This event offers a professional platform to connect, learn, and grow within the industry. This event offers valuable insights and professional development opportunities. Paying homage to the life and legacy of Madam CJ Walker, the 2025 Economic Empowerment Expo/Luncheon celebrates Black women-owned businesses “Taking Action Today While Building a Legacy for Tomorrow”
2025 Madam C.J. Walker Economic Empowerment Expo and Conference
On Saturday, June 7, step into a world where your ambitions burn bright and you blaze a trail to making your financial dreams a reality at the2025 Madam C.J. Walker Economic Empowerment Expo and Conference.
Presented by The Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter ofThe National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., the event pays homage to the life and legacy of Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made millionairess. This year’s event isa full day of education and resourcesdevoted to equipping Black women to build generational wealth.
It’s More Than an Event – It’s a Movement
Whether you want to buy a home, launch or grow your business, or invest wisely, you’ll have the opportunity to learn directly from local industry experts. The Expo will also provide a showcase for Black women-owned businesses, with unique opportunities for shopping, inspiration and networking with local entrepreneurs and community partners.
The Madam C.J. Walker Economic Empowerment Expo and Conference will include:
Special Awards Program:
For the second year, NCBW 100 Phoenix is also celebrating the future generation of Black entrepreneurs byhighlighting Black emerging entrepreneurs under the age of 18who have participated in our Youth Entrepreneur Series (YES) program and Pitch Perfect Pitch contest. The intent is to celebrate the accomplishments of these emerging entrepreneurs as they are the next generation of Black entrepreneurs to pave the way for others, and to follow the legacy of Madam C.J. Walker “to provide employment to hundreds of women of [our] race.” The timely Expo falls on the heels of Black Women’s History Month (April) and one month shy of National Black Women’s Equal Pay Day (July 27, 2025).
Are you interested in supporting NCBW’s commitment to drive positive systemic change that promotes gender equity in economic empowerment and entrepreneurship for Black women and girls while showcasing your organization’s brand? A limited number of sponsorships are still available, along with advertising opportunities.
Thanks to our Premier Partner, Salt River Project (SRP), along with other generous community partners, funds raised from this event allow NCBW to support year-round Economic Empowerment efforts such as:
Benefits of sponsorship may include highlighting your organization, playing a company video during the Luncheon, displaying a company banner or logo, tickets to the Expo and Luncheon, opportunity to present at an empowerment session or round table, and a full page ad in the 2025 program booklet.
To explore sponsorship opportunities that meet your needs, contact Chair Shawna Stevens via email [email protected] additional information and package options. Packages can also be downloaded on the events page on our Chapter website athttps://ncbw100phx.org.
STOP BEING THE BEST-KEPT SECRET AND SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS!
Looking for an ideal opportunity to connect with new audiences? Ad and exhibitor opportunities are available.
Each exhibitor table comes with two chairs, one table cover, and two tickets to the luncheon.
Ads are available in various sizes ranging from business card to half page.Graphic design support is available per request for a select number of ads on a first come, first serve basis.
*Please note, full page ads are only available with sponsorship packages.
If you are interested in submitting an ad or serving as a vendor, please contact Chair Shawna Stevens via email [email protected] more information and torequest an exhibitor packageOR indicate your interest by selecting the appropriate ticketing option on this event page. Packages can also be downloaded on the events page on our Chapter website athttps://ncbw100phx.org.
As a part of the 2025 Youth Entrepreneur Series (YES) offered by NCBW100 Phoenix and with the financial support and strategic partnership of our sponsors and community partners, NCBW100 Phoenix developed the 2025 Youth Entrepreneur Series (YES) Biz Grant.
The YES Biz grant was developed to drive positive systemic change that results in gender equity in business and economic empowerment, to create a foundation for building generational wealth for Black girls, and to promote and support youth entrepreneurship among the Black community. The Youth Entrepreneur Series and the YES Biz Grant demonstrate our commitment to advocating for and investing in young Black entrepreneurs.
This year, four (4) YES Biz Grants were awarded enabling the winners to launch a new business venture or reinvest in their existing business.
Meet Our Four YES Biz Grant Winners and visit their booth at the Expo on June 7th!
Workshops at the 2025 Madam C.J. Walker Economic Empowerment Expo and Conference will cover core components of our Sister-Nomic$ program.
