Velma Trayham has swiftly emerged as a prominent figure in Arizona’s business landscape, having recently assumed the role of president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. Trayham’s appointment places her at the helm of economic development efforts for one of the fastest-growing demographics in the rapidly expanding state.

Trayham’s primary objective is to foster a significant increase in Black-owned businesses, thereby enhancing their contribution to the state’s economic growth. “Within the next five years, my vision is to see an increase in employer firms,” Trayham articulated. “Black businesses being able to employ, adding impact to the GDP and adding economic impact to the dollar and to the economic buying power here in Arizona.”

Achieving this vision will require navigating and bridging various divides, including those between established and emerging leaders, as well as addressing racial and economic disparities. Trayham emphasized the necessity of collaboration to overcome these challenges. “It’s gonna take collaboration,” she noted. “Collaboration is important. We can’t do anything alone.”

Trayham aims to cultivate a business ecosystem where diverse leaders and organizations mutually support each other by sharing resources and networks, rather than restricting access. She believes that such a collaborative approach could set a benchmark for others to follow. “If we work together and if we collectively bring our resources and our intelligence capital, human capital, to the table… I think we have the potential to be a model,” she explained.

As Arizona experiences notable growth, Trayham sees an opportunity to elevate Black business ownership across various sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and real estate. “There are a lot of eyes on Arizona, right now, to see the growth that we are experiencing here and to see the rise of Black business ownership,” she said. “There are opportunities, but in order to really maximize the potential and maximize these opportunities, first of all people need to know they exist.”

The Black Chamber of Arizona, under Trayham’s leadership, is envisioned as a pivotal advocacy organization supporting small businesses by providing resources such as capital access, contracting opportunities, and marketing strategies. Trayham’s experience as the founder of Thinkzilla, a consulting firm that has worked with notable organizations like the City of Scottsdale and SRP, complements her ambitious plans. Additionally, her self-published memoir, “When God Says Go,” recounts her journey from poverty and personal adversity to success, further motivating her mission to combat poverty through entrepreneurship.

Trayham identifies herself as a “first-generation entrepreneur, first-generation college graduate, first-generation millionaire… first-generation everything,” which she believes gives her a unique perspective on the obstacles faced by emerging entrepreneurs. Her personal journey informs the Black Chamber’s outreach programs tailored for nascent business owners.

Inclusivity remains a cornerstone of Trayham’s strategy. “My vision is to see the Black business community here in Arizona embrace their economic buying power and for other communities to see and to respect what our buying power is,” she asserted. Trayham advocates for equal opportunities and access to investment capital rather than handouts, stressing that the focus should not be solely on maintaining a “Black thing” but on demonstrating value and addressing significant societal problems.

Trayham is already laying the groundwork for her vision through initiatives designed to enhance financial literacy, mentorship, and access to contracts. Collaborations with Arizona State University, the Thunderbird School of Global Management, and major corporations such as JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cox Communications are part of her efforts.

Should Trayham’s initiatives succeed, Phoenix could potentially become a beacon of Black economic empowerment, setting a precedent for social and economic progress nationwide. However, Trayham acknowledges that achieving her goals will require widespread support and collaboration. Despite her rising influence, she remains committed to the collaborative effort necessary to transform her vision into reality.