1. Empowering Change: How Black Businesses Thrive with Karla Causey 2. Karla Causey's Insights on Bolstering Black Entrepreneurship 3. From Inclusion to Growth: The Evolution of Black Business with Karla Causey 4. Karla Causey on Championing Black Business Communities 5. Breaking Barriers: Karla Causey's Strategy for Black Business Success 6. The Impact of Support: Nurturing Black-Owned Businesses with Karla Causey 7. Building a Thriving Black Business Ecosystem: Insights from Karla Causey 8. Facing Change Head-On with Karla Causey's Business Advocacy 9. Charting Success for Black Entrepreneurs with the Black Chamber's Karla Causey 10. Karla Causey: Advancing Equitable Growth for Black Businesses

Awarepreneurs podcast, Paul Zelizer, Carla Causey, social entrepreneurs, Black Chamber of New Mexico, corporate America, tax-exempt organization, inclusivity, black business owners, mentality changes, cultural perceptions, misconceptions about black people, tricultural frame, New Mexico, rebranding, website representation, startup support, sustainability, vacation in Dubai, strategy sessions impact businesses, affordable housing, small business success programs, James Baldwin quote, buy black program, African American Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, partnership-building, networking, certifications for minority-owned businesses, resource hub, homeownership programs, global social entrepreneur movement, marginal communities, US Black Chamber, Small Business Administration, economic and social hardships.

1. Introduction of Guest and Background - Paul Zelizer introduces Karla Causey, president of the Black Chamber of New Mexico. - Karla shares her corporate America background and transition to non-profit leadership. 2. Mission of the Black Chamber of Commerce - Elevating the inclusion and community integration of black businesses. - Addressing inclusivity based on Karla's personal experiences. 3. Challenges for Black Business Owners - Overcoming cultural perceptions and mentality changes. - Educating and correcting misconceptions about black individuals and communities. 4. Socio-Cultural Context in New Mexico - Paul discusses the unique tricultural dynamic of New Mexico. - Karla's experiences related to fitting into established cultural frameworks. 5. Expansion and Rebranding - Growth of the Black Chamber to encompass the entire state. - New website rollout showcasing full team representation. 6. Startup Sprint and Sustainable Growth - Paul compares the early growth phase to the Chamber's current development. - Karla advocates for the importance of self-care and shares her Dubai trip experience. 7. Chamber Offerings - Supporting black, underserved, and under-resourced businesses. - Individualized support for over 300 members. - Strategic membership sponsorship and benefits. 8. Facing Issues to Enact Change - Karla quotes James Baldwin on the necessity of facing problems directly. - A call to address issues for meaningful progress. 9. Call to Action and Appreciation - Invitation to check out the Black Chamber and its initiatives. - Thanks to guests and listeners for their contributions. 10. Visibility and Recognition Challenges - Discusses historical underrepresentation of the Black business community. - Praise for Karla's partnership-building strategies within New Mexico. 11. Strategy for Creating Partnerships - Importance of engaging in networking and collaborative events. - Example of using social gatherings like basketball games for networking. 12. Time and Energy Management - The challenge of leading tirelessly and seeking team support. - Embracing change and staying relevant through community advice. 13. Member Growth and Sustainability - Rapid increase in Chamber membership due to clear value propositions. - Diverse educational resources and certifications for minority-owned businesses. 14. Holistic Support Expansion - COVID-induced shift toward broader service offerings, including homeownership. - Creation of a resource hub for connecting members to vital services. 15. Podcast Growth and Impact - Promotion of the social entrepreneur movement through the Awarepreneurs podcast. 16. Global Community Support - Karla's experiences working with young women in Afghanistan and missions in Uganda. - Vision for expanding the Black Chamber's influence internationally. 17. Closing Remarks - Recap of the importance of building community partnerships. - Final thoughts and missed topics from Karla Causey.

