Spotlight of the Week: Abiona Harper – Empowering Businesses, Empowering Communities, Inspiring the Next Generation
This week, we proudly shine the spotlight on Abiona Harper, an accomplished Program Coordinator at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Her name, Abiona (Ah-bee-o-nah), a Nigerian term meaning “child born during a journey,” beautifully captures her professional and personal journey—one marked by determination, growth, and a commitment to empowering others along the way.
With over 20 years of comprehensive customer service experience, Abiona brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to her role. She is a key player in driving small business growth, supporting entrepreneurs, and fostering environments where local businesses can thrive. This work has a direct impact on the broader community, including families and, most importantly, children.
By helping businesses flourish, Abiona contributes to creating stable jobs, secure livelihoods, and opportunities for parents to better support their children. Her role in developing and implementing policies and procedures goes beyond business operations—it influences the quality of life for many families, setting the stage for a future where children grow up in stronger, more prosperous communities.
In her 15+ years of experience in small business management, coaching, and operational logistics, Abiona has witnessed firsthand how successful businesses lead to thriving communities, and thriving communities create environments where children can flourish. Her dedication to coaching individuals to reach their full potential also serves as an example of the importance of mentorship and role models, which is essential for guiding the next generation.
Abiona’s deep commitment to the community is rooted in her own experiences as a proud University of Cincinnati alumna with a degree in Marketing and Management, and as a paralegal certification holder from Capital University Law School. These qualifications, combined with her professional journey, have equipped her to mentor others—empowering businesses.
Outside of her work, Abiona embodies the values she promotes. As a dedicated wife and mother of three, she understands the balancing act between professional responsibilities and family life. Her passion for cycling, attending sporting events, and traveling with her children gives her a firsthand understanding of what it means to support and nurture the next generation.
We are honored to have Abiona deliver a GOODWILL MESSAGE at the Women Working with Children Conference 2024. Her work in helping businesses thrive directly impacts families, providing children with a stable foundation from which to grow, dream, and succeed.
Join us as we celebrate Abiona Harper’s journey of leadership, community empowerment, and her passion for nurturing both businesses.
