Economic Growth Strategies
Ecosystem Builder| Entrepreneur| Small Business Advocate
Tarsha Hearns is an accomplished leader with a rich background in marketing, program strategy, and entrepreneurship. With a passion for driving social impact and empowering marginalized communities, Tarsha has dedicated her career to supporting the growth and success of individuals and organizations. A recognized champion for inclusive entrepreneurship, Tarsha has been at the forefront of building entrepreneurial ecosystems that uplift underrepresented communities.
She has led transformative initiatives such as the expansion of The DEC Network at RedBird Center, launching an SBA Women’s Business Center, directing the SBA’s Community Navigator Dallas Program, launching the Dallas Collaborative for Capital Access, and providing vital resources to thousands of entrepreneurs in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Her work earned her a seat on the Ecosystem Builders Leadership Project (EBLP) provisional council, a national ecosystem building initiative, and as an instructor for International Economic Development Council’s Entrepreneurship-led Economic Development courses.
Since 2016, she has been an advocate for small business issues impacting women and minority founders—work that has taken her to Capitol Hill, influenced national conversations, and earned her an invitation to the White House during the Biden Administration. In addition to her advocacy work, Tarsha is an accomplished entrepreneur, a published author, and founder of two companies, The Marketing Lady, LLC, and Economic Growth Strategies. Throughout her career, Tarsha has received numerous accolades for her unwavering dedication to supporting women and minority founders and building inclusive, resilient entrepreneurial ecosystems.