Virginia Tech® home

Ateba Whitaker

Associate Professor of Practice
2099 Pamplin Hall (0233)
880 West Campus Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061
ateba@vt.edu
540-231-6353

On this page...

Academic Areas

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Educational Access
  • Technology and Innovation
  • Ethics in AI

Education

  • Ed.D. Candidate, Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership, William & Mary
  • Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Social Entrepreneurship, Portland State University, 2012
  • M.A. in International Management, Portland State University, 2001

Biography

Ateba Whitaker brings over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship for social impact to her role in the Management Department at Virginia Tech. As an educator and changemaker, she combines academic expertise with a passion for empowering underserved communities through innovative and sustainable social enterprises.

Her entrepreneurial journey began with Shoe Revolt, a social enterprise she launched with just $50. The initiative evolved into a national movement to combat human trafficking, garnering support from high-profile advocates such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Meghan Markle. Shoe Revolt raised significant awareness and funding for the cause and received national recognition, including coverage by MTV Act, for its innovative approach to creating social change.

Building on her experience with Shoe Revolt, Ateba founded Unreasonable Kids, a nonprofit social enterprise and member of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). Through this initiative, she has developed and led programs that have positively impacted thousands of students both domestically and internationally.

Ateba has spearheaded numerous transformative programs, including:

  • Scholars Advance Program, which served 275 students during the COVID-19 pandemic through a $100,000 grant from Outschool, helping students meet Virginia's Standards of Learning (SOL).
  • Anti-Bullying Pop-Up Events, which raised awareness and reached 787 young students in collaboration with the Norfolk Police Foundation.
  • TRUTH STEM Entrepreneurship Club, mentoring Black youth to explore entrepreneurship as a tool for social justice.
  • Inclusion Day Sneaker Design Program, which engaged 120 second graders through a collaboration with University of Kentucky students and a Nike executive.
  • STEM on Ice, an event combining NHL Futures STEM education with physical activity, which reached 175 elementary students. This initiative was part of LeadHer, a nonprofit she co-founded with women students from the University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics who aspire to become C-suite leaders.

Ateba has received numerous awards for her efforts, including the 2021 Community UPLIFT Award, City of Norfolk, VA, and the 2020 United Nations Solidarity in ACTION SDGs Award.

At Virginia Tech, Ateba is committed to fostering the next generation of ethical and innovative leaders. Her teaching emphasizes experiential learning and the application of entrepreneurial principles to address pressing societal challenges. Ateba’s mission aligns seamlessly with Virginia Tech’s dedication to inclusive excellence and its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Awards and Honors

  • 2024 Student-Nominated Faculty Member of the Year, University of Kentucky
  • 2021 Hampton Roads Businesswomen of the Year (InsideBiz - Virginia Pilot)
  • 2021 Community UPLIFT Award, City of Norfolk, VA
  • 2020 Solidarity in ACTION United Nations SDGs Award
  • 2013 Women Deliver Social Enterprise Finalist (Clinton Global Initiative)
  • 2010 Featured Innovator and Change Maker by ABC's 14C Campaign
  • 2006 Best Faculty Advisor Award for the College of Business and Public Administration, Old Dominion University

Selected Articles and Coverage

 

Social Media

LinkedIn