ELEVATE Celebrates Cohort VI Graduation and Launches Inaugural Alumni Advisory Board

The ELEVATE program is proud to announce two significant milestones in its continued effort to strengthen the region’s small business ecosystem: the graduation of ELEVATE Cohort VI and the launch of the inaugural ELEVATE Alumni Advisory Board.

Together, these moments reflect the evolution of ELEVATE from a cohort-based executive education program into a growing, interconnected alumni network designed to sustain leadership development, peer learning, and long-term business growth across Washington, DC’s entrepreneurial community.

“Every business starts with an idea, but turning that idea into something sustainable requires commitment, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning. The dedication these graduates have shown to their businesses and their own growth through ELEVATE reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that drives DC forward.”

- Stephen Glaude | President & CEO, The Coalition

ELEVATE Cohort VI marks the sixth graduating class of The Coalition’s Executive Leadership Education Venture Advancing Talented Entrepreneurs (ELEVATE) program, an executive education initiative developed in partnership with the George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence.

Through an intensive, applied curriculum, Cohort VI brought together a diverse group of DC-area small business owners committed to strengthening their leadership capacity, expanding operational strategy, and positioning their businesses for long-term growth. Specifically designed to ignite, empower, and support the next generation of local entrepreneurial leaders, Cohort VI focused on building the foundational strengths of emergent small businesses and their owners, working to transition them from survival mode to a place of growth and profitability.

ELEVATE is uniquely positioned as the only university-backed executive education program for small businesses in the District, offering participants access to faculty-led instruction through the George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) and applied business frameworks grounded in real-world implementation. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen organizational strategy, identify new market opportunities, and scale their businesses within both public and private sector ecosystems.

“ELEVATE was never just a program. It is a community of leaders, built in Washington through the partnership between the George Washington University School of Business and the Coalition, and committed to creating opportunity and stronger communities. As you join our alumni, carry one idea with you: success is measured not only by what you achieve, but by how many others you help elevate along the way. You have done that for one another throughout this cohort, so keep doing it for the businesses and neighborhoods that count on you. Lead with the courage and humility this work asks, and know that we could not be prouder to call you ELEVATE alumni.”

- Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy | Deputy Chair, Department of Management, GWSB

“On behalf of the GW School of Business, I take great pride in celebrating our sixth ELEVATE cohort. This program was designed to help you build durable, scalable businesses, and your tenacity throughout these past months has been inspiring. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make as leaders in our community.”

- Sevin Yeltekin | Dean, GWSB

“Getting to know each of you has been one of the true joys of this journey. As you move forward, remember that no great achievement is built alone — surround yourself with mentors across every dimension of your growth, and lean on the remarkable community you’ve built right here. You have everything you need to reach your goals. Stay connected, stay intentional, and keep lifting each other up.”

- Kathy Korman Frey | Industry Instructor of Entrepreneurship; Director, Center For Entrepreneurial Excellence, GWSB

Cohort VI continues ELEVATE’s broader mission to equip local business owners with the tools needed to grow revenue, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the regional economy.

The graduation of Cohort VI was marked by a culminating ceremony that brought together participants, faculty, partners, and funders in celebration of their achievements. Speakers from across the ELEVATE ecosystem reflected on the importance of investing in entrepreneurial leadership and strengthening pathways to capital, growth, and long-term business success.

