Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmalita Deeton.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My career ironically began in oil and gas. I say ironically because I went to school for Criminal Justice, but I quickly realized that was not my ministry in life. I went to school and got a Masters degree in Business in 2011. In 2017 I left the oil and gas industry and transitioned in Technology. This is when everything shifted for me. Over the past 9 years, I have had the opportunity to lead global organizations driving strategy and operations, leading go to market strategies, scaling programs and optimizing business operations growing multi billion dollar organizations. In 2020, i along with the rest of the world, had the time to pause and really think about whats next. At that time I was already a private investor, but I knew there was an opportunity for me to help more business grow and scale, while extending my personal portfolio of companies. So today, through Innovate -33 & Innovate 33 Investment Network, I am able to use my skills and abilities to make smart investment decisions, consult with businesses who are looking to grow from small to enterprise, all while creating a community of investors who are looking to support women-led businesses and create wealth.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. I am an young African American women, who is often the only woman of color in the room in these spaces. From micro aggressions to gate keeping, it all makes the journey harder. They key is staying true to yourself. Not letting other peoples action, or inaction, determine the validity or value of what you are trying to do.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
So there are two separate entities, Innovate 33 and Innovate 33 Investment Community. With Innovate 33, we consult with business to help them grow, with emphasis on technology & operations. For the right opportunities, we may also decide to become an equity share holder. Lol think of it as mini shark tank. Innovate 33 Investment Network primary objective is to bridge the gap between women investors and women led businesses who need investment. Our anchor event is the Ignition Pitch competition, which will be held in Q4 of each year. We just completed our inaugural competition this past October where we awarded $5000 in non-dilutive cash to the winner.
What sets us apart is we are targeting the smarter, yet ignored, group— women. We are not discriminating against male led companies. Statistically women-led companies ( 50% of c-suite/executive team) are more profitable.
I want readers to know that we are rooted in honesty, integrity, excellence and transparency. There are plenty of people out there who want to work with or invest in your business, with bad intentions- we are not those people.
Whether you are looking for partner to work with your business specializing in technology & operations, or seeking capital for your investment, we are the right first step to take!
How do you think about luck?
no luck, all God!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.innovate-33.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmalita.deeton
