The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) has officially announced the appointment of Sarah R. Harris, President & CEO of the Black Business Association (BBA), to its Board of Governors and Executive Committee — marking a pivotal step toward inclusive economic leadership across Los Angeles County.
This milestone reflects Harris’s long-standing dedication to advancing equity, entrepreneurship, and generational wealth-building for Black-owned businesses and underrepresented communities. Her appointment brings a dynamic and essential perspective to LAEDC’s mission of fostering equitable growth throughout the region.
About the LAEDC
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) is a nonprofit organization committed to driving equitable and sustainable economic development across Los Angeles County. Its mission is to ensure that all residents benefit from a thriving economy through:
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Research and Policy Innovation: Conducting regional economic research to shape smarter policies and industry growth strategies.
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Workforce Development: Building pipelines that connect job seekers to emerging industries and high-quality career opportunities.
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Industry Collaboration: Partnering with key sectors such as technology, entertainment, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing to stimulate innovation.
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Public-Private Partnerships: Engaging civic leaders, businesses, and educational institutions to promote a resilient economy that serves every community.
The LAEDC has long championed inclusive prosperity, recognizing that a strong economy is one where diversity, innovation, and equity intersect.
Sarah R. Harris: A Champion for Economic Equity
As the head of the Black Business Association, Sarah R. Harris has become one of Los Angeles’ most influential advocates for minority entrepreneurship and small business advancement. Under her leadership, the BBA continues to deliver programs and partnerships that help Black-owned enterprises access capital, contracts, and educational opportunities.
Her role on the LAEDC Board and Executive Committee represents:
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A Seat at the Table: Ensuring that the needs and perspectives of Black business owners and diverse entrepreneurs are represented in countywide economic policies.
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Advocacy for Generational Wealth: Strengthening pathways for Black communities to build long-term financial stability through entrepreneurship, homeownership, and investment.
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Cross-Sector Collaboration: Expanding partnerships between corporate entities, nonprofits, and local government to create more inclusive growth opportunities.
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Commitment to Equity: Aligning LAEDC’s economic development strategies with community empowerment and social impact.
Harris’s appointment comes at a time when Los Angeles County continues to reimagine its economic future post-pandemic — prioritizing fairness, innovation, and sustainability. Her voice on the Board will ensure that underrepresented business communities remain central to that transformation.
Building the Future Together
The Black Business Association (BBA), founded in 1970, has been a cornerstone institution supporting the growth and success of African American entrepreneurs in Southern California and beyond. Through advocacy, training, and strategic partnerships, the BBA empowers Black business leaders to compete and thrive in today’s evolving economy.
Joining the LAEDC’s leadership platform solidifies the BBA’s expanding role in shaping regional prosperity — one rooted in collaboration, innovation, and shared opportunity.
To learn more about the Black Business Association and its mission to uplift and advance Black-owned enterprises, visit www.bbala.org/about/who-we-are
Report Lela Christine
Goddess Couture News
