Our Team

Our Team

The Cincinnati Minority Business Assistance Center team is here to help move your business forward

Director

Deborah

    Deborah Davis is the Director of the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) which is one of seven statewide programs funded by the Ohio Development Services Agency.  The Cincinnati MBAC program is housed at the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce.  In her role, she helps Ohio small, minority-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses with state certifications, government contract opportunities, and business growth and development. As the Director of MBAC, Deborah is responsible for providing strategic direction and partnership for clients and small businesses to create solutions to drive innovation, growth, and market share. From 2017 – 2018, the Ohio Development Services Agency has recognized Deborah with two Partner of the Quarter Outreach Leader Awards and two 2018 Outstanding Business Solutions Partner awards.

    Davis received her master’s degree in Project Management from Keller School of Management and a master’s degree in Communication from Boston University. She also received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University.

    Admin & Social Media Coordinator

    James

      James Pullins has been with the Chamber and MBAC for almost 2 years but has recently transitioned full-time to the MBAC program. His new position is Admin & Social Media Coordinator. We are excited to have his design expertise added to the MBAC program. He enjoys drawing, art, cooking, plants, and digital design in his free time. In his role, he does various administrative work, creates event flyers & graphics, and designs our newsletter. James has a background in retail management, interior design, and graphic design. He has several marketing and design certifications. He is working to further his creative career. James also co-runs CheJam, which specializes in freelance design work. He is on the communications team for Cincinnati Pride and the design team for BLAACC Magazine.

      Business Counselor

      R. Marlene

        R. Marlene Fout is the Business Counselor of the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) at the satellite office located in Piketon, Ohio. She works with nine Appalachian counties in Ohio (Adams, Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton). Her role is to help Ohio’s small, minority-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses with state certifications, government contract opportunities, and business growth and development.

        Prior to her role with MBAC – Piketon, Marlene worked for many small businesses within the counties she oversees, where she played a vital role in their growth. Her responsibilities ranged from managing daily operations, marketing and advertising, as well as providing customer service management. Marlene’s experience at these small businesses within her select areas has provided her tremendous insight into the needs of small business owners. 

        Marlene received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, as well as her bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in Legal Philosophical Interpretation from Ohio University. Marlene currently resides in Ray, Ohio, right on the border of Vinton and Jackson County. She is an avid volunteer for many organizations, mostly located in Ross County, including the Majestic Theatre and Adena Mansion and Gardens. She is also a member of the League of Women Voters and the Golden Key National Honor Society.

        Business Advisor

        Vivian

          Vivian Watkins started back at the beginning of 2023. She is our Business Advisor & Outreach Specialist here at the Cincinnati office. Her skills and expertise are a great addition to the MBAC program. Vivian specializes in business advising, assisting with the state certification process, and organizing our outreach events. She enjoys spending quality time with her granddaughter and is a Cincinnati Bengals Fan! Vivian Watkins is a Business Advisor and Lead Outreach Specialist at the Minority Business Assistance Center. In her role, she helps Ohio small, minority-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses with state certifications, government contract opportunities, and business growth and development. Watkins has a background in Management and currently attends Kent State University’s Certified Business Advisor program studying Marketing, Human Resources and Accounting/Finance.

          Outreach & Certification Specialist

          Danielle

            Danielle Thompson is filling the role of Outreach & Certification Specialist! We are happy to have her leading the certification process.

            As the Outreach & Certification Specialist, my role is to support and assist minority, women, veteran-friendly, socially, and economically disadvantaged businesses in obtaining state certifications to facilitate their growth and stability. This involves educating the client on the certification process and determining the proper certification method to follow (standard or fast tracked). Conducting examinations of the business owner’s certification readiness, certification eligibility and one-on-one review of the documentation checklist & document review. To expand our reach across our 17 counties and to meet our geographic region deliverables, I will partner with organizations that are in these areas to create workshops, classes, and seminars to inform the masses of our FREE services, that will aid in strengthening the minority business community, supporting job creation, and providing them access to various markets and industries, data and trends.

            I love to travel Internationally! Some of my favorite places have been Bali, Indonesia, Santorini, Greece and Paris, France.

