By Gabrielle Chisolm, Communications Intern, a junior majoring in English at the University of Maryland

DLE newcomer Shadre Domingo began his career in leadership at the young age of 13 by throwing parties for friends. “I would curate exciting events with fun titles like ‘Polaroids in Pajamas’–just to test out what I was capable of. Curating those types of creative events helped me develop my love for art,” he expresses. 

A frequent traveler during the early stages of his career, Shadre experienced many different walks of life, ultimately growing an understanding of how to connect with people of varying backgrounds through marketing. “During my travels, I was able to find this thriving niche of what makes people want to collaborate with one another,” he states.  

Curating successful events to develop connections revealed the importance of marketing–lessons learned that inspired Shadre to start his own company, Might Be Mad Creative Co. 

A brand management and creative services company, Shadre’s business is making tracks in his local community, the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. He was selected for an entrepreneurship educational program, called Interise, hosted by the Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC). Through an intensive, six-month learning experience, Shadre gained business skills and knowledge from established business owners in different industries. “I thought that I’d struggle to meet people who needed my services, but I’ve had so much support to help me stay focused and determined,” he exclaims. 

The Interise program also helped Shadre develop a detailed, three-year operating plan, which he recently presented in a Shark-Tank style forum with DLE Founder Linda Dulye and other business leaders. “I received so much constructive feedback, especially from Linda. She recommended that I join the DLE to build my professional network. Her encouragement was super exciting, prompting me to complete the DLE membership form immediately.”

With the help of the DLE, Shadre hopes to improve his storytelling skills to better communicate with clients, “Seeing what the DLE has to offer, I knew that it was the right organization for me,” he affirms. 

BLACK BUSINESS ORGANIZATION VALUES ITS DLE CONNECTION

The Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC) has strong ties with the DLE. The organization was established by AJ Enchill, the DLE’s first 40 Under Forty winner, who grew up in a family business started by his immigrant parents and became intensely aware of the barriers to success. In 2021, AJ took action. “My brother Auric and I were part of a program that Linda Dulye (DLE founder and president) helped us develop–called Leaders for Equitable Local Economies. Through this, we developed a grant program to help entrepreneurs get their businesses running.”

AJ has seen his career progress through his involvement with the DLE, and he firmly supports its mission. “I really believe in what Linda is doing through the DLE and her passion for helping local professionals find their way. The Berkshires needs that kind of support system, especially as a place that doesn’t have the population density that many metropolitan areas do,” he states.