{"id":123459,"date":"2025-01-16T18:20:06","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T23:20:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.send2press.com\/wire\/?p=123459"},"modified":"2025-01-16T18:14:20","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T23:14:20","slug":"22-entrepreneurs-graduate-from-arizonas-largest-supplier-diversity-program-impact-az-driving-economic-growth-and-innovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.send2press.com\/wire\/22-entrepreneurs-graduate-from-arizonas-largest-supplier-diversity-program-impact-az-driving-economic-growth-and-innovation\/","title":{"rendered":"22 Entrepreneurs Graduate from Arizona’s Largest Supplier Diversity Program, Impact AZ, Driving Economic Growth and Innovation"},"content":{"rendered":"

PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Twenty-two entrepreneurs graduated from the Impact AZ 2025 Supplier Diversity Accelerator<\/strong> on Tuesday, January 14, during a ceremony held at the Arizona Public Service (APS) Headquarters<\/strong> in Phoenix, the Black Chamber of Arizona announced today. Recognized by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs<\/strong> as the state\u2019s largest supplier diversity program<\/strong>, Impact AZ is a transformative initiative designed to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs to break through systemic barriers and achieve success in business.<\/p>\n

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Image caption: 22 Entrepreneurs Graduate from Arizona’s Largest Supplier Diversity Program, Impact AZ.<\/em><\/p>\n

Organized by Millionaire Mastermind Academy<\/strong> in collaboration with the Black Chamber of Arizona<\/strong>, the program focuses on advancing economic inclusion for underserved communities, including women and justice-impacted individuals. These efforts are made possible through the generous support of program sponsors, including JPMorgan Chase<\/strong>, the title sponsor<\/strong> for Impact AZ 2025, and Bank of America<\/strong>, a presenting partner<\/strong>. Additional support is provided by Arizona Public Service<\/strong>, ViaWest Group<\/strong>, The ODP Corporation<\/strong>, American Landmark Apartments<\/strong>, Aventiv, City of Scottsdale<\/strong>, Truist Bank<\/strong>, and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce<\/strong>, as well as community partners<\/strong> such as the Greater Phoenix Economic Council<\/strong>, City of Phoenix<\/strong>, Commerce Bank AZ<\/strong>, and SCORE<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH SUPPLIER DIVERSITY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Launched to close the gap in access to supplier diversity opportunities for minority-owned businesses, Impact AZ 2025 prepares participants to compete for corporate and government contracts<\/strong>\u2014a space where small businesses often face systemic barriers. Recognizing the program\u2019s impact, Governor Katie Hobbs<\/strong> issued a proclamation declaring Impact AZ 2025 the largest supplier diversity initiative in the state<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The program delivers a proprietary curriculum combining e-learning<\/strong>, mentorship<\/strong>, and practical training<\/strong> to give participants the tools they need to thrive. Topics range from procurement and business strategy to financial management and scaling. Beyond the classroom, participants gain direct access to corporate leaders, funding opportunities, and a support network built to help their businesses grow.<\/p>\n

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Image caption: 22 Entrepreneurs Graduate from Arizona’s Largest Supplier Diversity Program, Impact AZ.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThis program is about more than entrepreneurship,\u201d said Diane Roberts, Program Manager for Impact AZ. \u201cIt\u2019s about creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and empowering small business owners to build generational wealth while driving community transformation. Impact AZ proves that when we invest in people, we\u2019re building a stronger, more inclusive economy.\u201d<\/p>\n

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Class of 2024<\/strong> represents a diverse group of entrepreneurs spanning industries such as education, wellness, transportation, and retail. These 22 graduates have not only proven their dedication to their businesses but are also driving innovation and building stronger communities across Arizona.<\/p>\n

GRADUATES OF THE 2024 COHORT:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Dawn Chisholm \u2013 Community Mission AZ<\/li>\n
  2. Rhonda Simmons-Elvyn \u2013 D&L Transport Services, LLC<\/li>\n
  3. Ashley Moore \u2013 Moore Allies<\/li>\n
  4. Tamika Sanders \u2013 Savvy Pen LLC<\/li>\n
  5. Serena Fowler \u2013 Signature Fingerprinting LLC<\/li>\n
  6. Ivan Martinez \u2013 Ivan Martinez Photography<\/li>\n
  7. Kay Nunally \u2013 Kayz Klassy Boutique LLC<\/li>\n
  8. Ashley Walker \u2013 Loving Healing & Hope Center<\/li>\n
  9. Marie Davis \u2013 Living and Balance Wellness Center<\/li>\n
  10. Phillip Kaiyo Tonderayi \u2013 P.A.K. Consultancy<\/li>\n
  11. Kay Clinton \u2013 Spiritual Garden Healing<\/li>\n
  12. Althea Norwood \u2013 Retail Therapy<\/li>\n
  13. Charity Baugh \u2013 Braidz4days LLC<\/li>\n
  14. Vincent Valenzuela \u2013 ETOS<\/li>\n
  15. Guy Lodge \u2013 Learn 2 Read Read 2 Learn LLC<\/li>\n
  16. Jordan Lee \u2013 Optics by Lee<\/li>\n
  17. Jane Garcia \u2013 Meta Think Education<\/li>\n
  18. Liyah Raasheed \u2013 TD Printz<\/li>\n
  19. Michelle Anderson \u2013 MichelleAndHair<\/li>\n
  20. Miyah Cloutier \u2013 Millionaire Mane LLC<\/li>\n
  21. Shenaita Edwards \u2013 VirtualExperienceCo<\/li>\n
  22. Butterfly Luv Hugz<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    Image caption: 22 Entrepreneurs Graduate from Arizona’s Largest Supplier Diversity Program, Impact AZ.<\/em><\/p>\n

    A LEGACY OF SUCCESS<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Since its inception, Impact AZ 2025<\/strong> has delivered impressive results:<\/p>\n