            Dedicated, personable, skilled and diverse HR professional with over 9+ years of experience, who is passionate about unlocking talent and dreams for everyone in the workplace. Equipped with a solid commitment to providing high-quality HR support to department leadership teams for the timely hiring of qualified, diverse and capable applicants. Skilled at resolving issues, improving employee morale, and collaborating cross functionally to ensure the needs of all employees and teams are met. Motivated self-starter, who identifies areas needing improvement and developing policies and processes to improve efficiencies, effectiveness, and resolve deficiencies. Influential change leader, building consensus and alignment amongst all levels and partnering with key stakeholders to launch new models, programs, and initiatives. Expert in verbal and written communication with a knack for creating and presenting captivating and engaging presentations. Skilled in counseling, investigating and problem-solving employee issues to ensure reliable and thriving workforce.

            Financial Advisor

            Shaquille

              Shaquille Riston is our new Financial Advisor! Her financial expertise has long been needed for the MBAC program.

              She will be assisting clients one-on-one with financial coaching, assistance, and access to capital.

              She is very family-oriented and loves to laugh. If she can laugh, it’s a good time.

              I worked in corporate accounting for 7 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and MBA in Finance, currently studying for my CPA Exam. Small business owner, owns Accounting and Bookkeeping Firm (Riston Financial Service Group) that’s been established since 2021.

              Calling All Entrepreneurs

              Become an MBAC Client Enrollment is free

              Our services are available without cost to businesses located throughout Ohio and serve the needs of Ohio’s small, minority and disadvantaged businesses.

              Join Today

              Ohio

              Visit and like our

              Facebook Page For News & Events

              Following the Cincinnati Minority Business Assistance Center on Facebook is a great way to stay updated on all the latest news and events.

              Discover More

              Our Team

              The Cincinnati Minority Business Assistance Center team is here to help move your business forward

              Director

              Deborah

                Deborah Davis is the Director of the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) which is one of seven statewide programs funded by the Ohio Development Services Agency.  The Cincinnati MBAC program is housed at the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce.  In her role, she helps Ohio small, minority-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses with state certifications, government contract opportunities, and business growth and development. As the Director of MBAC, Deborah is responsible for providing strategic direction and partnership for clients and small businesses to create solutions to drive innovation, growth, and market share. From 2017 – 2018, the Ohio Development Services Agency has recognized Deborah with two Partner of the Quarter Outreach Leader Awards and two 2018 Outstanding Business Solutions Partner awards.

                Davis received her master’s degree in Project Management from Keller School of Management and a master’s degree in Communication from Boston University. She also received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University.

                Program Coordinator & Content Creator

                James

                  James Pullins is new to the MBAC team. He started with African American Chamber back in October and joined MBAC at the beginning of April. He does the Programs Coordinator and Content creator role on both sides. James has a background in retail management and art. He currently is enrolled in User Interface Design to further his creative career.

                  Business Counselor

                  R. Marlene

                    R. Marlene Fout is the Business Counselor of the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) at the satellite office located in Piketon, Ohio. She works with nine Appalachian counties in Ohio (Adams, Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton). Her role is to help Ohio’s small, minority-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses with state certifications, government contract opportunities, and business growth and development.

                    Prior to her role with MBAC – Piketon, Marlene worked for many small businesses within the counties she oversees, where she played a vital role in their growth. Her responsibilities ranged from managing daily operations, marketing and advertising, as well as providing customer service management. Marlene’s experience at these small businesses within her select areas has provided her tremendous insight into the needs of small business owners. 

                    Marlene received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, as well as her bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in Legal Philosophical Interpretation from Ohio University. Marlene currently resides in Ray, Ohio, right on the border of Vinton and Jackson County. She is an avid volunteer for many organizations, mostly located in Ross County, including the Majestic Theatre and Adena Mansion and Gardens. She is also a member of the League of Women Voters and the Golden Key National Honor Society.

                    Business Advisor

                    Vivian Watkins

                      Vivian Watkins started back at the beginning of 2023. She is our Business Advisor & Outreach Specialist here at the Cincinnati office. Her skills and expertise are a great addition to the MBAC program. Vivian specializes in business advising, assisting with the state certification process, and organizing our outreach events. She enjoys spending quality time with her granddaughter and is a Cincinnati Bengals Fan! Vivian Watkins is a Business Advisor and Lead Outreach Specialist at the Minority Business Assistance Center. In her role, she helps Ohio small, minority-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses with state certifications, government contract opportunities, and business growth and development. Watkins has a background in Management and currently attends Kent State University’s Certified Business Advisor program studying Marketing, Human Resources and Accounting/Finance.

