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The Origin Story

Founding: May 2019 — Born From Community

WWMA was founded at Greater Mount Sinai Baptist Church with a single goal: give the businesses along West and Wilkinson a collective voice. What started as a handful of merchants meeting monthly has grown into a membership-driven association with real influence.

Partnership: WBNC Partnership

In partnership with the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition (WBNC), WWMA became the business-facing arm of a broader community development effort — focused on economic development, workforce readiness, and small business support.

Grant Funding:

$170,000 City Investment

WWMA received $170,000 through the City of Charlotte's S3 Initiative to support small business programming, technical assistance, and capacity building along the corridor. Fiscal sponsorship is provided by Do Greater.

Today:

Synergy 360 & Beyond

Today, WWMA runs Synergy 360 — an 8-month business accelerator funded through the Main Street B3 (Breaking Barriers to Business) Initiative — and continues to advocate, connect, and grow alongside the 600+ businesses that call this corridor home.

Board of Directors

Woman in red outfit with gold hoops, sitting on white chair

Shenequa Thomas, LCMHC, LPC, CRC

Board Secretary

Shenequa Thomas, LCMHC, LPC, CRC is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and Founder of Tru Pearl Solution Services PLLC — bringing over a decade of experience in behavioral health, workforce wellness, and systems-building to her role as Board Secretary of WWMA. Her connection to this work runs deep: rooted in her involvement with the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition, she has long supported community-led efforts in economic development, health, and education along the corridor.

 

As Secretary, Shenequa strengthens WWMA's governance infrastructure, strategic communication, and organizational accountability — ensuring the association operates with the structure and transparency it needs to grow into an independent, sustainable force. Her approach is equal parts purpose and practicality: the vision for economic empowerment along West and Wilkinson is not just something she talks about — it is something she is actively building, protecting, and sustaining.

Smiling woman in black jacket

Rasheda Sanders

Treasurer

Attorney Rasheda Sanders brings over 25 years of legal experience and business leadership to her role as a Treasurer with WWMA.  She is the founder of The Sanders Law Firm, PLLC and established her firm on West Boulevard to increase access to legal services for underserved communities.    She has been recognized by the North Carolina State Bar for her significant pro bono contributions, grounded in her belief that financial barriers should never prevent access to justice.

 

Her connection to the West Side is both personal and active. She attends St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and has cultivated strong ties through community initiatives and local partnerships throughout the corridor. Driven by a deep commitment to community and economic empowerment, Attorney Sanders is an entrepreneur who is dedicated to pouring back into the community by sharing the knowledge and experience she has gained to help others build, grow, and sustain successful businesses.

Smiling man in a suit and floral tie

J. Hill

Recording Secretary

J. Hill is a public relations and marketing leader with over two decades of experience, serving as CEO of The BrandUscript Agency, a premier Charlotte-based firm known for culturally relevant, high-impact campaigns. Under his leadership, the agency has driven meaningful visibility and community engagement for businesses and nonprofits across the city. J. Hill has been recognized on QCityMetro’s PR Power List, named a 2025 Great 28 honoree by QCityMetro.com, and a 2025 Emerging Leader by Who’s Who in Black Charlotte.

 

A Leadership Charlotte Class 45 graduate and active civic leader, he is committed to shaping Charlotte’s growth through strategic storytelling and community-driven initiatives.

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Where History Meets Momentum

Our Mission

To strengthen the economic vitality of the West Boulevard and Wilkinson Boulevard corridors by organizing, advocating for, and connecting small business owners — while preserving the cultural identity and expanding opportunity for all who live and work here.

Our Vision

A thriving, self-sustaining commercial corridor where legacy businesses and emerging entrepreneurs grow side by side — recognized as a vital economic hub in the City of Charlotte and a model for community-led development.

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