Darcella Craven
Community Engagement, Change management, and Advocate in Midwest
10,000 People Reached 2023 - 2024!
Tackling regulatory issues and finding creative, impactful solutions to help entrepreneurs and communities thrive is my jam!
Expert in transition, engagement & leading from where you are in your career.
darcella.craven (@) outlook.com
Army veteran, leader, speaker, and presentation coach. Teaching entrepreneurship is a passion of mine and managing philanthropic impact is the key to making this all work.
Pursuing a Doctor of Management degree because- lifelong learning and pushing boundaries!
Presentations
2025
Building Strong Relationships: How to Network to the Next Level - #BuildIT STL
Strategic Leadership: Navigating Change and Building Powerful, Meaningful Networks - Women of Tech Luncheon
2024
Preparing Your Pitch – Pitch Competition Training Skandalaris Center, WashU
How to Impact Federal Regulations – SBA District Offices
Understanding Federal Regulations – Evergy 2nd Annual Supplier Diversity Conference – Kansas City, MO
Save Time, Energy & Money by Understanding Federal Regulations Impact – Keystone Innovation District event – Kansas City, MO
What Small Business Administration Can Do For Entrepreneurs in Nebraska/Iowa – webinar for NE/IA
How to Use Economic Research in Your Business Strategy for various ESOs
Facilitator Midwest Listening Tour – Understanding Your Impact on Federal Regulations – Kearney, NE; Manhattan, KS; Kansas City, MO
Understanding the Office of Advocacy – SBA National Ombudsman webinar
Introduction of the Office of Advocacy & Upcoming Regulations to Consider – Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Program Conference - Sedalia, MO
Awards & Recognition
2023 ICIC Saluting Success Recognition
2019 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Alumni
2017 What’s Right With the Region Award – FOCUS St. Louis
2015 – 2017 Gavel Recipient – SBA of Eastern Missouri Chairwoman
2015 SBA Small Business Volunteer of the Year
2015 National Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Year – SBA
2013 Most Influential Business Woman – STL Business Journal
2012 Top 100 St. Louisans to Know – Small Business Monthly
2011 Young Leaders Award – STL American Foundation
2009 Nonprofit Leadership Award – YWCA Leader Academy Class #29
2009 Distinguished Alumni Award – Sanford Brown College
2009 Small Business Administration Veterans Business Champion of the Year – Eastern MO & Reg. 7
2007 Business Journal Most Influential Minority Business Leader
2006 SBA Women’s Business Advocate of the Year
2005 Community Leader in Who’s Who in Black STL