Honoring Black Business Month, today we host two prominent black business owners who serve the Y as community engagement board members. Pamela Bishop is the founder and CEO of a data analytics and cloud computing company and Art Roman started a professional landscaping business as well as a nonprofit serving economically disadvantaged youth. These two brilliant business people share how they took a deep dive into entrepreneurship as well as the significant impact they are making on the Y.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[03:40] Both Pamela and Art reflect on what prompted the inspiration to step out and create their businesses
[08:37] Pamela shares the unique perspectives she feels she brings to her field as a black entrepreneur.
[10:10] Art shares how he partnered with other businesses in the black community and how important mentorship is to him.
[12:38] Pamela and Art reflected on the challenges they experienced on their journeys to where they are today.
[17:00] Pamela and Art advise young black youths who want to start a business.
[20:13] Pamela and Art share their Pathway to the (Y).
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Mentorship is critical in many phases of success. It's important to be mentored, and it's important to give back in the mentorship process.
Where there is a will, there is a way. If you want to start your own business, the road will be challenging, but you must persevere.
Research the field where you want to start a business so you are informed.
RESOURCE LINKS:
YMCA Atlanta Membership - Website
Airacobra Development - Website
BIOGRAPHIES:
Pamela Bishop is the Founder and CEO of Airacobra Development, a division of Ascendax, which offers deep expertise in data analytics, streaming, cloud computing, product development/strategy and cybersecurity. Pamela has spent 20 years designing and building networks for Fortune 500 companies. Earning her undergrad from the University of Chicago, an MBA from Columbia University, and Master's degrees from Georgia Tech and Harvard University, Pamela has made significant contributions to the technology field. She has worked with organizations such as Cisco, Dell, NCR, Siemens, AT&T, etc. She also serves the community in multiple ways as a board member of the Andrew & Walter Young Family Y, the Renee Montgomery Foundation, and the National Black Artists Foundation.
Art Roman began his professional career in sales, working for companies like Colonial Bakery and Frito-Lay. Following his heart, he started his own professional landscaping business and, within the first three years, amassed a 150 client base, including organizations such as MARTA, Fulton and DeKalb Counties, the City of Atlanta, Decatur, and East Point. Through his professional success, Art was driven to mentor and coach young people. He has coached hundreds of youths, many of whom have endured challenging socio-economic situations. Establishing the youth foundation Impact Leaders, Art has ensured more than 200 young people have access to the opportunities, including thousands of dollars in scholarships and endowment awards.
In addition to his community service and his commitment to Impact Leaders, Inc., he is an active member of the Dekalb County chapter of 100 Black Men and a board member of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA.
