the Chief Operating Officer of the company from inception through its acquisition in 2011. Maillian's entrepreneurial spirit continued to thrive as she founded LMB Group, a strategic marketing and advisory company, and Straight Up and Successful, a platform dedicated to empowering women in their professional development.

Maillian is passionate about combining marketing, branding, strategy, and technology to foster business growth and innovation. Known for her dynamic approach and keen business insights, she has spoken at numerous conferences and institutions such as Harvard University, Columbia University, and Cornell University, and for corporations including Google, LinkedIn, and Bloomberg. Her work has been recognized with several awards, including the Empact100 Award from the Kauffman Foundation, and she has been named a “Shot Caller” by Essence Magazine. In addition to her professional endeavors, Maillian serves on several advisory boards, including Digital Undivided and Pipeline Angels, and is actively involved in philanthropic efforts focusing on youth, education, and the arts.

Lauren Maillian is a thought leader in entrepreneurship and business strategy, with a mission to break barriers and redefine what is possible. She holds a Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, in International Trade and Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She currently resides in New York City with her two children, Jayden and Chloe.