Tulsa is a land of opportunity. A generous and welcoming community, the city is not bound by traditional conventions. Nationally recognized as the state’s center for economic development, a flurry of small-business initiatives continue to thrive right in the heart of Oklahoma.

Once named America’s “Oil Capital of the World,” recent revitalization has transformed Tulsa from a vital hub for America’s oil and gas industry to a diverse, vibrant community with room for all types of passions and vocations to prosper. In fact, Tulsa is the second-largest city in Oklahoma and the 47th most populated city in the U.S.

Tulsa’s vibrant culture and entrepreneurial spirit have built a city that embraces inclusion and champions big ideas.

Home to two world-renowned art museums, a booming nightlife and a diverse food scene, there’s always something to do in the “Center of the Universe”. The city boasts short commute times, more than 125 parks, as well as 180 miles of bicycle and pedestrian trails.

Black Wall Street

The Greenwood District, located in northeast Tulsa, flourished during the oil boom of the early 1900s. Home to an estimated 300 black-owned businesses, the district became a bustling entrepreneurial hub that quickly gained the nickname of America’s “Black Wall Street”. Greenwood District residents grew their businesses for decades until the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, historically known as the Tulsa Race Riot, which resulted in hundreds of deaths, millions of dollars in property damages and nearly 10,000 residents left without homes.

Overcoming all obstacles, the Greenwood District was rebuilt by 1925 and reached its economic peak in 1941. However, progress was short-lived. In subsequent decades, unrealistic policies, economic challenges and integration sparked the decline of the area.

Today, the Greenwood District houses an assortment of businesses and organizations, giving Tulsans the opportunity to rediscover and rebuild the district in a meaningful way.

Breakout provides programming through authentic Tulsan partnerships, which have transpired from years of legwork in community building since 2017.

We flip the script, ditching traditional programming such as panels and conference rooms in favor of getting an under the hood look into Tulsa. As Breakout builds lasting relationships between changemakers, it doesn't just make their work more effective; it provides them with a national peer network to learn with and lean on.

Our programming elements include:

Grounding

• Programmed + unprompted (as the need arises)

Context

• History and Culture through the lens of locals

Discourse

• Opportunities for Deep Reflection

• Intimate discourse/ Small groups

• Collective discourse/ Large groups

Play

• Interactive Elements

• Moments for Mobility

• Spontaneity

All areas of interest are explored through the lens of the local community, with special attention placed on storytelling and collective reflection.

• Historical Transparency & Its Impact on Local Communities

• Culture & Creativity: A Vehicle of Resilience and Innovation

• Supporting Macro and Micro-Economies

Through the past decade we’ve brought together diverse groupings of leaders from across the US and leaned on our existing philanthropic partners to nominate key leaders in areas of interest. In addition, we invite new philanthropic partners to participate.

As part of the application process, we weigh our existing network, gauge interest through an online, community assessment, and conduct 1-on-1 interviews, as well as consider referrals from the community.

Participants selected are considered through the following criteria:

• “Solutionists”

• Diverse Backgrounds (i.e. industry, geography, ethnicity, lived experience)

• “Master Collaborators”

Small groups are integral to the Breakout Tulsa experience, as they give each attendee the opportunity for deep reflection and discourse. Tulsa captains are experienced Breakers who will facilitate and lead small groups (10-12 ppl) throughout these moments. They serve to support the group throughout the city, as well as giving vital context and insight into the experience.