“Juanita Darden is an educator, entrepreneur, community builder, and economic development leader dedicated to creating opportunities that transform lives and strengthen communities. With more than two decades of experience in education, business, and public engagement, she has built a career centered on empowering people through connection, storytelling, and entrepreneurship.

Juanita currently serves as the Director of the Greater West Dayton Incubator, an initiative of the University of Dayton focused on supporting under-resourced and underrepresented entrepreneurs. In this role, she leads programming that provides business education, mentorship, networking opportunities, coworking space, and access to capital for emerging business owners throughout the Greater West Dayton community. Her work bridges economic development, education, and community engagement while helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and generational wealth.

Before leading the GWDI, Juanita established herself as a respected educator, teaching high school mathematics and developmental mathematics at Sinclair Community College. Her passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom, as she continuously mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders.

Juanita is also widely known as the founder and former owner of Third Perk Coffeehouse & Wine Bar, a beloved Dayton gathering space that became known for its culture, hospitality, and commitment to community connection. Today, she continues her entrepreneurial journey as the owner of Soul Food Carryout, where food, culture, and service remain at the center of her work.
Through every endeavor, Juanita’s mission remains the same: to create spaces, programs, and experiences that inspire people to dream bigger, connect deeply, and pursue lives filled with purpose, opportunity, and impact.”