STRENGTH
BLACK WOMEN FOUNDERS IN
ATLANTA AND BEYOND
Data and Research:
Sage and The BOSS Network have partnered in Atlanta to form a Commission of 40 Black Women Founders from the metropolitan area. Together, we’ve produced an insightful report titled “Voices of Strength,” exploring the experiences of these women entrepreneurs.
Atlanta boasts the highest concentration of Black entrepreneurs in the U.S., offering fertile ground for innovation and economic growth. The report also provides recommendations on how the public and private sectors can better support these dynamic founders who are vital to economic growth. Let’s unlock their potential together.
Profile of Atlanta’s Black Women Founders
Atlanta boasts the highest concentration of Black entrepreneurs in the U.S., offering fertile ground for innovation and economic growth. The report also provides recommendations on how the public and private sectors can better support these dynamic founders who are vital to economic growth. Let’s unlock their potential together.
Our analysis reveals three distinct subsets of Black women founders aligned with their journey stages and performance—Navigators, Maintainers, and Thrivers. These categories offer invaluable insights, highlighting the need for tailored support rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Recognizing the phases in their journey empowers public and private sector entities to effectively cater to their diverse requirements.
Navigators
These founders, while optimistic about their future, face significant challenges, including a lack of support from mentors or advisors, minimal involvement in formal networks, unstable cash flow, and uncertainty in managing and growing their businesses. They would benefit from targeted mentors, business and financial planning resources, and access to expert advisors and educational materials to bolster their journey.
Maintainers
Demonstrating resilience, Maintainers cope with unstable cash flow while preserving existing achievements. They have at least one formal mentor or advisor and actively participate in professional networks. Support for Maintainers can focus on developing a comprehensive financial plan, enhancing their mentorship network, and providing resources for marketing, sales, operations, and human resources.
Thrivers
Thrivers exhibit strategic planning and strong support systems, with formal mentors or advisors, active engagement in industry and professional networks, stable cash flow, and a focus on long-term goals. To empower Thrivers further, support can include programs covering investment strategies, connections with potential investors, assistance in developing comprehensive succession plans, and partnerships with industry experts and research firms.
The Sage and The BOSS Network Commission of Black Women Founders
Video Advice from the Members of the Commission
Meet the Founders of the Commission
Bianca Blake
Cheraye Glenn-Flowers
Ceata Lash
Deandrea Boyd
Deanna Hamilton
Deborah Olive Farmer
Dr. Erica Gamble
Harriett Burrell
Ja’Nique Blocker
Jade Weatherington
Jewell Bozeman
Jaquacer Middlebrooks
Joy Tekobo
Keosha Parker
Labrescia Dawson
Jewell Bozeman
Melissa Mitchell
Monica Teasley
Niekiha Duncan
Pamela Myles
Dr. Patricia Marsh
Piper Barley
Shamika Battle Packer
Sheri Riley
Rosie Palmer
T. Renee Smith
Tai Cochran
Kashae Robinson
Beverly Isegohohi
Marnetia Amaning
Chantel Powell
Shavonn Richardson
Monique Caradine Kitchen
Dianna King
Jadonna Williams
Brooke Gibbs
Shauntee Billups
Jasmine Lewis
Kendra Robinson
Tancy Patrice Wheeler
About The BOSS Network Founder
Dr. Cameka Smith is a dynamic speaker, accomplished trainer, and award-winning entrepreneur dedicated to growth and empowerment. She is the Founder of The BOSS Network. This distinguished professional women’s organization has garnered numerous accolades, including recognition as a “Top 10 Website for Career and Entrepreneurial Women” by Forbes Magazine and one of the “Best Websites for Entrepreneurs” by Inc. Magazine.
With a Doctorate in Philosophy, Dr. Smith boasts over a decade of experience as an administrator, where she specialized in training educators, principals, and designing student programs for esteemed universities and Chicago Public Schools. Fueled by her profound passion for education, she initiated BOSS On Campus, a visionary program aimed at nurturing the next generation of young leaders and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Smith’s remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed. Adweek honored her as a “Rising Brand Star” among influencers, Ariel Investments celebrated her as a Chicago Game Changer, and The Network Journal recognized her as one of the “Top 40 under 40” accomplished businesswomen. Most recently, Forbes.com acknowledged The BOSS Network as a Forbes Next 1000 enterprise, signifying its significant impact on America’s business landscape.
Dr. Cameka Smith’s relentless commitment to empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship inspires and shapes the future of business and leadership.
Dr. Smith’s remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed. Adweek honored her as a “Rising Brand Star” among influencers, Ariel Investments celebrated her as a Chicago Game Changer, and The Network Journal recognized her as one of the “Top 40 under 40” accomplished businesswomen. Most recently, Forbes.com acknowledged The BOSS Network as a Forbes Next 1000 enterprise, signifying its significant impact on America’s business landscape.
Dr. Cameka Smith’s relentless commitment to empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship inspires and shapes the future of business and leadership.
Share the insights on social media.
Sign up for a newsletter or mailing list for updates
Black women entrepreneurs are forging the path to a brighter shared future. To make this vision a reality, support from the public and private sectors is not just crucial; it’s an investment in innovation, equity, and prosperity. Prioritizing community and small business development while fostering partnerships is key. The Sage and BOSS Network Commission of Black Women Founders unite to amplify these voices and experiences beyond individual success. Embrace their collective voices and recommendations for a more inclusive and prosperous future. Together, we build a brighter tomorrow.
Respect us:
Demand that our voices and perspectives carry equal weight in the business realm. Reject stereotypes and preconceived notions that restrict our opportunities and compound our challenges.
See us:
Recognize our multifaceted identities, encompassing personal and professional aspirations. Representation matters; we seek partners who value and support us and our fellow women entrepreneurs.
Listen to us:
Our voices hold immeasurable worth. Active listening to our experiences, viewpoints, and insights is a cornerstone of meaningful engagement.
Learn from us:
Our wealth of experience and expertise stands as a valuable resource for organizational innovation, growth, and prosperity.
Guide us:
Acknowledge the power of mentorship and collaboration. Transparent information-sharing streamlines our path forward and optimizes resource utilization.
Value us:
Recognize our contributions in tangible and intangible ways. Cultivate a reciprocal relationship where our time, connections, and expertise are esteemed and reciprocated.
For Inquiries, Contact:
© 2023 thebossnetwork.org. All rights reserved.