The nation’s business and leadership community is mourning the unexpected loss of Pamela Prince-Eason, a nationally recognized advocate for supplier diversity and women’s business development. Prince-Eason, of Piney Flats, Tennessee, died suddenly, leaving behind a profound legacy as President and CEO of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
Since taking the helm at WBENC in 2011, Prince-Eason reshaped the landscape of opportunity for women entrepreneurs and underrepresented business owners. Under her leadership, WBENC became a powerhouse in championing supplier diversity, significantly expanding its influence within the Fortune 500 and establishing transformative initiatives aimed at elevating Women of Color and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
Prince-Eason was widely regarded not only as a strategic leader but also as a connector—building strong partnerships with organizations such as the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), and WEConnect International. Her collaborative spirit helped shape a more inclusive ecosystem for business development nationwide.
At the time of her passing, Prince-Eason was serving her third term on the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC), offering key policy insight to the White House, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on the challenges and opportunities facing women entrepreneurs.
Her influence in the private sector was equally formidable. Before joining WBENC, Prince-Eason held senior executive roles at Pfizer Inc., Texas Instruments, GSE Systems, and Warner-Lambert. She also co-owned RMR Associates, blending corporate expertise with entrepreneurial vision.
Her contributions earned her some of the highest honors in business leadership, including induction into both the Women’s Business Enterprise Hall of Fame and the Enterprising Women Hall of Fame. She was named a NAFE Woman of Achievement and was recently honored at the 2023 Gala of Power Women Moves at the Nexus Club. She is also featured in the upcoming Women Mean Business book, spotlighting trailblazing female executives.
A Tennessee native, Prince-Eason earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from East Tennessee State University and later graduated magna cum laude with a master’s degree in international business and finance from Johns Hopkins University.