The Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council has appointed Natissa S. Woodard to the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees.
Her term will run through July 2029.
Woodard brings extensive experience in strategic development and staff leadership. She works as a global customer success manager for Roach Diagnostics. She has also worked with nonprofit and civic organizations.
Woodard is a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington. She earned a Bachelor of Science in secondary education, focusing on literature.
She is also deeply involved in the local community. Woodard is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She serves the Emerging Pearls Foundation and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. She is also an active member of Crossroads AME Church.
“The library is a place of access, belonging and lifelong learning,” Woodard said. “It provides knowledge, connection and a safe, welcoming space for all.”
The Library Board of Trustees oversees the system’s governance and strategic direction. Its monthly meetings are open to the public and typically take place on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on TikTok and Facebook @HorsemenSportsMedia.For more business news, click here.
Collins Ave LLC, a premium black-owned wine brand founded by entrepreneur Curtis Collins, is establishing a new presence in the luxury beverage market by making high-end champagne accessible to a broader, diverse audience.
The brand offers a portfolio of sparkling wines crafted in the renowned Champagne region of France. At its core, Collins Ave includes a dry Brut, a fruit-forward Rosé and a premium Prestige Cuvée, all designed to cater to both champagne connoisseurs and new enthusiasts.
Collins, who is only in his twenties, identified a gap in the market for a luxury champagne brand that resonated with urban culture and communities often overlooked by traditional prestige marketing.
His vision, to create a product that maintains the highest quality of craftsmanship while embodying a spirit of inclusive celebration and modern luxury, is evident in his products.
Business owner Curtis Collins (right) and Chase Bank business consultant Shellie Vernon (Left) during the Coaching for Impact program graduation on August 21, 2025 at Chase Bank in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo provided/Chase Bank)
In 2025, Collins Ave graduated from Chase Bank’s ‘Coaching for Impact,’ a program tailored to small business owners and entrepreneurs to empower them with financial coaching, networking opportunities and community building.
“The biggest (Coaching for Impact) takeaway for me would be the relationships,” Collins told the Indiana Minority Business Magazine. “The power of a village and networking has been very impactful. It’s a great gateway to connect with people you may not typically work with or even meet.”
More about Collins Ave Champagne
(Photo via Collins Ave LLC official website.)
Moreover, the brand has gained significant traction through strategic placements in high-end restaurants, hotels and retail partners across the United States. Its growth is also fueled by a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform, allowing it to build a dedicated national following.
Beyond its product, the company emphasizes community engagement and representation. As a successful black-owned business in the competitive alcohol industry, Collins Ave serves as an inspiration and a model for diversity in entrepreneurship.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook and TikTok @Horsemensportsmedia. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Some of the most prominent voices in health care will gather in Indianapolis on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, for Pathways to Wellness for All: Strategies for Change.
The event is a half-day conference focused on advancing wellness, equity and access to care across Indiana.
Hosted at Indiana University Indianapolis’ Hine Hall and University Tower, the event will bring together hospital executives, public health officials, policymakers and community advocates for a morning of dialogue, breakout sessions and networking.
Organizers from the NAHSE Indy Chapter said the gathering comes at a critical time as the state continues to face significant health disparities, mental health challenges and barriers to care.
Dennis MurphyLindsay Weaver, M.D.Lisa E. Harris, M.D.Jerome Adams, M.D.Nir Menachemi, PhD, MPH
“This event is about action,” organizers said in a statement. “We want participants to not only engage in discussions but also leave with tangible steps to advance wellness for all Hoosiers.”
The morning will open with a keynote panel moderated by Dr. Nir Menachemi, dean of the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health. Panelists include Dennis Murphy, president and CEO of IU Health; Dr. Lisa Harris, CEO of Eskenazi Health; Dr. Jerome Adams, former U.S. surgeon general and current executive director of Health Equity Initiatives at Purdue University; and Dr. Lindsay Weaver, Indiana state health commissioner. Together, the leaders are expected to highlight strategies for tackling affordability, equitable care, health communication and statewide public health initiatives.
Following the keynote, attendees will choose from breakout sessions designed to address pressing issues in Indiana’s health landscape. Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn will lead a conversation on mental health access and policy reform, while Dr. Ashley Overley, CEO of Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, will present on crisis response and early intervention strategies. Kimberly Green Reeves, executive director of community impact at Beacon Health System, and Cassy White, manager of community health outcomes at Beacon Community Impact, will share approaches to addressing inequities in infant mortality and population health.
Representative WilburnAshley Overley, M.D.Kimberly Green ReevesCassy White
The conference is accredited by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), with participants eligible to earn three hours of ACHE Qualifying Education credit. Organizers say this professional development component reflects the event’s dual focus on both knowledge-sharing and practical skill-building.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
The Glow Spot Indy reimagines how beauty and wellness professionals work, connect and thrive.
Founded by Kayla Coleman, this innovative coworking and business suite community delivers a refined, inclusive environment tailored to elevate entrepreneurs in the beauty industry.
Designed with luxury and functionality in mind, the business offers private suites, flexible daily room rentals, a training and conference space and an open-concept coworking lounge ideal for professionals seeking both refinement and versatility. The community spans a breadth of beauty disciplines, including makeup artistry, hairstyling, nail services and esthetics, all under one roof. Its roster features dedicated creatives such as Mill’ion Keyes Makeup Artistry, Saniya “Nails by Niy” Cox, Shiniya McMillan of Nyiaxsthetics, Tamia Wilson (“Tamia Renee Beauty”) and Kayla Coleman herself (“Indyskinandlashes”).
