Klassi Duncan Honored with 2024 Marsha Bailey Leadership Award at AWBC Leadership Conference

The Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) is proud to announce that Klassi Duncan, Vice President of the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) at the Urban League of Louisiana, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Marsha Bailey Leadership Award. The award was presented at the AWBC Leadership Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Marsha Bailey Leadership Award is presented annually to a Women’s Business Center (WBC) staff member who exemplifies five key characteristics: Servant Leadership, Integrity, Commitment and Passion, Empowerment of Others, and Collaboration. Marsha Bailey, the namesake of the award, has made significant contributions to the AWBC community and embodies the very spirit of these qualities through her work with the organization.

Klassi Duncan, a dedicated leader within the Greater New Orleans Region, has been at the helm of the Women’s Business Resource Center since 2016, first as its Director and now as Vice President overseeing multiple impactful programs. Under her leadership, the Center has expanded its reach and garnered numerous accolades, including the 2020 State and Region VI Women’s Center of Excellence Award and the 2017 Women’s Business Champion Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Klassi’s work with the CEI extends across the state of Louisiana, where she oversees the operations of the Women’s Business Resource Center, the Contractor’s Resource Center, and the Small Business Support Services Center. Her leadership has resulted in the creation of significant initiatives, including the Women in Construction Convening, the Veterans Small Business Breakfast and Resources Summit, and the Black Women in Retail Accelerator Program.

“Klassi leads with people in mind first. She values people and goes out of her way to make them feel seen and heard. Her dedication to empowering women and minority entrepreneurs across Louisiana is unmatched, and she continually demonstrates integrity and passion in everything she does,” said Dr. Carla Antoine, Director of Small Business Support Services at the Urban League of Louisiana, who nominated Klassi for the award.

Servant Leadership is at the core of Klassi’s approach. She leads with empathy, putting people first and ensuring that her clients feel seen and heard. As a mentor to many women professionals and entrepreneurs, she is consistently committed to lifting others up and fostering an inclusive environment. Integrity is another hallmark of her leadership, as Klassi remains steadfast in her commitment to doing the right thing, even in challenging circumstances.

Her Commitment and Passion for empowering women and minority entrepreneurs is unwavering. Klassi has sacrificed and invested her time, energy, and resources to elevate entrepreneurial education throughout Louisiana. Moreover, she Empowers Others by providing her team with growth opportunities and encouraging them to take the lead in decision-making processes. Her leadership style fosters Collaboration across the entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring that the CEI team works together effectively to support each other’s goals.

Klassi’s impact extends beyond the local level. She has been a thought leader on the national and international stages, sharing her insights and best practices at conferences such as the Women’s Impact Forum in Bordeaux, France, and the Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Annual Conference. She is also a sought-after speaker on topics like building scalable businesses and entrepreneurial development for women of color.

In receiving the Marsha Bailey Leadership Award, Klassi Duncan joins a prestigious group of leaders who have made enduring contributions to the growth and success of women entrepreneurs. Her dedication, vision, and collaborative spirit continue to drive positive change in Louisiana and beyond.