FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hortiki Plants Founder, Dr. Victoria LeBeaux, Inspires at Verizon Black History Month Event
Washington, D.C. – March 1, 2025 – Dr. Victoria LeBeaux, PhD, founder of Hortiki Plants, shared her entrepreneurial insights at a recent Verizon Black History event hosted at the Verizon Technology and Policy Center. Themed "Uniting Communities, Fueling Greatness: Exploring the Past, Present, and Future of Small Businesses," the event celebrated Black History Month and highlighted the significant contributions of African American businesses.
As a prominent Black woman in manufacturing, Dr. LeBeaux discussed scaling Hortiki Plants. With women significantly underrepresented in the sector (only 29.3% of manufacturing workers are female, per the National Women's Business Council), her achievement in creating local jobs—a rarity as 90% of women-owned businesses don't hire—is particularly impactful.
This speaking engagement follows Verizon's earlier recognition of Dr. LeBeaux's dedication to sustainability, education, and community impact. As a recipient of the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Superfan Grant Award, she attended Super Bowl LIX festivities, where she networked with other entrepreneurs and Verizon representatives.
Dr. LeBeaux’s participation in the Verizon Black History event allowed her to share her valuable experiences and insights with a broader audience, further demonstrating her commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. "I appreciate the opportunity to share my lessons with other small businesses,” said Dr. LeBeaux. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and it's crucial to support their growth and success."
About Hortiki Plants
Hortiki Plants, a certified minority- and woman-owned business, offers sustainable gardening kits and educational tools that inspire families, educators, and children to grow. Featured by Good Morning America, Good Housekeeping, and Marie Claire, Hortiki Plants transforms gardening into an eco-friendly, creative learning experience. Learn more at: hortikiplants.com
About Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is a free online platform designed to help small businesses thrive in the digital economy. In collaboration with industry leaders and LISC, it provides personalized learning, expert coaching, networking opportunities, and access to grants and other resources. To date, the program has supported over 700,000 entrepreneurs.
