Women in Business

(INGLEWOOD) Inglewood, California, is a city steeped in culture, resilience, and history. At the heart of this vibrant community stands Yolanda Davidson, an Inglewood native whose life and work embody the spirit of advocacy, service, and unwavering dedication. Born at Centinela Hospital and a proud alumna of Parent Elementary, Morningside High School, and California National University, Yolanda’s roots in Inglewood run deep. Her education also includes completing the prestigious Congressional Black Caucus Institute in 2022 and the California Black Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Program at Cal State Dominguez. These experiences shaped Yolanda into a dynamic community advocate, empowering her with the tools to lead and inspire change. For over 25 years, Yolanda has tirelessly championed causes that matter most to the people of Inglewood. Her advocacy spans across generations, supporting students, elderly residents, and families affected by tragedy. When the Inglewood Unified School District threatened to close Warren Lane Elementary, Yolanda stood shoulder-to-shoulder with parents and children, fighting to preserve the school’s legacy. When four young lives were tragically lost on Park Avenue, Yolanda humanized the victims, supported grieving families, and joined their fight for justice. Yolanda’s influence extends far beyond activism. She regularly attends city meetings, providing vital input on Inglewood’s major projects, while maintaining strong ties with the senior community. Through initiatives like breakfast gatherings at Osage Senior Villas and hosting a Winter Wonderland event , Yolanda ensures that Inglewood’s senior residents feel valued and connected. Her commitment to preserving Inglewood’s rich culture is unwavering. Whether she’s advocating for small businesses impacted by stadium construction, cheering on student athletes, or simply showing up as a volunteer when needed, Yolanda’s deep love for her hometown shines through. Yolanda Davidson exemplifies what it means to be a community leader. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, unity, and hope. As Inglewood evolves, Yolanda remains a steadfast reminder that its vibrant culture and strong sense of community will always endure.

(INGLEWOOD) Inglewood native Primah is a creative force whose soulful voice, songwriting talents, and entrepreneurial spirit are leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. As a singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the Sounds You Need Collective (S.Y.N. Collective) , Primah is helping to redefine how music is used in media while empowering artists to embrace their creativity and business potential. Primah’s journey in music began with her signature sound—a soulful blend of melodic R&B and the gritty energy of today’s hip-hop. Her ability to craft witty, heartfelt lyrics paired with funky beats has made her a sought-after songwriter. Her songs have been featured in popular shows like All American and Issa Rae’s Rap Sh!t , as well as in the globally renowned video game Fortnite . In 2021, Primah took her passion for music to new heights by co-founding the S.Y.N. Collective , an Inglewood-based music licensing agency and independent music publisher. Under her leadership, the S.Y.N. Collective has grown to represent over 90 artists and more than 3,000 songs , achieving 100 placements in television, podcasts, video games, and advertisements. Their work has been featured on platforms such as Facebook Meta Campaigns, the CW, NFL, HBO, CBS, and Netflix , bringing their music to millions of listeners worldwide. Primah’s commitment to empowering artists extends beyond licensing. In 2024, she opened the Duality Production House , an audio recording studio and content space in Inglewood designed to bring artists together, foster collaboration, and teach entrepreneurial skills. The studio has become a hub for creativity, providing artists with a space to grow their craft while learning how to navigate the business side of the industry. Primah is passionate about the power of music in media and its capacity to transform visual content emotionally and globally. Whether it’s penning a heartfelt song, championing the work of emerging artists, or creating spaces for collaboration and growth, Primah’s work is a testament to her dedication to the artistry and business of music.