ELEVATE's Cohort VI Graduates

Saron Alemseged	S&M Professional Cleaning Services, LLC	S & M Professional Cleaning Services LLC is a CBE-certified, woman- and minority-owned business that provides eco-conscious, high-quality cleaning services for government, healthcare, and commercial facilities. With a strong commitment to reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail, the company delivers consistent, client-focused solutions that prioritize safety and care.
Kim Alfonso	Results One, LLC	Results One is a consulting and training firm that specializes in digital accessibility, workforce development, and human capital solutions. Through services such as disability awareness training, ASL, and skill-building workshops, the firm helps organizations create inclusive environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Isoke Baptiste	Wellness Gardens, PLLC	Wellness Gardens is a holistic mental and medical wellness practice that integrates psychiatry, psychotherapy, and functional medicine to support healing. Through services such as trauma-informed therapy, medication management, holistic psychiatry, and wellness retreats, the practice helps individuals address root causes, reconnect with themselves, and navigate life’s challenges with care and intention.
Anthony Beharry	Capitol Insight Enterprises, Inc.	Capitol Insight Enterprises is a Washington, DC–based real estate strategy firm that works with agents, investors, and developers to navigate market opportunities through strategic planning, targeted marketing, and effective deal structuring
Dawn Christian	BeLeadership	BeLeadership supports leaders and organizations in building inclusive, purpose-driven environments centered on belonging. By emphasizing authentic leadership and vulnerability, it empowers teams to foster meaningful connections and create cultures where individuals can thrive.
Shermica Farquhar	Spring Forward Solutions	Spring Forward Solutions is a consulting firm that provides tailored services in executive coaching, talent management, and human capital strategy to help organizations enhance performance and develop their workforce. Through customized solutions and practical implementation, the firm supports clients in strengthening leadership, improving operations, and driving sustainable growth.
Adrienne Gaither	Art Dept, LLC	Art Dept. is a multidisciplinary studio specializing in exhibition design, public art, visual identity, and spatial storytelling. Grounded in research and intentionality, the studio partners with institutions and organizations to create work that reflects context and strengthens connection.
KoHenna Lawrence	Gingerbeet	Gingerbeet is a Washington, DC-based plant-based food and beverage company specializing in New Orleans–inspired Cajun and Creole cuisine. Gingerbeet offers locally sourced, organic dishes that bring bold, vibrant flavors to urban audiences. Chef Lawrence blends plant-based innovation with traditional Southern influences to deliver a unique culinary experience that reimagines classic dishes in a modern, health-conscious way.
Dominique Loving	Loving Business Solutions, LLC	Loving Business Solutions (LBS) is a consulting firm that partners with small businesses to strengthen operations, ensure compliance, and support growth through strategic planning, recruiting, and marketing services.
Fadzai Nhamburo	District Consulting	District Consulting is a Washington, DC boutique marketing firm specializing in outreach and marketing support including marketing strategy, brand strategy, campaign management and promotional product distribution. We are competent and capable of working across private, government, and non-profit industries, although we specialize in eCommerce, Retail and Service brands as well as community driven initiatives.
Nikki O’Dell	Talentology	Talentology is a full-service talent and production company that connects actors, models, musicians, and specialty performers with high-quality opportunities while providing strategic production and human resource support. O’Dell’s firm offers comprehensive solutions for clients seeking both creative talent and operational efficiency.
DaJuan Pitts	Clean Moves	Clean Moves is a specialized cleaning company focused on move-in and move-out turnover services, helping clients prepare properties for transition and maximize the return of security deposits. With a results-driven approach, Clean Moves delivers thorough, high-quality cleaning solutions designed specifically for rental turnovers and property transitions
Ernest Williams	Wiltrust Group	The Wiltrust Group is a strategic development advisory firm that helps clients evaluate and execute real estate opportunities through feasibility analysis, development strategy, and owner’s representation. Beyond real estate, the firm supports organizations in aligning strategy, structuring partnerships, and building the internal capacity needed to scale.
Ashante’ Yussuf	Prive’Demeure	Prive’ Demeure, Inc. (PDI) is a Washington, DC-based real estate development and management firm that delivers high-quality residential, commercial, and industrial properties through development, design, construction, and renovation services. PDI is committed to expanding access to quality housing while revitalizing communities and driving economic growth.

ELEVATE Alumni Advisory Board Officially Launches

As Cohort VI graduates join the growing ELEVATE alumni community, The Coalition is also proud to announce the launch of the inaugural ELEVATE Alumni Advisory Board.

This new body represents a strategic step forward in strengthening alumni engagement and ensuring that the ELEVATE experience extends well beyond program completion. The Advisory Board will serve as a guiding structure to support alumni connection, elevate visibility of program participants, and help shape future programming and engagement opportunities.

Through cross-cohort leadership and collaboration, the Board will play a central role in fostering a strong alumni network grounded in shared experience, mutual support, and continued professional development.

The creation of the Alumni Advisory Board reflects ELEVATE’s long-term vision: to build not only stronger businesses, but a durable ecosystem of entrepreneurs who continue to learn from and invest in one another.

Board Leadership
Christopher Ryans, Chairperson
Tisa Clark, Vice Chairperson
Sammi Nesbit, Secretary

Subcommittee Chairs
JocCole Burton, Partnerships & Contracts
Anna-Marie Ashe, Events & Engagement
Vivica Brooks, Marketing & Storytelling

We extend our sincere appreciation for these leaders’ commitment to serving in this inaugural capacity and supporting the continued growth of the ELEVATE alumni network.

Building a Connected Alumni Network

The Alumni Advisory Board will convene its first official meeting in the coming weeks, where members will establish initial priorities, define subcommittee focus areas, and begin developing early initiatives designed to strengthen alumni engagement and visibility.

Key areas of focus will include expanding networking opportunities across cohorts, elevating alumni business visibility, strengthening strategic partnerships, and creating pathways for continued learning and collaboration.

This next chapter of ELEVATE reflects a broader commitment to sustained impact, ensuring that program participants remain connected to resources, relationships, and opportunities long after graduation.

A Growing Legacy of Impact

Since its launch, ELEVATE has served as a cornerstone of The Coalition’s small business ecosystem-building work, supporting entrepreneurs across the District through executive education, technical assistance, and peer learning.

Developed in partnership with the George Washington University School of Business and made possible through the generous support of Truist, ELEVATE continues to equip small business owners with the tools to strengthen operations, expand market reach, and increase long-term sustainability.

Direct, intensive, and impactful programs like ELEVATE are impossible without the support of our funders. We extend our deepest thanks to Truist and the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council for your generous contributions toward our Small Business Ecosystem Building work.

ELEVATE Celebrates Cohort VI Graduation and Launches Inaugural Alumni Advisory Board

ELEVATE's Cohort VI Graduates

ELEVATE Alumni Advisory Board Officially Launches

A Growing Legacy of Impact

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