Az Business and AZRE magazines announced the publications’ lists of the Most Influential Women in Arizona of 2024, including Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. In celebration of the Most Influential Women program, azbigmedia.com is profiling one of the Most Influential Women of 2024 each day leading up to the Most Influential Women of 2024 dinner and reception.
MORE NEWS: Here are the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2024
MORE NEWS: AZRE’s Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate for 2024
The Most Influential Women of 2024 will be honored at a reception on Thursday, August 22 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. For sponsorship information, email Amy.Lindsey@azbigmedia.com. For information about the event honoring the Most Influential Women, email kari.vanwinkle@azbigmedia.com or click here.
Dr. Velma Trayham
CEO
Black Chamber of Arizona
Background: Dr. Trayham is an award-winning entrepreneur, business consultant, keynote speaker and economic empowerment specialist who believes that inclusive, equitable businesses and communities create opportunity and drive prosperity. Dr. Trayham serves as chief consultant to corporations and government entities around the U.S. on supply chain sustainability, DEI, community engagement strategy and entrepreneurial ecosystem building.
Key to success: “Vision and passion: Having a clear vision of my goals and being deeply passionate about them fuels my determination, keeping me focused through challenges. Resilience and Perseverance: Understanding setbacks are part of success, bouncing back from failures, and persevering despite challenges are crucial. Continuous Learning and Growth: Prioritizing learning, staying updated on industry trends, acquiring new skills, and seeking self-improvement are essential for success.”
Source of pride: “Empowering women and supporting underserved communities through my work brings me immense pride. My organization’s impact, including job creation, providing resources, and helping over 8,000 entrepreneurs rise above the poverty line, is deeply fulfilling. Making a meaningful difference in others’ lives through business ventures, advocacy, or community initiatives is my proudest achievement.”
Surprising fact: “Surprisingly, I can’t dance and lack rhythm. To overcome this, I’ve been attending salsa dance classes. Interestingly, after a few drinks, I seem to gain ‘superpowers’ to dance, albeit only under the influence. Additionally, I’m naturally silly!”
