Pictured from left are Dan Hickman, Denise Damonti-Wright, Beth Reed, Courtney Curatolo and Scott Miller.

The Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College recognized Denise Damonti-Wright as the recipient of this year’s Small Business Week Women in Business Champion of the Year presented by the US Small Business Administration, Buffalo District.

Damonti-Wright was recognized during Small Business Week on Thursday by staff of the SBDC and the SBA. After a 10-year career in the banking industry, she is currently a branch manager for Five Star Bank.

Previous to her time in the banking industry she worked with prospective business owners as the economic development coordinator for Chautauqua Opportunities for Development Inc. Damonti-Wright is an active volunteer and community advocate and has worked with several non-profit organizations throughout Chautauqua County.

“Denise has consistently championed women and minority entrepreneurs and we are so lucky to have her as a champion in our community,” said Courtney Curatolo, SBDC director.

Throughout her career she has worked to coordinate women networking groups, establish Minority and Women Business Enterprise certification classes, and has offered specialized business training for women and Spanish-speaking individuals.

“It is truly an honor to have been nominated by the SBDC and to work with such a dedicated group of advisors,” Damonti-Wright said when presented with the award. “I am very grateful to live in a community that supports women and minority owned businesses and to have been a part of some of their journeys.”