Business Loans–Plus Plenty of Community Support — Pave the Way to Financial Equity — In Conversation with Dr. Vanessa G. Hall
Women in the United States makeup nearly 50 percent of the workforce and 40 percent of business owners, yet still lag far behind men economically. So far behind, in fact, that — according to the World Economic Forum’s 2020 Global Gender Gap Report — at the current rate of progress, women will not catch up to men economically for another 257 years. Because communities prosper when their members prosper, leveling the economic playing field — sooner, rather than later — is critical.
Today we are in conversation with Dr. Vanessa G. Hall, Founder and CEO of CrossRoads ITG, a solutions-oriented leader with decades of experience in Information Technology. Vanessa is passionate about empowering women financially. Today, we learn about her work with CrossRoads ITG and her collaborations with organizations like DISD Career Industry Council and the US Women’s Chamber of Commerce to address this pressing issue.
The projected timeline to close the financial gap between men and women is 257 years. Can you tell us more about CrossRoads ITG’s initiatives and why financial literacy is so important?
“CrossRoads ITG is a Certified Woman owned small business focused on STEM Coaching & Programs to bridge the STEM Equity gap in the workplace, Professional Services & Staffing concentration Program and Project Management, Organizational Transformation, and Cloud Disaster Recovery Services in partnership with 11:11 Systems.
“We are dedicated to supporting women and non-binary business owners by providing them with essential resources and tools to achieve financial success. Our collaborations with DISD Career Industry Council, the US Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and other partners are focused on empowering women economically.
Financial literacy is a cornerstone of our work at CrossRoads ITG. It’s not just about providing financing; it’s about equipping business owners with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances effectively. We help them develop robust financial plans and strategies to make the most of their resources. This support is essential for these businesses to thrive and make a positive impact on their communities.
I believe in the power of community support. Our initiatives at CrossRoads ITG aim to not only provide funding but also to offer ongoing guidance and mentorship to women entrepreneurs. Especially during challenging times like COVID-19, this support becomes even more critical in ensuring the survival and growth of women-led businesses.”
Will it really take 257 years to close the financial gap between men and women?
“We acknowledge the significant challenges ahead, but our mission at CrossRoads ITG is to accelerate progress and reduce the time it will take to bridge this gap. Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, we are committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of women entrepreneurs across the country.”
Do you have advice for other organizations that want to replicate this initiative, even on a smaller scale?
“My advice is to seek out like-minded partners who share your values and vision. Collaborations with organizations that prioritize women’s economic empowerment can amplify impact and reach. Start small but start with purpose. Every effort counts in moving towards a more equitable economic landscape.”
Thank you, Vanessa, for sharing your perspective on this important initiative.
More about Vanessa: Dr. Vanessa G. Hall is an accomplished Information Technology (IT) professional with more than 24 years of experience worldwide. She is the owner of Crossroads Information Technology Group (ITG), and also currently serves as the Strategic Initiatives IT Project Manager for PNC. Dr. Hall has a proven ability to implement change while building productive and trust-based relationships.
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn.
