Since 2017, when our Founder VR Small, joined six other female Veterans in Austin, Texas to testify on behalf of a bill acknowledging Women Veterans Day in the State of Texas, Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center (VWEC) has faithfully hosted a series of events highlighting the innovation and brilliance of Veteran Women Entrepreneur across the State of Texas.
The year VWEC, expands its celebration nationwide to present the participants for our International Trade Cohort Virtual Pitch Competition, exclusively for Veteran Women Entrepreneurs. VWEC’s International Trade Cohort aims to empower women veteran entrepreneurs to seize global opportunities and expand their businesses internationally. Through a comprehensive program encompassing monthly training, one-on-one mentoring, and access to personalized international trade guidance, VWEC will ensure selected participants have access to the necessary providers and support to effectively navigate the complexities of international trade.
MEET OUR PITCH PARTICIPANTS
Hyacinth Tucker,
Owner, The Laundry Basket LLC
Hyacinth Tucker is a veteran of the United States Army. Born in Jamaica, West Indies and raised in Brooklyn, NY, she is a true example of the American Dream. Hyacinth received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in English from Towson University, and later earned her MBA.
Currently, Hyacinth is the proud owner of The Laundry Basket, LLC, a mobile laundry, and dry-cleaning delivery solution servicing the Greater DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area. She is also a member of Toastmasters International, where she has honed her public speaking skills.
Hyacinth is happily married and a devoted mother of two children named Amir and Jasmine. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing board games, and reading. Her favorite quote, “With God all things are possible” is a testament to her unwavering faith and determination to succeed in all aspects of her life.
Ericka McKim,
Chief Executive Officer, And I Like It, LLC
Ericka McKim founded And I Like It™ in 2017, a business dedicated to creating delicious low-carb, keto, and gluten-free products, based in Dallas, TX. Ericka’s journey began with her health struggles, including severe gluten sensitivities and a sugar addiction, which led her to develop her proprietary all-natural, low-glycemic, sweetener blend, FirstRate™.
Ericka served ten years worldwide as a Gunner’s Mate in the US Navy before being medically retired. Her determination to find tasty and healthy food alternatives drove her to adapt her mother's cherished cheesecake recipe into a keto-friendly version, sparking the birth of And I Like It™.
Under Ericka’s leadership, And I Like It™ offers a variety of guilt-free treats, including individual cheesecakes, protein peanut butter fudge, and candied keto pecans, all made with FirstRate™ and premium, nutrient-dense ingredients. Her innovative sweetener, FirstRate™, developed with her biochemist sister, stands out for its clean taste and gut-friendly properties, helping customers enjoy sweet treats without compromising their health.
Ericka’s dedication to her community is seen in her collaboration with the Dallas County Community College District. She hires interns from disadvantaged, international, and multi-racial backgrounds to gain experience in a “real” world setting. She also works closely with non-profit organizations, giving donations and volunteering for service projects.
Ericka’s grit and commitment to quality and taste have garnered recognition, including DAV’s 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year, recipient of the FedEx Entrepreneur Fund 2022, Texas Woman’s University Veteran Woman Grant Winner 2021, IVMF’s D’Aniello Family Foundation Acceleration Challenge beneficiary, and Military Woman Startup Accelerator beneficiary.
She is currently pursuing submission to HEB's Quest for the Best in 2024. Her products are available online (www.andilikeit.com), at local farmers' markets, festivals, and at partner stores throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Looking ahead, Ericka aims to expand her product reach internationally to US embassies and military bases worldwide.
Sherrie M. Bryant,
Owner, BLK ESSENSE, LLC
Army retired Lieutenant Colonel Sherrie Bryant is a veteran, mother, CEO, and Founder of BLK ESSENSE. While in uniform, she established herself as a fair and caring leader with over 30 years of service in the Army Reserve and Active Component. Sherrie's commitment to the well-being of her fellow soldiers extends beyond the battlefield. As a mental health advocate, she has actively worked to destigmatize mental health issues within the military community and promote accessible and effective resources for women veterans.
After retiring from the Army, Sherrie channeled her passion for helping others to found BLK ESSENSE. As the CEO and Founder of BLK ESSENSE, LLC, she is a veteran and woman-owned business owner who has served her country for over 30 years. With a passion for excellence and a drive to make a difference, BLK ESSENSE provides high-quality fragrances from essential oils.
Even Through Sherrie’s business, she has made a tangible impact in countless customers' lives, uplifting communities and fostering positive change. BLK ESSENSE is not just about creating beautiful fragrances; they are also about making a positive impact on the lives of others. Their dedication to their customers and community sets them apart and makes them a company worth supporting.
Through handcrafted fragrances, BLK ESSENSE aims to create a sensory experience that transports individuals to a place of beauty and tranquility. Each bottle is carefully curated with premium oils, ensuring that customers receive nothing less than a truly luxurious experience. Sherrie believes everyone deserves the best, so she sources the finest ingredients for their products.
Sherrie's love for her family is evident in her roles as a devoted mother to her two children. She believes in instilling the values of compassion, respect, and resilience in her children, fostering a strong sense of empathy towards others and a desire to make a difference in the world. Her passion for her children has led her to be an advocate for parents with children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to her own son’s ASD challenges.
In her personal life, she volunteers with the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Inc., as the international Military Attache, fighting for access to Women Veterans benefits and healthcare. She enjoys outdoor activities and raising awareness and funds for many different causes. Her dedication to service and her ability to lead with compassion make her a true force for good, committed to bettering the lives of others.
Karen Tinsley-Sroka,
Owner, My Scratch Offs
Karen Tinsley-Sroka is the Founder & Creative Executive of My Scratch Offs, a women and veteran owned company. She served in the Air Force from 1995-2001 where she worked as an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician.
After the Air Force she chose to return to school full time and stay home to raise her 2 young daughters. Karen launched My Scratch Offs in 2008 in her living room. She saw a need to bring to the greater market these little-known scratch-off products. In 15 years, she and her staff have built a physical and online presence that is rivalled by few. She is now in the process of designing packaging for few of their most popular scratch-off products for the retail shelf in the US and Canada.
Karen lives in Belleville, Illinois with her daughters Madison (19) and Molly (16) and dog Bella. She enjoys spending time with her daughters, graphic design, reading, drinking wine, outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends, and most of all traveling.
Maria Williams,
Chief of Sweetness, Sweet Melao LLC
Maria Williams is a data-driven leader and veteran with a passion for empowering communities. Her diverse background spans finance, human resources, and entrepreneurship, fueled by a strong analytical foundation and a commitment to excellence.
Maria's journey began in the US Navy, where she honed her organizational skills and leadership qualities. She later leveraged her multilingual fluency (Spanish, English, French) to excel in HR recruitment for a global financial institution. Her analytical prowess further blossomed as she pursued a Master of Business Administration and prestigious certifications like Harvard Business Analytics and Google Business Analytics.
Currently, Maria serves as CEO and Co-Founder of Sweet Melao, a veteran-owned company dedicated to crafting delicious and healthy natural sweeteners and snacks. Here, her leadership extends from strategic vision to financial oversight, building a high-performing team and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Maria's commitment to innovation and social impact extends beyond her own venture. She actively participates in programs like the Harvard Business Analytics program, demonstrating her dedication to continuous learning.
