This year, marking its tenth year of being active, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter hosted its annual fundraising event, focused on economic growth and financial development.
In honor of Black trailblazer and entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, black women across the valley came together to promote economic growth and stability at the annual Economic Empowerment Expo and Luncheon, hosted by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter, on Saturday, June 7.
With a focus on financial stability and highlighting local black businesses and services across Arizona, the annual fundraising event hosted around a hundred women with a slogan of “Taking Action Today While Building a Legacy For Tomorrow.”
Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter President Donna Williams said the event came as a way to “introduce the concept of financial success, managing finances, and strategically build generational wealth.”
The day-long expo featured financial workshops on managing money in an ever-changing economy, while also prioritizing mental stability and self-care. Workshop topics included managing stress and trauma that impact wealth and wellness, building business credit, managing small businesses, creating a pathway to homeownership, and more. Community partners and sponsors such as SRP, Edward Jones, and Chase Bank were in attendance, having a hand in this year’s planning and funding.
During one of the workshops about small business entrepreneurship, one woman, Charity Tovar, stood up to applaud the information given by the presenters. Tovar stated that what she heard in that 50-minute workshop was practical advice she’s never heard in a space like that since starting her small business over 2 years ago.
“I’m telling you what these women are saying, I wish I would’ve known 29 months ago,” said Tovar.
Afterwards, Tovar was offered a scholarship for certification from the presenters of SRP to help grow and procure her business even further.
In the main lobby, black business owners were able to set up shop, providing a marketplace for their businesses, products, and services. These businesses ranged from beauty and self-care, clothing and accessories, and food and desserts.
3rd Vice President and small-business owner Johannah Uriri-Glover said this is the first time vendors have been in the luncheon area, which gave them a chance to hear from influential speakers about maximizing their finances.
Awards and recognitions were distributed to trailblazing women of all ages who have made an impact in their communities. One notable award was given to event keynote speaker Keasha Beach as she was awarded the Trailblazer Award for her outstanding work within her nonprofit organization, BASE Arizona, which focuses on education, cultural enrichment, and economic development.
Four youth participants who participated in the NCBW Youth Entrepreneur Services (YES) were given a grant of up to $1,000 to help develop their start-up business. Recognized at the event were Laniyah Glenn with Princess Glitters, Sascha Reveron with TEENgage Corp, Marianna McWilliams with Mari’s Gold, LLC, and Kayla Jones with Kayla’s Creations.
With her business of candy grapes, donuts, and many sweet treats, Glenn of Princess Glitters said she was excited and filled with tears of joy when she got the notification of winning the grant.
“I didn’t think it was real,” said Glenn, when asked about her emotions. “I thought (my mom) was just telling me a joke.”
The twelve-year-old old she said she wants to continue her business, with a focus on helping other little girls in the future, potentially in the medical field.
As she moves into high school, McWilliams of Mari’s Gold LLC said she wants to expand her company to show up for kids across the valley and encourage the mindset of putting more money into kids’ pockets.
“I’ll want to focus on writing more books, entering more entrepreneur markets, and encouraging more kids to be active in the community,” said McWilliams.
The event ended with dessert and a networking opportunity for attendees, along with remarks from Tempe Mayor Corey D. Woods, SRP Premier Partner representative, Erika Castro, and Tempe Councilwoman Berdetta Hodge. Their inspiring words left an empowering imprint on the attendees to take with them on their journey of financial stability and growth.
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