ABOUT

The Women, LLC of Knoxville is a group of six Black women who saw that there is a lack of capital and other economic resources available for Black business owners who want to expand and those beginning their journey to entrepreneurship but didn’t have access to funds to get started.

25 %

Poverty Rate Among Black Knoxvillians

We knew this was a major contributor to the 42% poverty rate among black Knoxvillians.

A group of women met to discuss the problem and determined they could do something about it; that day, The Women was formed.

Meet Deidra

Deidra Harper, a local Knoxville native, is an entrepreneur owning Elite Facility Maintenance and a Freelancer who focuses on Graphic Design. She’s also the public relations director for TENSE Summit, which is a group of business owners and professionals dedicated to empowering and educating youth.

Meet Tanika

Tanika Harper is an entrepreneur who owns four small businesses, including Elite Facility Maintenance and Harper’s Naturals. She’s also Founder/CEO of Shora Foundation in Knoxville. Shora was founded in 2008 and their mission is to provide a safe place culture for those in under-resourced areas by creating opportunities and transforming communities.

Meet Dasha

Dr. Dasha Lundy is a servant leader and community advocate. She was born and raised in East Knoxville and still calls it home. Dr. Lundy advocates for District 1 having access to resources necessary for it to be a safe place to live, work, and play for everyone regardless of race, gender, and/or socioeconomic class.

Meet Kanika

Kanika White studied real estate development and finance at the University of New Orleans, holds an associate degree in business administration from Southeastern College. She serves on the Boards of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation, Knoxville Aging in Place, and as Vice-Chair of The Greater Knox County Black Chamber of Commerce.

Join Us

Be part of the change we need
in our community.

As little as $5 per month will support the fund in helping small business access the financial resources they need for sustainability.

You will receive quarterly updates and all donations
to our 501(c)3 are tax-deductible.