Proud Innovation 2024: Getting your products to market

Sergio grew up in the low-income minority community of Maryvale in Phoenix, Arizona, the oldest of four siblings born to Mexican parents. From a young age, Sergio showed a keen eye for design and fashion, which led him to the University of Arizona to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in retail and consumer science. He learned the business of fashion and took on leadership roles in fashion-focused organizations. In 2024, he decided to pursue entrepreneurship fulltime, launching a career of social impact and leadership as an LGBTQ+ first-generation Mexican American entrepreneur.

Jesus Gutierrez grew up in the low-income minority community of Maryvale in Phoenix, Arizona, to undocumented immigrant parents from Mexico. During his teen years, he lived in a home marred by domestic violence, necessitating moving into domestic violence shelters to escape the abuse. This adversity led him down a path of leadership and entrepreneurship. 

Jesus attended Arizona State University, where he held several leadership roles in student organizations, but he eventually dropped out: he was working full-time and was presented with a career opportunity before finishing his degree. 

He now has over 10 years of professional experience working across numerous industries, from the nonprofit sector to Fortune 10 companies, including Apple, Inc. In 2024, he decided to pursue entrepreneurship fulltime and leave his role at Apple for a career of social impact and leadership as an LGBTQ+ first-generation Mexican American entrepreneur.

Vicky and Charisse Pasche are the founders of the apparel company Dapper Boi, keynote speakers at high-profile summits, documentary film stars, and online media personalities. As co-founders, life partners, and parents to twin daughters, they blend their strengths to create a fashion world where equality is not just welcomed—it’s celebrated. The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for them as they showcased their brand on ABC’s Shark Tank, solidifying the importance of representation as an LGBTQ+ female-owned business. They were also recognized on the iconic OUT 100 list. Their journey has not been without its challenges, but resilience is their middle name, and they always emerge stronger, driven by their commitment to inclusivity and diversity. They are on a mission to transform the fashion landscape into a space where style transcends gender labels, creating a future where everyone can find their perfect fit and feel at home in their own skin. They invite everyone to join them in creating an impact that goes beyond clothing—empowering confidence, inspiring change, and enabling everyone to show up in the world as their best selves. 

Vicky and Charisse Pasche are the founders of the apparel company Dapper Boi, keynote speakers at high-profile summits, documentary film stars, and online media personalities. As co-founders, life partners, and parents to twin daughters, they blend their strengths to create a fashion world where equality is not just welcomed—it’s celebrated. The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for them as they showcased their brand on ABC’s Shark Tank, solidifying the importance of representation as an LGBTQ+ female-owned business. They were also recognized on the iconic OUT 100 list. Their journey has not been without its challenges, but resilience is their middle name, and they always emerge stronger, driven by their commitment to inclusivity and diversity. They are on a mission to transform the fashion landscape into a space where style transcends gender labels, creating a future where everyone can find their perfect fit and feel at home in their own skin. They invite everyone to join them in creating an impact that goes beyond clothing—empowering confidence, inspiring change, and enabling everyone to show up in the world as their best selves. 

After losing his college scholarship, Akeem was forced to find work for $10 an hour at a local cell phone shop. But he leveraged the sales skills learned there to become the top sales professional at two Fortune 500 companies. After an accomplished sales career, Akeem chose to pursue his dream of entrepreneurship. He struggled at first but eventually scaled his company Flipstik from a single mall kiosk to an Inc. Magazine Top 50 Fastest Growing Consumer Brand. With the help of celebrities like Snoop Dogg, appearances on Shark Tank and The Today Show, and distribution in 3,000 retailers including Target, Best Buy, and AT&T, Akeem has sold his products to 1 million consumers. Akeem’s stories have entertained and inspired on the stages of South By South West (SXSW), the Consumer Electronic Show (CES), Fast Company, Bank of America, the Smithsonian, and many more. 

Sean Wilkerson works in the Office of Innovation Outreach at the USPTO creating intellectual property (IP) awareness programs and managing outreach services to independent inventors, small businesses, entrepreneurs, makers, and universities. Wilkerson previously worked as an outreach coordinator for the programs leading up to the opening of the USPTO’s Silicon Valley and Texas Regional Offices. He also spent a year as part of the New York engagement team that developed the 2015 Future of Urban Innovation Startups Summit in coordination with Columbia University and the USPTO.

From 2011–2013, he served as the program manager of the inaugural Select USA Summit, developing the program, structure, and outreach efforts of a U.S. government-wide program housed in the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. As an education program analyst in the Global Intellectual Property Academy from 2008–2011, he managed international programs focused on providing IP training related to enforcement of patents, trademarks, and copyrights and the U.S. patent and trademark system. Prior to working for the federal government, he served as the Director of Events for the National Association of Homebuilders in Washington, D.C. and as the Ideas Exchange Manager for Accenture in Reston, Virginia.