Frank Tramble

Biography

Frank Tramble is Vice President for Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs at Duke University, where he leads communications, marketing, media relations, and brand strategy. Previously, he served as Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Howard University. His career centers on institutional influence, reputation, and storytelling, helping organizations shape narratives, build trust, and engage communities. He also teaches brand strategy at Georgetown University. Frank holds a master’s in integrated marketing communications from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s in advertising management from Michigan State University.

Sessions

1. Writing the Next Chapter of Black Prosperity

   Thu, Nov 5, 1:00 PM – 1:40 PM CT

   Track Wealth

   Every generation inherits a different set of opportunities and obstacles. Ours has inherited one of the greatest technological transformations in modern history. The question is not simply how Black communities participate in this moment, but what we must build to ensure innovation becomes a catalyst for lasting prosperity. In this thought-provoking conversation, Frank Tramble, Vice President for Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs at Duke University, and Brandon William Jones, Founder and CEO of Gravy Wealth, explore the future of Black prosperity from two connected perspectives: the institutions with the reach and influence to shape opportunity, and the individuals and communities working to turn that opportunity into ownership and generational wealth. Moderated by Kweli Zukeri, Associate Vice President of Web Innovation & Strategy at Howard University, the discussion will examine how institutional influence, education, capital, and entrepreneurship intersect to shape economic opportunity for Black communities. From expanding access and building trust to developing financial confidence and creating pathways to ownership, the conversation will explore what it takes to move beyond participation in the innovation economy toward building lasting economic power. Rather than focusing on technology itself, this session challenges attendees to consider the broader ecosystem required to convert today's breakthroughs into tomorrow's generational impact. What responsibility do institutions have to create the conditions for prosperity? How can Black talent and innovation translate into greater ownership? And what decisions must we make today to ensure future generations inherit more than opportunity? Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the relationship between institutional influence and individual economic mobility, practical perspectives on strengthening pathways to ownership, and a renewed sense of their own role in shaping the next chapter of Black prosperity.