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About the YWCA O‘ahu
EWOC Business Center
The U.S. Department of Commerce, MBDA (Minority Business Development Agency) Enterprising Women's Business Center provides diverse and dynamic women entrepreneurs with resources, training, counseling, and events aimed at facilitating access to contracts and funding for medium-sized minority businesses. The launch of the YWCA O‘ahu MBDA Enterprising Women's Business Center—one of five in the nation—is made possible by a 2-year, $1,000,000 MBDA grant to support new staffing, program development and client outreach.
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“The principle of this initiative closely aligns with our mission at YWCA O'ahu of eliminating racism and empowering women. As we partner with the Minority Business Development Agency, we can bring rich offerings to our Hawai'i community,” said Noriko Namiki, YWCA O‘ahu CEO.
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“This program could not resonate more in our state. Women business owners represent an integral part of our multifaceted entrepreneurial economy and multiethnic local culture. Our current YWCA O‘ahu programs – including the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership – will complement the MBDA Enterprising Women of Color Business Center and help prepare its clients for success.”
LET’S GET STARTED!
If you are a women-owned business interested in receiving services to grow your business,
tell us about your enterprise and interests by filling out our INTAKE FORM.
Meet the Team
Marla Momi Musick
Director
Marla Momi Musick joined the YWCA in January 2021 as the MBDA EWOC Business Development Manager to ensure strategic deployment of services and resources for women of color entrepreneurs looking to expand their capabilities and grow their business endeavors. She has 20+ years of leadership experience in fund development, community outreach and communications in the non-profit sectors in New York City and Honolulu and managed her own consulting practice for 6 years before joining the YWCA.
Ms. Musick has a BFA in Design from the University of Hawai‘i, and a MA from New York University.
Business Center Counselors
William Kerr
Independent Procurement Specialist
William is an Independent Procurement Specialist and an expert on Acquisition and Contracting at the Federal and State levels.
Prior, Bill was the Hawaii State Director of the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and Senior Contracting Officer/Lead Program Manager for a Hawaii based Defense Contractor. He is a retired US Air Force Major as a USAF/Joint Contracting Officer.
Bill is driven by a commitment to serving our Department of Defense customers and making an impact to our local community. Bill is a resident of the Big Island and in his free time enjoys developing the vast availability of natural plants, trees, agriculture and landscapes.