Women in Business WRITTEN BY DAWN ANDERSON | PHOTOS BY: DICK ARNSPIGER
Verná Goatley, Executive Director - Louisville Metro
Tracy Biddix, Retail Regional Division Manager - Stock Yards Bank & Trust
Government Human Relations Commission On July 2, 2020, at the height of the pandemic and social unrest in the city, then-Mayor Greg Fischer appointed Verná Goatley Executive Director of Louisville Metro Government’s Human Relations Commission. The office “seeks to bridge the many ethnic, racial, and religious groups in Louisville Metro through civil law enforcement, business certification, education, and outreach.” Goatley had previously worked in the areas of business development and supplier diversity. Her office’s civil rights work with Louisville Metro’s certification program was recognized by Louisville Central Community Center (LCCC) with the Ralph de Chabert Trustees of Inclusive Equity President’s Award and by the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies (IAOHRA) with the Bill Hale Award. Goatley’s passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion extends into her community service work. Since 1989, she has volun- teered with the Black Achievers Program at the Chestnut Street Family YMCA. The Shawnee neighborhood resident is involved with the Shawnee Neighborhood Association and the Russell Place of Promise Advisory Committee. She is on the board of di- rectors of NOIR Black Chamber of Commerce, Louisville Wheels Transportation. Chestnut Street YMCA, and Network of Entre- preneurial Women (NEW). Goatley is a member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), NAACP Louisville Branch, and National Action Network. “Being Black and female, there are always challenges question- ing my ability and credentials for the position that I hold,” says Goatley, “but the work that I have done speaks for itself.” She has had her share of doubters, including a high school counsel- or who said she “wouldn’t amount to anything in life.” But look at her now! Goatley enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and spending time with family. “Family is precious to me.”
At Stock Yards Bank & Trust, Tracy Biddix centers relationships in her business philosophy. “Since 1904, Stock Yards Bank has built personal relationships with our consumer and business clients. Getting to know your customers takes time and effort. The reward is trust and loyalty.” Twenty-four years ago, Biddix was a stay-at-home mom sell- ing Mary Kay Cosmetics but looking for a steady paycheck. She joined Stock Yards Bank, where her mentor, Linda Schaber, ac- celerated her growth and put her on a management trajectory. “I was like a sponge,” says Biddix, “soaking up everything there was to know about lending, handling conflict, and people man- agement.” Upon Schaber’s retirement, Biddix was promoted to Retail Regional Division Manager. “This role allows me to live out my passion for developing people and creating efficiencies. Working at every level in the branches also prepared me for this next step in my career. I attribute my effectiveness to the fact that I have walked in the shoes of those I manage. I respect what they do and can relate to their struggles.” Climbing the corporate ladder, Biddix says she hopes to see more female representation. “The higher I go, the more male-dominated it is. I confront this challenge by continually educating myself and seeking quality talent that can bring gen- der diversity. Knowledge and diversity are powerful tools for reshaping how we relate to our communities and move us clos- er to equity.” She believes good leaders speak last, listening and taking time to understand others before providing feedback. “My ultimate advice to women in my role is to remain teach- able and never stop pursuing knowledge and self-development. When you stop learning, growth ceases, and you eventually be- come irrelevant.”
Tamika Jackson, Principal Broker/Co-Owner - Noir Realty As Principal Broker and Co-Owner of Noir Realty, Tamika Jack- son is proud of the strong representation of women in the busi- ness. “Noir Realty KY covers all aspects of real estate. Our team of women is inclusive of a builder, a general contractor, a prop- erty manager, a custom designer, affordable housing advocacy, and housing counseling.” Jackson began her career path in property management of af- fordable housing. She later started working and collaborating with colleagues investing in real estate. Jackson became a re- altor in 2009 and a broker in 2013. She opened a brokerage “to better market, connect, and collaborate with various individu- als and associations that place value and high priority in better- ing lives and communities in marginalized areas.” As a business and community leader, Jackson is involved with the Parkland Business & Development Association, Parkland Preservation District Architectural Review Committee, Ken- tucky REALTORS®️ , and the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund. She finds balance through faith and family. As a woman in her industry, Jackson has faced her share of chal- lenges. “Most real estate holdings have been male-controlled and dominated.” She confronts those challenges and overcomes intimidation “by showing up” and being “prepared to move.” Jackson says the most important lesson she has learned in her career is versatility. Her advice is to “develop more expertise in different aspects of your career field - find your niche.”
Marita A. Willis, President, Community Engagement - Community Ventures At Community Ventures, your dream is their mission and, ac- cording to President Marita A. Willis, “We have a professional, qualified team that is dedicated to preparing individuals to live, work, and play in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We invest in people, providing business and homebuyer education along with lending.” Willis’s career began in modeling, makeup, fashion, and re- tail before switching to banking. “I started as a bank teller and ended as a VP in Community Development. I was the Executive Director of a nonprofit for two years. I have learned and devel- oped in every situation. I am a servant leader.” Willis also serves as chair of the boards of MSD, Norton Chil- dren’s Hospital Foundation, and Kentucky’s Commission on Women. She is a board trustee of Louisville Collegiate School and Louisville Public Media. She is happiest when she is busy, and credits her family with giving her joy and balance. But the road to prominence has not been easy. “As a Black busi- nesswoman, I face many challenges that I have overcome again, again, and again,” says Willis. “I serve as a mentor for many women in the business community. I come as one, but I stand with many.” Her advice is to dream big. “Dream BIG - don’t let others tell you what you can or cannot accomplish. God knows the plans He has for you.”
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