Saquoya Fentress, Co-Founder and President on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Higher Education Operations Consulting

Saquoya Fentress

Co-Founder and President, Black Diamonds Consulting Group ·

Dallas, TX

2026Years experience
Connect with Saquoya

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Florida A&M University (Undergraduate Degree 2016) Degree Southern Methodist University (MBA) Member Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Member National Black MBA Association (DFW chapter) Member Community Church of Christ (young adult ministry)

Her Story

About Saquoya

I work in higher education as the Assistant Director of Admissions at SMU Cox School of Business while running my own operations consulting business, Black Diamonds Consulting, with my husband as co-founder. I help entrepreneurs and nonprofits streamline their operations so they can focus on their why while we handle the how. I've been streamlining processes for over 10 years since graduating undergrad in 2016.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Saquoya

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute all my success, all my strength, all my perseverance to my relationship with God and through my faith. Without God, I would not be where I am today.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice someone has ever given me was trusting myself. A mentor told me to trust in yourself. If you believe that this is what you're supposed to do, then it's what you should be doing.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Believe in yourself. You can do it. If you're in the room, you're supposed to be there. Always strive to know more. You can never stop learning. Lifelong learning is a guiding principle of mine.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenge impacting my field is dabbling with technology and the new surge of AI. A lot of businesses are starting to look the same. I encourage clients to use technology but maintain their own voice, tone, and brand identity. AI is a tool, but it's not who you are to your core.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

My main value is integrity. I am a woman of my word, and I believe that my character goes way beyond even when I leave a room. My yes is my yes, and my no is my no. I want people to know that Sequoia is a woman that's gonna show up righteously, faithfully, and is a hard worker.

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