A landmark trade mission is set to unfold as 20 Black entrepreneurs from metro Atlanta prepare to travel to Colombia next week. This initiative, announced on Tuesday, marks the first of its kind, focusing specifically on Afro-descendant business leaders and entrepreneurs.
The selected individuals for the mission are members of the Atlanta Black Chambers and the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), a nonprofit organization committed to cultivating, expanding, and scaling Black entrepreneurs.
Colombia’s Ambassador to the U.S., Luis Gilberto Murillo, heralded the mission, saying, “This is the first official trade mission that the emphasis is on Afro-descendant business leaders and entrepreneurs.”
This groundbreaking effort comes as a collaboration between RICE, the Atlanta Black Chambers, Invest Atlanta (the city’s economic development arm), Mayor Andre Dickens’ office, and Colombian officials. The entrepreneurs taking part in this mission hail from various industries such as construction, education, manufacturing, and real estate.
The primary objective of the trip is to familiarize the chosen entrepreneurs with international business opportunities. It aims to foster relationships with potential suppliers, manufacturers, and industry partners in Colombia.
Among those embarking on the mission is Jennifer Barbosa, founder and CEO of International Supply Partners. As a supplier of medical, office, industrial, and construction equipment, she hopes this visit will enhance her global competitiveness and access to essential materials for her clientele.
The 20 participants in this pioneering mission include:
- Ricardo Berris, Mi Group USA
- Dawn Sizemore, PracEd Solutions
- Channing Baker, Evolve Contractors
- Jonathan Exume, Technologists of Color
- Charla Mitchell, Charla Ruschelle
- Shellie Stark, InHer Peace Beauty
- Kris Hale, Dope Pieces
- James Few, Chosen Few Media
- Kyra Solomon, Solomon and Solomon Construction
- Yaminah Childress, YANY Beauty
- Natalie Jerome, Neighborhood Jewel Properties
- Jadaun Sweet, The Visual Lyricist
- Melba Clayton, Ez4u2 Shop
- L’Angela Lee, Honeysuckle Moon
- Lindsay Barnette, Kultured Misfits
- Akita Patterson, Experiential Marketing Development Network
- Natasha Simmons, Yacht Club Access
- Jennifer Barbosa, International Supply Partners
- Lauren Levins, L Gabrielle Enterprises
- Melvin Coleman, Essential Wealth Management
The mission seeks to encourage business opportunities across diverse sectors, including industries 4.0, BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), cosmetics, agribusiness, and manufacturing. Initially, the participants will visit affiliated companies in Cali as the first phase, planning to replicate the experience across the country.
Concluding the announcement, Ambassador Murillo highlighted the significance of the mission, stating, “This commercial mission is conducted within the framework of the Petronio Álvarez festival. It is a vital effort by the Colombian government, and as the first commercial mission of this nature to Colombia, it will yield very positive results.” This endeavor underscores the strengthening ties between the African American business community and Colombia, forging a path for future collaboration and growth.
