TASHA M. BROWN
Senior Business Development & Economic Empowerment Executive
Chicago,IL
There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
Tony Robbins
Summary
Strategic leader with 15+ years of experience driving economic growth, advancing small business lending transparency, and fostering community development. Proven track record in designing and managing programs to empower entrepreneurs, support underserved communities, and promote financial equity. Expertise in stakeholder engagement, program development, and philanthropic initiatives. Known for building partnerships and leading advocacy efforts that contribute to community resilience and sustainable economic impact.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Midwest Director
Small Business Majority Foundation
04.2022 - Current
- Lead initiatives supporting 3,000+ small business owners, with a focus on improving access to capital and promoting economic equity in Illinois and Wisconsin
- Engage in advocacy efforts for small business lending transparency and fair access to credit, collaborating with policymakers to drive systemic change
- Develop partnerships with 30+ organizations, enhancing the small business ecosystem and increasing access to technical assistance for underserved communities
- Oversee quantitative analysis and reporting to ensure funding compliance and optimize resource utilization in alignment with strategic goals
- Create curriculum to build small business owners' capacities along various disciplines
- Implement programs that expand economic opportunities and resilience for small businesses, meeting key performance indicators
- Lead policy initiatives supporting transparency in lending practices, contributing to fairer financial services for underserved entrepreneurs
Director
Women's Business Development Center
07.2018 - 02.2022
- Directed comprehensive business development programs for over 300 entrepreneurs, providing guidance on operations, marketing, and financial strategy
- Led recruitment for the ScaleUp program, recognized for its role in scaling small businesses and enhancing operational efficiency
- Oversaw program budgets, compliance, and performance assessments, ensuring alignment with economic development objectives
- Honored with the 2020 South Suburban Economic Development Award for outstanding contributions to business development and economic empowerment
- Developed community-based initiatives that resulted in job creation and expanded access to capital for diverse entrepreneurs
Assistant Dean, Director of Urban Relations, Adjunct Professor
Northern Seminary
08.2012 - 09.2016
- Developed curriculum and taught courses in leadership, social justice, and entrepreneurship, equipping students with skills to lead mission-driven initiatives in their communities
- Built strategic programs integrating theological principles with real-world applications in social equity and economic development
- Supported DEI and community engagement initiatives, creating an inclusive learning environment and connecting local leaders to educational resources
- Fostered community impact through urban-focused curriculum and events that enhanced students' and leaders' roles in social and economic change
- Aided in the establishment of the Urban Leadership Institute, a training program for urban pastors
Supervisor of Children Services Programs
City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
01.2007 - 01.2014
- Supervised a team of 30, providing technical assistance to 180+ community programs under a $37M budget funded by Illinois Department of Human Services
- Supported capacity-building efforts and provided guidance in budget management, compliance, and operational improvement, enhancing service delivery quality
- Established strategies to improve financial resource distribution in low-income communities, increasing program efficiency and outreach
- Developed training programs that enhanced skillsets among childcare providers, ensuring high-quality service for underserved families
Education
Doctor of Ministry - Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Master of Divinity - Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts - Human Resource Development
Skills
Strategic Planning
Program Development
Entrepreneurship
Economic Empowerment
Quantitative Analysis
Credit Analysis
Philanthropic Partnerships
Grant Management
Public Policy Advocacy
Small Business Lending Transparency
Cross-Sector Stakeholder Engagement
Financial Oversight
Budget Management
Community Outreach
DEI Initiatives
Certification
Certified Business Development Advisor, Illinois Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth Association (IESBGA)
Community Leadership
- Founder, Women's Leadership Network (TWLN, Inc.), Launched an organization supporting women in ministry and leadership with training, development, and mentorship.
- Alumna, Chicago Foundation for Women, Willie's Warriors Leadership Cohort, Contributed to initiatives that empower women entrepreneurs and advocate for financial and social equity.
Publications
- “Why the Non-Acceptance of Female Clergy is a Violent Act by the Church.” The African American Lectionary Online, 2013.
- Seller of Purple: A Christian Woman’s Guide to Entrepreneurship. Self-published, 2020.
- Trinity Dynamics: What the Trinity Teaches Us About Our Roles in Business. (Forthcoming)
- “Faith and Entrepreneurship,” in Handbook on Poverty and Entrepreneurship (Upcoming chapter).
Timeline
Midwest Director - Small Business Majority Foundation
04.2022 - Current
Director - Women's Business Development Center
07.2018 - 02.2022
Assistant Dean, Director of Urban Relations, Adjunct Professor - Northern Seminary
08.2012 - 09.2016
Supervisor of Children Services Programs - City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services
01.2007 - 01.2014
McCormick Theological Seminary - Doctor of Ministry, Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Northern Baptist Theological Seminary - Master of Divinity, Religious Studies
Northeastern Illinois University - Bachelor of Arts, Human Resource Development