Chakema Clinton-Quintana is an accomplished leader in inclusive economic development, community advocacy, and small business empowerment. She currently leads Channel, Live Oak Bank’s small business center in Wilmington, where she has shaped a supportive ecosystem for minority entrepreneurs, women, veterans, and other underrepresented groups.
Before leading Channel — which was launched in 2021 — Chakema was at Live Oak Bank, applying her extensive background in banking and regulatory compliance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, a master’s degree in business administration and has over two decades of financial and compliance expertise. Under her leadership, Channel has served hundreds of entrepreneurs, building trust with the community through hands on coaching, networking, micro loans, SBA financing, and workshops — all free to participants. She champions empathy, authenticity, and inclusivity as central values of her work ethos.
Chakema plays an active role in civic leadership and volunteerism. She sits on the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce board, the Commission for African American History, and leads as Board Chair of the OOPS Foundation. She also serves as Treasurer of Voyage of Wilmington and volunteers with Prospera NC, supporting grant initiatives for underserved entrepreneurs.
An alumna of Leadership Wilmington (2022) and Leadership for Inclusive Communities (2024), a finalist in WILMA’s 2021 Women to Watch, she has been honored as a WilmingtonBiz Top 100 Connector for four consecutive years (2021–2024), earned the 2022 New Hanover County Equity Award for Business, and received the James Fullwood Award for her community impact.
Chakema is also a proud member of Beta Sigma Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Women in Networking of NHC and balances her professional drive with a fulfilling personal life — she’s a mother of four and grandmother of four.