The Sister-Nomic$ Financial Literacy Curriculum, developed by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW), is an economic empowerment initiative designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to achieve financial security, generational wealth, and economic self-sufficiency. This comprehensive curriculum is framed around the principle ofSelf-Preservationin financial decision-making and a commitment to uplifting Black women and their communities.
Core Competencies
The curriculum is organized into five key competencies, with each area supported by detailed modules and workshop topics/lessons:
Register Now to gain theknowledge and tools necessary to achieve financial security, generational wealth, and economic self-sufficiency!
Corey Woods was elected mayor of the City of Tempe in March 2020. In his professional career, he is the Executive Director of Community Relations at ASU Preparatory Academy. Woods is responsible for assisting the managing director with operations, external partnerships and strategic initiatives. He previously served as the chief operating officer for the Greater Phoenix Urban League, director of college and career articulation for the Phoenix Union High School District and director of government relations for the American Lung Association of Arizona.
His personal commitment to community service extends to board memberships for many organizations including Friendship Village, and Landings Credit Union. Woods is also an emeritus board member of Equality Arizona, active member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Tempe, former board chair for Children’s Action Alliance, and former two-term board president of the Tempe Boys and Girls Club – Ladmo Branch.
Woods served as a Councilmember for the City of Tempe from July 2008 – July 2016. He was elected to the Tempe City Council in May 2008 and reelected in March 2012. Woods was instrumental in guiding city policy that led to Tempe’s perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s “Municipal Equality Index.” He has championed initiatives in the areas of affordable housing and human services while working tirelessly to improve community development standards to attract business investment and protect neighborhoods. Woods was named 2022 “Advocate of the Year” by the Arizona Housing Coalition for his advocacy work expanding affordable and workforce housing opportunities. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the United States Conference of Mayors’ Housing and Community Development Committee and as Co-Chair of the National League of Cities’ Housing Supply Accelerator Steering Committee.
Woods has been a strong advocate on a national, state and local level to bring in additional resources and investments that support climate action and resilience, including the coordination of support for the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act. He was instrumental in making historic investments in Tempe for the Sustainability and Resilience Office to provide additional resources for food access, green infrastructure, clean energy planning, and resilience strategies.
Woods graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in April 2000 with a B.A. in Political Science, and a minor in African American Studies. After college, Woods was a teaching assistant at ASU for three years. In May 2018, Woods earned a Master of Arts in Educational Policy from ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton College of Education.
Berdetta Hodge has been a resident of the city of Tempe for over 40 years. She was raised in Tempe and graduated from Tempe public schools. From a young age, Berdetta sought to become a transformative leader in our city. She wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. She has been a lifelong contributor to community well-being through public service and a passion for community-building.
In 2022, Berdetta made history when she became the first African American female elected to the Tempe City Council. Six years prior, in 2016, Berdetta made Tempe history, becoming the first African American woman elected to public office in the City of Tempe by being elected to the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board.
Berdetta is no stranger to operating community institutions responsible to tens of thousands of Tempe residents. She has received accolades for her responsiveness and proactive approach on community relations. She also knows what it takes to work with the local business community to ensure that it also has a role making Tempe the best place to work, learn, and thrive in Arizona.
KenyattaTurner,MM, BSPC
Founder | Behavioral SuperPowers Coach | Speaker | Freedom Empire Consulting
Session Topic:Empowering Economic Equity Through Behavioral Communication
Kenyatta Turner is the Founder of Freedom Empire Consulting and a nationally recognized Behavioral SuperPowers Coach, speaker, and educator. With over 30 years of experience in leadership, education, and personal development, she equips entrepreneurs, career professionals, and organizational leaders with data-driven tools to increase clarity, confidence, and communication effectiveness.
As the creator of groundbreaking frameworks like the Behavioral SWOT Matrix™, the Behavioral Communication Matrix™, and her signature B.E.H.A.V.E.™ philosophy, Kenyatta delivers transformational experiences that go far beyond surface-level insights. Her work is powered by a scientifically validated behavioral assessment with a 97.1% long-term accuracy rate, helping individuals and teams uncover their natural strengths and align behavior with how they lead, speak, and grow.
