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Black women entrepreneurs are a growing force in the business world, and the Washington Metropolitan Area is no exception. This area, which includes Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and parts of Maryland, has a rich history of black entrepreneurship dating back to the early 20th century. Today, black women entrepreneurs in the Washington Metropolitan Area are making significant contributions to the local economy and breaking down barriers in their respective industries.
Dr. Yaba Blay is a Ghanaian-American scholar, activist, and cultural consultant. She is the founder and CEO of Professional Black Girl, a brand that celebrates and affirms black womanhood. Dr. Blay has used her platform to challenge stereotypes and promote positive representations of black women in the media. She has been featured in several publications, including Essence, CNN, and The New York Times.
Rev. Evelyn Van Der Puije is a Ghanaian-American pastor and businesswoman who serves as the senior vice president of Dervan Solutions, a subsidiary of Achievers Dream Networks in Washington D.C. Dervan Solutions provides digital marketing and web development consulting services to clients across industries such as fashion, nonprofit, and legal services. They have worked with clients like Connaisseur Paris, Naberm, Fathers Haven, Kamah Thoronka Ministries, and Ms. Karlene.
Dr. Remi Duyile, a Nigerian-born businesswoman and philanthropist who founded Image Consulting Group, a consulting firm that works with corporate clients, non-profits, and government agencies. She also founded the Legacy Premier Foundation, which provides mentorship and leadership programs to young people in the US and Nigeria. Dr. Duyile is involved in various community organizations and has received several awards for her work as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Her dedication to empowering young people and promoting economic development in the Washington Metropolitan Area and beyond is inspiring.
Dr. Kamah Thoronka is an immigration lawyer based in the Washington Metropolitan Area, who founded and manages Thoronka Law Offices. She helps individuals and families with U.S. immigration law, including visas, green cards, citizenship applications, and deportation defense. Kamah is compassionate and dedicated to advocating for her clients. She is involved in community organizations, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Maryland State Bar Association, and volunteers with legal organizations that help immigrants and refugees.
Janice Bryant Howroyd is the founder and CEO of The ActOne Group, a global staffing and workforce management company. She started the company with just $1,500 in her pocket and has since grown it into a billion-dollar business. Janice has been recognized as one of the most influential women in business by Forbes and was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the Board of Advisors for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Kezia Williams is the founder and CEO of The Black upStart, an organization that provides entrepreneurship training and resources to aspiring black business owners. The organization has helped hundreds of black entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses.
Kristi Johnson is the founder and CEO of Kith and Kin, a line of hair and skincare products specifically formulated for black and brown babies. The company has received numerous awards for its innovative products and commitment to inclusivity.
Challenges faced by Black Women Entrepreneurs
Despite the many successes achieved by black women entrepreneurs in the Washington Metropolitan Area, they face unique challenges that are not often encountered by their white or male counterparts. These challenges include limited access to funding, lack of mentorship and networking opportunities, and discrimination in the workplace.
One of the primary barriers faced by black women entrepreneurs is limited access to funding. According to a study conducted by the National Women’s Business Council, only 0.2% of venture capital funding goes to black women-owned businesses. This is in stark contrast to the 79% of venture capital funding that goes to male-owned businesses. This lack of access to funding makes it difficult for black women entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.
Another challenge faced by black women entrepreneurs is the lack of mentorship and networking opportunities. Many black women entrepreneurs report feeling isolated and unsupported in their journey, which can hinder their success. Black women entrepreneurs may not have access to the same networking opportunities as their white or male counterparts, making it difficult to build the necessary connections to grow their businesses.
Finally, discrimination in the workplace is a significant challenge faced by black women entrepreneurs. Despite progress made in recent years, many black women entrepreneurs still encounter bias and prejudice when seeking employment or starting their businesses. This can lead to missed opportunities and hinder their ability to grow and succeed in their respective industries.
Black women entrepreneurs in the Washington Metropolitan Area face unique challenges but have made significant contributions to the local economy and their respective industries. Despite limited access to funding and networking opportunities, black women entrepreneurs have achieved notable success and broken down barriers in their fields. It is essential to continue to support and uplift black women entrepreneurs in the Washington Metropolitan Area and beyond to create a more equitable and just society.
