Build in Tulsa’s Female Founders Pitch Night helps underrepresented entrepreneurs refine ideas, connect with investors, and secure funding, driving real impact through storytelling.
Entrepreneurship is not just about having a great idea—it is about knowing how to communicate it when it matters most. Whether you are launching a new business or pivoting an existing one, Build in Tulsa’s Female Founders Pitch Night is not just an event—it is a process. For me, it was a launching point for what was, at the time, a technology idea.
When my Black Wealth Freedom workbook series reached two thousand readers, I knew it was time to scale. But how? With what resources? With what coaching or community? That is where Build in Tulsa comes in. Through its suite of offerings, founders can ideate, build, and grow their businesses—and Build in Tulsa’s Female Founders Pitch Night is a prime example of that growth in action.
But this event is not just for founders. Investors gain direct insight into businesses solving real problems, while the Tulsa community members witness the next wave of innovation taking root. The energy in the room is unmatched—ideas come to life, stories create connection, and solutions spark real change.
That is why, when I pitched ForOurLastNames, a financial trauma-informed “ready, set, go” application for first-generation wealth builders, I knew the work was critical. The opportunity was not just about funding—it was about showing why this solution mattered and why it deserved support from both investors and the community.
But how do you take something complex and make people immediately understand its impact?
The answer is storytelling over jargon. Instead of leading with statistics, I shared how I taught the first-ever personal finance class at a local high school—how I saw firsthand the systemic barriers keeping students from wealth-building tools. That story shifted everything. On pitch night, I was not just presenting; I was connecting, weaving in the data that mattered while making the mission real. That is how ForOurLastNames walked away with only one question from the judges, a first-place win, and an award of $10,000.
For those looking to support or engage with Black-owned businesses, Build in Tulsa’s Female Founders Pitch Night is more than a competition—it is an opportunity to be part of a movement. It is where ideas are sharpened, where capital meets impact, and where the community gets a front-row seat to the future of innovation.
If you are a founder, get ready for the next one. And if you are not pitching yet, attend—because seeing founders tell their stories and own their impact will inspire you to do the same. And if financial empowerment and generational wealth interest you, explore the Black Wealth Freedom workbook series and ForOurLastNames to see how this work is growing beyond the stage.
Build in Tulsa empowers underrepresented entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and investor access. Learn more about Build in Tulsa's Female Founders Pitch Night and Apply by Feb 11, 2025, to join the next wave of founders.
Ray’Chel Wilson is author of the Black Wealth Freedom workbook series and CEO of the ForOurLastNames app, a “ready, set, go” environment for first-generation wealth builders. Academically, Ray'Chel researches stewardship, economic development, and leadership in order to increase human flourishing. A longtime member of the Build In Tulsa community, Ray’Chel supports local & national organizations through workshops on productivity & personal finance.
Build in Tulsa’s Female Founders Pitch Night is designed to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs by providing a platform to refine their business models, connect with investors and industry leaders, and confidently present their startups. This event expands access to critical funding opportunities, helping founders turn their ideas into scalable businesses.
Thanks to the support of Target, Build in Tulsa is able to double its impact through awards, offering even greater financial support to participating founders on their journey.
Venture capital funding remains disproportionately low for women-led startups, with female founders receiving only 2% of VC dollars. Build in Tulsa is committed to closing this gap by increasing visibility and access to investors, ensuring more women entrepreneurs have the resources and opportunities needed to grow and thrive.