Karla Causey is a dedicated individual with a driving philosophy rooted in inclusivity and belonging. Having encountered the sting of exclusion in her personal and professional life, Karla turned those moments of feeling on the outside into a catalyst for change. Her school years and subsequent corporate experiences taught her the importance of being part of a community, and these lessons became the bedrock of her mission. Focused on ensuring that no one would feel the isolation she once did, Karla has committed herself to fostering environments—be it in educational settings or the boardrooms of corporate America—where every individual feels valued, included, and integral to the whole. Her personal journey of overcoming exclusion has become the powerful story behind her quest to build inclusive spaces and communities. Karla is known for her empathetic leadership and her unwavering commitment to creating a sense of belonging for all.

Hello and welcome back to Awarepreneurs, the podcast dedicated to the intersection of social entrepreneurship and social change. I'm your host, Paul Zelizer, and today we have an inspiring episode for you titled "Supporting the Growth of Black Businesses with Karla Causey." In this compelling interview, Karla Causey, the visionary president of the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico, joins us to discuss the challenges and triumphs of promoting inclusivity and supporting black business owners. We dive into Karla's journey from her experiences in corporate America to her transformative role in fostering a community where black businesses are not merely surviving but thriving. Karla and I explore the chamber's statewide expansion efforts, their strategic approach to membership, and the pivotal role of tailored business support. We also talk about Karla’s proactive strategies for creating impactful partnerships and the chamber's dedication to providing business owners with valuable certifications and holistic support. Throughout our conversation, Karla shares insights from her international experience and her vision for the Black Chamber's global expansion, while emphasizing the power of stepping back to recharge when the entrepreneurial sprint becomes overwhelming. So, stay tuned as we unpack these topics and more on today's episode of Awarepreneurs. Thank you for joining us on this journey, where we highlight the incredible work of individuals like Karla Causey who are making a significant impact in their communities and beyond.

00:00 Carla supports growth of black businesses in Albuquerque.

05:40 Promoting diverse culture and history positively and inclusively.

07:30 New Mexico's tricultural frame includes three cultures.

10:10 Presided over new chamber, expanded coverage statewide.

15:14 Building relationships key in business; time management.

18:08 Startup sprint, Black Chamber expands to statewide.

23:19 Chamber membership and New Mexico residency required.

27:06 Offering team support, training, and networking events.

28:09 Various classes offered based on member requests.

31:46 US Black Chamber of Commerce offers free certification.

35:24 Creating resource hub to connect businesses effectively.

38:30 Supporting girls' education in Africa through personal efforts.

43:11 Desire for expansion beyond United States, Africa.

44:45 Expresses admiration for Carl and New Mexico.

Cultural Awareness and Immigration: "Africans and black people were here long before Columbus. And one of the major reasons that they know it, it was in Columbus's own journals talking about the black people that were already here." — Karla Causey 00:06:45 00:06:59

Redefining Commerce Scope: "When I took over the chamber, it was the African American Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. So we just concentrated on the Greater Albuquerque area, But after only being here 4 months at that, we have way too much to offer to just offer it to the greater Albuquerque, talked to the board of directors, and we went and we changed our name officially with the state, and we're now the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico." — Karla Causey 00:10:26 00:10:54

The Importance of Rest Despite Hard Work: "Thank God I've never required a whole lot of sleep. And this is not something that I recommend. Matter of fact, I actually teach the opposite of what I have been doing the last 19, 20 months, 19 to 20 months because I don't think I've had a day off since July 1st, which is not good. And it's not something that I recommend, but sometimes when you're laying a foundation, it requires that kind of framework." — Karla Causey 00:16:41 00:17:12

Support for Entrepreneurs: "You have to be a member of the chamber and you must live in New Mexico. Other than that, it's pretty much open to what you need in order to be successful. So you can come to the chamber and say, hey, I'm thinking about starting a business and we help you from the ground up." — Karla Causey 00:23:19 00:23:38

Value of Clear Membership Benefits: "Before there was ambiguity about what does it mean to be a member? Now we've taken that ambiguity away and now you know what you get for being a member." — Karla Causey 00:27:19 00:27:30

Nonprofit Fundraising Strategies: "So we're gonna offer some classes with the help of our friend at Meta for our nonprofit group for how to raise funds if you're a nonprofit." — Karla Causey 00:28:27 00:28:37

