Who is Ace Epps?
Ace Epps is a community builder, certified facilitator and business counselor who specializes in workforce development, financial literacy, and business creation. With over 23 years of working in the nonprofit sector and community outreach, Ace also hosted a weekly radio show on WAKR for 7 years. Ace produces local podcasters through his own company called The Self Advancement Center LLC/ Be You Podcasting Company.
Ace served as a Community Manager and Fellowship Director for Akron BMe Community, a national organization leading in Diversity, Inclusion and Equity. In 2019, Ace created a workforce development curriculum for a local nonprofit organization called OPEN M. From 2019 through 2022, Ace also served as the Director of Inclusive Entrepreneurship for Akron based entrepreneur hub called Bounce Innovation Hub.
Ace currently serves as the Community Manager for Chase Back covering the Akron Market and released his first book in 2023.
Ace Epps’ 2024 TEDxAkron Talk - Coming Soon!
TEDxAkron Q&A with Ace
Q: What do you love most about working/living in Akron?
What I love most about Akron is the spirit of the city. Akron is a melting pot of different people that all can benefit from a level playing field. Everyone here has big dreams and the city has proven organizations that can help make them come true.
Q: What do you think you’re most known for and what might surprise people about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I think that I am most known for my love for helping people of color advance to the next level professionally. A surprise about me is that I collect and enjoy racing slot cars
Q: If you didn’t do what you did now, what would you do or how would you spend your time in an alternative universe?
I would definitely be recording and performing hip-hop music. (Even as a 54 year old) Lol!
Q: What’s your favorite mantra?
“I am not a businessman, I am a business….Man!” This is a quote from Jay Z that describes how I look at myself. My business is not at 140 East Market, it’s with me because I am my business.
Q: What is the one thing you’re looking forward to the most as a future TEDx speaker?
I am excited about being able to experience the complete journey of completing this as one of my bucket list items.