                      Outreach & Certification Specialist

                      Danielle

                        Danielle Thompson is filling the role of Outreach & Certification Specialist! We are happy to have her leading the certification process.

                        As the Outreach & Certification Specialist, my role is to support and assist minority, women, veteran-friendly, socially, and economically disadvantaged businesses in obtaining state certifications to facilitate their growth and stability. This involves educating the client on the certification process and determining the proper certification method to follow (standard or fast tracked). Conducting examinations of the business owner’s certification readiness, certification eligibility and one-on-one review of the documentation checklist & document review. To expand our reach across our 17 counties and to meet our geographic region deliverables, I will partner with organizations that are in these areas to create workshops, classes, and seminars to inform the masses of our FREE services, that will aid in strengthening the minority business community, supporting job creation, and providing them access to various markets and industries, data and trends.

                        I love to travel Internationally! Some of my favorite places have been Bali, Indonesia, Santorini, Greece and Paris, France.

                        Dedicated, personable, skilled and diverse HR professional with over 9+ years of experience, who is passionate about unlocking talent and dreams for everyone in the workplace. Equipped with a solid commitment to providing high-quality HR support to department leadership teams for the timely hiring of qualified, diverse and capable applicants. Skilled at resolving issues, improving employee morale, and collaborating cross functionally to ensure the needs of all employees and teams are met. Motivated self-starter, who identifies areas needing improvement and developing policies and processes to improve efficiencies, effectiveness, and resolve deficiencies. Influential change leader, building consensus and alignment amongst all levels and partnering with key stakeholders to launch new models, programs, and initiatives. Expert in verbal and written communication with a knack for creating and presenting captivating and engaging presentations. Skilled in counseling, investigating and problem-solving employee issues to ensure reliable and thriving workforce.

                        Financial Advisor

                        Shaquille

                          Shaquille Riston is our new Financial Advisor! Her financial expertise has long been needed for the MBAC program.

                          She will be assisting clients one-on-one with financial coaching, assistance, and access to capital.

                          She is very family-oriented and loves to laugh. If she can laugh, it’s a good time.

                          I worked in corporate accounting for 7 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and MBA in Finance, currently studying for my CPA Exam. Small business owner, owns Accounting and Bookkeeping Firm (Riston Financial Service Group) that’s been established since 2021.

                          Calling All Entrepreneurs

                          Become an
                          MBAC Client                           Enrollment is free

                          Our services are available without cost to businesses located throughout Ohio and serve the needs of Ohio’s small, minority and disadvantaged businesses.

                          Join Today

                          Visit and like our

                          Facebook Page For News & Events

                          Following the Cincinnati Minority Business Assistance Center on Facebook is a great way to stay updated on all the latest news and events.

                          Discover More

                          Our Team

                          The Cincinnati Minority Business Assistance Center
                          team is here to help move your business forward

                          Director

                          Deborah

                            Deborah Davis is the Director of the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) which is one of seven statewide programs funded by the Ohio Development Services Agency.  The Cincinnati MBAC program is housed at the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce.  In her role, she helps Ohio small, minority-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses with state certifications, government contract opportunities, and business growth and development. As the Director of MBAC, Deborah is responsible for providing strategic direction and partnership for clients and small businesses to create solutions to drive innovation, growth, and market share. From 2017 – 2018, the Ohio Development Services Agency has recognized Deborah with two Partner of the Quarter Outreach Leader Awards and two 2018 Outstanding Business Solutions Partner awards.

                            Davis received her master’s degree in Project Management from Keller School of Management and a master’s degree in Communication from Boston University. She also received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University.

                            Program Coordinator & Content Creator

                            James

                              James Pullins is new to the MBAC team. He started with African American Chamber back in October and joined MBAC at the beginning of April. He does the Programs Coordinator and Content creator role on both sides. James has a background in retail management and art. He currently is enrolled in User Interface Design to further his creative career.

                              Business Counselor

                              R. Marlene

                                R. Marlene Fout is the Business Counselor of the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) at the satellite office located in Piketon, Ohio. She works with nine Appalachian counties in Ohio (Adams, Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton). Her role is to help Ohio’s small, minority-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses with state certifications, government contract opportunities, and business growth and development.

