Today we’d like to introduce you to Sidni Shorter
Hi Sidni , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born into a family of educators and entrepreneurs, my passion for service, business, and leadership took root early—I started working in my family’s business at the age of seven. After college, as part of a military family for 21 years, I learned to thrive through constant change—adapting quickly, building authentic relationships, and turning every new community into an opportunity to lead, collaborate, and serve.
That foundation led to a career dedicated to aligning mission, people, and opportunity — from running the largest American Red Cross operation in the world at Fort Bragg to leading post-Katrina workforce development and affordable housing recovery efforts in Louisiana. My entrepreneurial spirit also sparked historic innovation as part of the first and only Black woman-owned video game studio to successfully develop and launch content for the Xbox 360.
As a transformational leader, I’ve consistently fused vision with action—acquiring and growing an accounting and finance firm for nonprofits and small businesses by 125%, then transitioning to my current role as President and CEO of the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce. In this role, I’ve led the Chamber through 275% membership growth and a 516% increase in contributions, positioning it as a catalyst for economic development and a trusted resource for Black-owned businesses across Utah.
At my core, I believe lasting change doesn’t come from building bridges over problems — it comes from connecting people, collaborating across differences, and acting as conduits for opportunity and equity. When we work together with intention, purpose, and inclusion, we don’t just solve problems — we build thriving communities where every business and every individual has the chance to succeed.
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?
Throughout my career, I’ve navigated challenges that ultimately became the foundation for my success as a transformational leader. As a young wife and mother, moving to new communities every few years meant constantly starting over — always the new employee, team member, or leader, needing to quickly assess my environment, build relationships, and prove my value.
This constant reset made promotions challenging, as tenure often outweighed talent. But instead of seeing these moments as setbacks, I treated them as opportunities to develop adaptability, resilience, and the ability to lead through influence rather than position.
Each new role required me to understand new cultures, identify gaps, and find creative solutions while earning trust and building credibility from scratch. Whether stepping into a nonprofit leadership role, managing multi-million-dollar recovery efforts post-Katrina, or launching a pioneering tech venture, I was often one of the only — or the first — to hold that space. These challenges gave me a unique ability to foster inclusive teams, align diverse stakeholders, and drive innovation by bringing people and ideas together in ways others hadn’t before.
Ultimately, the constant need to rebuild and reinvent sharpened my ability to lead through change, position organizations for growth, and create lasting impact experiences. This has driven my commitment to building inclusive ecosystems where businesses, leaders, and communities thrive together.
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?
As President & CEO of the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce, I have the privilege of leading an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices, visibility, and viability of Black-owned businesses and professionals across Utah. My work is rooted in economic development, intentional relationship building, and ensuring that Black businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals are not just seen but fully recognized as essential contributors to Utah’s economic vitality.
What sets the Utah Black Chamber apart — and what I’m most proud of — is our holistic and innovative approach to business success. We are far more than a membership organization. We are connectors, collaborators, and conduits, providing access to capital, contracts, customers, and critical connections — essential for sustainable business growth. Through strategic alliances with corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations, we help create intentional pathways ensuring equitable access to opportunity and prosperity for Black businesses.
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My leadership focuses on empowering businesses at every stage — from startups to established enterprises — through tailored business development support, hands-on mentorship, and economic impact programming that doesn’t just talk about inclusion but actively drives it. From our Financial Capacity Program, which equips Black businesses with financial literacy and access to capital, to our signature events like the Black Wealth Conference and the Black Family Reunion, we create spaces where Black excellence is elevated, celebrated, and economically empowered.
I am particularly proud of our work cultivating the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and leaders through programs like Be A CEO (BCEO), which introduces Black students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and equips them with the tools and confidence to become future business leaders. We are also expanding opportunities for Black-owned businesses to participate in global markets through partnerships with World Trade Center Utah and other international entities — because our businesses deserve a global stage.
My deep commitment to transformative leadership sets me apart as a leader within the Chamber and across Utah’s entire economic landscape. I don’t just show up for our members; I advocate for them in every space I enter, ensuring their needs, opportunities, and stories are at decision-making tables. Economic equity isn’t a box to check — it’s a shared responsibility that requires intentional action, courageous conversations, and innovative solutions.
The Utah Black Chamber’s vision is to foster a thriving and inclusive economy where all businesses have the opportunity to succeed, with a particular focus on ensuring Black businesses are equipped, empowered, and supported to achieve long-term success and sustainability. We believe that the success of Black businesses directly strengthens Utah’s economy. By intentionally creating pathways for Black businesses to access capital, contracts, customers, and strategic connections, we contribute to a more equitable, innovative, and resilient economic ecosystem that benefits all communities.
I want readers to know that the Utah Black Chamber is not just for Black businesses. It is for anyone who values economic inclusion, equity, and the power of diverse contributions. Our offerings include business development workshops, mentorship, access to capital programs, financial capacity building, and networking events that foster authentic connections with corporate partners, government leaders, and community advocates. We also serve as an active advocate for policies that ensure Black businesses have equitable access to opportunities that drive their growth and long-term success.
We do not build bridges at the Utah Black Chamber — we serve as connectors, collaborators, and conduits. We exist to amplify, advocate for, and accelerate the success of Black businesses while working alongside businesses, organizations, and leaders who share our vision for economic inclusion and prosperity for all. When Black businesses thrive, all communities thrive — and together, we are building a more equitable, innovative, and resilient future for Utah.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me in my role with the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce is creating a tangible, lasting impact for Black businesses and professionals. I am deeply committed to ensuring that these businesses are not only visible but recognized as essential contributors to Utah’s economic growth and prosperity. What drives me every day is the opportunity to break down barriers and create intentional pathways for Black entrepreneurs to access capital, build meaningful relationships, and secure the resources they need to thrive.
The reason this matters so much is because I’ve seen firsthand how the lack of access and opportunity can hold businesses back, particularly within historically marginalized communities. When Black businesses succeed, it’s not just a win for those individual business owners but their families, communities, and the entire economy. My work is about creating an ecosystem where Black businesses can grow sustainably, thrive in the marketplace, and have a lasting impact on the broader economic landscape.
What also matters to me is ensuring that the Chamber serves as more than just a resource hub — but as a true partner, connector, and advocate. I want to be a leader who doesn’t just hold space for Black businesses but actively amplifies their voices and accelerates their success through strategic partnerships, community collaboration, and bold action. This approach ensures that the future we’re building is one where Black businesses are fully integrated into Utah’s economic narrative, with the resources, respect, and recognition they deserve.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.utahblackchamber.com
- Instagram: @utahblackchamber
- Facebook: UtahBlackChamber
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?fetchDeterministicClustersOnly