(INGLEWOOD) Adrienne Dixon is a woman of remarkable strength, faith, and compassion. As a wife, mother, teacher, speaker, and trusted advisor, Adrienne has dedicated her life to empowering others and transforming her community. In 2024, she faced one of her greatest challenges—a battle with cancer. Through her unwavering faith and determination, Adrienne emerged victorious and is now proudly cancer-free. Born into a multigenerational family of pastors and leaders, Adrienne’s faith has always been the foundation of her life. This legacy of leadership and service inspired her to make a difference in countless lives, whether through her work in education, her sorority, or her community. Today, she serves alongside her husband, Pastor Geremy Dixon , at the Center of Hope in Inglewood, CA , where her ministry continues to touch lives and uplift spirits. Throughout her journey, Adrienne has been a passionate advocate for women and children, partnering with organizations such as Teen Challenge of Southern California , Claris Health , Forgotten Children , and the Department of Children and Family Services to provide holistic support and resources for vulnerable populations in South Los Angeles. From 2016 to 2024, Adrienne and Pastor Geremy also served as licensed foster parents, opening their home and hearts to children in need. Even as she battled cancer in 2024, Adrienne continued to lead and inspire others. Her faith never wavered, and her story became a beacon of hope for those around her. Now cancer-free, Adrienne’s victory stands as a testament to her resilience, faith, and commitment to serving others. At the Center of Hope , Adrienne leads the Women’s Ministry, empowering women to embrace their purpose and find strength in their faith. She believes in following the example of Jesus by getting closer to people, hearing their stories, and connecting personally to create meaningful change. Adrienne’s life is a powerful reminder of the impact of faith, service, and perseverance. Her work, her courage, and her victory over cancer inspire all who have the privilege of knowing her.

(BROOKLYN, NY) Carol’s Daughter is officially back under Black ownership and independent operation following L’Oréal’s sale of the beloved textured haircare brand. On March 3, founder Lisa Price announced that she will lead the company into its next era alongside an independent beauty entrepreneur with a proven track record in acquiring and scaling beauty brands. Price, who launched Carol’s Daughter in Brooklyn more than 30 years ago, is stepping into her new role as president with a bold vision. “This next chapter? It’s bolder. It’s fearless. It’s about innovation that doesn’t just follow trends but sets them,” Price shared in an Instagram video. “Most importantly, it’s about deepening our commitment to you—the community that built us. To every person who has ever believed in me, to those of you who have rocked with Carol’s Daughter from day one.” Price opened her announcement with gratitude for L’Oréal, acknowledging their “extraordinary” partnership that helped expand the brand’s reach and impact. L’Oréal echoed its confidence in Price’s leadership and the brand’s continued success under its new ownership. “We are proud of Carol’s Daughter’s long legacy and the transformative impact it has had on the beauty industry,” said David Greenberg, CEO of L’Oréal USA. “At the heart of this legacy is Lisa Price, an entrepreneur ahead of her time who has built Carol’s Daughter into a beloved brand that has honored and celebrated women of color for decades. We are confident that, with Lisa as President and the support of its new partner, Carol’s Daughter will continue to thrive for years to come.” L’Oréal has committed to working closely with Price and her new partner to ensure a smooth transition. Meanwhile, longtime fans have flooded social media with support, excitement, and requests for the return of classic favorites. “Congratulations! Please bring back the body products! Specifically the Ocean scent!” one fan commented. As Carol’s Daughter enters this new era, one thing is clear: the brand is ready to embrace its roots, push boundaries, and continue shaping the future of beauty on its own terms.

(INGLEWOOD) Alexis Coleman has devoted her life to uplifting and inspiring urban youth, creating opportunities for students to succeed academically and thrive as future leaders. As a transformative educator and Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Urban Scholar Academy, Alexis has redefined what it means to serve her community through innovative programs, tireless advocacy, and a deep passion for education. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Urban Scholar Academy, Alexis has expanded her reach, providing life-changing educational services to the Inglewood community. The Academy, which started with just 12 families, now serves over 700 families, helping students achieve 214% faster growth in mastering math and reading Common Core standards. Programs such as the Homework Club, Tutoring Programs, Distance Learning, Film Academy, and Seasonal Camps have become models of excellence, conducting more than 14,000 individualized tutoring sessions to date. One of the Academy’s most notable accomplishments is its partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to establish the country’s first-ever WWE Learning Center, bringing unparalleled opportunities to Inglewood’s youth. Alexis’s contributions extend far beyond the classroom. Her unwavering dedication to education and community development has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 WWE Community Champion Award, the 2022 Super Bowl LVI Legacy Champion Award, and back-to-back Los Angeles Clippers’ “Community Hero” Awards in 2021 and 2020. She has also been recognized as a Global Giving/Red Backpack National Female Entrepreneur, among many other honors. Beyond her leadership at Urban Scholar Academy, Alexis is a prominent figure in nonprofit and policy circles. In 2023, she was one of only 20 Black leaders nationwide selected for the Institute of Nonprofit Practice’s Black Leadership Institute. She also serves as a regional representative for the Expanded LA Network’s Southwest region, a member of the Community Response System of South Los Angeles (CRSSLA), and an alumna of the prestigious Los Angeles African-American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI). Through her leadership, passion, and vision, Alexis Coleman continues to create opportunities that inspire and empower Inglewood’s youth, proving that education is the key to unlocking limitless potential.

