Houston, TX – June 3, 2025 — Kulur Group, a diverse-owned national challenger brand agency that specializes in brand reputation management and omnichannel marketing, will host the inaugural Dope Thinkers Only Conference in partnership with Grambling State University's College of Business and humanUPtions. The conference is scheduled for September 11–12, 2025, at Grambling State University.
“The Dope Thinkers Only Conference is the beginning of a movement,” said Nicholas Love, CEO of Kulur Group. “We’re building something bigger than a program. We’re building new pipelines, new networks, and new narratives for those who are ready to lead. We recognize that Dope Thinking can happen anywhere, and it all starts in partnership with my alma mater, Grambling.”
The two-day conference will offer sessions led by a variety of industry professionals and will feature four learning tracks in marketing, communications, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Each learning track is framed around the goal of helping attendees shift from being job seekers to industry innovators and business owners.
Dean of Grambling State’s College of Business, Dr. Derrick Warren, highlighted the alignment between the university’s mission and the conference’s goals. “The Inaugural Dope Thinkers Only Conference represents exactly what the future demands — innovative ideas, unapologetic creativity, and culturally grounded leadership,” he said. “At Grambling State University, we’re not just preparing students to take jobs; we’re preparing them to take the lead. Partnering with Kulur Group and humanUPtions affirms our belief that brilliance lives in bold spaces, and it’s time the world takes notice.”
That boldness is shared by Kamina Singh, founder of humanUPtions, a strategic partner for the conference focused on curating career readiness experiences and connecting students with executive mentorship.
Singh emphasized the alignment of her mission with Love’s vision for Dope Thinkers. “Super excited to team up with Nicholas,” she said. “He’s forever focused on supporting Grambling Tigers build dope careers. This conference amplifies his commitment.”
Martin Lemelle, President of Grambling State University, also underscored the importance of the collaboration, noting that it fits squarely within the university’s vision for long-term student success. “At Grambling State University, we are committed to cultivating bold thinkers and future leaders,” he said. “Hosting the inaugural Dope Thinkers Only Conference reflects our vision to expand pathways for student success in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship. This partnership is not just a moment—it’s a movement, and we’re proud to be the launchpad for this innovative endeavor.”
The Dope Thinkers Only Conference follows the recent announcement by Kulur Group of its nonprofit arm, Dope Thinkers, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit that specializes in creating student-run marketing, communications, and advertising agencies at HBCUs and MSIs.
The Dope Thinkers Only Conference invites brands, agencies, and thought leaders to join in shaping the next generation of visionaries and the future of the workforce. From guest speakers to sponsorship and vendor opportunities, there are multiple ways to be a partner.
Speaker announcements and conference updates will be released in the coming weeks.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.dopethinkers.org or email info@dopethinkers.org.
Dope Thinkers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging diverse and inclusive thinking to address global challenges and create a more equitable world. By working directly with HBCUs and MSIs, the organization enhances student career readiness in marketing, communications, and advertising while fostering leadership and agency ownership. Dope Thinkers also partners with medical organizations to promote cultural intelligence and improve health outcomes for communities of color. For more information, visit www.dopethinkers.org.
Pronounced “color”, the Kulur group is a diverse-owned agency that exists to partner with brands who aspire to be D.O.P.E–challenging the status-quo to communicate and market bold ideas, through brand management and omni-channel marketing, resulting in significant growth and revenue. For more information, visit www.kulurgroup.com
Grambling State University combines the academic excellence of a major institution with the supportive atmosphere of a close-knit community, creating an environment where students are empowered to become something more. As the first and only HBCU with a digital library, Grambling State continues to break boundaries and expand what’s possible through curiosity, collaboration, and commitment.
Founded in 1901 in Grambling, Louisiana, the university offers 46 undergraduate and graduate programs across a historic 590-acre campus. With nationally recognized athletics, an acclaimed marching band, and vibrant student life, Grambling State is a place where every individual is seen, supported, and inspired to succeed. Our ethos—Where Everybody is Somebody—reflects the legacy we honor and the future we’re building. Learn more at www.gram.edu.
www.humanUPtions.com creates meaningful connections for mentorships, internships, apprenticeships + jobs. Hybrid events allow students and new graduates opportunities to explore familiar + unfamiliar career options via storytelling by industry leaders and experts. Our carefully curated Career Readiness Forums close the gap between potential and opportunity. Our attendees are ages 16 to 75. Our impact is real.