                                Prior to her role with MBAC – Piketon, Marlene worked for many small businesses within the counties she oversees, where she played a vital role in their growth. Her responsibilities ranged from managing daily operations, marketing and advertising, as well as providing customer service management. Marlene’s experience at these small businesses within her select areas has provided her tremendous insight into the needs of small business owners. 

                                Marlene received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, as well as her bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in Legal Philosophical Interpretation from Ohio University. Marlene currently resides in Ray, Ohio, right on the border of Vinton and Jackson County. She is an avid volunteer for many organizations, mostly located in Ross County, including the Majestic Theatre and Adena Mansion and Gardens. She is also a member of the League of Women Voters and the Golden Key National Honor Society.

                                Business Advisor

                                Vivian Watkins

                                  Vivian Watkins started back at the beginning of 2023. She is our Business Advisor & Outreach Specialist here at the Cincinnati office. Her skills and expertise are a great addition to the MBAC program. Vivian specializes in business advising, assisting with the state certification process, and organizing our outreach events. She enjoys spending quality time with her granddaughter and is a Cincinnati Bengals Fan! Vivian Watkins is a Business Advisor and Lead Outreach Specialist at the Minority Business Assistance Center. In her role, she helps Ohio small, minority-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses with state certifications, government contract opportunities, and business growth and development. Watkins has a background in Management and currently attends Kent State University’s Certified Business Advisor program studying Marketing, Human Resources and Accounting/Finance.

                                  Outreach & Certification Specialist

                                  Danielle

                                    Danielle Thompson is filling the role of Outreach & Certification Specialist! We are happy to have her leading the certification process.

                                    As the Outreach & Certification Specialist, my role is to support and assist minority, women, veteran-friendly, socially, and economically disadvantaged businesses in obtaining state certifications to facilitate their growth and stability. This involves educating the client on the certification process and determining the proper certification method to follow (standard or fast tracked). Conducting examinations of the business owner’s certification readiness, certification eligibility and one-on-one review of the documentation checklist & document review. To expand our reach across our 17 counties and to meet our geographic region deliverables, I will partner with organizations that are in these areas to create workshops, classes, and seminars to inform the masses of our FREE services, that will aid in strengthening the minority business community, supporting job creation, and providing them access to various markets and industries, data and trends.

                                    I love to travel Internationally! Some of my favorite places have been Bali, Indonesia, Santorini, Greece and Paris, France.

                                    Dedicated, personable, skilled and diverse HR professional with over 9+ years of experience, who is passionate about unlocking talent and dreams for everyone in the workplace. Equipped with a solid commitment to providing high-quality HR support to department leadership teams for the timely hiring of qualified, diverse and capable applicants. Skilled at resolving issues, improving employee morale, and collaborating cross functionally to ensure the needs of all employees and teams are met. Motivated self-starter, who identifies areas needing improvement and developing policies and processes to improve efficiencies, effectiveness, and resolve deficiencies. Influential change leader, building consensus and alignment amongst all levels and partnering with key stakeholders to launch new models, programs, and initiatives. Expert in verbal and written communication with a knack for creating and presenting captivating and engaging presentations. Skilled in counseling, investigating and problem-solving employee issues to ensure reliable and thriving workforce.

                                    Financial Advisor

                                    Shaquille

                                      Shaquille Riston is our new Financial Advisor! Her financial expertise has long been needed for the MBAC program.

                                      She will be assisting clients one-on-one with financial coaching, assistance, and access to capital.

                                      She is very family-oriented and loves to laugh. If she can laugh, it’s a good time.

                                      I worked in corporate accounting for 7 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and MBA in Finance, currently studying for my CPA Exam. Small business owner, owns Accounting and Bookkeeping Firm (Riston Financial Service Group) that’s been established since 2021.

                                      Calling All Entrepreneurs

                                      Become an MBAC Client Enrollment is free

                                      Our services are available without cost to businesses located throughout Ohio and serve the needs of Ohio’s small, minority and disadvantaged businesses.

                                      Join Today

                                      Visit and like our

                                      Facebook Page For News & Events

                                      Following the Cincinnati Minority Business Assistance Center on Facebook is a great way to stay updated on all the latest news and events.

                                      Discover More