The Welcoming Factor with Jarad Bowens

Show Summary:

Jarad Bowens is a Frederick resident who’s only lived in Frederick for a few years but has already made a huge impact in the community. An active member of the Chamber of Commerce, he shares the story behind presenting the idea for the Business Equity Coalition to the Chamber with Shana Knight. Now as the chair of that committee, Jarad shares some ways it’s creating more diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented businesses of all kinds in Frederick. Jarad also shares the story behind the creation of his business Benefactor Events and how it lives out its name of “benefactor.”

Show Notes / Highlights from the Show:

How Jarad first got involved with the Chamber of Commerce in Florida and how this has made all the difference in his business
The inspiration behind “Benefactor Events” and their dedication to supporting the community with their services
How Jarad found that the best way to make change in the community was to help businesses to grow and develop
Clarifying what DEI is and what it isn’t (Hint: it’s not about taking away seats at the table — it’s about adding more)
Why sometimes, to add more seats to the table, you’ve got to build a new table!
Why “changing the world” isn’t the goal of the Business Equity Coalition — inclusion, access, and representation is.
Jarad’s Frederick Factor

Guest Bio:

Jarad Bowens is the owner and Lead DJ for Benefactor Events. Established in 2020, it is a premier Entertainment and A/V company serving Frederick and the greater DMV areas. Jarad moved to Frederick in 2020 to be closer to family and came from North Central Florida, where he ran a similar company named Genius Entertainment for 12 years. Jarad attended Santa Fe Community College and then FAU to receive his BA in Sociology. He has served as an ambassador for the Gainesville area Chamber of Commerce and now chairs the Business Equity Coalition for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. Jarad is a founding member of SOUL Street, a local organization that empowers Black-owned Businesses in Frederick County. He is passionate about giving back to the community and hopes to start a non-profit dedicated to providing charitable organizations with low or no-cost entertainment and event services. He lives in Frederick with his wife Acacia, their son Jaxon, and dog Cooper.