A-State graduate runs an entrepreneurship program for black women

Shunqetta Cunningham, an Arkansas State University graduate, educates black women on tips on how to turn out to be entrepreneurs as CEO of her Over-A-Cup program.

Founded in January 2018, Over-A-Cup supports acquaintancespromotes social equity and empowers minority women-owned businesses in Arkansas and the Mid-South regions. recorded that Cunningham’s program is the one current advocacy initiative targeting Black women entrepreneurs within the state of Arkansas. “Over A Cup® is a space of intentional relationships for Black women-owned businesses to reimagine business success and share solid business practices in a safe space,” the program’s website states. “There is no connecting pathway for African-American women-owned businesses that offer both economic and relational capital support. We are honored to have the opportunity to fill this gap in our state.”

Monthly Over-A-Cup meetings allow women to satisfy over coffee or tea to debate future business plans. “My day job is support non-profit organizations and community leaders,” said the nonprofit strategist, based on . As a mother and college graduate, Cunningham supports women, nonprofits, and community leaders through services comparable to grant writing, strategic planning, nonprofit development, and leadership training.

“I believe nonprofits are a second hand to our communities,” said Cunningham, whose commitment to helping emerging African-American entrepreneurs stems from an awareness of systemic barriers and a lack of understanding. She said Over-A-Cup brings women together to learn what “hasn’t been taught.” He uses his role to “bring together all the resources these organizations need and put them on a path to success.”

Twelve Black women entrepreneurs have already graduated from the Over-A-Cup.

Additionally, Cunningham serves as CEO and Principal Consultant of KHARIS Group and founded and chairs the Northeast Arkansas Nonprofit Summit. She previously said her company equips nonprofits with strategies to extend revenue, impact and influence. She graduated with honors from Blytheville High School in 2004, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Arkansas State in 2008, and a master’s degree in public administration in 2010.