AI-Powered and Community-Driven: Rolonda Hernandez Redefines Business Support in Wake County

AI-Powered and Community-Driven: Rolonda Hernandez Redefines Business Support in Wake County

by | Oct 6, 2025 | Professional Development, Technology

Rolonda Hernandez, Founder of Advance Wake and the Strategic AF Experience, is on a mission to make entrepreneurship sustainable for underestimated founders. Based in Wake County, NC, Rolonda blends corporate-level operational strategy with community-centered solutions, offering both high-level clarity and culturally aligned support for entrepreneurs who are often left behind.

After years of streamlining operations for large enterprises and government teams, Rolonda saw a gap: Black women and underestimated small business owners needed access to the same systems and support—but designed with real-world, community-rooted strategy. Out of this realization, the Strategic AF Experience was born, offering masterclasses, mentorship, and her signature program: Strategic AF Experience™: Shift. Analyze. Execute. to help entrepreneurs build structure, automate tasks, and organize chaos.

Her second venture, Advance Wake (www.advancewake.com), takes it further by providing an AI-powered digital business partner for Wake County entrepreneurs. The platform delivers real-time startup guidance, operational checklists, and municipal resources 24/7, bridging the gap where traditional programs fall short.

When asked what advice she has for Black women entrepreneurs, Rolonda is clear:
“Clarity is a strategy. Define, design, declare. Stop defaulting to survival mode and start moving with intention.”

Her legacy is rooted in building systems that don’t just demand resilience but create sustainability and ease for Black women and underestimated founders worldwide.

To learn more about Rolonda’s work or access Advance Wake, visit https://beacons.ai/rolonda.

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Trained. Seen. Respected. Inside Somalia Swing’s Movement to Redefine the Caregiver Experience in Louisiana and Beyond

Trained. Seen. Respected. Inside Somalia Swing’s Movement to Redefine the Caregiver Experience in Louisiana and Beyond

by | Aug 6, 2025 | Professional Development, Professional Services, Resources

What if caregivers were cared for, too? That question sits at the heart of Somalia Swing’s work, the Louisiana-based Director of Operations behind Compassionate Care U. With firsthand experience in the field, she saw the pattern too clearly: caregivers entering roles unprepared, undervalued, and expected to give their all without receiving enough in return.

So she responded with structure and soul. Through Compassionate Care U, she’s created a space where caregivers build confidence, gain real support, and feel seen in the process.

Compassionate Care U offers Direct Support Worker (DSW) certification, continuing education units, agency licensing, and a caregiver wellness membership. It’s a service-based company grounded in lived experience and designed for long-term impact. The 15-module training system, paired with a matching manual and workbook, equips caregivers to walk into their first day with clarity, not confusion.

Operating in Louisiana, Texas, and Massachusetts, CCU is focused on practical solutions that reduce turnover and elevate the standard of care. They’re also gearing up for the “Pour Into You” Caregiver Appreciation Event this September in Louisiana, a celebration to uplift and restore the people doing the often unseen labor of care.

Founder’s Advice
 “Move like it’s already working. Don’t wait for validation. If the vision was given to you, it’s because you’re equipped to carry it. Start building it now—and refine it as you go.”

Want to support caregivers, train with CCU, or license their program? Visit www.compassionatecaresolutionsla.com

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Toni Harris Taylor Helps Entrepreneurs Nationwide Achieve Drastic Business Growth from Houston,Texas

Toni Harris Taylor Helps Entrepreneurs Nationwide Achieve Drastic Business Growth from Houston,Texas

by | Mar 13, 2025 | Marketing Services, Professional Development, Professional Services

This news feature is brought to you by Black Woman Owned’s partnership with Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce which is celebrating Women’s History Month!

As the CEO and Founder of Drastic Results Marketing & Sales Coaching, Toni Harris Taylor helps entrepreneurs and franchise professionals grow their businesses by building authentic relationships. Her mission? To inspire, connect, and equip business owners with the right strategies to Show Up, Be Up, and Follow Up to Blow Up!

Based in Houston, TX, but working nationally and internationally, Toni’s impact stretches far and wide. Through business coaching, networking training, and franchising consulting, she empowers entrepreneurs to develop strong marketing strategies, build valuable community connections, and create revenue-generating opportunities. She’s not just a coach—she’s known as The Coach that Connects™, opening doors for her clients through her global network of business leaders and decision-makers.

One of her most significant milestones was purchasing a franchise herself. This experience opened her eyes to the power of franchising as a path to business ownership and generational wealth. Seeing the lack of women and people of color in the space, Toni launched Drastic Franchise Matchmakers and Multicultural Franchise Connectors to educate and connect underrepresented communities with franchise opportunities.

Toni’s advice? “Your network is your net worth. Success isn’t about what you know—it’s about who you know and who knows you. Be intentional about building relationships, showing up in the right rooms, and following up with purpose.”

Ready to take drastic moves in your business? Connect with Toni at DrasticResults.com to learn more about the first step toward getting the drastic results your business deserves!

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