The Minority Business Accelerator at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber have announced that Dr. Tyra Oldham and Rafeal L. Underwood will be serving as Senior Business Advisors. Both will be responsible for advising Minority Businesses on access to capital, planning and executing strategies, and improving efficiency in the operational and financial management of their businesses.
“Both Dr. Oldham and Mr. Underwood bring years of experience advising a variety of businesses and organizations, and we are thrilled to have them as part of the team,” says Darrin Redus, CEO of the Minority Business Accelerator. “Their extensive experience along with great understanding of financial services is a huge asset to the Accelerator team and our ability to make a deeper economic impact in our region and nation.”
Dr. Tyra Oldham has an extensive background as a consultant, management expert, entrepreneur, and founder of LANDSDS, a sustainable solutions company, and HUMASYST to solve human problems. She holds PhD, MBA, and Bachelor of Science degrees and certificates in Sustainability, Women’s Studies, International Business in Russia, and Racial Reconciliation from Harvard. Tyra has served as a global business consultant to corporations, high-growth companies, and the government. She specializes in advising on technology interface, organizational change, talent, and strategies. Her awards include working with women, families, youth, Sustainability, and Green, and she has been honored by Governors and Mayors with appointments to CRA and Mental Health Boards.
For the past 26 years, Rafeal L. Underwood, Sr. has operated as the Principal of R. L. Underwood & Associates, an Economic & Business Development Consulting firm in Columbus, Ohio. Rafeal is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional, a Certified Business Analyst and holds a M.S. degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University and a B.S. degree from Franklin University with a major in Finance. He has held economic development positions for the State of Ohio, Peoria County, Illinois, Northfield, Minnesota and East Point, Georgia. In addition, Underwood has held executive directorships for Small Business Development Centers and Small Business Incubators in Mansfield and Springfield, Ohio.
