ASHELI S. ATKINS, M.B.A.
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
PH.D. STUDENT
VITA

AREAS OF INTEREST:
RACIAL & ETHNIC RELATIONS
ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY
RACE, CLASS & GENDER
SOCIOLOGY OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AFRICAN AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Asheli S. Atkins, MBA is an entrepreneur and 4th-year Sociology Ph.D. candidate at Texas A&M University studying race, ethnicity & entrepreneurship. In her research, she is developing a multidisciplinary framework to examine the strategies marginalized entrepreneurs use to navigate barriers in the market. With the use of qualitative methods, Asheli analyzes the experiences of her participants and uncovers the strategies they construct, while also learning how personal and professional experiences with racism, discrimination, sexism, and power dynamics, influence their decision-making processes as entrepreneurs. This data assists her as a researcher, business consultant, and small business advocate. Asheli uses her research to equip entrepreneurs with tools and strategies to avoid and/or limit their experience with barriers that may hinder their business success.

In 2018, Asheli joined the Texas A&M University Entrepreneurship Minor Steering Committee led by Sociologist, Dr. Patricia Thornton; Business Professional, Omar Hakim; & Economist, Dr. Lawrence McNeil, where she assists in the implementation and teaching of a campus-wide entrepreneurship minor. This opportunity allows Asheli to bridge her experience as an M.B.A. and Sociologist as she works alongside distinguished scholars and professionals. In this role, Asheli illustrates her ability to utilize her multidisciplinary expertise in her research, teaching, and service.

Additionally, Asheli is the co-founder of Attucks England, LLC, a turnkey consulting firm she operates alongside Warren Luckett & Cornell England. Asheli also created Houston Black-Owned Businesses (@HouBlkBus) a social media platform used to promote, educate, and advocate for Black-owned businesses in and around Houston.

Asheli previously worked with organizations such as the Greater Houston Black Chamber, Prairie View A&M University, and other small businesses. She is also a member of the Houston Black Leadership Institute (HBLI) Inaugural Class. Asheli received her Master’s in Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor’s degree from Prairie View A&M University in Communications.
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