Blog - Page 35 of 97 - Indiana Minority Business Magazine

Jason Kloth, Ascend Indiana president and CEO, to step down

Business Briefs

STAFF

-

October 27, 2023

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 24, 2023) – Ascend Indiana today announced that President and CEO Jason Kloth, will step down on January 1, 2024. Kloth who helped to create the talent and workforce development organization nearly nine years ago, will serve in a consulting capacity after the first of the year to ensure a smooth transition. In addition to consulting for Ascend, CICP, and others, Kloth plans to focus on his family and spending more time with his two young children. Ascend Indiana is an initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP).

“Jason and his talented team have created an organization built on values that have led to impactful work in helping thousands of Hoosiers find jobs, internships and apprenticeships,” said Mark Hill, managing partner of Collina Ventures, and founding chairman of the Ascend Indiana Board of Directors. “Jason had a vision that he brought to CICP to create economic opportunity for all and because of his leadership and his team, that vision is being realized in many ways today.”

Kloth helped launch Ascend in 2016 and to date, the organization has received more than $50 million in philanthropic funding from organizations including Lilly Endowment Inc., the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation and Glick Philanthropies. The funding has allowed Ascend to advance its work as a labor market intermediary bringing together educational institutions and employers to connect job seekers to good and promising career opportunities.

“An initiative like Ascend would only be possible with the support of CICP and direct involvement of business, higher education and philanthropic leaders,” said Kloth. “It has been an honor to work with such wonderful colleagues and partners to advance our shared vision for Indiana to be a place of economic opportunity for all. I am confident that Ascend’s momentum will continue.”

“Jason’s leadership and contributions to Ascend and to CICP have been invaluable,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP). “He and his team have built an organization with a strong foundation of understanding the talent supply and demand in the state, bringing together leaders across philanthropy, industry and higher education in a shared vision that is making a positive impact on thousands of Hoosiers and developing a workforce for the future.”

During Kloth’s tenure, Ascend has connected nearly 4,500 individuals to jobs, internships and training opportunities at more than 750 employers in Indiana with a focus on serving individuals from historically underserved backgrounds, including those from low-income backgrounds and first-generation college students. The organization has partnerships with 40 colleges and universities across the state.

Ascend does this work in three strategic ways, through their online job matching platform the Ascend Network; Ascend Services, which comes alongside employers and education providers to create talent pipelines to equip youth and adults with the skills they need now and into the future and through Ascend Insights, which informs public policy to create systems-level change in the labor market.

Prior to forming Ascend, Kloth served as deputy mayor of education for the City of Indianapolis under Mayor Greg Ballard’s administration. He served in several roles for Teach for America, including founding executive director of Teach for America-Indianapolis and senior vice president of public affairs. Kloth also served as a 6th grade Language Arts teacher where he was named teacher of the year as a Teach for America Rio Grande Valley Corps Member.

Kloth holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign and a Product Management Certificate from the University of Maryland – A. James Clark School of Engineering.

Kloth is active in his community and has served on a number of boards including Indiana Education Savings Authority, Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, United Negro College Fund Indianapolis, Early Learning Indiana, EmployIndy, Downtown Indy and the Oaks Academy.

CICP will work with Kloth on a transition plan, including a plan for a successor, over the next few months.

Remarkable realty redefined: Black Realty Company

Minority Business Highlights

Braxton Babb

-

October 26, 2023

0

Remarkable realty redefined: Black Realty Company

Black Realty Company is where excellence and diversity beautifully converge in the world of real estate. Situated in the heart of Indianapolis, this women-owned brokerage is committed to delivering exceptional services to both its clients and the local community.

Their mission revolves around empowering individuals, providing them with unwavering support and trustworthy guidance and ensuring that the dreams of homeownership and investment opportunities become a reality for each client they serve.

Summer Black is the CEO and managing broker of the company. With a prior real estate background, she started this business in 2022. Since then, she has brought onboard Erica Nelson, who serves as a realtor, and Kylah Black, who serves as a realtor and project manager.

According to the company’s official website, clients Brandon H., Marilyn B. and Melissa C. said that while working with Black Realty Company they were impressed by the company’s exceptional service, dedication and friendliness.