The Multicultural Business Alliance (MBA) has launched EmpowerHER, a new initiative dedicated to supporting and uplifting women-owned businesses across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. On March 8, 2025, at the Ontario Airport Hotel & Conference Center, this special event will bring together distinguished business owners, elected officials, and industry leaders to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event will feature a panel discussion and networking opportunities, providing a platform to recognize the achievements of women in business and leadership. EmpowerHER is designed to foster a strong and inclusive business community by encouraging professionals to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and connect with like-minded individuals. The event highlights the essential role of women entrepreneurs and leaders in driving innovation, building communities, and creating economic opportunities.

Nationwide — A prayer for change and a moment of inspiration transformed Marcinda Hankins' life, taking her from earning just $300 a week as a waitress to building X’clusive Looks Beard Sauce, a multi-million-dollar beard care brand redefining men’s grooming. As a single African American mother, her story is one of resilience, innovation, and empowerment, inspiring others to dream big and pursue their purpose. Her Inspiring Journey After being laid off from JPMorgan Chase in 2018, Marcinda, based in Frisco, Texas, faced significant challenges as both a woman and a single mother. Determined to support her family, she launched a salon suite business offering makeup and facial services. However, when the pandemic brought unforeseen difficulties, she took a part-time job at a cigar lounge—and that’s where inspiration struck. “Men often asked if I had anything that could make their beards feel as good as their faces after a facial,” Marcinda recalls. “I realized a gap in men’s grooming and decided to fill it.” With her expertise as a licensed esthetician and insights from conversations at the lounge, Marcinda crafted a breakthrough formula that would change the face of men’s grooming. By focusing on the skin beneath the beard, X’clusive Looks Beard Sauce provides deep hydration and prevents dryness, itchiness, breakage, dandruff, and split ends—issues often overlooked by traditional grooming products. “I wanted to create more than just a product; I wanted to deliver an experience. Too many men don’t know how to care for their beards properly, and my mission is to educate them while offering something that truly works.” Unlike conventional beard oils, X’clusive Looks Beard Sauce not only hydrates the beard but also nourishes the skin, ensuring a well-groomed look without the greasy residue. A Mission to Empower Women Beyond business success, Marcinda is passionate about empowering women, particularly single mothers, to pursue their dreams and build their own success. “I’ve been in a place where I felt overlooked and stuck,” she shares. “Through faith and persistence, I found my purpose. I want to inspire women to believe their ideas matter and can lead to extraordinary success.” Her journey proves that adversity can fuel innovation, and she hopes to inspire other women to trust their vision, step into their purpose, and take action. Revolutionizing Men’s Grooming X’clusive Looks Beard Sauce is quickly becoming a game-changer in the men’s grooming industry, earning rave reviews from customers nationwide who report fuller, healthier, and itch-free beards. With natural ingredients—including honey for its healing properties—the product is particularly beneficial for men with sensitive skin or persistent beard issues. Marcinda is also collaborating with esthetician schools to educate future professionals on proper beard care, ensuring that the next generation of grooming experts understands the importance of skincare beneath facial hair. Support & Connect To support X’clusive Looks Beard Sauce or explore partnership opportunities, visit MyXclusiveLooks.com . Stay connected for updates, grooming tips, and inspiration by following @MyXclusiveLooks_llc on Instagram. About X’clusive Looks Beard Sauce X’clusive Looks Beard Sauce is a premium beard care line created by Marcinda Hankins, a licensed esthetician dedicated to transforming men’s grooming. Designed to tackle dryness, itchiness, breakage, and dandruff while promoting healthy skin, it delivers a superior grooming experience for men of all skin types. Marcinda’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, determination, and a clear vision—proving that challenges can lead to extraordinary opportunities and that anything is possible when passion meets purpose.

