The National Institute of Economic Development, in partnership with Virginia Union University, has launched the Women’s Business Center of Richmond. The center will serve as a resource to provide business counseling, training, technical assistance, and networking for entrepreneurs in the Richmond market. The program is made possible by a grant-funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“Virginia Union University is excited to serve as home to the Women’s Business Center of Richmond,” said Hakim Lucas, president of Virginia Union University. “Building generational wealth through education and entrepreneurship is core to our mission. By supporting them with resources, we empower women to turn the skills and passions into viable and thriving businesses.”
Dr. Dannellia Gladden-Green will serve as executive director of the Women’s Business Center of Richmond. She is the founder of SAGEsse Consulting, a general management and marketing strategy firm. In her new role as executive director of WBC, Dr. Gladden-Green will be responsible for client relationship management, business counseling, leading solutions engagement efforts, developing partnerships, and creating new business leaders’ opportunities to have greater access to capital.
“For such a time as this, the Women Business Center of Richmond will become a leading complement to the entrepreneurial efforts of, for, and through women-owned enterprises, and I am excited to add my leadership to the team, making this center a reality for the Richmond community,” said Dr. Gladden-Green.
Dr. Gladden-Green is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, where she majored in physics. She holds a master’s degree in electronic materials from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D. in electronic materials from North Carolina State University.