Eco-Alpha Environmental and Engineering Services , Inc . ( Eco- Alpha ) provides environmental , engineering and workforce development training services nationwide . This minorityowned , Sacramento-based firm ’ s clients include government agencies , private companies , educational institutions , nonprofit organizations and national real estate conglomerates .

With over 40 years of combined industry experience , Eco-Alpha has become the most sought-after community partner and professional services firm in the Sacramento region . The executive leadership led by Melanie Okoro ( CEO ) and Uzoma Okoro ( COO ) have served as dedicated members of the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Services Committee of the High Speed Rail Authority . Stephanie Harrison , Eco-Alpha ’ s Vice President of HR and Accounting — as well as veteran and retired Naval Lieutenant — brings over 20 years of experience serving our country .

“ As employers , we are keenly aware of the demand for skilled labor nationwide ,” says Uzoma Okoro . “ Eco-Alpha ’ s Workforce Development Training programs are our contribution to help address the skilled labor shortage in America . In response to the needs of our clients and the Sacramento community , Eco- Alpha worked closely with community partners to develop and implement Eco-Alpha ’ s Energy Baron Program , Cohort I , sponsored by the Sacramento Promise Zone ’ s Sustainable Communities Collaborative .”

“ Eco-Alpha is dedicated to empowering communities by providing equitable access to workforce development opportunities for residents in Sacramento and beyond , while creating a pipeline of trained industry professionals and promoting economic growth and development ,” says Melanie Okoro , PhD .

428 J Street , LL-110 , Sacramento , CA 95814 I ( 916 ) 945-3604 I www . eco-alpha . com

“ If these businesses are successful , the city and the region are successful . So it would stand to reason that we would try to find every opportunity to make these businesses grow …”

Azizza Davis-Goines , President and CEO , SBCC

Another SBCC program helps parents become better advocates for their children ’ s education . Another includes a trip to East Africa for members to create new business opportunities and enhance cultural ties .

“ Most of our members , when they start , think that all they need from us is networking opportunities ,” Davis-Goines says . “ They just want to meet other businesses so that they can talk about who they are and what they do . But we do so much more for them .” That was especially evident during the pandemic , she says , when SBCC staff knocked on doors and made phone calls to help assess the needs of local businesses and hand out personal protective equipment . They also worked with members to help them find and apply for much-needed funds through the Small Business Administration ’ s Paycheck Protection Program .

Davis-Goines proudly notes that although about 41 % of Black-owned businesses nationwide closed during the pandemic , none of the SBCC ’ s members suffered that fate . In fact , the chamber has seen its membership increase by a third to about 400 businesses since the pandemic started .

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“ If these businesses are successful , the city and the region are successful . So it would stand to reason that we would try to find every opportunity to make these businesses grow …”