Queen City Women in Business:
Transforming Procurement for Minority Women Entrepreneurs
Queen City Women in Business (QCWIB)is more than a network—it’s a thriving community of women entrepreneurs committed to mutual growth and success. With a highly engaged membership that prominently includes women of color, QCWIB focuses on empowering Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) to excel in the competitive procurement space. By fostering meaningful connections and providing access to resources and opportunities, QCWIB is driving success and building a foundation for long-term economic impact.
A Vision Fueled by Experience
“For me, this work is personal,” shares Taja Graham, Queen City Women in Business Indiana Chapter President. “I’ve been on both sides of the table—as a prime contractor identifying suppliers and as a small business owner navigating the challenges of scaling with limited resources. Queen City Women in Business is about equipping WBEs with the tools to not only secure contracts but thrive in the process.”
This lived experience inspired Graham and Dawn Nicole McIlwain, Founder/CEO of QCWIB, to launch in Indiana in May 2024. The state’s reciprocal certification agreements across 17 states made it an ideal launchpad for WBEs looking to scale their impact.
One member, Chef Juszina Maria Kendrick, exemplifies the ripple effect of QCWIB’s efforts. After attending a Supplier Readiness Roundtable, Chef Juszina recently secured a major catering contract with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“Landing that contract changed everything for my business,” Kendrick said. “I was able to hire additional staff, invest in better equipment, and expand my services. QCWIB didn’t just open the door—they helped me walk through it.”
Another member, Denola Burton, an Indiana-based supplier in the Human Resource industry, shared how QCWIB’s pitch coaching helped her secure a major contract by teaming up with a fellow member in Atlanta, GA. “I didn’t intend to practice my pitch that night on the call, but luckily, I did, which led to my fellow member reaching out,” Burton shared. Being in the room and ready is what leads to these types of opportunities.” Through QCWIB, Burton was able to access a national community that helped her scale her business. It’s stories like these that demonstrate the impact of QCWIB’s growing, thriving community.
A Strategic Approach to Empowerment
QCWIB’s impact is rooted in its robust programming, directly leading to procurement success through:
- Bimonthly Matchmaking Events: Members get exclusive five-minute pitch opportunities with procurement officers from top corporations. “Those five minutes can change the trajectory of a business,” Graham emphasizes.
- Supplier Readiness Roundtables: These quarterly events, which are free and open to all WBEs, offer actionable guidance on certifications and supply chain integration. Upcoming events include South Bend on February 6 and Central Indiana in early April.
- National Supplier Summit: This marquee event, which will take place March 4-5 in Charlotte, NC, will connect 300-400 WBEs with top corporate procurement officers, such as Lowe’s, First Citizens Bank, and the Charlotte Douglass International Airport.
Built for Results
QCWIB’s model is designed for outcomes, and the numbers speak for themselves. In just one year, members have been awarded $2.25 million in contracts, with most agreements spanning multiple years. Over 60% of members are supplier-based, with expertise spanning professional business services and consumer packaged goods.
“Our approach is simple: meet WBEs where they are, equip them with what they need, and connect them to the decision-makers who are looking for their products and services,” says Graham.
Indiana has quickly become QCWIB’s fastest-growing market, thanks to the state’s unique opportunities and QCWIB’s focus on building local connections. “When a WBE wins a contract, it’s not just their business that benefits—it’s the entire community,” Graham explains. “Those contracts create jobs, spark economic activity, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
Graham also highlights the personal gratification of seeing success stories unfold. “Last September, we hired several QCWIB members for an event we hosted. Watching them shine and knowing the dollars stayed within our community was incredibly rewarding,” she said.
QCWIB is more than an organization—it’s a movement recently expanding into Georgia and identifying other states in 2025. The initiative is scaling its impact while staying true to its roots.
For women like Chef Juszina, Denola, and hundreds of others, QCWIB has become a lifeline. As another member put it, “This isn’t just about contracts. It’s about learning to articulate your value, navigate the system, and build something lasting.”
Graham’s ultimate goal is to empower WBEs to see procurement as an opportunity—not a hurdle. “So many women don’t realize that their product or service is in demand,” she says. “We built this platform to ensure they’re ready when opportunity knocks.”
With a shared mission to drive equity in business, QCWIB and BEI are proving that when women rise, communities thrive. In Graham’s words, “The work we’re doing today is laying the foundation for future generations.”
Please visit the website to learn more about Queen City Women in Business, attend an event, or explore membership.
