Marlene R. Dyce

The 2008 Marlene R. Dyce Businesswoman Empowerment Award is given to recognize individuals in the Southern California community who have had an impact on business in Orange County. This individual has helped and assisted minorities and women, educationally, economically and through their efforts, have increased and strengthened opportunities for women owned businesses in Orange County and the surrounding communities.

Extending Opportunity
“If there was a gold medal for endurance and style, Ms. Marlene Dyce would win hands down,” says Bobby Mac, the executive director of the Black Chamber of Orange County who has worked with Ms. Dyce for over 19 years. “She has been one of the true troopers that has worked, watched and participated in creating visibility for the chamber.”
As assistant to director, Dr. Joseph F. C. DiMento, University of California Irvine Newkirk Center for Science and Society, a center dedicated to finding ways and means to share research knowledge with the public and policy makers so they can make informed decisions on vital policy issues that affect the community. Ms Dyce who joined the university in 1992 is responsible for program development and coordination.
A woman of impact, determination, vision and influence in the African American community in Orange County, Ms. Dyce has actively participated in community and public service organizations for many years. “my resilience has brought me blessings, strength, and the energy to give back,” she said. “Being widowed twice has taught me to be more sensitive and responsive to my environment.”

Parallel to her business interest, Ms. Dyce also devotes time and energy to the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County where she serves as secretary/treasurer-a volunteer position. She is also the president of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Orange County Chapter, an advocacy organization that promotes empowerment for women of color. “I love my life. I love the variety of activities that I have the privilege of participating in. I surround myself with positive people who can uplift me and allow me to do what is necessary to make a difference in other people’s loves.”

Ms. Dyce joined the Black Chamber in 1988. After the death of her second husband in 1992, she took a more active role on the board and gradually worked to her current position. Although she does not get paid, Ms. Dyce says her fulfillment is knowing that she made a difference in the development of small business owners n their quest for success and excellence.

She says that she and the board are working very hard to address the needs of small businesses by putting together a new string of initiatives that will make the Black Chamber more relevant for members. “The mixers will come back. We will have more focused workshops and informational videos/dvd’s that our small business members can use as a business tool.”

Working with the Black Chamber has allowed her to champion different causes relating to education and entrepreneurial empowerment and she urges other people to volunteer their time.

Ms. Dyce entrepreneurial skills were honed at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio where she obtained her bachelors degree in Business Administration. She decided to make Orange County her home after a brief visit nearly 34 years ago. She liked it and has lived in the area since then.

Ms. Dyce says that the model for her philanthropic and charity involvement has been her mother, Mrs. Gloria Williams who is her role model. The 80-year old woman who lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma still volunteers at the American Cancer Society and works in a board and care facility. “My struggles have made me responsive to different cultures as a way to do business especially with the Black Chamber.”

Living in Southern California area-the most diverse in the United States, she says, the Black Chamber has to adapt to different cultures in order to expose and provide opportunity for our small businesses to all markets. “The integration of multiculturalism aids Black success in the sense that it develops the mind and allows access to vital and relevant informational opportunity that will otherwise not be forthcoming in terms of what others are doing to succeed.”