Executive Director

Alika Kumar is the Executive Director of the Arizona Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center, responsible for facilitating the exponential growth of minority-owned business enterprises through business development and capacity building. Alika has over 25 years of experience in business consulting, research, developing competitive business intelligence; market research; development of growth and market entry strategies. Her experience includes business consulting; teaching business courses; and working for the state and federal government.

Alika earned a Master of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. She served on the Boards of the Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce; and, o the Metro Phoenix Export Alliance. Alika is passionate advocate for equality, equity, and the empowerment of women and children around the world. She is also a Sister on the Planet for Oxfam America. Alika is an artist, an aspiring sculptor, and the proud mother of three college grads, and happily married to a retired university librarian and avid reader.

alika@arizonambdacenter.com;

T: 602-294-6087

Senior Business Consultant

Yvette Uriondo is a Senior Business Consultant with the Arizona MBDA Business Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Yvette Uriondo has over 40 years working in corporate, government, non-profit and private business environments.

Yvette studied Business Administration with emphasis in Finance and Operations at New Jersey City University; and New York University where she focused on construction trade and has experience in all phases of construction development, including planning and project management, and has a CPM in Property and Asset Management. Her business experience includes financial consulting, business development and management solutions, and working with business startups.

Yvette is a former Underwriter and Transaction Manager for the State of Arizona Department of Housing which administrates program funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury. Yvette offers organizational consulting, business certification assistance, and support accessing capital, procurement opportunities and partnerships, and is a Certified GrowthWheel Advisor.

yvette@arizonambdacenter.com;

T 602.248-0007 Ext. 213; C 480-772-8349

Business Consultant

Vanessa Bell a native of Yuma, Arizona and an accomplished business advisor, consultant, marketer, and speaker. Recognized as the Top 20 under 40 for 2021 Rising Star. Vanessa has helped small businesses start and thrive for over 10 years. During her time as business advisor and most recently Director at AWC Small Business Development Center, she helped facilitate over 30 million in capital formation and sales growth for small businesses in Arizona. Vanessa brings a unique combination of business and digital marketing experience to clients. Vanessa also is a business owner herself. She founded The Business Designer in 2008 helping small businesses design a niche website, marketing campaigns and social media management. Vanessa also runs a podcast on Apple Itunes.

Vanessa’s consulting experience includes diverse industries such as restaurants, manufacturing and service-based businesses. With her combined experiences, she brings a unique perspective to difficult business problems. Vanessa holds a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. She is a certified Growth Wheel Advisor. Vanessa enjoys the ministry, hiking and traveling.

Vanessa@arizonambdacenter.com;

P: 602.294.6088, Ext. 115