Pamela J. Rich-Wheeler has served over 1,000 clients and currently serves on numerous business boards throughout Philadelphia. She is also a former president of the National Black MBA Association. Aside from her non-profit work, Rich-Wheeler previously owned and operated PJ Travel and Tours, a for-profit travel agency she sold after five years. Her latest venture is a youth entrepreneurship program that helps introduce young people to the world of business. She also founded an enterprise competition that provides women with coaching and seed capital to start-up their business.
What is a defining moment in your career and life?
A defining moment in my life was when my mom sent me to Hawaii with my grandparents for my graduation present from high school. I was only a junior at the time, but she had faith that because I was a good student, I would graduate. She told me that she may never get there herself, but that she wanted me to go and thought I deserved it. It made me feel loved and special and helped me to realize that even as a single parent, which my mom was, if you manage your money right, you could make big things happen at the appointed time.
What challenges have you faced as an African American in your field and how did you overcome them?
Two challenges that I have faced as a woman of color in my industry is that of the non-profit and small business market being so saturated in Philadelphia. To overcome non-profit competition, I have formed strategic alliances with larger non-profits. This has allowed me to bring the core competencies from The Business Center to other organizations and visa and versa.
To overcome competition in a saturated small business development market, The Business Center has reinvented itself and concentrated on market growth opportunities such as light manufacturing and prototypes in communities that are underserved.
What woman inspires you and why?
I am really inspired by Maya Angelou because she was such a creative force and determined to be successful as a dancer and poet, even with all the obstacles she faced. She knew her true passion and she was determined to follow her dreams at any and all costs. Her determination led her to eventually becoming a recipient of Presidential Medal of Freedom award from President Barack Obama. Additionally, more than 50 healthcare and medical facilities have been named after her. Lastly, she was awarded more than 50 honorary degrees.
What is your advice to the younger generation of women coming after you?
My advice to the younger generation coming after me is to stay focused on developing yourself spiritually, professionally, physically and academically all your life.
What does being a part of the African Diaspora mean to you?
From doing family research, I have learned that my roots started in Nigeria. Therefore, being part of the African Diaspora means that my ancestors chose to survive to end up here in the United States, so I must persevere.
