Amber Montgomery
Detroit
Summary
I’m a versatile professional with over 10 years of experience leading programs, operations, and creative projects across the nonprofit, logistics, and event sectors. I’ve successfully managed cohort-based initiatives, supported grant compliance, and helped deliver measurable impact. Skilled at streamlining processes, Customer Management, guiding cross-functional teams, and driving operational excellence through both data-driven decisions and creative problem-solving.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager, Programs & Membership
Michigan Black Business Alliance
Detroit
12.2025 - Current
- Lead the strategy and execution of entrepreneurship and capital readiness programs serving 100+ Black-owned businesses, supporting business growth, financial readiness, and access to capital.
- Contributed to initiatives that facilitated $7.4M+ in funding for 70+ small businesses, expanding access to growth capital and strengthening entrepreneurs’ financial readiness.
- Track and evaluate program performance, reporting key outcomes including 77% of Capital Connect participants experiencing measurable business growth after completing the program.
- Provided one-on-one consulting to 150+ small business owners, advising on business model development, brand positioning, and foundational brand toolkit creation.
- Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with nonprofits, CDFIs, national banks, and ecosystem partners to expand technical assistance and capital pathways for entrepreneurs.
- Led the stabilization and successful execution of the organization’s first program expansion into Flint, MI, establishing program infrastructure and increasing access to capital resources for 8+ businesses in the region.
- Train and support program leads, instructors, and facilitators to ensure consistent program delivery and alignment with program standards.
Creative Consultant & Freelance Event Designer
Just a Lil' Sunnshine Studios
Detroit
12.2016 - Current
- Designed custom branding materials including invitations, flyers, business logos, and promotional posters using Procreate and Canva.
- Planned and executed culturally attuned events from concept to completion, including budgeting, vendor sourcing, and client communication.
- Led design for the Revive Dexter Campaign, managing social media, and promotional content to support local business engagement.
- Created award-winning 3D visual assets for GLSCO, earning First Place for Best Design at the 2018 Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association Conference.
- Developed brand identity and print collateral for small businesses, including Krissy’s Bright Beginnings, LLC.
Senior Program Coordinator
Michigan Black Business Alliance
Detroit
05.2024 - 12.2025
- Led flagship programs, Capital Connect and The BLK Print, guiding 100+ small businesses in accessing more than $522.5K, contributing to the $7.4M in capital facilitated by the organization.
- Boosted cohort funding by 7x, growing outcomes from $60K to $427.5K under my leadership.
- Redesigned The BLK Print program to improve curriculum and outcomes in business modeling, financial readiness and investor preparation.
- Built and managed partnerships with financial institutions, funders, and ecosystem stakeholders to deepen impact and expand access.
- Streamlined grant reporting systems to ensure full compliance and close data gaps; developed creative data collection processes, and delivered timely, accurate reports.
- Planned and executed pitch showcases, workshops, and networking events tailored to early-stage and scaling entrepreneurs.
- Coached entrepreneurs by translating complex business concepts into actionable growth strategies.
Ocean Imports (FCL Dispatch) Agent
Expeditors
Romulus
04.2023 - 05.2024
- Managed dispatch operations for an average of 200 full-container load (FCL) shipments from ports in Chicago and Detroit, coordinating the inland movement of freight to major corporate clients across Michigan daily.
- Resolved delayed, lost, and breached container cases by liaising with railroads, initiating risk management protocols, notifying customers, and submitting claims and cost adjustments related to freight disruptions.
- Acted as a liaison between the Pricing, Operations, and Customer Communication teams to streamline shipment tracking and performance metrics.
- Developed and implemented new processes that improved KPI completion and shipment flow.
- Ensured smooth, timely freight movement, aligned with internal and client SOPs.
- Resolved issues proactively while maintaining clear, consistent communication with customers.
- Monitored reports to uphold data integrity and drive continuous process improvement.
Ocean Imports (Customer Service) Agent
Expeditors
Romulus
10.2021 - 04.2023
- Acted as a liaison between the Pricing, Operations, and Customer Communication teams to streamline shipment tracking and performance metrics.
- Responded to international shipment inquiries, ensuring timely delivery of documentation, and clear communication with internal and external partners.