Collectively, they have set out to create an inclusive and supportive environment where diversity is celebrated, real estate transactions are seamless, and clients are not just heard but genuinely valued. Their ultimate aspiration is to become the most trusted and sought-after brokerage in the region.

To learn more about Black Realty Company, visit www.blackrealtycompany.com.

This minority business highlight was composed by Multimedia Staff Reporter Braxton Babb at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317)762-7854 or via email at BraxtonB@IndyRecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!

Deion Sanders to headline Steward Speakers Series in Indianapolis

Minority Business Highlights

Noral Parham

-

October 25, 2023

0

Deion Sanders to headline Steward Speakers Series in Indianapolis

Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado University Buffaloes football coach Deion Sanders is the featured speaker at the 2024 Steward Speakers Annual Gala and Award Ceremony, occurring April 11, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Downtown Indianapolis.

The Steward Speakers Series’ mission is to “inform, inspire, and invoke action by fostering meaningful dialogue and cultural exchanges, by providing exceptional lectures and events designed to engage youth, families, adult learners and others who rarely have access to nationally and internationally-renowned African American leaders.”

This is the eighth consecutive year that IUPUI is acting as the title sponsor of the Steward Speakers Series.

IUPUI Communications and Community Engagement Strategist Vernon Williams recently shared his excitement about “Coach Prime” Deion Sanders joining the Steward Speaker Series.

“Coach Sanders’ impact on HBCUs and all of college football is immeasurable,” Williams said. “Sanders’ presence in college football has single-handedly brought the history, pride, and challenges historically black colleges and universities face to the forefront, bringing national attention to the pressing issues that impact equitable access to education and resources.”

Sanders, known for his flashy personality, outspokenness and successful NFL career, is the former head coach of the Historically Black College Jackson State University football program and current head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes.

Steward Speakers President and Founder Matthew Steward said the organization is excited to bring Sanders to Circle City.

“We are excited to be the vehicle that brings Coach Prime to Indianapolis, supporting our mission to bring attention to issues that impact our community,” Steward said.

The event is part of Steward Speakers’ 2023-2024 speaker season, which is appropriately themed “Sports & Education and the Impact on the African American community.”

Deion Sanders joins the 2024 Steward Speakers Annual Gala and Award Ceremony takes place April 11, 2024, 7 p.m., at Lucas Oil Stadium. For more information, click here or call 317-297-2905.

Contact multi-media staff writer Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral. For more news from the Indianapolis Recorder, click here. You can also check out the Indiana Minority Business Magazine by clicking here.

Minority Business Highlight: Maven Space

Jade Jackson

-

October 23, 2023

0

Minority Business Highlight: Maven Space

Webster’s dictionary defines a “maven” as an expert or connoisseur.

The term aptly fits Maven Space: an Indianapolis co-working space, event venue and social club created by mavens, for mavens.

Co-owner and CEO Leslie Bailey said the space serves to support entrepreneurs, remote workers, executives, creatives, dreamers and doers. It was created for those who crave opportunities to make connections. Maven Space is for people to find the resources they need to get their big ideas off the ground.

“First, there was Indy Maven, which is our website. I saw a gap in the market when it came to storytelling and news for women. It was really supposed to launch as a website with a newsletter, but women kept asking can they join something, so we added a membership to the website,” said Bailey.

Indy Maven launched in 2019.

Five months after its launch, the pandemic happened.

Bailey said connecting women was an initial part of Indy Maven. She remembers hosting numerous one-on-one phone calls with members.

“I didn’t know what it was going to be, but when I think back to the vague general vision I had, I feel like I spoke the space into fruition,” said Bailey.

All Bailey initially wanted was an old building with a new feel. She never thought Maven Space would turn into a tangible location in the heart of Downtown offering members much more.

“The launch of Maven Space has been a labor of love from day one. It happened with my husband’s and my personal savings, my co-founder, Kate Tauton-Rigsby, and a healthy dose of optimism or insanity, depending on how you look at it,” said Bailey in a statement made when launching the space’s IFundWomen crowdfunding campaign.

“Given that only 2% of venture capital dollars go to women, I knew better than to even try that route. And yes, there are small business loans available, but that only increases your overhead and makes it harder to break even.”

According to of 2019 Small Business Administration (SBA) report, only 28% of total SBA loan dollars went to women-owned businesses.

Those loans came with a nearly 10% interest rate.

