In 2025, WBENC continues its legacy of honoring exceptional women business owners through the WBE Star Award. Each WBE Star has been hand-selected by one of the 14 Regional Partner Organizations, with a special focus this year on honoring those who embody the spirit of “ACCELERATE” by championing progress, growth, and advancement for themselves, their businesses, and the communities they serve. The WBE Star Award stands as a powerful acknowledgment of the profound impact these extraordinary women have made throughout their careers, shaping industries and inspiring lasting changes in their communities.
The 2025 WBE Stars are being celebrated throughout the year, with the culmination at the vibrant WBENC National Conference, held June 23-26, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. This dynamic event served as a hub for business excellence, innovation, and networking. Thousands of attendees gathered to celebrate the strength and rich tapestry of the WBENC Network. It was a time to recognize the ongoing contributions of entrepreneurs and change makers, including the 14 exceptional WBE Stars ACCELERATING impact across the network.
Meet Angela Garmon, Founder and CEO of ARG Coaching and Consulting Group, with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council – West Regional Partner Organization. Angela is an award-winning business owner, philanthropist, and respected leader with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in helping teams strengthen resilience, cultivate collaboration, and unlock peak performance. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that people thrive when they are inspired and empowered—fostering cultures of excellence, resilience, and innovation.
Angela’s impact has been widely recognized. She was named one of the Top 100 Women to Know Across America in the Spring 2022 issue of Know Magazine, and highlighted among 19 Top Leaders Making a Real Difference in the Valley in the December 2022 issue of InBusiness Magazine.
In 2021, Angela launched an Arizona-based nonprofit dedicated to closing disparity gaps for minority- and women-owned businesses. That same year, the organization received one of the largest grants of its kind to design and implement a business development program supporting cohorts of Black-owned businesses across the state for three consecutive years.
Get inspired by Angela’s insights!
ARG Coaching and Consulting Group is a strategic change management consulting firm, with a strong focus on human dynamics in the workplace. Leveraging the ARG Approach to change management, coupled with Six Sigma methodologies, ARG partners with clients to gain a comprehensive understanding of team dynamics and organizational needs.
Understanding that every leader approaches change differently, ARG assesses each team’s readiness for change through in-depth gap analyses and provides tailored implementation strategies and roadmaps to drive successful transformation. Their work goes beyond process—it’s about creating psychologically safe environments where teams can thrive through change.
From facilitating project rollouts to aligning people with processes, ARG Coaching and Consulting Group delivers proven solutions that conquer change and cultivate results.
Wisdom from WBE Star, Angela Garmon
What does “ACCELERATE” mean to you in the context of the WBENC network?
To me, “ACCELERATE” in the context of the WBENC network represents the incredible power that people have to drive growth—both in business and in personal development. It’s about the connections, the support, and the shared knowledge that we gain when we come together as a community. As a woman entrepreneur, I’ve seen firsthand how the right people, whether mentors, peers, or partners, can help you reach new heights much faster than you could on your own.
I’ve learned that “ACCELERATE” is not just about speed, but about the quality of the growth that comes from working alongside others who truly understand the challenges and opportunities that women business owners face.
It’s about building relationships that are grounded in trust and collaboration, which then create opportunities that I might not have encountered otherwise.
In the WBENC network, the value of people is what truly accelerates success. The guidance and insights shared by fellow members, the doors that open through corporate partnerships, and the constant drive to lift each other up are what make growth feel less like a race and more like a shared journey. It’s about taking the collective strength of the network and using it to push past barriers, innovate, and create sustainable growth that benefits everyone involved.
For business owners and leaders who are looking to ACCELERATE their success, what key advice or actionable steps would you recommend for them to implement today?
For business owners and leaders looking to accelerate their success, I recommend three key actions:
- Gain clarity in your vision: Clearly define your long-term goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. This will guide your decisions and help you stay focused on what truly matters.
- Build your network: Surround yourself with diverse, like-minded individuals who can offer support, guidance, and opportunities. Networking is essential for gaining insights and building strategic partnerships. Additionally, tap into your network. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want or need.
- Understand your market positioning: Assess how your business stands out and identify areas where you can provide unique value. Positioning yourself strategically in the market is critical for attracting the right customers and partners. Also, actively seek opportunities in the marketplace. They will always present themselves when you ask the right questions. This will give your business an advantage instead of just waiting for business to come to you. I share with people how to lead with opportunities instead of your capabilities.
Implementing these steps will help build a solid foundation for growth and long-term success.
What is one of your proudest achievements in your business journey?
I struggled immensely when I started my business. The odds were stacked against me. I couldn’t figure out how to maintain revenue. I had no clue how to connect with corporate clients. I grappled daily with whether or not I should throw in the towel those first few years. Looking back, my proudest achievement is that I kept going. For the first time in my life, I bet on myself, and when faced with all the adversities that I had to overcome to get to where I am today, I beat the odds. I found a way to keep going. To keep learning, growing, and evolving.
Not only did I have to overcome business problems, in the second year of running my business, I was diagnosed with cancer and then two years later, I found myself navigating through the challenges of COVID. Battling cancer while growing the business taught me resilience and the importance of maintaining focus, and it forced me to scale. That year, my income doubled, which wasn’t saying much, it simply put me in line with the national statistics for a black women led firm.
Navigating through COVID, a time of uncertainty for many businesses, was another significant test. Despite the challenges, I kept my business running, adapting quickly to new demands and shifting to virtual solutions. Leaving 2020, I finally made it to six figure revenues. These experiences reinforced my commitment to my mission and deepened my resolve to help other leaders conquer change and cultivate results.
What suggestions would you like to share with a newly certified WBE who is looking to get involved in the WBENC community?
For a newly certified WBE looking to get involved in the WBENC community, my advice is simple: Just get started and stay committed to the journey. It is hard to be successful sitting on the sidelines waiting for the “right” opportunity to come along. Yet, I see it time and time again. A newly certified WBE will show up to events, make connections, have one or two follow-up conversations, and wonder why she has not secured a contract in the first year after getting certified. She is sitting on the sidelines, waiting instead of creating opportunities. Those opportunities come through deeper engagement in the community.
Finally, be vulnerable and transparent about where you are in your business journey. This openness will allow you to access the tools, resources, and support you need to succeed. When you’re honest about your challenges, you’ll find others willing to help, and you’ll be able to leverage the network’s collective wisdom to accelerate your growth.
What legacy do you hope to leave in the business community?
I aim to be one who intentionally seeks to make a difference in the business community. I want to leave a legacy of empowerment and opportunity. Through mentorship, resources, and strategic guidance, my personal mission is to empower marginalized entrepreneurs and leaders to thrive, building the confidence and skills needed to conquer change and cultivate results.
