Antoinette Hawthorne is an entrepreneur, strategist, and advocate for economic empowerment across Alabama. As Chief Administrative Officer of the Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce and Regional Manager for the Huntsville Metro Black Chamber of Commerce, she coordinates programs leading statewide initiatives supporting hundreds of small businesses, equipping entrepreneurs with resources for innovation, digital readiness, and long-term resilience.

Antoinette has served the business community for 18 years and actively sits on several community boards. She remains committed to expanding opportunities that strengthen communities through leadership, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. Antoinette is also founder of Hawt Wicks, a luxury home fragrance brand.

What do you love most about living and working in Huntsville?

As a Huntsville native, it’s incredibly rewarding to pour back into the community that helped shape me. I love seeing our city evolve while keeping its strong sense of opportunity and connection.

What advice would you give your 22-year-old self?

Just start. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Take the first step, remain consistent, and trust that it will all work out exactly how it is meant.

What motivates you on hard days?

My daughter and the legacy I am building for her is my motivation. She is always watching my example, and knowing that makes her the best accountability partner to push forward and never give up.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

I enjoy traveling and spending time with my husband and daughter, exploring local spots around Huntsville. It’s important to me that we experience and appreciate the community we are a part of and to also show the value to the next generation.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career, and what valuable lesson did they teach you?

The women in my family as a collective have been the biggest influence on my career. They laid the foundation for what success and empowerment looks like in community. Serving my community is rooted in the love that has been bestowed upon me through these women.