With a lot of community support and partnerships, Maven Space opened on the first floor of the historic Gibson Building, at 433 N. Capitol Ave. Suite 100.

The space offers a fully equipped podcast studio – available to rent by the hour –  virtual mail services, exclusive member programming, as well as private and semiprivate meeting spaces. 

Along with several other amenities, the space also offers a mother’s room, a private place for women to pump their breast milk that includes a mini fridge for milk storage and complimentary pumping supplies provided by The Milk Bank.

Maven Space’s memberships are open to everyone, and you can find further details on the perks it offers HERE.

Minority Business Highlight: Paul’s Kitchen

CHLOE McGOWAN

-

October 20, 2023

0

Minority Business Highlight: Paul’s Kitchen

Paul Dickens, a local freestyle chef and owner of Paul’s Kitchen, has been serving home cooked meals in Indianapolis through his private chef and catering business for the last seven years.

Now, he has expanded his culinary creations to the public in a new way: a food truck.

Dickens grew up with a love for food without even knowing it, he said. Raised in Indianapolis, Dickens said he was surrounded by loved ones who were always cooking, but he did not take it seriously until he was in school and realized he flourishes in the kitchen.

Graduating from The Chef’s Academy in Downtown Indianapolis in 2012, Dickens worked in several restaurant kitchens — such as Harry and Izzy’s, Bucca di Beppo and Crooked Stick Country Club — until 2017.

“I started finding myself actually enjoying what I was doing,” Dickens said, “[But] with the restaurants, I felt like I was just being held back, doing the same thing repeatedly every day, so I started to lose interest.”

It was then that Dickens began planning his way out by laying the foundation for what would be his own business, allowing him the freedom to cook whatever he wanted and experiment in the kitchen.

Paul’s Kitchen officially got its start selling meals off Instagram before moving toward meal prep for CrossFit gyms. It then branched off to catering and eventually to personal and private services for families and athletes, which Dickens has been offering for the last five years.

Paul’s Kitchen catering and personal services menu is entirely customizable, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Dickens said he completes all the shopping, cooking and clean up after a meal. For more information, visit chefpaulskitchen.com and follow @paulskitchenfoodtruck on Instagram.

This minority business highlight was composed by CHLOE McGOWAN at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at 317-762-7848 or via email at chloegm@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!

Minority Business Highlight: Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Minority Business Highlights

Braxton Babb

-

October 19, 2023

0

The Local Initiative Support Corporation connects local groups across America with capital and technical knowledge to help build inclusive, resilient communities of opportunity.

They invest in overlapping program areas that reach into every corner of community life, such as affordable housing, childcare and early learning, economic development, education and more.

RELATED: Plate it Up! Catering

With the mission of “Together with residents and partners, we help forge resilient and inclusive communities across America-great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families,” they pursue different strategies to successfully accommodate the community. They also have a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.

“Poverty and other forms of inequity and injustice that LISC works to help redress are largely rooted in this country’s historic and systemic racism, as well as in other forms of discrimination. Pursuing our mission demands that we conceive and implement every aspect of our work through the lenses of equity and anti-racism.”

In 1992, LISC established its local Indianapolis office and became known for their integrated approach to community development- an approach that recognizes the importance of a set of interdependent neighborhood characteristics to the well-being of neighborhood residents and that coordinates investments in commercial and industrial corridors, community facilities, businesses and job creation in Indianapolis’ core urban neighborhoods.

To learn more about LISC Indy visit, www.lisc.org/indianapolis/.

IndyHub & CICP help shape the future of Indy’s youth with conference

Noral Parham

-

October 18, 2023

0

IndyHub & CICP help shape the future of Indy’s youth with conference

IndyHub and the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) will host the SHAPE (Y)OUR FUTURE Summit, a free conference designed for millennials and Gen Z to learn about the future of the Indy region and share their ideas on how to make it a more vibrant place to live, work and plant roots.

The conference will feature a variety of speaker and panel sessions on topics such as Indiana’s talent and workforce needs, the state’s industries of the future, public transportation and mobility, and sustainability and environmental issues. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about the advanced industries that drive Indiana’s economy and to network with each other and with leaders in the community. The event will spotlight industries such as agbiosciences, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, and technology.

