Raquel Padgett is a business mogul and mother of three.  She can be seen and heard making guest appearances on radio, TV, and in business workshops and conferences. Raquel is a graduate of South Carolina State University, with over 20 years of experience in business development, marketing, program development and business consulting. She has worked with large organizations such as BellSouth, The American Heart Association, BET (Black Entertainment Network), Old Navy, Coca-Cola, Charleston County Government, the University of South Carolina, the Medical University of South Carolina and several other national organizations and corporations cementing her skills.  She is developing new programs and businesses opportunities across several industries such as import/export, tourism, and product development.

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Raquel is thrilled to bring her leadership, expertise, and experience to the non-profit arena as Executive Director and founder of the Economic Continuity Alliance focusing on supplier diversity and corporate support in the private and governmental sectors, and economic development in communities. Raquel enjoys empowering minority businesses to aim higher with contracts and procurement while educating the procurement community about the plight of minority businesses.   She also leans into every aspect of economic development and sustainability to advance a higher level of livability for all people.

 

In her role as Executive Director at Entrepreneurship for All, Raquel again combines her love for community along with her extensive experience in business development to help entrepreneurs achieve economic sustainability through business ownership.  She previously served as Program Director of Good Enterprises.  While there, she also instructed their twelve-week entrepreneurship program, the Community Business Academy graduating over 300 participants.

 

As the owner of a business consulting and coaching agency, and a consultant to several firms in various industries, Raquel knows first-hand the amount of perseverance and grit it takes to run a successful business. She is a passionate advocate for the minority business community and has helped hundreds of business owners throughout South Carolina and beyond.  Raquel also collaborates with organizations, municipalities, and other agencies on behalf of small and minority businesses and community programs.

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Raquel serves on the Board of Directors for Trident Literacy and the City of Charleston MWBE Advisory Board.  Her accomplishments and awards include serving on the Governor’s Council under Governor Mark Sanford and receiving awards from the council, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and Select Health for her community health work throughout South Carolina.  She has been recognized by many other organizations for her work in business and entrepreneurship.

 

When Raquel takes a break, you will find her spending time with family, fishing, traveling, and exploring possibilities for more business ventures.