Give It To The People LIVE

Darlene works as a Business Solutions Officer for the Carolina Small Business Development fund, a community development financial institution (CDFI) providing technical assistance and funding to small businesses across the state. Prior to joining CSBDF, her career has included working with Self-Help and the NC Rural Economic Development Center, also CDFIs within NC.
With a penchant for small business Darlene pursued her own entrepreneurial dream by owning and operating an Edible Arrangements franchise for 12 years with locations in the Durham and Raleigh markets. Prior to joining CSBDF, she served as an Adjunct Professor with Durham Technical Community College and North Carolina Central University.
Darlene has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics from SUNY Old Westbury, and as a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship recipient, Darlene obtained a Master of Science Degree in Urban Policy Analysis and Management from the New School of Social Research in New York. She is currently a doctoral student at UNC Charlotte - Belk School of Business where she is pursuing a degree in business administration. Her research interests include exploring the resiliency of women-led organizations in the wake of the digital age.

I was blessed with the opportunity to do a quick podcast interview with Kezia M. Williams of The Black Upstart! Kezia M. Williams is the founder of The Black upStart (www.theblackupstart.com) – a national initiative that trains African-Americans to start successful and profitable businesses. The Black upStart uses an innovative curriculum, and hands-on learning approach that specifically teach African-Americans how to overcome the obstacles specific to business creation in their community. She gave us all the facts and the details about getting to the bag and giving to the people! Take a listen and get some of this Black Girl Magic!

The 5 Senses of Business with Chisa Pennix-Brown, MBA of Give it to the People.

The Library is Lit! Morgan RItchie-Baum Business and Nonprofit Librarian at the Greensboro Public Library has so many resources to give to business owners and the community. Learn what you can do with a library card and a dream.

Understanding the Assignment is what business people need to do. Speakers Jennifer Nealey, Cierra Graham, and Ashleigh Crawley discuss their businesses, team work, and how they celebrate success. Interviewed by Chisa Pennix-Brown at the Give it to the People Small Biz Summit.