By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Antoinette Hawthorne represents a powerful force in Alabama’s economic empowerment movement, serving as Chief Administrative Officer of the Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce and Regional Manager for the Huntsville Metro Black Chamber of Commerce. In these dual leadership roles, she coordinates comprehensive programs and leads statewide initiatives that support hundreds of small businesses throughout Alabama.
Her work focuses on equipping entrepreneurs with essential resources for innovation, digital readiness, and long-term resilience in competitive markets. Through strategic planning and hands-on program implementation, Hawthorne ensures underserved business owners gain access to capital, technical assistance, and networking opportunities critical for sustainable growth.
With 18 years of dedicated service to Alabama’s business community, Hawthorne brings proven expertise in organizational leadership and community development. She actively serves on several community boards, where she advocates for policies and programs that strengthen economic opportunities and foster entrepreneurial ecosystems across the region. Beyond her chamber leadership, Hawthorne founded Hawt Wicks, a luxury home fragrance brand that exemplifies her commitment to business ownership as a pathway to wealth creation. Through leadership, strategic collaboration, and unwavering advocacy, she remains committed to expanding opportunities that strengthen communities and transform lives through entrepreneurship