Who Shows Up for Black Business? Creating a Community Ecosystem for Growth and  Change

Description

In recognition of National Black Business Month, join us for a powerful community conversation spotlighting Black-owned businesses in Chatham County, with special emphasis on entrepreneurs and business leaders in Pittsboro and surrounding communities.  This engaging panel will explore what it truly takes to build a thriving ecosystem that supports Black business success.

Advanced Registration Appreciated:  Who Shows Up For Black Business? 

Panelists include: 

Mashallah Salaam, Founder of Silver and Rose Digital, WEBB Entrepreneur

Mashallah Salaam is a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate, videographer, photographer, entrepreneur, and AFPA-certified health coach. Her creative work includes producing "Dreamscapes" for UNC Student Television and serving as cinematographer and producer for WEBB Squared. She co-owns Silver and Rose Digital with her husband David, providing graphic design, videography, photography, and video editing services. She currently serves on the WEBB KiDDZ design team.

Dr. Henry C. McKoy, Jr., President and CEO of Carolina Community Impact Fund

Dr. Henry C. McKoy, Jr. is President and CEO of Carolina Community Impact Fund, a federally certified CDFI expanding access to capital and economic opportunity across the Carolinas. From 2022 to 2025, he served in two Senior Presidential appointments at the U.S. Department of Energy, most recently as Senior Advisor to the Undersecretary for Science and Innovation, and as Inaugural Director of the Office of State and Community Energy Programs, overseeing $16 billion in federal clean-energy investments. He holds a PhD in City and Regional Planning from UNC-Chapel Hill and has taught at UNC Kenan-Flagler, Duke's Sanford School, and NC Central University.

Judy Batista, M.S., CCC-SLP, CEO of Laughing Monitos LLC, WEBB Squared Board member and WEBB Entrepreneur

Judy Batista is a board-certified speech-language pathologist, founder of Laughing Monitos, LLC, and advocate for racial justice and equity. She partners with organizations serving underserved families including Chatham County Partnership for Children, ISLA NC, CORE, and WEBB KiDDZ. As a Board Member of WEBB Squared. Judy brings nearly two decades of clinical experience and a commitment to equitable opportunity. She is a 2023 ASHA Innovator and Durham Entrepreneur of the Month.

Paula Pingel, MS, MBA, NC Coalition Manager, Right to Start

Paula Pingel brings over three decades of global experience in business development, strategic planning, commercialization, and operations. She has launched products, services, and startups across healthcare, energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products in the U.S., Canada, Japan, China, the U.K., Ireland, and South America. Paula holds an Executive MBA and MS in Industrial Hygiene/Toxicology from the University of Rochester.

Candace Hunziker - Pittsboro Town Commissioner

Candace Hunziker is a Pittsboro Town Commissioner elected in 2025 and a healthcare management professional serving as Practice Manager for Carolina Spine Specialists, overseeing four clinics across Chatham and Wake Counties. A decade-long Pittsboro resident, she previously served five years as president of Chatham Forest HOA, helping the neighborhood win Chatham County's "Best Neighborhood" award. As Commissioner, she focuses on preserving downtown character, supporting local businesses, and engaging residents in Pittsboro's growth.

Delores Bailey - Executive Director EMPOWERment, Inc.

Delores Bailey has served as Executive Director of EMPOWERment, Inc. since 2005, leading the organization's mission to empower communities through affordable housing, grassroots economic development, and advocacy throughout Orange County, NC. Under her leadership, EMPOWERment expanded its affordable housing portfolio from 12 to 76 units and established Orange County's first business incubator for minority- and women-owned businesses, launching over 500 entrepreneurs through the Midway Business Center. She holds a B.S. in Behavioral and Social Sciences from NC Central University and an M.A. in Temperament Studies.

Venus Myles - Community Development Banking Market Manager at PNC Bank,

Venus Myles is a Community Development Banking Market Manager at PNC Bank, where she has served since 2016. With over 30 years of leadership experience and 13 years in banking, credit, and lending, she specializes in designing financial solutions that empower underserved communities, small businesses, and neighborhoods. Venus serves on the boards of Durham Tech Foundation, Durham Tech Properties, Duke Community Affairs' Affordable Housing Strategic Council, the NC Bankers Association Opportunity and Empowerment Council, and Johnson C. Smith University's Dean's Executive Advisory Board. She holds a B.S. in Management from Bethel College and is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.