Community News submitted by: Cathy Liu, Georgia State University
2026 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Racial Equity in Technology Entrepreneurship (RETE) Workshop
May 27-29, 2026, NYU Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
The Racial Equity in Technology Entrepreneurship (RETE) Workshop is a premier gathering of researchers, thought leaders, and practitioners dedicated to advancing research on the intersection of race, technology, and entrepreneurship, and translating knowledge into actionable strategies that dismantle racial barriers for marginalized innovators.
Our 2026 theme, “Entrepreneuring in Times of Turbulence: Collaborating to Build Community and Equitable Access,” aims to foster dialogue, share cutting-edge research, showcase research-to-practice translation, and inspire collaborative efforts for building resilient and racially equitable technology and entrepreneurial systems during times of uncertainty and systemic change.
We invite scholars, researchers, practitioners, and community leaders to submit abstracts for papers or panels addressing this theme. Selected presenters will be invited to participate in paper presentation sessions at the workshop.
Accepted presenters will receive full accommodations, including:
Round-trip travel to Tulsa, OK
Hotel accommodations for the duration of the workshop
Meals provided throughout the event
We welcome submissions with a focus on (but not limited to) the following topics:
- AI & Ethical, Equitable Innovation – Strategies for navigating the assumptions of AI and mitigating bias in high-stakes sectors.
- Resilience Amidst Backlash – Frameworks for maintaining equity goals and institutional commitment in the face of anti-DEI policy shifts and emerging systemic threats.
- New Capital Horizons – Analyzing investment flows and aligning venture capital preferences to ensure equitable access during times of market turbulence.
- Supporting Founder Resilience and Social Capital – Building robust mentorship networks that connect underrepresented founders to high-value industry partnerships and education models that develop psychological and operational resilience.
- Strategic Collaboration –Designing cross-sector coalitions between ESOs, local agencies, and national networks to foster community-led innovation.
- Research Translation – Showcasing evidence-based case studies that bridge the gap between academic theory and actionable ecosystem impact.
Submission Guidelines for Academic Papers:
Abstract Limit: 500 words maximum
Suggested Abstract Format: (1) Introduction; (2) Methods; (3) Results (if available); (4) Policy Implications
Submission Guidelines for Panels:
Abstract Limit: 750 words maximum
Suggested Abstract Format: (1) A summary of the panel’s topic, main intervention, and its alignment with the conference theme; (2) Names and affiliations of the moderator and 3–4 panelists, and brief summary of each panelist’s contribution
Submission Guidelines for Practitioner Presentations:
Abstract Limit: 500 words maximum
Suggested Format: (1) Topic of presentation; (2) 3-5 sentences indicating issue, challenge, or pattern the presenter will address; (3) Brief overview of experiences giving presenter a “front-row seat” on this issue; (4) Key takeaway(s)
Submission Deadline: March 13, 2026
Decisions: March 27, 2026
Relevant Policies:
- Submissions must be original and not previously published in any journal, conference proceedings, or white paper series.
- Submissions should be the original works of the author and not primarily generated using any authoring tool, including generative AI or similar technologies. The use of generative AI or similar technologies in the writing process should be disclosed and appropriately cited.
- Adherence to ethical research standards is mandatory.
How to Submit:
For questions, contact: Katherine A. Costello at [email protected]
We look forward to your insightful contributions and a vibrant discussion in Tulsa!
Sincerely,
RETE Workshop Planning Committee:
Sekou Bermiss, PhD | Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Katherine A. Costello, PhD | Research and Scholarly Programs Manager, NYU Tulsa
Wade Dunn | Managing Director and Director of Operations, Love Mobile, Tulsa, OK
Desiree Frieson, MBA | Director of Programming, Build in Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
Rosanna Garcia, PhD | Beswick Endowed Chair of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Cathy Yang Liu, PhD | Mescon Endowed Chair and Distinguished University Professor of Public Management and Policy, Georgia State University
Ebony McGee, PhD | Professor of Innovation and inclusion in the STEM Ecosystem, Johns Hopkins University
Mauricio Mercado, PhD | Assistant Professor, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Thema Monroe-White, PhD | Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Policy, George Mason University
