AAWA

  AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN'S AGENDA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

I Am Woman, Hear Me...

decision making &

entrepreneurial committee

2003's agenda for this committee is to define political and/or business boards who's agenda or purpose directly affect African-American women and subsequently their families. Once these boards and commissions are defined, it is our responsibility as the DECISION MAKING COMMITTEE, to work with the City of Cleveland's business and political leaders to define ways to involve the AAWA, including appointments and consultant positions.  As such, AAWA acts as liaison to these organizations to affect change both in how business is done, as well as, ensuring that products and services are reflective of the needs of African-American women and their families.  These issues include, but are not limited to: salary, training, childcare, and core business hours.

To date, AAWA has been successful in working with the Mayor of the City of Cleveland in the appointment of AAWA representatives to 2 boards.  These are: the City of Cleveland's Mayor's Health Commission and Workforce Development Commission.  AAWA involvement on these boards has provided excellent feedback to the Mayor as to the needs of women as it relates to each.  In response the Mayor has, in many cases, made necessary changes to accommodate AAWA goals, resulting in positive outcomes for the entire community.   

Another task of this committee is to address the serious issues surrounding  female African-American entrepreneurial endeavors.  A main issue for African-America women in business is finding and securing resources.  Resource issues include certifications and licenses, finding and securing start up funds, understanding business tax laws and knowing which ones directly affect the particular business one may be in, knowing what professional services need to be contracted with to ensure successful development on the overall business, and most important marketing strategies that will ensure exposure appropriate to the long-term overall success of the business.  AAWA is committed to developing a resource manual that will provide information outlining business resources and a directory of other women in business.  The directory will be marketed to other women in business as a master resource for finding other African-American women to work for and do business with.

Last modified: 08/25/05