National Development Council

August 14, 2020
CLARISSA
Membership Spotlight

NDC’s work focuses on HOMES, JOBS and COMMUNITY. Founded as a national nonprofit in 1969, NDC has worked for over 50 years fulfilling its mission to increase the flow of capital for investment in low-income communities. NDC directs capital to support the development and preservation of affordable housing, the creation of jobs through training and small business lending and the advancement of livable communities through investment in social infrastructure.

NDC acts as partner, teacher, advisor, investor, developer and lender, bringing together technical know-how and capital for community and economic investment. We work with local and state governments and community-based organizations to help them create and implement their own unique economic and community development strategies. Over the years, our programs and services have evolved to reflect the changing policy environment, adding services and products to meet emerging needs. We provide technical assistance, professional training, small-business lending, debt and equity financing for residential, commercial, public, and nonprofit facilities. Our nationally-recognized training programs help build a professional workforce in economic and community development that can advance and sustain progress in their communities.

Name:

B. Fae Harris

How did you get into this field? I came into this field by referral.

What is your favorite part about your job? I love Helping people!

What is the most challenging part about your job? If I am being honest, the paperwork!

Why did you decide to become a PCBC member? I decided to become a member because The Presidents’ Council is a well known and prestigious organization and I wanted to be part of that community.

What challenges do you face as an African American business professional? Access/Awareness to opportunity

What are your goals for your business and how do you see PC being part of that process? Spreading the news about our organization and I believe PC can help!

What PC Buys Black business to business/consumer special are you offering members? Cuyahoga Stabilization Fund/CAF

Visit us at: https://ndconline.org/about-us/

INTERESTED IN BEING OUR MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT FEATURE? SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION AND YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS WILL BE FEATURED IN OUR COMPANY NEWSLETTER (MUST BE A PCBC MEMBER)

DRESSCODE Boutique is an online shopping extravaganza for women, which specializes in empowering women to “decode” their own unique style. “Decode” captures the essence of “stepping outside of the box” of what has been deemed “appropriate fashion for the season and occasion”. It heralds the courageous, bold, confident yet humble, spirit of the woman that resides inside of YOU.
As the Creator and Founder of this online boutique, it’s important to me that YOUR story be reflected in the attire presented. This venture is all about providing a platform, where YOUR journey and inner beauty is expressed and celebrated. DRESSCODE Boutique offers a twist on classic looks – timeless silhouettes, with a bit of edge and sex appeal. When a woman OWNS her look, she OWNS her confidence, and she OWNS her narrative.

Stop benchmarking your expression on the style of others. Class and success ARE not a brand name, a price tag nor what’s trending. DRESSCODE Boutique was created to assist you in OWNING YOUR beauty style by loving YOUR skin, YOUR size and all of YOUR natural gifts. Its all about wearing YOUR look rather than draping clothes over a mannequin. DRESSCODE Boutique wants to partner with you on a style journey of your own.

In affiliation with DRESSCODE Boutique, I introduce Ashton’s Corner. Inspired by my mother’s great legacy as a nurturer, my grandson has brought me joy and peace by reminding me to enjoy the small things in life, the little nuggets of blessings, which light the way of everything I do. His love of exploration and fearless engagement has fostered growth for this seed of inspiration, which occupied my heart for several years. Ashton’s Corner features a variety of stylish yet affordable casual, sporty and formal looks for the up and coming young man, ages 2T to 6-7T

Name:

Tanya Manning-Grant

How did you get into this field? I have always enjoyed fashion and styling. As an undergrad, I majored in Fashion Merchandising and went on to obtain my Master’s degree, which led me to a career in Supply Chain Management, where I spent 30 years in corporate America. My most recent position was Managing Director, VP of Supply Chain. My education prepared me for building and managing businesses, as well as leading initiatives AND being a team player. The zeal for fashion and my eclectic style is something I was born with. The vision for this boutique has been nestled in my heart for a long time. During interaction with women from all walks of life, I have always been intrigued by the beauty and magnitude of diversity. Others have complimented me on my fashion choices, and I am so humbled because I find beauty in all women. Inner beauty has a unique script for everyone, and I want to help you write it.

What is your favorite part about your job? I love styling others and watching them come alive when they feel good in their clothing. My goal is to empower women, help them embrace their beauty, no what size they wear, and OWN IT! I also enjoy buying and negotiating pricing for my items. With a background in Supply Chain Management, this gives me the ability to find the best deals, and pass along the savings to the clients.

What is the most challenging part about your job? Start up and getting my name in the media/spotlight. However, I am working with an incredible team, SME’s, that are pouring into me, and sharing strategies, risks, and solutions.

Why did you decide to become a PCBC member? I decided to become a member after attending an event. I saw the incredible networking amongst people of color that was positive, impactful, and the follow-up was timely. I love being a member of such a prestigious group of professionals that share their experiences, gifts/talents, and want to genuinely support each other. I also saw an incredible opportunity/need for my expertise, as it is often overlooked or a relative unknown but a critical milestone in all businesses.

What challenges do you face as an African American business professional? In my 32 yr corporate career, often times found myself as the “only women, women of color” in the boardroom. I often had to provide my “credentials”, “prove myself” before engaging in business. Being a woman, who likes to dress the part of a women, comfortable in her skin, often times I wasn’t taken seriously, until I opened my mouth! What I am enjoying about being starting my own business, is that I am not facing those types of criticisms/stereotypes. However, I wouldn’t change a thing about my run in Corp. Am. It made me who I am today, allowed me to see solid businesses and a floundering businesses, F50 to F1000 companies, are managed, understanding and managing CTF (Critical Success Factors), Client Engagement, Financial Responsibility, Budgeting, Recruiting, Supply Chain Management, etc

What are your goals for your business and how do you see PC being part of that process? To grow my business to hit all financial Y1 targets, expand my brand to include a mens’ line, (SMG Kollection), and to showcase the needs of women and children by providing knowledge and d services through my websites..

What PC Buys Black business to business/consumer special are you offering members?

•Shop Be-CAUSE DRESSCODE Boutique (10% OFF PINK ITEMS) to support Breast Cancer Awareness – DISCOUNT CODE Shop Be-CAUSE (Code Pink Heart Sweater)
•30% of ALL ACCESSORIES DRESSCODE BOUTIQUE – DISCOUNT CODE PC30
• FREE 2-day PRIORITY SHIPPING when you spend $150 (DRESSCODE) and $100 (Ashton’s Corner) – DISCOUNT CODE PC150 FOR DCB and PC100 for ACB
• 15% DRESSCODE Boutique and Ashton’s Corner when you sign up to receive the newsletter for NEW ARRIVALS, SALES, UPDATES, POP UP SHOPS – DISCOUNT CODE WILL BE SENT ONCE THEY SIGN UP

Visit us at: https://dresscodebytmg.com/ and https://ashtonscorner.com/