“Shape (Y)our Future is going to be one of the best opportunities to learn about the various aspects of what makes our city and state special,” said President and CEO of IndyHub Al Carroll. “It will also include ways for young people to ask questions and share their ideas on how to make Indianapolis a more vibrant place to live, work, and plant roots. We want to ensure that they are shaping their future as well as that of our community.”

The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) was formed in 1999 to bring together the chief executives of the region’s prominent corporations, foundations and universities in a strategic and collaborative effort dedicated to Indiana’s continued prosperity and growth.

“Advancing the key sectors of Indiana’s economy and developing our talent and workforce are core to the success of our community, and this event puts those two topics at the forefront of a very important audience,” said CEO of CICP Melina Kennedy, “It’s a natural fit for CICP and IndyHub to work together to help young people learn what makes this a special place to live, work, play, and learn.”

The summit begins Nov. 14 at 8 a.m. To register for the summit, click here.

This brief was composed by multi-media staff writer Noral Parham III. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral. For more happening similar to the Shape (Y)our Future summit from the Indianapolis Recorder, click here. You can also check out the Indiana Minority Business Magazine here.

Minority Business Highlight: Rejuvenate Massage & Wellness

Jade Jackson

-

October 16, 2023

0

Minority Business Highlight: Rejuvenate Massage & Wellness

Rejuvenate Massage & Wellness offers massage therapy, manual lymph drainage, body contouring and chair massage.

“I want to help women feel beautiful inside and out, feel whole, and be rejuvenated. Through massage and bodywork I work with women to enhance their minds, spirits and bodies. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to wellness,” said owner Deborah Macke on her website.

She is a licensed massage therapist and has been practicing in the Indianapolis metro area since 2007. Macke received her associate’s degree in massage and bodywork from Harrison College.

She has also taken several continuing education courses, including prenatal and postpartum massage training and specializes in women’s health.

“I am especially passionate about working with mothers. I can relate to all they go through physically, mentally and spiritually and I enjoy being able to support them through their motherhood journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to support, encourage and assist women in their commitment to live a life of wholeness,” said Macke.

Through her work, she guides and assists women in creating wellness and beauty inside and out.

This minority business highlight was composed by Jade Jackson at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317) 762-7853 or via email at JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com.

If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!

Global Motivations: A Trusted Global Voice With Influence and Impact

STAFF

-

October 13, 2023

0

Global Motivations: A Trusted Global Voice With Influence and Impact

By DR. TOBY MALICHI

WE ARE IN THE NEW ECOSYSTEM ECONOMY

Whitley Yates, owner of The Niche Agency here in Indianapolis has given me a new moniker, “The Global Godfather,” and the new name is highly received by my colleagues in Washington D.C., and around the globe. The only thing that is constant is change.

Black, minority, immigrant, and people of color-owned businesses and entrepreneurs struggle to find pathways forward to start, grow or scale their small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and obtain that elusive access to capital. It’s obvious to me that many SMEs are still utilizing, old, outdated, and Pre-COVID operating models — and are relying on what I call, “The Regurgitating Silo Cliques” for strategic direction. SME leaders may or may not be aware of how to lead in the new ecosystem economy. This new industry operating model is sector-driven without borders, requires new mindsets and approaches, including the rethinking of value propositions, competition, partnerships, digital and data strategies.

CEO OCTOBER CONFIDENCE INDEX 2024

“Chief Executive’s October CEO Confidence Index finds CEOs outlook for 2024 at lowest level in a year, with 87 percent of the 240 CEOs polled saying they expect business conditions to either remain flat (29 percent) or turn negative (58 percent).” Are you prepared for what’s to come? Do you know the power of your company?

No worries, help is on the way! Malichi Group Worldwide’s innovative global strategic business unit, Malichi Impact Solutions, provides purpose-driven leadership solutions to train, advise, and mentor founders, CEOs, and presidents of small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), private-sector global business leaders, and investment groups on how to lead with confidence when navigating the new ecosystem economy amid geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, high interest rates, and raising global inflation.

PLAY TIME IS OVER: LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET OUT OF MY WAY!

