Vida Harley

Dr. Vida Harley is a powerhouse of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. From overcoming personal struggles to becoming a world-renowned speaker, business consultant, author, and advocate for women entrepreneurs, she has dedicated her life to creating opportunities for others. With over 30 years of experience in business development, nonprofit leadership, grant writing, public relations, and financial literacy, Dr. Harley is a trailblazer in transforming lives through education, business, and social impact initiatives.
Through her nonprofit, Women Entrepreneurs Matter Inc., and her business, Vida Harley and Associates LLC, she has mentored and supported thousands of entrepreneurs, guiding them in business planning, marketing, securing grants, and leveraging AI for business success. As a speaker, author, and educator, she continues to shape the future of entrepreneurship while building a legacy that empowers individuals to break barriers and achieve financial independence.
Dr. Harley's journey is one of survival, perseverance, and triumph. Born under the sign of Scorpio, she has navigated a life full of challenges, including over 40 years of domestic violence and the heartbreaking loss of her son, Darnell Lark Sr., at the age of 41. From a young age, she displayed exceptional talent and ambition. She learned to sew at the age of 9, becoming a prodigy in fashion design, a skill that later evolved into a passion for empowering others through business and entrepreneurship. Despite growing up in difficult circumstances, her determination to succeed never wavered.
Her resilience was tested further when she found herself living in a car, working on a fashion line for exotic dancers while rebuilding her life. Yet, through faith, sheer willpower, and an unwavering vision, she transformed her pain into purpose, becoming a champion for economic empowerment and community upliftment.
Dr. Harley’s educational journey was marked by institutional challenges that she courageously fought to overcome. She attended Ivy Tech Community College from 2009 to 2013, where systemic barriers prevented her from receiving adequate guidance. Despite earning 102 credits for a 63-credit program, she fought for her graduation, demonstrating her perseverance and commitment to education. She later transferred to Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies with a focus on Art and Humanities at Indiana University Northwest. Her studies complement her extensive knowledge of business, leadership, and community development.
Beyond formal education, Dr. Harley has accumulated decades of expertise in business development, grant writing, financial literacy, real estate, and AI-driven entrepreneurship. Her ability to translate her knowledge into action has made her a sought-after consultant, mentor, and speaker.
As the founder and CEO of Vida Harley and Associates LLC, Dr. Harley provides professional services, including business planning and development, marketing strategy and social media management, grant writing and government contracting, vendor bidding, notary public services, and mortgage loan services. She is on a mission to help individuals and organizations turn ideas into profitable ventures, ensuring economic growth, sustainability, and generational wealth.
Dr. Harley is also the founder and president of Women Entrepreneurs Matter Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and men entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, networking, and training opportunities, hosting community-building events, and connecting business owners with funding and resources. Under her leadership, the organization has supported over 200 business vendors, organized multiple “Fun in the Sun” events, and launched mentorship programs that inspire entrepreneurship and leadership.
She is a world-renowned speaker with a gift for inspiring and motivating audiences. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life has made her a sought-after keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and leadership coach. She has spoken at events such as The Kingdom Women Leadership Conference, where she presented “Having the Faith of a Mustard Seed: Overcoming and Getting Grants, Loans, and Resources,” the Empowering Young Leaders Workshop, helping parents and children develop skills for success, Entrepreneurship Hour, providing aspiring business owners with hands-on guidance, and Black History Month Programs, celebrating Black excellence and historical contributions.
Her community-building efforts include mentoring at-risk youth, consulting for nonprofits, and helping businesses secure funding through government contracts and grants. As a published author and award-winning writer, Dr. Harley has penned multiple books, articles, and guides on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and personal empowerment.
Some of her published and upcoming books include “Grant Writers Playbook,” a must-read gui