Empowering Black-Owned Businesses: "So the US Black Chamber of Commerce has worked tirelessly in Washington DC and we can now help you get certified through a program called the buy BY BLACK, buy BLACK through the US Black Chamber of Commerce. Right now, it's completely free of charge, and you can become certified." — Karla Causey 00:31:57 00:32:19

Resource Hub for Business Support: "And so if you want to work with the city of Albuquerque, there will be a page dedicated to the city of Albuquerque. So if you wanna be a vendor, you wanna know about their job training programs, you can do that." — Karla Causey 00:35:38 00:35:50

Supporting Education in Africa: "I started out by just sending money to help girls go to school in Africa because I found out that if money was short, which it always is, the girls weren't able to go to school." — Karla Causey 00:39:26 00:39:26

Integrating Refugees into Communities: "I've partnered with a couple of agencies here that have refugees coming into the city. And, you know, real often they speak very little English. They may have degrees, but their degrees aren't recognized here in the United States. And so we do things to try to help them get incorporated into the community, get some jobs while and get some place to live while we're waiting to make sure we can do something with their education so that then they can be successful." — Karla Causey 00:40:48 00:41:23

Hey everyone, Paul Zelizer here from the Awarepreneurs podcast. In our latest episode, we had the incredible opportunity to speak with Karla Causey, the powerhouse at the helm of the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico. Karla shared her transformative journey from corporate America to championing black businesses, fostering inclusivity, and the imperative of facing issues head-on, as inspired by James Baldwin's profound words. We navigated the challenges black entrepreneurs face, unpacked the growth and rebranding of the chamber, and celebrated their tactical approach to providing tailored support and resources. Karla's infectious energy and strategic partnerships exemplify the essence of social entrepreneurship. For those passionate about making a meaningful impact, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Tune in, be inspired, and let's drive change together. Check out this empowering conversation now!

🎙️ New Episode Alert: Supporting the Growth of Black Businesses with Karla Causey 🚀 Exciting news for all the impact-driven professionals out there! Our latest episode of the Awarepreneurs podcast is live, and this one is particularly special. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Karla Causey, a beacon of excellence and advocacy for Black entrepreneurs in New Mexico. In this in-depth conversation, we discuss the ever-so-important topic of inclusivity within business ecosystems and the pivotal role the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico plays in shaping the landscape for Black entrepreneurs. 🌟 Episode Highlights: - The strategic insights behind the Chamber's expansive rebranding and state-wide growth. - Karla's personal journey of resilience and her vacation retreat in Dubai, embodying the balance of unfaltering dedication and self-care. - Tangible support systems designed by the Chamber, such as tailored support for over 300 members, various programs on financial competency and certifications, and holistic approaches including homeownership programs. 3️⃣ Top Takeaways: - 💡 Relationships Are Key: The importance of nurturing strategic partnerships and learning from a broader community for growth and inclusivity. - 🔨 Face the Challenges Head-On: Inspired by James Baldwin's words, the need for direct engagement with issues to foster meaningful change. - 🌿 Sustainable Growth Is Crucial: Understand the dynamics of initial startup sprints and the significance of building a support system to maintain relevance and ensure long-term success. Tune in to this empowering episode and unwrap the layers of expertise that Karla brings to the table. The Awarepreneurs community is here to support and learn from one another, and this conversation is a masterclass in impactful leadership. 📲 Feel free to share this episode with your network and let us know your thoughts! For more details on the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico and their "buy black" program, visit their website. Let's continue the conversation on amplifying the voices and success of Black business owners. #Awarepreneurs #BlackBusinesses #Inclusivity #Entrepreneurship #SocialImpact #BusinessGrowth #Networking #CommunityBuilding [Podcast Link]

Subject: Unveil Business Empowerment with Karla Causey – New Awarepreneurs Episode! Dear [Recipient's Name], Are you ready to dive deep into the heart of entrepreneurial spirit and discover the transformative power of inclusive business growth? Well, buckle up, because the latest episode of Awarepreneurs, "Supporting the Growth of Black Businesses with Karla Causey," delivers a compelling conversation guaranteed to inspire and motivate! Join host Paul Zelizer as he sits down with the indomitable Karla Causey, president of the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico. This episode is more than a mere interview; it's a journey through the trials and triumphs of amplifying black businesses in a community yearning for recognition and support. **Here's what you can't miss in this episode:** - **Inclusivity at the Core:** Learn how Karla's personal mission to foster inclusivity, drawing from her own experiences, has transformed her approach to supporting black entrepreneurs. - **Overcoming Misconceptions:** Understand the stereotype-busting strategies Karla employs to educate the community and elevate the standing of black-owned businesses. - **State-wide Empowerment:** Discover the recent rebranding efforts and expansion of the Black Chamber's influence across New Mexico, ensuring that the "buy black" program has a far-reaching impact. - **Strategic Sponsorship:** Get exclusive insights into how membership sponsorship models have bolstered the Chamber's capacity to serve its growing body of over 300 members – and why this approach could be a game-changer for your business too. - **A Vision Beyond Borders:** Find out about Karla's aspirations to bring the Chamber's empowering ethos to international communities, reinforcing global connections that matter. - **And much, much more!** **Are you ready to grow?** Utilize the strategic knowledge shared in this episode to propel your impact business to new heights. And remember, there's more where that came from! Our Awarepreneurs community is a treasure trove of support and guidance—just waiting for you to tap in. **Your feedback matters:** This is more than just a podcast; it's a dialogue. Your suggestions and topic requests breathe life into our content. Have an idea that you believe needs the spotlight? Reach out on the Awarepreneur website, and let’s spark meaningful conversations together. **Tune in, take a moment:** This isn't just about listening; it's about action. As Paul so fittingly expresses, it's time to take care and make a positive impact. Explore the "buy black" program and contribute to a thriving, diverse business environment in New Mexico... and beyond. Until next time, stay aware, and keep nurturing those ventures that change the world—one insightful episode at a time. With heartfelt enthusiasm, The Awarepreneurs Team P.S. If you're as moved by Karla's mission as we are, don't forget to visit the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico's website. Your support can ignite a legacy of empowerment. [Link to the episode] [Subscription links to the podcast] [Link to the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico] Unsubscribe | Update Preferences

