Coalition for an Equitable Economy

?? We’re Thrilled to Invite You to the Collaborators' Award Ceremony 2024! ?? Mark your calendars for November 15, 2024! Join us at The State Room in Boston, MA, for a special evening as we come together to celebrate the Collaborators' Award Ceremony: The Red Carpet Gala, hosted by the Coalition for an Equitable Economy. This isn’t just another event—it’s a chance to honor the amazing leaders and organizations who are making a real difference in the small business world, especially within the BIPOC community. Why Should You Be There? Meet and connect with incredible people who share your passion for equity and progress. Shine a light on your brand by being part of an event that’s all about impact and partnership. Be part of something bigger—a movement that’s changing the game for small businesses and communities. Interested in Sponsoring? We’d love for you to be a part of this! Sponsoring the Collaborators' Award Ceremony is a great way to show your commitment to equity and get your name out there. Reach out to Jelani Bland at [email protected] or call 413-977-2170 to chat about sponsorship options. Let’s come together, celebrate, and keep pushing for a better, more inclusive economy. Can’t wait to see you on the red carpet! ? #CollaboratorsAward2024 #EconomicEquity #BIPOCLeadership #CEEMovement

?? Steering Committee Member Spotlight: Nicole Obi ?? Today, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Nicole Obi, an essential member of our Steering Committee at the Coalition for an Equitable Economy (CEE). With over two decades of experience, Nicole has been a driving force in empowering communities of color and promoting inclusive growth. As the President and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA), Nicole has been leading the charge in advocating for policies that open doors for Black businesses and professionals across the state. Her strategic vision and dedication have not only elevated BECMA’s impact but have also contributed to shaping a more equitable economic landscape in Massachusetts. We’re incredibly fortunate to have her insights and leadership as we work together to build a more equitable economy. Join us in celebrating Nicole Obi’s remarkable contributions and her unwavering commitment to making positive change in our communities. Thank you, Nicole, for being a true leader! #SteeringCommitteeSpotlight #EconomicEquity #Leadership #NicoleObi #CEEMovement

?? Why Join the Coalition for an Equitable Economy? ?? Curious about what being a CEE member means? It’s all about connecting, influencing, and growing together. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in: Connect with Purpose: Join a vibrant community that’s passionate about creating a fairer economy. It’s where ideas spark and collaborations thrive. Be a Change-Maker: Your voice matters. Influence the policies and advocacy efforts that support small businesses, especially those in the BIPOC community. Get the Inside Scoop: Enjoy exclusive access to our Data Resource Hub, reports, and webinars—all designed to keep you informed and empowered. Build Lasting Connections: Network with leaders and influencers who are as committed to equity as you are. Stand Out: We’ll help shine a light on your work through our events and platforms, showcasing your dedication to economic equity. Ready to make a difference with us? Let’s build a more inclusive and equitable economy together.

Get Ready—CEE Membership Launches October 16th! ?? We’re thrilled to share that on October 16th, the Coalition for an Equitable Economy will be launching our brand-new membership platform! This is your chance to join a movement that’s all about fostering economic equity and empowering small businesses in the BIPOC community. ? Why You’ll Want to Join: Be Part of a Community: Connect with others who share your passion for fairness and progress. Influence Change: Play an active role in shaping policies that support BIPOC businesses. Access Exclusive Resources: Get the tools you need to succeed from reports to webinars. Shine a Light on Your Work: We’re here to help you stand out for your contributions to equity. We’re counting down the days until October 16th—stay tuned for more updates! #CEEMembership #EconomicEquity #BIPOCLeadership #JoinTheMovement

We are thrilled to share that our Executive Director, Tracye Whitfield, was honored as a 2024 recipient at the 9th Annual 100 Women of Color Gala & Awards! This prestigious event, hosted by @100woc and June Archer & Eleven28 Entertainment, celebrates women of color who profoundly impact their communities and industries. Tracye’s unwavering dedication to economic equity and her incredible work with CEE were recognized, and we couldn’t be prouder of her achievements. The event took place on Friday, September 13th, 2024, at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT, where we celebrated the outstanding contributions of women like Tracye, who are driving meaningful change and building a more inclusive economy. #100WOC #EconomicEquity #TracyeWhitfield #CEEMovement

What a fantastic meeting with Representative James C. Arena-DeRosa! As part of our ongoing efforts to connect with stakeholders in support of small businesses, our team met with him to discuss CEE’s mission. Rep. Arena-DeRosa represents the 8th Middlesex District, and his commitment to community development and economic revitalization plays a crucial role in our day-to-day work. As a strong advocate for environmental protection, economic growth, and public health, it was inspiring to witness his dedication firsthand and explore how we can collaborate to promote economic equity in Massachusetts. Thank you for this opportunity! Learn more about Rep. Arena-DeRosa’s work here: https://lnkd.in/e-Ym8Brm #EconomicEquity #SmallBusinessSupport #CommunityDevelopment

????????? Honoring today the international commemoration of People of African Descent. Established by the UN in 2020, this day celebrates the incredible impact of people of African descent, reaffirms our tireless fight against discrimination, and promotes ethnic parity. Important Fact: Mae Jemison, an African-American astronaut, became the first woman of color to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor in 1992. #AfricanDescentDay #DEI #CEEAlliance

This past July 12th, we had an amazing visit to the Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) in Lowell, to connect and align on upcoming projects together. CBA is a community development organization focused on resident empowerment and sustainable revitalization. They’ve created over 500 affordable housing units, offer job training programs, and support local businesses. Learn more about CBA at: https://lnkd.in/gx2ip3Am ?? Pictured: CEE Director of Events & Engagement Jelani Bland, CEE Executive Director Tracye Whitfield, CEE Steering Committee Member Frank Carvalho, CEE Administrative Assistant Jewel Crouch, CEE Policy Consultant Kevin Gilnack, and CBA team member Dan Rivera

?? Celebrated annually on August 26, Women’s Equality Day commemorates the anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. The amendment was first introduced in 1878, but it took 42 years of relentless advocacy and activism before it was finally ratified. How are you working to promote women's equality in your workplace and communities?

On May 1, 2024, our team had an incredible visit to the Franklin County Community Development Corporation (FCCDC). Franklin County CDC is a cornerstone of economic development in Western Massachusetts. They offer personalized business planning, flexible financing options like the PVGrows Investment Fund, and support for food entrepreneurs through the Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center and Massachusetts Food Trust Program. ?? Pictured: Communications Director Kate Lawless, Executive Director John Waite, Racial Justice and Community Engagement Leader Traci Talbert, CEE Executive Director Tracye Whitfield, and Finance and Administration Director Shannon Martineau. Learn more about their important work https://www.fccdc.org/