Dr. Asheli S. Atkins

Dr. Asheli S. Atkins is a sociologist with over 13 years of outstanding professional research, teaching, and entrepreneurial experience. In addition to her role as an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Prairie View A&M University, Dr. Atkins is a Cohort member of Goldman Sachs & the Urban Institutes: One Million Black Women Research program.

Dr. Atkins received her Ph.D. in racial & ethnic relations and organizational theory from Texas A&M University in 2020. She also obtained her MBA from Texas Women’s University and BA from Prairie View A&M University. In addition to her work in academia, Dr. Atkins serves as the Executive Director of the Greater Northside Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Atkins is passionate about the development of successful marginalized businesses. Her research and professional work focus on assisting marginalized small business owners—with specific attention to Black entrepreneurs—in the development of sustainable businesses regardless of the industry type through the development of a multidisciplinary framework that examines the entrepreneurial strategies utilized to navigate barriers in the market.

Since 2008, Dr. Atkins also worked with various organizations including but not limited to the Pearland Innovation Hub, Broham Fine Soul Food & Groceries, Feed the Soul Foundation, Women’s Inflection Point, Houston Minority Supplier Diversity Council, National Black MBA Association, the Greater Houston Black Chamber and various small businesses in the state of Texas.