3C Launches President’s Council

Connected Commerce Council (3C) Launches President’s Council
Small Business Leaders Tapped to Shape and Inform Program Development

Washington, DC – The Connected Commerce Council (3C) has selected a group of small business leaders to develop and deliver value to its members. The 3C President’s Council is comprised of men and women from diverse experiences and small business backgrounds with a shared expertise and passion for supporting small businesses. The Council is charged with informing and shaping 3C’s priorities and membership programming, including educational resources, events, and research. The Council will be particularly focused on addressing the unique challenges of minority- and women-owned small businesses.

“The experiences of small business owners are both unique and universal. To better support and advocate on behalf of the small business community, 3C must understand the men and women we are working to serve,” said Jake Ward, President of 3C. “I have asked this group of highly qualified small business leaders with diverse perspectives and experiences to help guide us as we strive to better serve and advocate for our members. On behalf of the 3C team and our members, I thank each member of the President’s Council for their work and their support.”

The President’s Council will advise 3C as it develops the foundation of its programming and member resources, specifically focused on three goals:

• Build a robust educational resource library with the support of 3C’s partners
• Drive programming at 3C SkillsConnect events that increase digital skills literacy among small business owners
• Develop a virtual national community among our 3C members through the 3C members only portal

“As an entrepreneur based in a rural community, I have seen firsthand the hurdles that businesses in underserved regions and demographics can face when they are trying to grow,” said Michiel Perry, founder of Black Southern Belle and member of the 3C President’s Council. “3C already provides essential services and advocacy for small businesses across the country, and the new President’s Council will play a valuable role in uplifting entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and regions of the country. I look forward to helping 3C fulfill this mission.”

The 2019 3C President’s Council
Aerica Banks – Patent Policy Analyst, Google
Chris Hertz – Chief Revenue Officer, DivvyCloud
Juliet “Jules” Okafor – Chief Growth Officer & Founder, Revolution Cyber
Michiel Perry – Founder, Black Southern Belle
Mohammad Shatat – Managing Partner, Mojo Consulting
Anthony Shop – Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Social Driver
Adis Vila – President and Founder, Vila & Associates

“A significant part of my consulting work focuses on building inclusive organizational cultures. Over the course of my 35 year career in both the public and private sectors I’ve learned that cultural inclusion is critical to the success of any organization,” said Adis Vila, President and Founder of Vila & Associates. “Today, there are more opportunities for entrepreneurs including women and people of color, in part, because there are so many helpful tools at the disposal of small business owners looking to grow their businesses. 3C has recognized the role that digital services play for up-and-comers and established businesses alike; thus, I am excited to serve on its President’s Council and contribute to its efforts to create a level playing field for small businesses.”