Power in Partnership Breakfast "Back to School"

The Rowan Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026-27 Power in Partnership (PIP) season. The season will kick off at Trinity Oaks, located at 728 Klumac Road, on Thursday, September 17, at 7:30 a.m. The theme for the first program is “Back to School.”

Aylon Samouha, CEO of Transcend, will be the featured speaker. Global Contact Services is the sponsor for the September PIP Breakfast. 

Samouha is the cofounder and CEO of Transcend, where he leads efforts to ensure all young people experience extraordinary learning. A lifelong advocate for educational equity, Samouha has dedicated his career to transforming American schooling.

Before launching Transcend in 2015, he served as Chief Schools Officer at Rocketship Public Schools, helping build California’s highest-performing network of schools serving low-income communities. Earlier, he was a Senior Vice President at Teach For America, where he directed teacher preparation and professional development across the country.

Samouha also serves on the board of Leading Educators, an organization that supports educators through strategic advising and professional learning. Beyond his professional work, he is a proud husband and father of two, and an active jazz and Brazilian guitarist
  
The Power in Partnership breakfast series offers attendees a unique opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast while engaging in valuable networking, learning from industry leaders, and discussing the latest trends and challenges facing the community. The 2025-26 PIP season will feature a stellar lineup of speakers, including top North Carolina elected officials and business leaders. The upcoming PIP breakfast dates are as follows: September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17, January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, and May 20.

Chamber members are encouraged to purchase a Power Card, which offers a discounted price for the entire series and the convenience of not having to make reservations each month. Non-Power Card holders are welcome to make individual reservations, but the deadline is Tuesday, September 15, by 5 p.m.
 
The cost to attend is $30 for Chamber members and $55 for non-members, which includes breakfast, networking opportunities, and the program. To make reservations or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Rowan Chamber at 704.633.4221 or info@rowanchamber.com.