News

The Women’s Business Center (WBC) at Cornerstone Alliance proudly announces its 2025 Advisory Board. Comprising of female community leaders and dedicated advocates for women entrepreneurs, this team will play a crucial role in shaping the future of women-owned businesses in Southwest Michigan. 

“The Women’s Business Center is a catalyst for opportunity, providing women entrepreneurs with the resources, expertise, and support needed to build thriving businesses,” said Brandy Jaquez, Managing Director of the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance. “Our Advisory Board is instrumental in guiding that mission. With our returning members providing continuity and our new members bringing fresh insights, we are poised for another year of impact and growth.”

The WBC Advisory Board consists of 9 members including: Ethel Clark-Griffin, Sheryl DeLuca, Afiya Latham, Laura Martin, Melanie Owen, Becky Spicer, Ashley Stephens, Marci Taylor, and Brigitte Vegter. Returning board member Melanie Owen expressed enthusiasm about continuing to support the WBC’s mission, stating, “Serving on the WBC advisory board for nearly a decade, I have enjoyed helping other female entrepreneurs succeed in our community. As a WBC board member, I am able to give back in a way that enriches the economy and helps our hometowns be prosperous. I am passionate about building up and inspiring others. I consider myself fortunate to have been a client of the WBC when starting my business and am proud to be part of the WBC.”

The Advisory Board’s role is to strengthen the WBC’s ability to provide critical business resources, mentorship, and advocate for the WBC’s impact. Their collective expertise and commitment will empower more women to start, sustain, and scale their businesses, fueling economic growth in the region.

Since its inception, the WBC has been a driving force for women entrepreneurs, offering comprehensive support through business training, financial education, and access to capital. The WBC is dedicated to helping women achieve financial independence and equipping women with the tools needed to thrive in today’s business landscape.

With the support of this influential Advisory Board, the WBC is ready to expand its reach and deepen its impact in 2025 throughout Van Buren, Cass and Berrien County.

For media inquiries or more information about the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance, visit cornerstonewbc.com or contact 269-925-6100.

Ethel Clark-Griffin
Ethel Clark-Griffin is the 4th Ward Commissioner for the City of Benton Harbor and an entrepreneur with multiple businesses. A licensed insurance agent and District Leader for Primerica Financial Services, she also holds certifications as a life coach. With a background in criminal justice and a degree in business administration, Ethel is committed to community service, serving on numerous boards and committees, including the Corewell Health Wellness Center Advisory Board, the Benton Harbor-Fair Plain Lions Club, Sisters from Another Mother, and Strong Women of Faith. She is also Co-Chair of the Juneteenth Celebration and a mentor to emerging leaders. Ethel resides in Benton Harbor with her husband and is a mother to three sons. 

Sheryl DeLuca
Sheryl DeLuca brings extensive leadership experience in business strategy and consulting from her previous experience at PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). During her tenure at PwC, she served as Chief of Staff for the U.S. and Global Consulting Strategy Leader. Now residing in Cassopolis, Michigan, Sheryl has remained active in her community, serving on the boards of Helping Hands of Cass County and the Diamond Lake Association, as well as the Cass County Economic Development Committee. She is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and helping local businesses grow. Sheryl is also a proud mother of two accomplished sons.

Afiya Latham
Afiya Latham is the owner of a top-performing staffing agency, Express Employment, and founder of a professional development firm specializing in career readiness and executive coaching for women. Known as "The Employment Matchmaker" and "Accountability Strategist," she is dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses through strategic workforce solutions. With a background in education, management, and healthcare, Afiya works to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity while championing equity and inclusion. She actively mentors young professionals and collaborates with businesses to drive success. 

Laura Martin
Laura Martin is a marketing strategist and campaign manager at Mid-West Family Marketing & Media, leveraging her expertise in branding, digital and traditional marketing, and business storytelling. As the owner of Innovational Business Solutions, she has helped numerous small businesses enhance their visibility. A graduate of the 2024 Lake Michigan College Leadership Accelerator Program, Laura is an active community leader, participating in the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary Club and the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter. Inspired by her son’s autism diagnosis, she is a passionate advocate for improving educational services for children with special needs. Laura lives in St. Joseph with her fiancé Karl and her son Trevor.

Melanie Owen
Melanie Owen is the co-owner and manager of Lazy Ballerina Winery and Owen Sisters & Co., co-founding the first women-owned winery in Southwest Michigan. Inspired by her grandmother, she and her business partner have crafted award-winning wines and built a successful brand. Melanie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Siena Heights University, an associate degree from Lake Michigan College, and a hospitality management certificate. She is a licensed real estate associate broker with over 15 years of experience. Actively engaged in the community, Melanie serves on several boards, including the Southwest Michigan Tourist Council, and Fernwood Botanical Garden.

Becky Spicer
Becky Spicer is a Retail Business Banker at 1st Source Bank, assisting small businesses across Southwest Michigan. Since joining the bank in 2010, she has held various roles in commercial and personal banking, bringing a wealth of financial expertise. An active member of the Women’s Business Center Advisory Board since 2015, Becky has also contributed to organizations like United Way, Junior Achievement, Berrien Cancer Service, and Cornerstone Alliance. A lifelong dance enthusiast, she teaches contemporary, modern, jazz, and ballet at a local studio. An animal lover, she has fostered and rescued several dogs over the years. Becky is also a first-time mom to her daughter, Kolby.

Ashley Stephens
Ashley Stephens is the CEO of NS Cosmetics, a brand she co-founded alongside her teenage daughters. Recognizing their passion and vision, she took on the leadership role to manage day-to-day operations, oversee product manufacturing, handle marketing needs, and accounting. With an MBA, Ashley brings strategic growth expertise, ensuring the company’s long-term success and profitability. She is committed to building a brand that empowers beauty enthusiasts while maintaining a strong business foundation. 

Marci Taylor
Marci Taylor is a seasoned radio industry professional with over 25 years of experience, serving as General Manager at WSMK 99.1. She is also the founder of We Bossy Productions, which houses her podcast A Journey With Women Who Boss Up, a voice-over company, and the online gospel station Heavens Way Radio. Marci is deeply involved in her community, serving as an Ambassador for the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce, an Advisory Board member of the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, and a Board Member for the Cassopolis Family Clinic. She is also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 

Brigitte Vegter
Brigitte Vegter is the founder of Vegter Bookkeeping and Financial Solutions, helping small business owners take control of their finances with full-service bookkeeping. By translating financial data into clear insights, she empowers entrepreneurs to achieve their business goals. Before launching her firm in 2019, Brigitte served as the Grants Accountant for the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, managing multi-million-dollar state and federal grants. She has been a dedicated supporter of the Women’s Business Center, facilitating financial education courses. Brigitte lives in Paw Paw with her husband and three children.