- Developed SOPs and training tools to align customer expectations with operational workflows.
- Designed and facilitated training for the Imports Department on the Customer Programs Tool, enhancing team efficiency.
- Collaborated with leadership to improve new business processes, and integrate continuous improvement strategies.
Assistant Branch Manager
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Metro Detroit
01.2019 - 10.2021
- Managed daily operations for a high-volume branch with a 400+ vehicle fleet, maintaining a 90% customer satisfaction rating.
- Supervised, trained, and evaluated staff—leading a 120% increase in branch sales and transforming the location into one of Michigan’s top-performing branches.
- Improved customer communication around rate changes and rental extensions, resulting in reduced risk and increased retention.
- Oversaw accounts receivable, including negotiating payment plans, resolving delinquencies, and recommending collections actions.
- Completed rigorous Management Trainee Program with hands-on experience in operations, sales, and customer service at multiple locations.
Lead Teacher
Little Folks Corner
Ann Arbor
12.2013 - 01.2019
- Built strong relationships with children, families, and staff to maintain a supportive early learning environment.
- Trained and mentored new team members into Assistant Teacher roles.
- Developed and delivered weekly curriculum for 10+ children with varying developmental needs.
- Designed a family onboarding program to support transitions into group childcare.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Language Literature and Writing
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MISkills
- Program Management & Curriculum Design
- Grant Compliance & Impact Reporting
- Data Analysis & KPI Tracking
- Event Planning & Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Partnerships & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Customer Experience & Operations Oversight
- CRM Systems: Zoho, Mondaycom
- Marketing & Visual Design (Procreate, Canva, Social Media)
- Team Leadership & Process Improvement
Accomplishments
• Helped over 100+ Black entrepreneurs secure $500,000+ in direct capital through curriculum-based programs.
• Scaled Capital Connect and The BLK Print, increasing cohort funding outcomes 7x within one year.
• Redesigned the curriculum for The BLK Print, strengthening clarity, engagement, and learning outcomes.
• Facilitated and created guides for the expansion of the Capital Connect program to Flint, Michigan.
• Created new data and reporting systems to streamline grant compliance and improve program evaluation.
• Designed and facilitated 10 training workshops in the Imports Department on Customer Programs Tool, improving team efficiency.
• Managed 200+ global freight shipments/a day and resolved high-risk logistics issues.
• Oversaw 400+ vehicle fleet operations, growing sales 120% as Assistant Branch Manager at Enterprise.
• Developed SOPs and training tools across education, logistics, and nonprofit sectors to drive efficiency.
• Designed award-winning branding + events via Just a Lil’ Sunnshine Studios (1st Place – OHLA 2018).
• Scaled Capital Connect and The BLK Print, increasing cohort funding outcomes 7x within one year.
• Redesigned the curriculum for The BLK Print, strengthening clarity, engagement, and learning outcomes.
• Facilitated and created guides for the expansion of the Capital Connect program to Flint, Michigan.
• Created new data and reporting systems to streamline grant compliance and improve program evaluation.
• Designed and facilitated 10 training workshops in the Imports Department on Customer Programs Tool, improving team efficiency.
• Managed 200+ global freight shipments/a day and resolved high-risk logistics issues.
• Oversaw 400+ vehicle fleet operations, growing sales 120% as Assistant Branch Manager at Enterprise.
• Developed SOPs and training tools across education, logistics, and nonprofit sectors to drive efficiency.
• Designed award-winning branding + events via Just a Lil’ Sunnshine Studios (1st Place – OHLA 2018).
Timeline
Senior Manager, Programs & Membership
Michigan Black Business Alliance
12.2025 - Current
Senior Program Coordinator
Michigan Black Business Alliance
05.2024 - 12.2025
Ocean Imports (FCL Dispatch) Agent
Expeditors
04.2023 - 05.2024
Ocean Imports (Customer Service) Agent
Expeditors
10.2021 - 04.2023
Assistant Branch Manager
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
01.2019 - 10.2021
Creative Consultant & Freelance Event Designer
Just a Lil' Sunnshine Studios
12.2016 - Current
Lead Teacher
Little Folks Corner
12.2013 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Language Literature and Writing
Eastern Michigan University