By: Brianna Rhodes
What do a med spa, a leadership development company, an event staffing company, and a CPA firm have in common? They’re all owned by Black women entrepreneurs, and each company is making a difference in consumer lives in the Greater Washington, D.C. region.
August is National Black Business Month, and EWOC is highlighting four Black women who are contributing to economic empowerment and equity in the Black community. According to the Department of Small and Local Business Development, 15% of classifiable firms in Washington, D.C., are Black-owned, which is one of the highest percentages in the country. Wacif has contributed to this percentage by supporting over 45 Black women-owned businesses through programs such as its Ascend.Her Program.
The Ascend.Her Program is dedicated to serving women entrepreneurs through a holistic, multi-week program to help entrepreneurs navigate a complex marketplace and build resilient businesses in an ever-changing marketplace. The program’s hands-on approach includes interactive workshops, one-on-one expert consultations, and individualized support. This year, the Ascend.Her Lead Program supported 15 local small businesses to assist them in areas such as strengthening their resilient mindset, risk mitigation, and accessing affordable loan capital.
To honor this month, we’re recognizing four women who have participated in the program, and they will share how Ascend.Her Lead has helped them and their businesses. Learn about them below:
The quotes have been condensed, rearranged, and edited for clarity.
Sorelle Cooper, Co-Founder/CEO/President – Peel Haus Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery
About The Company: Peel Haus Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery is a 100% Black woman-owned med spa dedicated to enhancing beauty with evidence-based treatments that suit diverse skin types and address unique needs in Washington, D.C. Services range from traditional aesthetic treatments like hydrafacials, aesthetic injectables, liposuction, and mommy makeovers. Peel Haus also offers regenerative therapies for anti-aging and skin/hair concerns, restorative skincare, medically supervised weight loss, and nutrition services.
Ascend.Her Lead’s Impact: “The Ascend.Her Lead program has had a profound impact on me and my business. It provided exceptional guidance on several key areas crucial for a CEO’s regular attention. The instructors delivered incredibly relevant, actionable information that I could immediately apply. Since the program’s focus was hyper-local, I gained access to resources that were directly beneficial to me.
Participating in the cohort introduced me to a network of amazing women entrepreneurs who are incredibly knowledgeable and generous with their resources. The support from the Wacif/EWOC community has continued even after completing the program, and it feels like I now belong to a network I can rely on and contribute to.”
Danielle Davis, Founder/Principal Consultant – Liberated Development
About The Company: Founded in 2019, Liberated Development challenges the status quo in leadership development. Traditional one-size-fits-all approaches often fail to recognize each individual’s unique identities and contributions. Liberated Development believes true leadership means creating new paths, not repeating old patterns. The company aims to help leaders and teams build more effective, dynamic cultures that drive results without sacrificing individual well-being. Services include facilitation, coaching, and strategic advising solutions to foster inclusive and adaptable workplace environments.
Ascend.Her Lead’s Impact: “When I started the Ascend.Her Lead program, one of my goals was to build sustainability by understanding and leveraging the right financial model to guide my business decisions and revenue growth. I had a very basic understanding of business capital—what it meant to access it, how it could be used as a tool for growth, and why I shouldn’t be afraid to leverage it if done wisely. Simply put, I was intimidated by the world of business finance, and that intimidation resulted in a lack of knowledge that limited my vision of what was possible. Ascend.Her Lead grew my knowledge in this area and expanded my sense of what was achievable. As a direct result of the program, I made informed and strategic decisions to access multiple capital solutions through national and local sources—options I would never have considered without the knowledge I gained from the program. Simply put, the Ascend.Her Lead program has advanced my business and been a vital source of personal empowerment and well-being.”
April Daniels, Founder – ALD Event Solutions
About The Company: ALD Event Solutions is a premiere event staffing company with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. ALD Event Solutions has carved out a reputation for delivering impeccable waitstaff services that elevate formal events and celebrations to extraordinary heights.
Ascend.Her Lead’s Impact: “The Ascend.Her Lead program has been transformative for both me and my business. It has provided invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that have helped me navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. The program’s focus on leadership development has equipped me with the skills and confidence to effectively manage and grow my business. Through the connections I’ve made and the knowledge I’ve gained, I’ve refined my business strategies, secured potential partnerships, and explored funding opportunities that were previously out of reach. The support from the Ascend.Her Lead community has been instrumental in my journey, helping me to overcome challenges and stay motivated. Overall, the program has accelerated my business growth and reinforced my commitment when I was honestly contemplating an end.”
Anifa Okanla, Owner/CPA – Correct Refund
About The Company: Correct Refund is a forward-thinking certified public accounting firm with a technological edge. The firm offers tax preparation, tax planning, bookkeeping, and business consulting services in various languages, including French, Spanish, and English. Correct Refund prides itself on being proactive and helping clients improve their financial strategy.
Ascend.Her Lead’s Impact: “I learned a lot throughout the program, especially the growth plans. They really get you to focus on that and build from each part through learning, discussions, and lessons. The program was also a great opportunity for me to network and relate to the other women in the program. It was powerful to have people who could really help, motivate, and look up to each other. For a long time, I’ve been doing this alone, and it’s only recently that I came across Wacif, and I’ve learned so much with them. The support I’ve been getting from this program and the people is amazing. I’ve met some amazing Black women.”
These four women are prime examples of why Black-owned businesses should be supported year-round. Despite facing significant barriers such as limited access to capital and systemic biases, Black founders continue to work hard to promote diversity and innovation in the marketplace. We hope their success stories inspire other Black professionals and creatives to pursue entrepreneurship so they can make a lasting, positive impact on society.