There is absolutely nothing that we can’t do collectively, collaboratively or with communal impact …… absolutely nothing, if it is God’s Will. I personally and deeply, wholeheartedly believe that!! However, I am not naïve to the realities of structural racism, internal prejudice, barriers to access to capital, brinkmanship between our (U.S. Congress and U.S. Senate), where it appears at times, that the average age is much higher than the average IQ. These impacts are motivators for me to inspire leadership globally, help others achieve their goals, and be a trusted global voice with influence and impact. Moreover, I aim to be a beacon of hope and encouragement in a world where there is very little.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will annihilate mediocrity, complacency, entitlement, and the blame-game attitude. Bottom-line, the train is leaving the station at high rates of speeds, with or without you! All aboard!

But wait! There are impact solutions! Black people, and people of color, we have over three trillion dollars of disposable personal income which is more than any other ethnicity in America. But yet, we continually spend our hard earned dollars on other people’s businesses, products and services, and still won’t buy from each other’s businesses. That’s not the white man’s fault….it is solely ours! That alone would help solve Black businesses access to capital challenges, and enable us to hire more Black people and our youth, thus offsetting job discrimination in the workplace.

I personally know heads of state, world business leaders, and fellow highly intelligent Black and African fellow think tank senior fellows that are just brilliant, and are doing incredible great things as well as inventors with superior innovative inventions, if just given the opportunity and funding to bring their high quality products and services to the marketplace.

If we as Black people, and Black businesses, would circulate those dollars within our own communities, I promise you we would not be at the lower economic percentile, lacking access to capital. Rather we would give rise to a way out of poverty, improve our quality of life, have thriving businesses, have plenty of money in our own banks, elect quality politicians by having our own Political Action Committee (PAC) money or special interests groups to impact favorable laws and legislation that favor us. I can teach you the “game.” But not for free!

Through God, all this is possible if we would buy from each other’s businesses and support each other’s endeavors consistently. If as a race of people we don’t get it together right now, it is predicted that our wealth and our net worth will be zero by 2040! I don’t need to translate that, do I?

Going global is no place for the faint-hearted. However, with 95% of our customers outside the borders of the U.S., the Malichi Group Worldwide is internationally-recognized for our sage advice, wisdom, expert communication and facilitation skills, and business mentoring as proven, experienced, and highly-skilled practitioners, and cross-border deal makers. Our Global Chamber Indianapolis and Indiana helps startups or SMEs export their products and services globally, successfully close more complex trade deals, equip more SMEs with insights and strategies to access global markets, conduct global business easier with less stress, get you paid, and enjoy a culturally-enriching experience.

Dr. Toby Malichi, Hon.D.Bus., D.H.L. was given the new name, “The Global GodFather.” (Photo provided/Dr. Toby Malichi)

On a personal note, I would like to express my profound gratitude and thanks to the Indy Black Professionals for honoring me on October 14, 2023 with the prestigious Advancing Africa Award for Economic Development and Social Entrepreneurship. I am truly humbled and honored.

We doze but never close. Have a successful day and think globally!

Dr. Toby Malichi is the Founding Executive Chairman and Global Head of Development, Investment & Diplomacy at the Malichi Group Worldwide.

To learn more, contact Dr. Toby Malichi at 317-515-8866 or Dr.Toby@malichi.com.

Minority Business Highlight: TeeJay’s Sweet Tooth

CHLOE McGOWAN

-

October 13, 2023

0

Minority Business Highlight: TeeJay’s Sweet Tooth

Home of Indianapolis’ only donut and Fruity Pebble Treat ice cream sandwich, TeeJay’s Sweet Tooth first opened its brick-and-mortar off West 86th Street in August of 2018.

Taylor DeBruce and Jerome Tiah — both of which are licensed dental hygienists — own and operate the ice cream shop as a way to serve sweet treats to satisfy “one sweet tooth at a time.” It is also a unique form of “job security,” according to the shop’s website.

TeeJay’s Sweet Tooth specializes in a lineup of 16 rotating custom-made flavors and ice cream treats such as the donut ice cream sandwich, the warm brownie sundae and the cotton candy burrito.

The shop also offers each flavor in single and double scoops, milkshakes, floats and kiddie sizes with an array of toppings. Vegan and gluten free options are also available in addition to seasonal treats for the holidays.

TeeJay’s Sweet Tooth is located at 8660 Purdue Road, Suite 600. For more information about the menu and catering, visit, teejayssweettooth.com. To see a list of the rotating flavors, check the Facebook page. To get in contact, email teejayssweettooth@gmail.com.