IVMF is proud to announce the 101 entrepreneurs selected to join the Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship (BBiE) 25B cohort. These AAPI, Black, Latinx, and women founders are working together to share and help each other overcome the systemic barriers and business challenges they face as entrepreneurs and business owners.
There are always challenges in entrepreneurship, a labyrinth of obstacles, complexity, and risks every founder tackles in their own way. Unfortunately, many of these challenges are exacerbated for members of underrepresented communities. BBiE provides resources, mentorship, and community to minority veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs so that they can support each other, share best practices, and ultimately grow their businesses, together.
Join us as we celebrate and welcome our latest cohort!
AAPI Entrepreneurs
Jovita Dela CruzLyka Ferry, Adaptive Consulting, LLC
Madeline Perez, YouMe Midnight Moon
Maha Snell
Rasoj Timsina, Timsina Transport Corporation
Thuy Williams, Acme High Performance, LLC
Black Entrepreneurs
Abigail Batyah
Andrea Corpening, Blessed Marriage & Money
Angela Wallace, FIVE Micro SchoolBrandy Jones
Brandy Ross, The Lanyap Advisory, LLC
Carla Harrison, Intentional Hope and Healing Counseling Services, LLC
Cherwanda Lancaster
Chevina Phillips, Sweet Mahogany Farms
Davina Bare, DBHomes4Hope, LLC
Denitra Mitchell, Purple Dot Adventures
Donna Coleman
Ebony Porter
Giavona Williams, Grova Creative
Isaiah Woods, AutoWoods Mobile Detailing, LLC
Kenneth Morris, R’Air Vision Advisory Group, LLC
Krista Vanterpool, Alizeti FineLamisha Driver
Lamoll Thompson, Happy Muscles Happy Life
LaTonya Treadway-Butler, Bobby Q, LLC
Mario Thomas, MET Construction, LLC
Motez Robinson Jr, Mo Tennis Coaching
Priscilla Richardson, Skin by Daek
Rachel Blake, Rachels Relics
Samantha Carey, Studio Samantha & Ignite Wonder Club
Shannon Tanksley, Nharmony Essential Candles
Shaquayla Willet
Sonya Ramsey, MoDigital, LLC
Tephane Brown
Latinx Entrepreneurs
Abel Perez, Crooked Soul Tattoo, LLC
Ana Essex-Joseph, Joseph Heritage Ventures, LLC
Andi Nieves
Ariana Detrez, Second
Carolina Hernandez, Veteran Couture
Crystalee Protheroe, Protheroe Corporation
Jennifer Toro
Kennette Jimenez
Marilyn Figueroa
Women Entrepreneurs
Amanda Papion, No Small Feat Transports, LLC
Angela Neal, Project Solvers
Anna Kushch, Art studio
Bernadette Sava, Besties Apparel, LLC
Casz Clayton, C2 Communications, LLC
Crystal Thompson, Elite Elements
Emily Steigler, Scout & IndianaErica Tilley, VT Holding
Heather Nagle, Elixian Essence
Ida Simington, Stadium SuitesKaitlyn Starrs
Kelly Whitaker, Red Door Sentinel
Krystal Waters-Howard, Sky Krystal Krafts
Latishia Robinson, S & R Enterprise 2010, LLC
Matisa Moody, Biometric Identity Markers, LLC
Maureen Irvin, CloudLand Home Care
Mindy Dougherty, Compassionate Community Nursing Services, LLC
Natasha Taylor, Sici Lala
Ndidiamaka Mends, UmuchiRead, LLC
Nicole Jackson, BeadsNThingsByNicole
Nicole Jones, Pop’s Praiseworthy PopcornNorma Ely
OLisa RaineySabrina Lambert, SRL Venture Solutions
Sara Todd, Leadership Investments, LLC
Sarah Peck, Graze Craze of Odenton
Stacey Raidl, Stacey Raidl Coaching
Tonia Miller, MET Construction, LLC
Tracy Collins, CT Heating and Air
Wendy Bowers, A Fresh Face Aesthetics Inc
Yvette Sanders, Taylor Girls Events and Designs
Is it Your Turn to Break Barriers?
Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship is an 8-week virtual program that facilitates business growth and support within AAPI, Black, Latinx, and female veteran and military spouse communities. The program is designed to create an immediate impact for early to growth-stage businesses by providing access to business tools, resources, capital opportunities, mentorship, and a stronger peer network. Learn more about the program or fill out an interest form to be considered for our next cohort.
This cohort is professionally facilitated by Latoya Clark – Maylon Media, Dr. Nicole Dhanraj – HND Consultancy, Valerie Lavin – Luminary Global, and Alejandra Amegin – Culturus Consulting Firm and Jax Natural Healing. A huge thank you to our sponsors for making this program cohort possible: PwC Charitable Foundation, Macy’s, and Molson Coors.