YWCA Women of Color Business Pitch Contest

YWCA Greater Charleston proudly unveils its inaugural WE 360° pitch competition, scheduled for May 9 at 6 p.m., hosted at the Charleston County Public Library. This event marks the culmination of the program's dedicated efforts to empower women entrepreneurs of color across the region. Six exceptional contestants will take the stage to showcase their innovative business ventures.

Guided by committed mentor coaches, participants have undergone rigorous coaching to refine their pitches and business strategies. On competition day, each entrepreneur will present their visionary ideas to a panel of esteemed judges. The top three finalists will secure prizes of $7,500, $6,000 and $5,000 respectively.

Meet the contestants

Representing a diverse array of industries and backgrounds, these trailblazing entrepreneurs embody resilience, innovation and empowerment.

• Tomeka Middleton: Corrective Care Chiropractic LLC | Class of 2022
• LaShay Norton: Wanderland Mobile Grocery | Class of 2022
• Isis Spann: FUNdamentals of Learning | Class of 2021
• Mariah Davis: Mariah Lasha Skin Studio | Class of 2023
• Christine Johnson: Christine D. Johnson, Visual Artist | Class of 2022
• Shantell Davis : A Goddess Of Herbs | Class of 2022

WE 360° in focus

The WE 360° program, an initiative championed by YWCA Greater Charleston, is specifically tailored to address the unique challenges encountered by women of color in the entrepreneurial landscape. Through an array of comprehensive support and resources, participants are equipped to launch, expand, or sustain their businesses while fostering a nurturing and supportive community.

About YWCA Greater Charleston 

For 116 years, YWCA Greater Charleston has worked to eliminate racism and empower women in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties. Among its initiatives to eliminate racism are its 10-day MLK Celebration, one of the city’s longest running events; its annual Stand Against Racism; and its Racial Equity Institute trainings equipping local leaders to address racism.

It empowers women with its annual What Women Bring event, attended by hundreds to empower South Carolina’s women in business, community, and culture; WE 360, helping women of color overcome barriers in entrepreneurship; Own the Room public speaking workshops empowering women’s success; and Choose Well, reducing unintended pregnancies. It brought the first Girls Who Code club for middle school girls to Charleston, and its Y Girls Code program includes female students of all ages. It also hosts SheStrong, empowering high school girls to develop as leaders and changemakers.