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About Women Of Business Enterprise
Vision Statement
W.O.B.E searches to envision a future where every entrepreneur, especially women has access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to succeed in the business sector. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive business ecosystem that promotes innovation, collaboration and growth.
Our Mission
W.O.B.E.'s Mission is to provide coaching support and education to small businesses and organizations focusing on empowering Women Entrepreneurs. We seek to contribute to the economic development and vitality of the Proviso Area by fostering a strong and resilient business community.
About Women Of Business Enterprise
Stacy H. Armstrong President-CEO
Stacy H. Armstrong, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, is the youngest of seven. An Ordained Minister since 2018. She holds a degree in Criminal Justice Administration with a minor in Political Science and is a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. With a Corporate Paralegal Certification and Public Notary, Stacy holds a seat on the Westchester Economic Development Committee and she passionately supports small businesses in all capacities.
Stacy's passion and volunteerism includes mentoring youths aged 16-24 in life skills and financial literacy. Stacy has worked with several youth programs throughout the City of Chicago as well as Proviso Township and others. She founded "Motivational Mondays," combating cyber-bullying and advocating for suicide prevention, and earned the She-Ro Award in 2023 and 2024 for her community efforts.
With over 30 years of experience in customer service and sales, Stacy founded Sha-Poppin Gourmet Popcorn a community staple in Westchester, IL, and W.O.B.E (Women of Business Enterprise) a 501c3 Organization providing coaching and financial skills to small businesses. Inspired by her mother's dedication to community service, Stacy remains humble and continues this legacy of compassion and truth.
A mother of two, Stacy's son is a County Sheriff with a BS in Business Administration, and her daughter is a state youth outreach job coordinator with a degree in Business, Social Work and Early Childhood Development. Her daughter-in-law is an Emergency Dispatch Operator with a degree in Nursing. Her Son-in-law is a Logistics Corporate Manger and Stacy is a proud grandmother to two grandsons, David and Zyaire. Together, they share interests in golf, reading, music, and travel.
Stacy’s favorite quotes, "Life is a learning experience if you choose to learn from it" and "History has a way of repeating itself only if you allow it to," reflect her philosophy on personal growth and societal impact.
Darlene Barber - COO
CEO/Founder:** S.C.R.E.A.M. Evangelistic Outreach Ministries
Owner/Lead Planner & Event Stylist:** Divinely Inspired Elegant Events LLC
Certified Landscape Designer: * Triton Community College
Co-Owner:** Divine Landscape Design Landscaping Services
Commissioner/Secretary:** Westchester Economic Development Committee
COO:** Women of Business Enterprise
Certified Event Planner:** The Institute of Wedding/Event Design (IWED)
Balloon Artist and Member:** Northern Illinois Balloon Network
Toastmaster Member
S.C.R.E.A.M. Evangelistic Outreach Ministries
Founded in 2007, this non-profit supports domestic violence survivors and women/girls in need, providing housing, educational programs, and community meals.
Divine Landscape Design Landscaping Services
Certified in Landscape Design, Darlene co-founded this business to provide employment for re-entering citizens, helping reduce recidivism in Illinois.
Divinely Inspired Elegant Events LLC
As a Certified Wedding Planner, Darlene blends event planning and decorating expertise to bring clients' visions to life. She has provided custom balloon designs and elegant decor for Corporate Community Events, etc.
Community Involvement, Darlene has contributed to the Westchester Economic Development Committee, helping implement business districts and develop a downtown plan. She also mentored students at Garfield Elementary through the Heritage Community Services After School Mentoring Program.
Darlene’s extensive experience and dedication to community service highlight her leadership and commitment to uplifting others.
Dawnye' S. Hawkins - CFO
Dawnye' S. Hawkins is an accomplished financial professional, serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of W.O.B.E since 2024. At just 26 years old, Dawnye' has quickly established herself as a leader in financial strategy and management, leveraging her unique background in both business and social work to guide the company’s financial decisions with a holistic approach.
Dawnye' holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in Social Work , she has developed a strong foundation in financial principles while also gaining insights into the social impacts of business practices. This dual expertise allows her to balance traditional financial goals with corporate social responsibility, ensuring that the company's financial strategies align with broader societal values.
In her role at W.O.B.E Dawnye' is responsible for overseeing the financial operations, managing financial planning and analysis, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Her innovative mindset and commitment to fiscal transparency have been key drivers in streamlining processes and enhancing profitability.
Outside of the office, Dawnye' is passionate about giving back to the community, often volunteering her time to financial literacy programs aimed at underprivileged youth. In her spare time, she enjoys tennis, reading, and exploring new cuisines.
With her distinctive blend of financial expertise and social consciousness, Dawnye' is poised to lead W.O.B.E toward sustainable growth and success in the ever-evolving business landscape.