How a Personal Story Sparked a Mission to Empower Entrepreneurs | Irene Walker | The Power of Storytelling
Stories move us. They teach, inspire, and often spark change.
In this compelling conversation, Irene Walker—Elevate Program Director at Meta—shares the deeply personal story that inspired her life’s mission: to help Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs thrive in a digital-first economy.
She recounts the journey of her father—an inventor, a healer, and, in her eyes, a real-life superhero—whose experience navigating patent challenges and systemic inequity became the foundation of her own path. Through this story, Irene shows how the power of narrative can drive impact, create connection, and transform communities.
Whether you’re a business leader, educator, or simply someone with a story to tell—this conversation is a reminder of why storytelling matters.
Watch to learn:
    •    Why storytelling is more than a communication tool—it’s a leadership asset
    •    How personal experiences can fuel meaningful professional missions
    •    What it takes to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs in today’s world
This is more than a story. It’s a call to action.
#Storytelling #Entrepreneurship #DigitalInclusion #MetaElevate #IreneWalker #FutureOfWork #InclusionInTech #BlackFounders
Host:
So for those of you who don’t know Irene—she’s been a tremendous leader in helping Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs grow their businesses online. That’s more important than ever in today’s digital economy. I’m a big believer in the power of story, and Irene, I know you are too. You’re a great storyteller. Could you tell the audience a little bit about yourself and how you got into this work?
Irene Walker:
I’d be happy to—and thank you. I truly believe stories are the essence of how we move forward in life.
One of the stories that shaped the work I do today is about a superhero. You’ve heard this one before, Henry. One of my earliest favorite superheroes was someone I call Ivory Man. Now, most people haven’t heard of him—but he was a small business owner, like many of the entrepreneurs we serve in our communities today.
Every superhero has a name they go by during the day—Clark was Superman, Diana was Wonder Woman. Ivory Man? His name was Bill. He was a physician in Los Angeles.
Bill invented a medical instrument to support women undergoing surgery. It was made of silicone, and it was white—hence the name Ivory Man.
He obtained a patent in China and was in the process of getting one in the U.S.—which, as many know, is no easy task. It’s long, it’s expensive, and it’s complex.
Bill—Ivory Man—was also a Black man, navigating not just entrepreneurship but systemic barriers in access to finance. He took on a partner who didn’t face those same obstacles, and unfortunately, that partner stole the invention and patented it himself.
This devastated not only Bill’s business, but the communities and women he aimed to help—and his own family.
Now here’s the twist: Ivory Man—Bill—was my father.
Watching him go through that experience is what motivated me. It’s the reason I’m so committed to supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs. I saw firsthand what’s possible when potential is supported—and what’s lost when it’s not.
I studied economics in college and always had a deep interest in community empowerment. My father’s journey inspired me to combine those interests—to work on solutions that provide access, opportunity, and growth for underrepresented business owners.
That’s how I started doing the work we’re talking about today.
