Asheli S. Atkins is an assistant professor of sociology at Prairie View A&M University. She is a sociologist with over 13 years of professional research, teaching, and entrepreneurial experience. Dr. Atkins received her PhD in racial and ethnic relations and organizational theory from Texas A&M University in 2020. She obtained her MBA from Texas Women’s University and her BA from Prairie View A&M University. In addition to her work in academia, Dr. Atkins serves as the executive director of the Greater Northside Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Atkins is passionate about the development of successful marginalized businesses. Her research and professional work focus on assisting marginalized small business owners in any industry—especially Black entrepreneurs—to develop sustainable businesses using a multidisciplinary framework that examines the entrepreneurial strategies used to navigate barriers in the market. Since 2008, Dr. Atkins has also worked with the Pearland Innovation Hub, Broham Fine Soul Food & Groceries, Feed the Soul Foundation, Women’s Inflection Point, Houston Minority Supplier Diversity Council, National Black MBA Association, the Greater Houston Black Chamber, and various small businesses in the state of Texas.

Research Summary

As we currently experience the Great Resignation, which results from unfair wages, overworking, and lack of professional and individual autonomy, it is essential to bring attention to the history of Black women exiting corporate america for similar reasons rooted in racism and sexism. Wingfield and Taylor (2016) find that discrimination is the catalyst for many Black workers to turn to business ownership. This transition to business ownership is not based on experiences with racism alone but also with classism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. The mass exodus of Black women from corporate environments positively contributes to their longstanding ranking as the fastest-growing entrepreneurial group in the United States. This study looks to advance research in sociology, business, and economics and explore workplace discrimination (i.e., racial, gender, and wage discrimination) as the driving force for Black women's transition to entrepreneurship. More importantly, it explores entrepreneurship as a tool for increased income among Black women through access to professional autonomy.