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Meet Tamala Austin, MBA
Founder
Program Strategist | Community Development Leader | Contractor & Small Business Advocate
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Tamala Austin, MBA, is a seasoned program strategist and community development leader with more than 15 years of experience designing and managing publicly funded initiatives that expand access to opportunity for small businesses, contractors, and underserved communities. Her work sits at the intersection of economic development, public-sector procurement, and capacity building—helping businesses move from readiness to results.
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Tamala currently leads business equity and outreach initiatives within a large public healthcare system, where she oversees contractor and supplier capacity-building programs that have contributed to more than $683 million in subcontracting awards. In this role, she develops and delivers certification readiness workshops, financial literacy and access-to-capital training, and procurement navigation programming, while building strategic partnerships with municipal, transportation, education, and state agencies.
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Previously, Tamala served as Director of the Wells Fargo–funded Open for Business program at Houston Community College, where she built and launched a comprehensive contractor and business readiness initiative from the ground up. She managed a $918,856 program budget, led curriculum development, coordinated cross-sector partnerships, and ensured compliance, reporting, and measurable outcomes. Under her leadership, hundreds of entrepreneurs and small businesses received technical assistance, training, and access to institutional networks.
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Throughout her career, Tamala has collaborated closely with organizations such as the Houston Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), chambers of commerce, financial institutions, and community-based partners to deliver impactful programming focused on business growth, branding, and long-term sustainability. She is known for her ability to translate complex institutional requirements into practical strategies that empower businesses to compete effectively.
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As a leader with The B.R.I.D.G.E., Tamala brings hands-on operational expertise, strong stakeholder relationships, and a deep commitment to inclusive economic development. She believes that when businesses are equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and connections, they become catalysts for stronger communities and lasting impact.
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“Tamala leads with strategy, integrity, and execution—bridging businesses to opportunity and sustainable growth.”
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“Success is achievable when you have the right tools, the right guidance, and the right connections. When women succeed, entire communities thrive—because when women are empowered, they uplift everyone around them.”
— Tamala Austin
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Executive Leader | Economic Development Strategist | Supplier Diversity Advocate
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Marshette Turner Ray is a nationally respected executive leader with more than two decades of experience advancing minority business development, supplier diversity, and inclusive economic growth across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She is recognized for her ability to design and lead high-impact business development initiatives that expand access to capital, contracting opportunities, and institutional markets for small and minority-owned businesses.
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Throughout her career, Marshette has held senior leadership roles overseeing large-scale, publicly funded programs focused on business growth, contractor readiness, and economic inclusion. She previously served as Executive Director of the Houston Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), where she provided strategic leadership for programs aligned with federal and municipal contracting priorities. In that role, she led initiatives that increased minority-owned business participation in capital investment and government contracting, strengthened public-private partnerships, and exceeded performance benchmarks through data-driven program delivery.
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Marshette’s leadership experience also includes senior roles with the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition (where she served as National Program Director), and government relations and policy leadership roles within the State of Illinois Comptroller’s Office. Across these positions, she has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, strengthened fiscal oversight, and guided organizations through complex compliance, reporting, and performance requirements.
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A strategic thinker and relationship builder, Marshette has worked extensively with municipalities, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, corporations, and community organizations to build sustainable ecosystems that support business growth and workforce participation. Her work has helped hundreds of businesses improve operational readiness, secure funding, and compete successfully for institutional opportunities.
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As a leader with The B.R.I.D.G.E., Marshette brings deep expertise in program governance, stakeholder engagement, and economic development strategy. She is committed to creating equitable pathways for businesses to grow, scale, and succeed—believing that strong businesses are essential to building strong communities.
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“Marshette brings vision, discipline, and proven leadership to every initiative—building bridges between opportunity, access, and sustainable growth.”
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-Marshette Turner Ray
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