She specializes in helping organizations build behaviorally aligned Super Teams, cultures where communication flows, leadership thrives, and everyone operates in their zone of genius. Her programs have impacted clients like Intel, the National Institutes of Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the Better Business Bureau. Whether she’s guiding a rising leader or transforming team dynamics, her message is clear: when you understand your behavior, you don’t just improve, you evolve with purpose.
Angelica Prescod, AAMS™Financial AdvisorEdward Jones
Session Topic:Where There’s a Will There’s a Way
Angelica Prescod is a financial advisor with Edward Jones. A native of Panama, she attended college in North Carolina before beginning a career in the medical field. She drastically changed professional paths in 2007 to pursue a career in the financial services industry with Edward Jones.
Although the medical and investment industries seemingly have little in common, both have helped fulfill Angelica’s passion for helping others. As a financial advisor, she partners with individual investors to identify their dreams and then helps them work towards making them a reality. Angelica truly enjoys working with others to unlock their potential and making a positive impact in her community.
Since beginning her career in the financial services industry, Angelica has been featured in the Phoenix Magazine’s “Top 40 under 40”, The Wall Street Journal, FORTUNE Magazine, Investment News, Forbes, The New York Times, Barron’s and Financial Advisor Magazine to name a few. She has been also been featured on NBC Channel 12 Phoenix & KTVK 3TV News Phoenix. She has been quoted in U.S. News as a trusted source in her field, as well as, making history by being the top black female financial advisor in the history of Edward Jones.
DarrylJohnsonPresidentBusiness Credit Works
Session Topic:Building Business Credit
DarrylJohnsonis the Founder ofBusiness Credit Works, the first and only DBE and MBE-certified business credit and lending company. He also foundedThe Cooperative Lender, the nation’s first cooperative-owned Loan Broker School and Commercial Lending Company, built to close the wealth gap through education, access to capital, and ownership.
With over 20 years of experience in banking, brokerage operations, and underwriting, Darryl is a nationally recognized educator who has led workshops with SCORE (KC & Phoenix), the Atlanta Urban League, Local First Arizona, and Operation Hope. He was the first Black educator on KC SCORE’s Strategic Alliance and served as a Business Commissioner for Kansas City’s LGBTQ Commission.
He has served on the boards of BXKC, Johnson Family Solutions. A graduate of Local First WE Rise Incubator and the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, Darryl is now writing his first book on business credit to continue empowering communities through financial literacy and ownership.
Ashley V. Kelly
Vice President | Sr. Business Consultant |Chase Business Banking|
Session Topic:Business 201
Ashley Kelly, a seasoned Senior Business Consultant at JPMorgan Chase, brings over 20 years of expertise in business and commercial banking, with a focus on empowering small businesses to thrive. Her current work centers on supporting small businesses with a focus on underrepresented businesses by addressing critical challenges such as access to capital, procurement opportunities, and information. Through tailored mentoring and strategic guidance, Ashley fosters growth and resilience within these communities while advancing the bank’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Ashley plays a vital role in bridging Business and Consumer Banking. She collaborates closely with leadership teams to drive performance metrics, and to improve client experiences. Known for her innovative approach, Ashley champions training programs for Small Business Specialists, builds strong talent pipelines, and supports initiatives that deliver a full-service banking experience to small business clients.
Recognized as a leader in her field, Ashley has been honored with the Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award, Greater Phoenix Chambers 2024 Athena Nominee, and 2025 Most Influential Minority Leaders by AZ Big Media. She serves on the board Young & Empowered Women, and CoChair of the BOLD Arizona Business Resource Group. A proud resident of South Phoenix, Ashley enjoys traveling and exploring new cuisines with her husband and three children. Her passion for creating meaningful impact drives her work and fuels her commitment to underserved communities.
Dr. Tracy Wooten
Owner, Wooten Naturopathic
Session Topic:Taking Care of Business – Mind, Body and Soul: The Connection Between Metabolic Syndrome and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Tracy Wooten is a Licensed Naturopathic Medical physician. She has been practicing and owning a private medical office in Phoenix, AZ since 2006. She received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine located in Tempe, AZ. She received her bachelor degree in Exercise Science from Oral Roberts University, in Tulsa, OK.
