Carolyn Adkerson

Carolyn Adkerson is a Nashville-native strategist, entrepreneur, and doctoral candidate with over 15 years of experience in business development, marketing, and consulting. She is the founder of 227 Advantage LLC, a consulting firm specializing in empowering businesses through innovative strategies and impactful partnerships. A passionate storyteller, Carolyn is dedicated to amplifying voices and uncovering stories that inspire others. As a doctoral candidate in the Doctorate of Business Administration program at Temple University, Carolyn's research focuses on entrepreneurship and its transformative potential through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). She holds a BA degree from Spelman College, where she was a student-athlete and advocate for inclusivity in sports, and an MBA from Vanderbilt University, where she concentrated on marketing, brand management, and entrepreneurship. Outside of her professional endeavors, Carolyn enjoys traveling the world, indulging in delicious cuisine as a self-proclaimed foodie, and spending quality time with her family, friends, husband Steve, and dog Grizzly. She is actively involved in organizations committed to advocating for equity and representation in entrepreneurship, sports, and technology, continuing to serve as a catalyst for innovation and empowerment.