Her Story is History

Join the Women’s Business Center of Central Ohio for an in-person networking breakfast designed for WBC clients, community partners, and women entrepreneurs who value connection, storytelling, and leadership. This morning gathering is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, hear inspiring stories, and connect with women who are shaping the future of business in Central Ohio.

• Open networking with women entrepreneurs and community leaders
• An inspiring panel conversation featuring women leaders and trailblazers
• Honest stories, shared experiences, and empowering dialogue
• Breakfast and connection in a welcoming, supportive space

• Habiba K. Bankston, Executive Director, Dress for Success
• Lisa Gutierrez, Owner & CEO, Dos Hermanos
• J. Averi Frost, President & CEO of Freedom Equity Inc. and Executive Director of the Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce

Together, we’ll celebrate women’s stories, reflect on their impact, and create new connections that continue moving our community forward.

Habiba K. Bankston is a bold, purpose-driven nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience in philanthropy, community engagement, and program innovation. She currently serves as Executive Director of Dress for Success Columbus, where she leads efforts to empower women to achieve economic independence through career development, professional attire, and supportive networks.

Previously, Habiba managed multi-million-dollar philanthropic investments as Community Relations Manager at L Brands and helped build transformative donor engagement strategies at The Ohio State University. A dedicated community advocate, she has served on numerous local boards and is a passionate health advocate, using her personal journey to raise awareness around chronic disease resilience. Habiba is widely recognized for her leadership and service throughout Central Ohio.

Lisa Gutierrez is the Owner & CEO of Dos Hermanos, a 7-figure food and hospitality business that began as a single food truck with just $2,000 and a bold vision. Since launching Dos Hermanos in 2012, Lisa has grown the brand into multiple brick-and-mortar locations, food trucks, concession stands, and catering services across Ohio.

An award-winning entrepreneur, Lisa was named the SBA’s Minority Owned Small Business Person of the Year and has been recognized by the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance and ICIC for business growth and job creation. Passionate about giving back, she serves on several community boards and empowers other entrepreneurs through public speaking and business coaching.

J. Averi Frost is a visionary leader and advocate for economic equity, serving as President & CEO of Freedom Equity Inc., a federally certified CDFI, and Executive Director of the Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce.

A Columbus native, Averi has spent nearly two decades advancing inclusive economic development by expanding access to capital, education, and opportunity for Black-owned and underserved businesses across Central Ohio. She previously served as Director of the Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center, where she led hundreds of workshops and provided technical assistance to small business owners.

Averi is a trusted voice in economic justice and community development and has raised over $5 million to support Ohio-based nonprofits. She is a graduate of Denison University and remains deeply committed to strengthening local communities through entrepreneurship.

The Economic & Community Development Institute's Women's Business Centers of Ohio guide individuals at any stage of the business process. Through one-on-one counseling sessions with WBC staff and volunteers, you can get the direction and resources to meet your goals. Business advisers want to help you successfully start a business, or grow and expand your existing business -- increasing revenue and creating jobs for the local economy.

The WBCs present training workshops regularly to provide access to small business knowledge at no charge. They are the only SBA-funded Women's Business Centers in the state.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Women's Business Center of Central Ohio