As a primary care doctor, she treats patients of all ages and conditions, with specialties in bioidentical hormones / natural hormone therapies, anti-aging therapy, weight loss/management, digestive health, nutrition, and stress management. She sees patients for both acute and chronic care.
One of Dr. Wooten’s passions is for patients to have optimal health through achieving hormone balance, getting proper sleep, and incorporating a healthy diet/lifestyle. She also specializes in weight loss and uncovering the causes of a patient’s weight gain.
Dr. Wooten’s goal is to help all her patients prevent disease, avoid the premature effects of aging and to regain their overall sense of well-being and vitality!
Dr. Wootenencourages patients to take an active role in their own healththrough teaching them how to nourish their health daily. She aims to find the cause of the issues rather than only treating symptoms. In practice, her naturopathic treatments including diet and lifestyle modification, weight loss and vitamin injections, IV nutrient therapy, high quality supplementation, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for men and women. She prescribed pharmaceuticals if the condition warrants the need for them.
When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband Jeffrey Glover and keeping up with her very active boys Jonathan and Christopher.
Jaleaa Lewis, MHA, BSN, RN
Founder, Whole Harmony
Session Topic:Taking Care of Business – Mind, Body and Soul:Healing Generational Trauma Impacting Your Wealth and Wellness
Start your day in harmony with an early morning sound meditation session with Jaleea Lewis. For those who are interested, Jaleea will host a special sound meditation session from 8:15 – 8:45 am before the start of the conference. Feel free to bring your yoga mat for the full relaxation experience.Register for Jaleea’s preconference session here:
Workshop Title:Building Bridges to Opportunity: Capability Statements & Procurement Pathways
Moderator:Erika Castro,SRP, Supplier Diversity & Supplier Management Manager
Panelist:Siliva Sanford,SRP, Sr Procurement Analyst
Panelist: Bryonna Allen,Clayco Construction, Coordinator of Public/Private Initiatives
Erika Castro: Moderator
Supplier Diversity Manager
Salt River Project
Erika Castro is the Supplier Diversity & Supplier Management Manager at Salt River Project (SRP) and carries out SRP’s Supplier Diversity strategies and activities by connecting small and diverse businesses to the business and to the purchasing teams responsible for SRP’s business units. Erika has been with SRP for 15 years and enjoys being able to lead a team that makes a difference with Arizona’s small and diverse businesses.
An active community leader, Erika is a board member of the Chandler Cultural Foundation Board and Commission and WBEC-West (Women’s Business Enterprise Council West). She also serves as Chair for the Public Policy Committee at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce.
Silvia Stanford, MBA: PanelistSenior Contract Analyst
Salt River Project (SRP)
Silvia Stanford is a Senior Contract Analyst at Salt River Project (SRP) and supports several departments such as Power Delivery, Distribution Construction, Maintenance, Design, Engineering, and Security Services Departments within SRP.
Silvia has been with SRP for only a couple years, however, she came to SRP with over 25 years of experience within the Purchasing and Procurement industry from working with large government municipalities and in higher education.
Silvia has been an active community leader in Arizona by serving on non-profit boards and continues to serve the community behind the scenes.
Bryonna Allen: PanelistCoordinator of Public/Private Initiatives
Clayco Construction
Bryonna Allen is the Coordinator of Public/Private Initiatives at Clayco, where she leads strategic outreach and community engagement efforts across the Southwest. In this role, she connects public and private sectors to drive inclusive growth, align community resources, and create measurable economic impact within the design and construction industry.
Bryonna is a passionate advocate for small and underrepresented businesses, working to expand their access to major projects and support long-term economic inclusion. She also serves as the regional lead for Clayco’s partnership with theConstruction Career Development Initiative (CCDI), a nonprofit dedicated to introducing underrepresented and underserved students to careers in construction through mentorship and early exposure.
In addition to her role at Clayco, Bryonna is a board member of theArizona Minority Contractors Association (AMCA), where she continues her commitment to advancing opportunities for diverse firms across the construction industry.
A graduate ofSouthern Illinois University Edwardsvillewith a B.A. in Foreign Language and Literature, Bryonna is redefining what it means to be an advocate in today’s construction landscape. She brings a collaborative, community-first mindset to every project and is committed to creating access, opportunity, and lasting economic impact.
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter would like to extend a special thanks to our sponors:
