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CIVIL SOCIETY
Thought-provoking conversations exploring issues affecting our communal well-being through a nonprofit lens. Moderated by Barry Silverberg, Director, Nonprofit Austin.
Black Business in Austin
In this episode of The Black Experience in Austin, we will talk with Tam Hawkins, President & CEO, Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce about Black Business in Austin – how the Chamber works to achieve its mission to inspire, develop, and promote Black economic success in the Greater Austin area. We will explore Tam Hawkins’s journey to her current role and her lessons learned that can be of benefit to all of us.
The Chamber’s vision is to serve “as a bridge for African-American businesses and the Greater Austin business community to obtain greater prosperity and influence within Central Texas.” Its three principle value areas include: (1) Political Capital: Advocacy and Civic Engagement; (2) Business Capital: Business Education and Training; and (3) Social Capital: Networking and Business Connections.
As per its website, “The Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce, then the Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce (CCAACC), was incorporate in 1982. Founded by eleven community, political and business leaders within Austin, the organization was established to bring awareness to the enormous amount of dollars generated from black consumers in the form of travel and tourism within the goal of providing economic prosperity for African-American businesses and the general Greater Austin region.”
Bio
Tam Hawkins is the President and CEO of the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce, where she previously served as the Vice President of Corporate Engagement & Membership. Her background includes corporate sales & marketing management roles for some of the nation’s most admired companies. Although well versed in large corporate space, her personal entrepreneurial experience with commercial real estate development has lefther well-versed in the needs of small- to medium-sized business owners.
The Dallas native’s volunteer commitments attest to her passion for civic engagement on local, national and international levels. Tam is a board member of the East Austin Conservancy, a group committed to strengthening the fabric of East Austin by promoting affordable housing and economic diversity. She also is currently a member of the Austin Area Research Organization and serves on Leadership Austin, Texas Lyceum, Visit Austin, City of Austin Economic Prosperity Commission and Ronald McDonaldHouse Central Texas boards.
Helpful Links & Resources
Tam Hawkins
President & CEO, Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce
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