About Us
Our Story
The Albany Black Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) is a newly established Chamber providing a hyper focus on the development, promotion and growth of Black and minority-owned businesses in the Greater Capital Region. Through advocacy, culturally competent programming, business management training, access to capital and government contracting opportunities, ABCC plays a vital role in establishing equitable business opportunities for the BIPOC communities of Albany and the surrounding areas.
Our Mission
To recruit and empower top Black and minority-owned business leaders by providing exceptional business support, visionary leadership, and strategic advocacy. We strive to foster a vibrant and equitable local community where businesses and individuals thrive, driving innovation, collaboration, and economic growth.
Our Vision
To grow and sustain a nationally recognized, dynamic, and innovative chamber of commerce. By emerging as a central player in all local economic partnerships and serving as an authentic and relevant voice, the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce will be the epicenter for Black and minority-owned businesses in the Greater Capital Region.
Meet Our CEO
Native to Albany, Deshanna C. Wiggins is a proud alumna of the Albany City School District and Clark Atlanta University. Deshanna carries a passion for service in her heart and works to positively impact lives and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. She spent the last decade helping people reshape their lives and stimulate equity and progression. Deshanna served the City of Atlanta for 10+ years under the leadership of Kasim Reed, Keisha Lance-Bottoms, and Andre Dickens in the office of Special Events, Film & Entertainment, and the Municipal Court of Atlanta.
After the successful development of two companies, The Warginson Group, an architectural design company, and CommonWealth Solutions, a boutique consulting firm to promote equity, social development, and human rights, Deshanna is excited to bring her talents back to her hometown to lead the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce & Social Club as CEO and seeks to empower minority business executives and owners to push Albany and the Greater Capital Region ever forward.
OUR TEAM
DeshannaWiggins
CEO
info@albanyblackchamber.com
Board Members
Walter Porter, Board Chair, Founder, Inspired Marketing Solutions, Inc.
Natisha Alexander, Board Secretary, Real Estate
Corey Ellis, President of The Albany Common Council
Jahkeen Hoke, Board Treasurer, Board Treasurer, Co-Founder, 4th Family
Robert Nichols, SVP, Business Banking, Berkshire Bank
Tamika Otis, Corporate Responsibility Director, KeyBank
Obar Robinson, Co-Founder, Hold Up Roll Up
Senator James Sanders Jr., Board Vice Chair, New York State Senate, 10th District
Elton Tune, President of WPNT Construction
Kizzy Williams, Founder, Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen
Ron Gardner, President, Gardner Business Solutions and Director of Diversity and Affirmative Action for the City of Schenectady
Ang Morris, Secretary, Judge Jillian Faison
Ruth Kassel, Ph.D., Director of Operations, Capital Region Community Investment Trust
Benita Lewis, Executive Assistant, Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU)
Paul Zuber, Executive VP, The Business Council
Jose Segura, Wealth Management Advisor, Wealth Advisory Group
Jeshua White, Co-Founder, Social On Central/Blowing Smoke