Dr. Iris Billy is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for education and coaching small business owners. She is a generalist and strategic thinker, with expertise in management/leadership, entrepreneurship, economic development, and diversity management.

Prior to starting her consultancy business, Iris spent 15 years in the financial industry in the areas of banking, treasury, cash management and financial analysis for a diverse range of organizations, including small business startups, corporations, private sector, non-profits and government agencies.

Having spent over a decade as a business owner she understands the issues businessowners face. After the financial crash of 2008 she recognized the need for and importance of small business ownership and start-up developments.

As founder of SIRI’S H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Pursue Excellence) a 5013c, Iris coordinates/manages all aspects of providing consultancy services to individuals and corporations, including coaching, mentoring and advising on change management. SIRI’S H.O.P.E. offers a wide range of coaching programs and services – from individual coaching to seminars and keynote speeches geared towards women and minority entrepreneurs.

Recognizing the need to help women deal with the sometimes-overwhelming prospect of starting a new business while managing a household, she started her entrepreneurship coaching role in 2013. She provides women with mentoring and professional development to assist them in making life changing decisions, thus carving a niche helping women make the transition from homemakers to successful entrepreneurs. Drawing on her experience in financial industry, management and entrepreneurship she focuses on lecturing on financial literacy/credit and funding startups.

Iris is an Assistant Professor with Medgar Evers College CUNY and has served with Medgar for 16 years. She is a published author, public speaker, advisor to minority and women businesses, corporations, institutions, immigrants, non-profit and worker organizations. She graduated from Mercy College, NY and holds a B.S. in Business Administration, a Master Science in Organizational Leadership and graduated with a PhD. in Organizational Leadership/Management.

Questions for mentors can be directed to wealfund@gmail.com.