Edna J. White is a visionary leader whose impact spans real estate, personal development, and housing advocacy. With over two decades of experience in the real estate industry and a lifelong commitment to serving the Long Island community, she has become a pioneer in creating sustainable housing solutions and empowering individuals to achieve personal and financial success. At EliteX, we are proud to have Edna J. White as part of the edition: Impactful Female Entrepreneurs to Watch, 2025.
Edna J. White | Founder & CEO | 2nd Chance Inc
Her journey began with a deep desire to create change, not only in the real estate sector but also in the lives of those she serves. As a Certified Real Estate Instructor, Broker, and Housing Industry Executive, she has led programs that support professionals, landlords, and organizations in developing sustainable housing strategies. Her dedication to education and mentorship has played a crucial role in elevating real estate professionals and ensuring that individuals and families have access to stable housing.
Beyond her contributions to real estate, she is a strong advocate for economic growth, small business development, and financial literacy. As the President of the Greater Gordon Heights Chamber of Commerce, she works to uplift local businesses and create opportunities for economic empowerment. Her role as the Executive Chair of the Brookhaven Town NAACP further showcases her commitment to housing equity and minority homeownership. Through her organization, 2nd Chance Inc., she has provided transformative workshops and coaching programs, helping individuals overcome barriers, embrace their true purpose, and achieve self-mastery.
“Live your purpose. Lead with passion. Leave a legacy.”
Edna’s influence extends to the landlord-tenant space, where she has worked with policymakers, landlord support teams, and vendors to improve housing accessibility and enhance landlord-tenant relationships. Her approach blends strategic expertise with a heart-driven mission, making her a recognized leader in both business and community development. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a Faces of Long Island Honoree, the Town of Brookhaven Office of Women’s Services Honoree, the LIBN Empowering Women Honoree, and the Women of Distinction Honoree in 2024.
In addition to her professional achievements, Edna is a prolific author, having written 35 books that inspire transformation, healing, and success. Her words have resonated with readers worldwide, helping them discover their purpose and rewrite their personal narratives. Her latest book, “Women Write Now,” became an Amazon Best-Seller in 2023, solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in leadership, empowerment, and personal development.
As a motivational speaker, she has graced the stages of major events, conferences, and workshops, delivering powerful messages on leadership, overcoming adversity, financial empowerment, and self-mastery. Her authenticity and passion inspire audiences to unlock their greatness and transform challenges into opportunities. Through her podcast, “Keeping It Real on Purpose,” she shares insights on mindset, leadership, and resilience, reaching thousands of listeners worldwide.
Her success is not just defined by personal achievements but by the impact she has made on others. She is among the 100 Elite Black Executives Redefining Success in 2024, a recognition that underscores her role as a trailblazer in leadership and personal development. Her guiding philosophy emphasizes that success is not only about financial gain but about the legacy one leaves behind. Edna’s entrepreneurial journey began as a co-pastor and youth director, where she cultivated a strong sense of purpose and community. Later, she transitioned into real estate, driven by a mission to empower the African American community through homeownership and leadership. Her efforts led to the establishment of one of Long Island’s first all-African American real estate brokerages, an achievement that highlights her dedication to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for minority entrepreneurs.
“Failure isn’t the end; it’s a stepping stone towards greater resilience and growth.”
Her commitment to mentorship has been a cornerstone of her work. She has guided countless women in building confidence, making strategic career choices, and fostering strong relationships. Her own experiences as a single mother and a supervisor in a developmental disabilities residence shaped her understanding of work-life balance and the importance of prioritizing family while pursuing career success. By hiring talented individuals, expanding her network, and prioritizing self-care, she overcame gender biases and resource limitations to become a leader in her field.
Her impact has been recognized through multiple awards and honors, including the Diversity in Business Award from Long Island Business News and recognition from Chambers of Commerce and Black History Programs. Her ability to inspire and lead was particularly evident in 2017 when she spearheaded a collaborative book project titled “No Sweet Meat,” bringing together 20 Long Island authors to share their stories. This initiative demonstrated her facilitation skills and reinforced her influence in the literary and entrepreneurial communities.
For aspiring female entrepreneurs, Edna offers invaluable advice: embrace purpose, prepare for challenges, build a supportive network, delegate tasks effectively, and prioritize self-care. She emphasizes that success is a journey marked by resilience, strategic thinking, and continuous learning. Work-life balance, she believes, is about creating a rhythm that allows individuals to excel in both their personal and professional lives.
Her approach to innovation and adaptation in the ever-evolving business landscape is multifaceted. She actively engages with emerging technologies, market trends, and professional development opportunities to stay ahead. She incorporates artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and data analytics into her coaching and business strategies, ensuring that she remains at the forefront of industry advancements. Her commitment to fostering a culture of innovation is reflected in her leadership style, which encourages open communication, feedback, and collaboration within her company.
Beyond business, Edna is deeply involved in community-building initiatives. She is launching the Suffolk Counties African American and Latina Women in Business Network, an organization aimed at providing resources, mentorship, and support to women entrepreneurs facing unique challenges. She also champions diversity and inclusion in the workplace, implementing policies that promote equity and empowerment. Her mentorship philosophy is rooted in the belief that guidance, accountability, and networking opportunities are essential for entrepreneurial success. She attributes much of her own success to the mentors who supported her throughout her career and is committed to paying it forward by mentoring the next generation of leaders. Through her advocacy, she has created spaces where aspiring entrepreneurs can learn, grow, and thrive.
As she looks toward the future, Edna envisions expanding her reach and impact through online coaching programs, workshops, and strategic partnerships. She remains dedicated to continuous growth, innovation, and giving back to the community. Her goal is to empower individuals and organizations to navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and achieve lasting success.
“Success isn’t just about achieving your goals; it’s about empowering others to reach theirs.”
Edna J. White’s journey is one of resilience, empowerment, and purpose. Her contributions to real estate, leadership, and personal development have left an indelible mark on countless lives. Through her unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive cultures, leveraging technology, and supporting women in business, she continues to pave the way for future generations. As she moves forward, her legacy of transformation, leadership, and inspiration will undoubtedly continue to influence and uplift those who follow in her footsteps.