Savannah Region WBC Staff & Advisors

Women’s Business Center Staff – Metro Atlanta

Vernell Stewart, Executive Director

Vernell Stewart is the Executive Director of the ACE Women’s Business Center – Savannah, where she leads strategic efforts to support and uplift entrepreneurs throughout Southeast Georgia. A passionate advocate for inclusive economic development and a seasoned entrepreneur, Vernell brings a legacy of public service, business ownership, and community impact to her role.

Prior to joining ACE, Vernell served as Chair of the Atlanta Commission on Women, where she led major policy and advocacy efforts, including a successful push to ban female genital mutilation (FGM) in the state of Georgia. That work laid the foundation for the eventual passage of national legislation banning FGM across the United States. During her tenure, she also created and hosted “Doing Business in the City of Atlanta,” a groundbreaking procurement and fundraising event that connected minority- and women-owned businesses with corporate sponsors and city contract opportunities—boosting visibility, access, and long-term growth.

Vernell also represented District 12 on the Atlanta City Council, where she championed policies that advanced economic equity and expanded opportunities for underserved communities. She has previously served on the boards of Women in Defense and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), strengthening her lifelong commitment to empowering women in leadership and business.

In addition to her public service, Vernell is a successful entrepreneur. She previously built and operated a thriving food and beverage product-based business, and is now the co-owner of a new, similar venture poised to launch across local, regional, national, and international markets.

At ACE, Vernell has developed and led a portfolio of high-impact initiatives including the Go•Gal Startup Training Program, Makers & Merchants Matchmaking, the ACE Agriculture Initiative, and the Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program with Savannah State University and Savannah Technical College. She works closely with local and regional organizations to ensure entrepreneurs have access to expert guidance, capital, and the resources they need to grow.

With a leadership style grounded in experience, purpose, and equity, Vernell is dedicated to building a more inclusive, resilient, and opportunity-rich entrepreneurial ecosystem—helping business owners succeed at every level.

Marianne Ganem‑Poppell, Program Marketing Coordinator

Marianne Ganem‑Poppell is a seasoned business professional and community connector, serving as a Marketing and Business Advisor at the ACE Women’s Business Center – Savannah. In her role, she supports ACE’s mission through strategic marketing, outreach, and community engagement, helping expand the center’s visibility and impact across the region.

A lifelong Savannah native with deep local roots, Marianne comes from a legacy of entrepreneurship—her family founded and operated Ganem Liquor Company, a longtime staple in Savannah’s business landscape. Inspired by that heritage, she built her own successful ventures, including Savannah Master Calendar, Savannah VIP, and Simply Savannah Marketing, through which she has helped hundreds of local businesses and nonprofits grow their reach and engagement.

Marianne holds a degree in Business Administration, and she’s been an active member of the Savannah business community for over a decade. She regularly volunteers with regional startup accelerators and mentoring programs, sharing her expertise in branding, digital marketing, and scalability strategy.

She is widely recognized for her tireless dedication to connecting people, promoting local businesses, and supporting charitable causes. Her work has earned her numerous accolades for leadership, volunteerism, and her lasting impact on Savannah’s civic and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

At ACE, Marianne brings a vibrant energy and passion for people, playing a critical role in fostering partnerships, amplifying program awareness, and ensuring that entrepreneurs from all walks of life feel seen, supported, and equipped to succeed.

Savannah RegionWomen’s Business Center
COACHES and CONSULTANTS

Contact Amy

Amy Shippy

Founder, LadyBizWiz, Blue Poppy Designs and Lottiebelle’s, co-founder Marche’ de Macarons

Amy Shippy is the founder of Lady BizWiz, cofounder of Marche’ de Macarons and owner of Blue Poppy Designs and Lottiebelle’s. Amy is a strong business development professional with proven success in several industries. Amy was raised on Hilton Head Island moving to Savannah, GA, in the ’90s to study Graphic Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Amy started her first business at 21. Amy’s business idea won BizPitch Hilton Head in 2019. Her greatest accomplishment is raising three sons and instilling in them the entrepreneur sprit. Amy’s true passion is helping others succeed in business. Launching Lady BizWiz’s Business Plan Masterclass in 2024 will allow her to help new businesses get off the ground and spend her future empowering business owners to become the business leaders they were designed to be.

Contact Naja

Naja Hayward

President, Rainmaker Publishing Media & Wellness, founder of Savannah Sunset Market

Naja Hayward is a multi-talented entrepreneur and author, serving as President of Rainmaker Publishing, a core company within Rainmaker Media & Wellness. With over 19 years of experience, she leads a suite of businesses—Rainmaker Publishing, THRIVE Entrepreneurs, and the wellness-focused brand Naja Tea—that empower creative professionals, business leaders, and authors. (timetogetpublished.com)

As the founder of Rainmaker Publishing, Naja specializes in supporting authors through every stage of their journey—from writing and editing to design, publishing, and marketing. Her clients benefit from a hybrid approach that combines the structure of traditional publishing with the creative control and flexibility of self-publishing. (timetogetpublished.com, timetogetpublished.com)

Naja is also a published author herself, with three well-received titles under her belt:
• 60‑Second Video Rockstar
• Less Is More: Integrating Minimalism Into Your Maxed-Out Life
• The Drive to Perfection (timetogetpublished.com)

Her work has been widely recognized—she’s been named Exceptional Woman in Business by the Valley Economic Development Center and has received accolades as Coach of the Year and Business Woman of the Year. (timetogetpublished.com)

Naja’s leadership and resilience are deeply rooted in both personal and professional transformation. After overcoming several life-altering challenges—including caregiving responsibilities and global travel exploring wellness across 21 countries—she embarked on a new chapter in Savannah, where she now operates Rainmaker Publishing and has launched the Savannah Sunset Market, a vibrant community project celebrating local makers and food producers. (voyagesavannah.com)

With a signature blend of grit and grace, Naja combines strategic acumen with empathy—helping authors, entrepreneurs, and creatives bring their stories to life and build legacies that matter. (voyagesavannah.com)

Savannah RegionWomen’s Business Center
Advisory Council

The purpose of the ACE Women’s Business Center (ACE WBC) Advisory Council is assembling a group of respected industry leaders to provide the WBC program with knowledge, understanding and strategic thinking. Members of the Advisory Council will bring their subject matter expertise; their diverse awareness of constituent perspectives; and their connections to local resources to guide ACE WBC and its initiatives. The Advisory Council has no governing authority over the organization. It serves as an advocate for our mission and the organization.