🚀 Thread: Discover how Carla Causey is transforming the landscape for Black businesses in New Mexico and beyond. A journey of inclusion, sustainability, and global vision on the latest episode of the Awarepreneurs podcast with host Paul Zelizer. 🎧 #InclusiveGrowth #CommunityImpact 1/ 🌟 Meet Carla Causey: From corporate America to the helm of the Black Chamber of New Mexico, her story is a testament to resilience and passion for economic inclusivity. Learn about her mission to ensure black businesses are seen and heard. #Leadership #BlackBusinessExcellence 2/ 🏢 The Black Chamber's ambitious goal is to envelop black businesses in a sense of belonging. Carla shares her personal drive, stemming from the times she felt excluded, to fight for every black entrepreneur's place in the commercial narrative. #DiversityInBusiness 3/ 🚧 Challenges abound for black business owners. Carla and the Chamber are tackling stereotypes head-on, changing mindsets, and debunking myths with hard facts and education. This is ground-zero for cultural transformation in the business world. #RedefiningPerception 4/ 💼 With New Mexico's rich cultural tapestry, Paul Zelizer highlights the "tricultural frame" and the added complexities for those outside these circles. The Black Chamber’s rebranding to serve the entire state is a step towards more inclusive representation. #NewMexicoProud 5/ 🏃‍♂️ The startup sprint is often glorified, but what about what comes after? Paul compares this to the chamber's growth and the critical need for support that doesn't fizzle out. Sustainable growth is a marathon, not a sprint! #EntrepreneurialEndurance 6/ 🏖️ Work-life balance alert! Karla Causey's wisdom on taking breaks is gold. A vacation is more than leisure; it's about regrouping and reframing, proven by her productive getaway to Dubai. Resetting is crucial to leadership sustainability. #SelfCare #LeadershipDevelopment 7/ 🙌 The Chamber isn’t playing small. They're out here providing help with business plans, housing, and success programs. Tailored support for over 300 members shows their unique approach to entrepreneurship support is working and how! #BusinessGrowth #TailoredSupport 8/ 🔑 "Nothing can be changed until it's faced." James Baldwin's words echo through Carla's approach to problem-solving. Facing issues head-on is the starting point of the journey to effective change. #ChangeAgents #SocialImpact 9/ 💡 The power of partnership cannot be overstated. Paul praises Karla's knack for networking with high-fliers, something she demonstrates with proactive attendance and collaboration at events, echoing the Chamber's collective ethos. #BuildingBridges #NetworkingNinja 10/ 🏀 From hard work to smart work, Karla reveals hosting mixers at basketball games to catalyze relations. It's not just about showing up to the office but creating the opportunities wherever you are. It's a playbook worth taking notes from! #SmartStrategies 11/ 🤹‍♀️ Time management is key. Despite the Chamber's rapid growth, Karla underscores the invaluable role of a dedicated team and the continuous learning and advising loop - even her adult sons chip in with insights! #Teamwork #FamilyBusiness 12/ 🛠️ The Chamber offers a suite of resources—financial literacy, homeownership, minority certifications, and a connected resource hub. It's these tangible tools that catalyze business growth and this is what Carla and her team deliver. #ResourceHub #EconomicEmpowerment 13/ 📈 Growth isn't just about numbers. It's about building relationships and staying informed about resources—as the Black Chamber has shown, their post-COVID strategy has helped flourish local businesses against the odds. #PostCovidRecovery #BusinessResilience 14/ 🌍 Looking beyond New Mexico, Carla Causey dreams big – envisioning the Chamber's support reaching African entrepreneurs and more. This global expansion reinforces the importance of partnerships and a unified vision for a stronger tomorrow. #GlobalVision #ImpactWithoutBorders 15/ 🎙️ In closing, Paul's commendation of Carla's insight and impact is a clarion call to all listeners to engage with the Awarepreneurs community, contribute ideas, and support the ecosystem that is enriching lives and businesses globally. #CommunityBuilding #GlobalImpact 16/ Stay tuned and be a part of the change. Let's explore topics and meet changemakers together on the Awarepreneurs podcast. Your voice matters in shaping the future of social entrepreneurship. 🌐🤝 #awarepreneurs #SocialEntrepreneurship 17/17 [End of thread 🧵✨] Don't forget to follow for more inspiring stories and discussions on entrepreneurship, community growth, and global impact. There's power in community and every retweet, like, or comment helps amplify the message! #JoinTheConversation

1. How does Karla Causey's experience in corporate America inform her approach to leading the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico? 2. What unique challenges do black business owners in New Mexico face and how does the Black Chamber address these issues? 3. In what ways does the concept of "inclusivity" play a central role in the Black Chamber's mission and operations? 4. Can you discuss the misconceptions and stereotypes about black businesses that the Black Chamber is working to change? 5. How does the tricultural frame in New Mexico complicate the experiences of black business owners and entrepreneurs in the state? 6. What strategies has the Black Chamber implemented to ensure sustainability and support for businesses after the initial "startup sprint"? 7. Karla Causey emphasized the importance of taking breaks to avoid burnout. How do you balance the demands of leading an organization with personal well-being? 8. Can you talk about the tailored support the Black Chamber offers its members and how these services contribute to the long-term success of black-owned businesses? 9. How has the Black Chamber's strategic approach to membership sponsorship improved the resources and benefits available to businesses? 10. What are the key takeaways from Karla Causey's experiences in fostering partnerships and collaborations to support the growth of black businesses?

1. "Black businesses are fundamental to a thriving economy. Karla Causey is leading change, helping over 300 members grow through the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico. Inclusion is key!" 2. "Change only comes when confronted directly. Inspired by Karla Causey's use of James Baldwin's wisdom to foster meaningful evolution in supporting black business communities." 3. "Remarkable growth is possible with a solid strategy. Witness the Black Chamber in NM skyrocket from 60 to 300 members by tailoring support to each business's needs!" 4. "Karla's mission goes beyond the US. Her vision for global expansion shows the limitless potential in connecting Black businesses with worldwide opportunities." 5. "Sometimes, the value of taking a break is understated. Karla Causey's Dubai trip is a testament to the power of stepping back to refocus and drive impact upon return."