Imani Augustus

Imani serves as the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity, a partnership between Third Way and the National Urban League. She is committed to closing the opportunity gap and seeing communities of color build generational wealth through financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Imani works to advance research and policies with a strong belief that determination, education, and a network of support is capable of moving individuals, businesses, and communities forward.

Prior to joining Third Way, Imani spent several years on Capitol Hill working for moderate Democrats on a diverse portfolio of issues. Most recently, she served as Legislative Director to Representative Dean Phillips, handling his work as a Subcommittee Chairman on the House Small Business Committee. In this role, Imani regularly relied on Third Way’s work and built the Congressman’s reputation as a leader in entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth. Her legislative focus remains centered on bipartisan policies supporting startups and enterprises owned by women and minorities.

Imani is a military brat with deep roots in the Carolinas. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied Political Science. She’s driven by a fascination with innovation and technology, a passion for building up strong leaders and teams, and a faith anchored in possibilities. When she’s not catching up on the latest blockchain news or serving at church, Imani is working on launching and scaling two businesses with her sister in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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  • All Topics10
  • Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity9
  • Economy1
Third Way in the news
Inc.
Published February 12, 2025

Could Shutting Down the CFPB Severely Dent Small Businesses’ Access to Capital?

Photo of Imani Augustus
Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity
Third Way in the news
Chicago Sun Times
Published May 8, 2024

Black businesses are struggling to thrive, and the fight against racial justice makes it harder

Photo of Imani Augustus
Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity
Photo of Madeline Burke
Communications & Content Advisor, Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity
Third Way in the news
The Arizona Republic
Published May 4, 2024

Black entrepreneurs still struggle to access financing in Arizona, nationwide, study says

Photo of Imani Augustus
Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity
Third Way in the news
American Banker
Published April 29, 2024

SBA's push to revive an old idea

Photo of Imani Augustus
Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity
Third Way in the news
Essence
Published April 27, 2024

Thriving Against Odds: Charting The Course Of Black Business In Today's Economy

Photo of Imani Augustus
Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity

Team

Staff

Board of Trustees

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Deputy Director for Nuclear
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Senior Visiting Fellow
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Senior Communications Advisor
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Senior Philanthropy Officer
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Senior Grants Accountant
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Deputy Director of Learning & Organizational Development
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Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity
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Deputy Director of Communications for the Climate & Energy Program
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Office and Facilities Associate
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Executive Vice President for Public Affairs

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