Washington, D.C. — Jasmine Tiara, a Navy spouse and owner of the Black Wallet, was recognized today as the 2021 Military Spouse Entrepreneur Impact Award recipient at Hiring Our Heroes’ Fifth Annual Military Spouse Employment Summit presented by USAA.
"Jasmine’s ingenuity in creating the Black Wallet gives all of us an opportunity to elevate Black-owned businesses. Her efforts amplify the voices of the Black small business community in hopes of inspiring those new to running a business, and supporting those who are already on their way,” said Jennifer Roberts, CEO of Chase Business Banking at JP Morgan Chase & Co., who sponsored the entrepreneur award.
Launched in 2017, the Black Wallet is a Black-woman owned, digital resource center for thousands of Black-owned businesses in America. Through the Black Wallet app, patrons search for local and online businesses, along with events.
“The Black Wallet is more than a directory, it is a catalyst for change,” said Meredith Lozar, Executive Director of Programs and Events at Hiring Our Heroes. “Jasmine is using technology to leave a positive impact on Black culture and entrepreneurship, along with military spouse entrepreneurship.”
Other Military Spouse Impact Awards honorees included well-known champion for military spouses, Suzie Schwartz. Retired Army Gen. Dennis Via, executive vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton, presented Schwartz with the Bonnie Amos Impact Award for Lifetime Achievement. Suzie is the spouse of retired Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Norton Schwartz.
Samantha Domingo received the Military Spouse Volunteer Impact Award presented by Toyota and the city of Tampa was honored with the Community Leader Impact Award presented by Deloitte.
First Lady Jill Biden, spouse of U.S. President Joe Biden, community college educator and best-selling author, provided keynote remarks to more than 1,800 virtual attendees to include military spouses, military-ready employers, and veteran service organizations representatives. Other noteworthy panelists and featured speakers included Hollyanne Milley, spouse of Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Brianna Keilar, anchor of “CNN New Day,” and author of “Home Front;” U.S. Representative Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.). Michaela Pereira, anchor/host of “Good Day LA,” was the summit’s emcee.
Media that were not able to virtually attend the Military Spouse Employment Summit during its scheduled time can inquire with Stephanie Walton, swalton@uschamber.com, about getting a link to watch the recorded event.
About Hiring Our Heroes
Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) is a 501(c)3 organization under the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The non-profit launched in March 2011 as a nationwide initiative to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find meaningful employment. Working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s vast network of state and local chambers and other strategic partners from the public, private and nonprofit sectors, Hiring Our Heroes has helped hundreds of thousands of veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment through its comprehensive training and hiring events, fellowship programs, and online tools. HOH programs and services are available in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and on military installations around the world. For more information on programming and initiatives: HiringOurHeroes.org; @HiringOurHeroes on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
