Barbara A. Quaye

Barbara Quaye serves as a Business Development Director at the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC). She has been a vital member of the organization for three years, overseeing the Inclusive Ventures Program, AAEDC’s innovative 8-week virtual accelerator supporting small, minority-owned, woman-owned, and Veteran-owned businesses in Anne Arundel County. This program is designed to provide guidance, resources, and access to capital that fosters long-term growth for local business owners.

Barbara’s professional journey is grounded in a strong commitment to economic empowerment and community development. Before joining AAEDC, she built her expertise in business support, client relationship management, and program development through various leadership roles. Her experience includes spearheading outreach efforts, designing community-focused initiatives, and strengthening partnerships across both public and private sectors. These roles helped shape her strategic approach to helping businesses thrive at every stage.

Throughout her career, Barbara has taken on projects that highlight her creativity and dedication, including facilitating workshops for the Women’s Economic Empowerment Council and contributing to the Civil Rights Advisory Group for Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County. She also serves on several boards, including the Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce, BGE Economic Council, Wealth Summit Live, and is on the Fund Development Committee for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank. Her leadership and impact have earned her multiple honors, including 2024 Leaders in Diversity Awards Nomination from the Baltimore Business Journal, “Few of Many” through COunty Executive Office, Few of the Many and the 2025 Unsung Shero Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Anne Arundel County Chapter.

In her role at AAEDC, Barbara strives to be a trusted advocate and resource for businesses of all sizes, from emerging startups to established organizations seeking expansion. She is passionate about discovering innovative ventures and connecting them with strategic partners and opportunities throughout the county. Barbara takes pride in watching entrepreneurs grow, from the moment she first meets them to the milestones they achieve as their businesses evolve. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to strengthening AAEDC’s reach, enhancing the Inclusive Ventures Program, and supporting economic development efforts that uplift the entire community. Outside of work, she finds joy in traveling and spending time with her family, especially visiting her father and her seventeen nieces and nephews.