Deidre Mathis is once again making history in Houston, Texas as the owner of Wanderstay Boutique Hotel, the city's first adults-only themed hotel. It is another remarkable achievement for Mathis, who also made history in 2018 when she launched the first Black-owned hostel in the United States.

Once that dream became a reality, first in 2020, when Reaves and her former college roommate became the youngest African American women to ever co-own a property in a major hotel chain and then later when she acquired two more hotels as part of the Indiana-based Nassau Investment Group, the longtime hospitality-industry-worker-turned-real-estate-investor found herself yearning to help others get into the commercial real estate game too. “It’s truly an amazing experience and opportunity, but for decades, it’s been out of reach and limited mostly to those who are extremely wealthy or already experienced in the field,” says Reaves, 36, an Atlanta-based award-winning hotel consultant and asset manager who now boasts an investment portfolio that includes co-ownership of hotels and residential real estate properties totalling $30 million. ”I knew in my heart that I had to do my part to help connect others to these types of lucrative investment opportunities. Tapping into this industry has changed my financial future and transformed my life!” How to accomplish that goal eluded her, until finally a big “ah-ha moment” came in 2021 to create a platform of her own to help others leverage their financial resources; no matter how much or little they had to invest. Federal regulations requiring investors to raise more money to support their endeavors came the same year. The result is Vesterr , Reaves’ newly-launched crowdfunding platform that allows accredited and non-accredited investors to join in on commercial real estate securities opportunities, starting with as little as $5,000. “Think of ‘GoFundMe,’ but for commercial real estate investing,” says Reaves. “We’re the first Black-owned, first woman-owned crowd-funding platform for commercial real estate to include hotels in the country and this is just the beginning! The Vesterr platform connects investors with owners to raise capital.” Reaves says her mission is simple; help others grow their real estate portfolio by giving them access to the funds they need while providing investors with opportunities to invest in securities. Much like traditional crowd-funding platforms, those who sign up for Vesterr may peruse the site in search of investment deals in commercial real estate, including hotels, multi-family, retail space and more, that fit their unique investment needs. A minimum investment amount is listed up front and interested parties must meet a set deadline to contribute to the campaign. Vesterr investors also get to decide between investment projects that are more “hands on” or “hands off.” “This platform is really about creating opportunities for all, but I also want it to provide a space for those who have not traditionally felt welcome or included in this industry, such as women, people of color, young people and so on,” explains Reaves. “You can start with the minimum investment and build up from there. Gone are the days where you had to have tens of thousands of dollars just to get into the game. This is a game-changer!” Client Amina James agrees. She served as general partner for a recent deal, funding a Holiday Inn in Lake Charles, LA. on the Vesterr platform. “We met our fundraising goal and it was a successful raise,” gushes James, 38, of Washington DC. “I give so much credit to Vesterr. It is so easy for investors to ask questions using the Q&A feature on the site. When you put a deal on Vesterr you get great exposure and marketing support too.” James says a broad network of accredited investors, amazing customer service, easy onboarding compared to other platforms and option to use several different investment methods – not just cash – all make Vesterr an excellent choice. The “Black girl magic part,” she says, is a bonus. “I love that Vesterr is Black woman-owned too!” Reaves says success stories like James’ continue to inspire her: ”Whether you're an owner or developer or an experienced investor, Vesterr can assist to make it attainable for you to get funding and add commercial real estate assets to your portfolio. You can have your part of the American dream!” About Vesterr Vesterr is an innovative investment platform that provides access to commercial real estate securities including hotels, multi-family, retail for both retail investors (accredited and non accredited investors). For more information, visit Vesterr.com