Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Appoints Raquel Washington Chair of Ladies of LIAACC

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. — July 25, 2026 — The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) is proud to announce the appointment of Raquel Washington, Founder and CEO of Innovate Learning Solutions, LLC, as Chair of Ladies of LIAACC, the Chamber's initiative dedicated to advancing, connecting and supporting women entrepreneurs, professionals and business leaders.

Washington brings a strong combination of leadership, creativity, business-development expertise and commitment to community service to the position. Her contributions to LIAACC initiatives, combined with her passion for developing people, strengthening organizations and creating opportunities for collaboration, position her to lead the next chapter of Ladies of LIAACC.

“Raquel Washington represents the type of dynamic, forward-thinking leadership that will help us expand the impact of Ladies of LIAACC,” said Phil Andrews, President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. “Women entrepreneurs and professionals are an essential part of the economic vitality of Long Island and the greater New York region. Raquel understands the importance of leadership development, education, meaningful relationships and creating pathways to business growth. We are excited to have her lead this important initiative into its next chapter.”

As Chair, Washington will spearhead a renewed vision for Ladies of LIAACC focused on empowering, connecting, educating and supporting women entrepreneurs, executives, professionals and emerging business leaders across Long Island.

Her initial priorities will include listening to the needs of Chamber members and the broader community, building a strong leadership committee and developing a strategic roadmap designed to address the evolving needs and aspirations of the women served by LIAACC.

“Raquel brings tremendous energy, professionalism and a genuine commitment to helping others achieve their potential,” said Rose Ward, Vice President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. “Her experience in leadership development, organizational growth and professional education will be an important asset as we strengthen Ladies of LIAACC. We look forward to working alongside her as we create additional opportunities for women to connect, collaborate, develop their leadership skills and grow successful businesses.”

Washington said she looks forward to building upon the Chamber's commitment to women in business while creating new opportunities for engagement, education and professional advancement.

“I am honored to accept the opportunity to serve as Chair of Ladies of LIAACC,” said Raquel Washington. “My goal is to listen to the women we serve, understand what they need to grow and succeed, and create a strong community where women can build meaningful relationships, strengthen their leadership capabilities, expand their businesses and support one another. I look forward to working with LIAACC's leadership, members and community partners to develop a strategic vision that creates lasting value and measurable impact.”

The appointment represents an important step in the continued development of Ladies of LIAACC and the Chamber's broader commitment to providing entrepreneurs and professionals with opportunities for business development, leadership advancement, education, networking and economic growth.

LIAACC invites its members, partners and the greater business community to congratulate Washington and support the continued growth and relaunch of Ladies of LIAACC.

ABOUT RAQUEL WASHINGTON: Raquel Washington is the Founder and CEO of Innovate Learning Solutions, LLC, a learning and organizational development consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies and community organizations develop stronger leaders, build high-performing teams and prepare for the future of work through innovative learning solutions.

Washington's work focuses on creating practical learning and development strategies that help individuals and organizations improve performance, strengthen leadership, increase engagement and position themselves for sustainable growth.

She is also the Founder of Women Who Innovate, an initiative dedicated to empowering, educating and connecting women entrepreneurs, executives and professionals through leadership programming, educational experiences and strategic networking.

Her signature event, the annual Women Who Innovate Sunset Cruise, brings together women leaders, entrepreneurs, corporate executives and community partners from across New York to develop meaningful relationships, encourage collaboration, advance leadership development and support business growth.

ABOUT: INNOVATE LEARNING SOLUTIONS

Innovate Learning Solutions, LLC partners with corporations, nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies and community organizations to design and deliver engaging learning experiences that produce measurable impact.

The firm's programs are designed to equip leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, youth, job seekers and small businesses with practical, future-ready skills that contribute to personal growth, organizational success and expanded economic opportunity.

Core Services

• Leadership Development
• Learning & Development Strategy
• Sales & Revenue Enablement
• Custom Learning & Curriculum Development, including instructor-led programs and e-Learning
• Professional, Career & Workforce Development
• AI, Digital Skills & Future of Work Training
• Brand Strategy, Marketing & Business Growth
• Train-the-Trainer Programs

ABOUT: LONG ISLAND AFRICAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC. - The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) is committed to supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals through advocacy, education, business development, networking, leadership development and access to opportunities.

Through programs, strategic partnerships, educational initiatives and community engagement, the Chamber works to strengthen businesses, develop leaders and contribute to sustainable economic growth throughout Long Island and the greater New York region.

INNOVATE LEARNING SOLUTIONS CONTACT INFORMATION

Website:
www.innovatels.com

Email:
info@innovateLS.com

For Ladies of LIAACC Media Inquiries or to be placed on Ladies of LIAACC Email List - Email us at: LadiesofLiaacc@Liaacc.org

To view the chamber's list of upcoming events visit: liaacc.org/events-list/

To learn more about the chamber visit: Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. LIAACC online at: www.liaacc.org