Her Story
About Shirley
Shirley Ayangbah serves as CEO of Global Economic Research Consulting, based in Redlands, California. For the past five years, she has specialized in grant writing, proposal development, and consulting services that assist small businesses with state certifications, government contract bidding, feasibility studies, and market research. Ayangbah holds a PhD in International Economic and Financial Law from China, a master's degree in Economics from Claremont, and a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Ghana. In addition to her consulting work, she teaches courses in economics, business law, American government and politics, and occasionally accounting at community colleges including Riverside Community College and Cerritos. She maintains memberships in the International Law Association and the Economics Association, and she founded the Diamba Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring youth and promoting education in San Bernardino and Ghana.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shirley
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, being intentional, having a sense of urgency, and avoiding procrastination. I set goals and ensure every step leads toward them. I surround myself with mentors and people I can learn from.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Set goals, go to school, be self-sufficient and independent. Don't prioritize marriage over career at a young age. Follow the process, work hard, connect with the right people. No excuses - try hard and study hard.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Opportunities: Providing information to small businesses that empowers them and lights up their eyes with understanding. Challenges: Lack of knowledge, information, time, and money among small business owners; they often skip feasibility studies and face unexpected costs.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being intentional about every step and activity. I follow a principle of multiplication and addition - any person or activity must add or multiply value, never subtract or divide. I set goals and ensure actions align with them. I value mentors and lifelong learning.
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