Whitney Barkley’s Hey Black Girl – Mentoring Young Black Girls to Greatness

Whitney L. Barkley, M.S., is a multifaceted entrepreneur, podcaster, educator, and the visionary force behind Hey, Black Girl! Recognizing the hurdles that Black girls often encounter, Whitney launched Hey, Black Girl! during the pandemic, aiming to shed light on their limitless potential. Residing in Dayton, OH, Whitney is deeply committed to uplifting and empowering women and girls across diverse platforms.

As the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Speakerazzi, an Ohio-based content marketing firm, Whitney leverages her expertise to help speakers, authors, coaches, and public figures enhance their online visibility and influence. With a fervent dedication to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits, Whitney serves as a beacon of guidance and empowerment in the business world.

Additionally, Whitney Barkley holds the esteemed position of director at the Greater West Dayton Incubator (GWDI). Launched last year, the GWDI is dedicated to assisting historically underrepresented entrepreneurs in Dayton by providing access to essential resources such as working space, consulting, training, capital, and more. Recently, the incubator introduced applications for its groundbreaking Cultural Capital microlending program, signaling a new chapter in fostering economic empowerment within the community.

In her role at the incubator, Whitney acts as a catalyst for connection, linking businesses and entrepreneurs with vital resources at the University of Dayton and within the broader community. Furthermore, she is actively engaged in promoting the GWDI initiative to UD students and faculty, cultivating meaningful partnerships and fostering a culture of collaboration.

With her unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Whitney Barkley is instrumental in advancing the Crotty Center/SBA’s DE&I initiatives, aligning with the university’s anti-racism policy. Through her tireless advocacy and innovative leadership, Whitney continues to pave the way for positive change, leaving an indelible mark on both the business landscape and the community at large.