Founder Kayla Coleman at the grand opening of The Glow Spot Indy. (Photo/The Glow Spot Indy)
Whether seeking daily workspace flexibility, a private treatment suite or collaborative space for events and training, The Glow Spot tailors to the growth ambitions of beauty professionals. Beyond workspace, it fosters business building through networking, shared resources and a premium environment designed to amplify clientele, income and brand presence.
For those inspired to step into a space where beauty meets entrepreneurship, The Glow Spot Indy is accepting inquiries and even hosting virtual tours to guide potential members through its offerings.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Chase Bank honored the graduates of its first local “Coaching for Impact” class, celebrating a cohort of small business owners who completed an intensive program to fuel their growth and stability.
The complimentary consulting program, launched nationally in 2020, pairs business owners with Chase consultants for executive coaching. The goal is to help businesses not only survive but thrive by mastering fundamentals like financial literacy, capital acquisition, and strategic marketing.
“We truly believe that small business owners are the backbone of our economy,” said Shellie Vernon, Chase Bank business consultant and lead for the local program. “If we don’t wrap our arms around them and support them on personal and business journeys, we’re missing the boat.”
The graduating class included Curtis Collins of Collins Ave Champagne LLC and the husband-and-wife duo of Uvaldo Mondragon and Alejandra Amezcua, founders of Amez International Imports and La Victoriana Brands. Their businesses reflect the diverse and growing economic landscape of Indianapolis and nationwide.
Inside the Chase Bank branch, where the ‘coaching for impact’ program’s graduation was held, on Aug. 21, 2025, near 52nd Street & Georgetown Road, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo provided/Chase Bank)
The program’s value was immediately tangible for the graduates. They cited gains in financial knowledge, operational processes and a robust professional network.
“The biggest takeaway for me would be the relationships,” Collins told the Indianapolis Recorder. “The power of a village and networking has been very impactful. It’s a great gateway to connect with people you may not typically work with or even meet.”
Collins, who is in his 20s, emphasized that access to this information is often scarce in his demographic. The program provided crucial knowledge about business structures like LLCs and credit that he can now pay forward.
Alejandra Amezcua and Uvaldo Mondragon’s company imports diverse products and is developing its private-label lines, including purified water, cheese and plantain jams. Amezcua said the program was instrumental in polishing their business plan and understanding their financials.
“It definitely encouraged us to push to the next level in terms of visibility,” Amezcua said. “It’s not a conversation we had at dinner time before; it’s a conversation we’re having now in our 30s and 40s as we continue to embark on this journey.”
Business owners Alejandra Amezcua and Uvaldo Mondragon’s during the Coaching for Impact program graduation on August 21, 2025 at Chase Bank in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo provided/Chase Bank)
Mondragon, who has over two decades of industry experience, stressed the importance of sharing this knowledge, especially with the next generation. He admitted that despite his extensive background, he lacked specific financial expertise and opportunities before the program.
“If I didn’t have the experience I have now and I started, I would have failed in six months,” Mondragon said. “You have to have the knowledge. This program is very important to learn before you start. If you invest much money without it, you’re bound to fail.”
The “Coaching for Impact” program focuses on five key areas: the power of capital, cash flow management, building a team of trusted advisors, marketing and cybersecurity.
Vernon described her role as providing “the answers to the test” — demystifying the traditional path to business success and building trust.
“Coming into a bank can be very daunting, very intimidating. It shouldn’t be,” Vernon told the Indianapolis Recorder. “I try to make everything relatable, build that trust factor because I want everyone to win.”
Nationally, the program has seen nationally significant growth. By the end of 2024, Chase had 82 consultants in 38 cities, in Vernon, who is the only one in the state of Indiana. Since its inception, the program has consulted and graduated over 8,200 businesses across the country.
Business owner Curtis Collins (right) and Chase Bank business consultant Shellie Vernon (Left) during the Coaching for Impact program graduation on August 21, 2025 at Chase Bank in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo provided/Chase Bank)
For Vernon and Chase, the inaugural Indianapolis graduation is about more than just business metrics. It is about fostering a supportive community and a safe space for entrepreneurs to learn and grow together.
“I want to make sure I help foster and build that community of business owners,” Vernon said. “I want to see the community win.”
The class turned their tassels on Aug. 21, ready to embark on the journey of small business success.
Business owners interested in learning more about the Coaching for Impact program at chase.com/coachingforimpact.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him Facebook and TikTok @HorsemenSportsMedia.For more business news, click here.
Created by Donnice Robinson and Tracey Middlebrooks Wynn, Soulful Journeys of Women is a live historical reenactors organization focused on notable women of color.
Founded in 2022, Soulful Journeys for Women is a way for Robinson and Wynn to combine their shared love and interest in history, education and theatre. Both women have more than 40 years of teaching and performing in local theatre and decided to combine those passions by “transforming into historical women, taking on new personas and capturing the true essence of historical icons with captivating journeys of resilience,” according to the website.
Soulful Journeys of Women aims to educate, inspire and entertain audiences by portraying the lives of strong women of color who “persevered through many obstacles on their paths to freedom and independence,” according to the website.
Together, Robinson and Wynn portray Madam C.J. Walker, Ida B. Wells, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth and Biddy Mason. The duo performs at various venues around Indianapolis, including theatres, schools, churches, museums and special events. Performances feature artist interpretations of notable women of color with “strong social, political and spiritual influences,” who made significant impacts on their communities throughout U.S. history.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Founded by Desmond Mathews and Sean Usher, Cornerstone Support Services is a certified rehabilitation provider accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
The Indianapolis-based agency operates three emergency shelters, the most offered by a single provider in the state. They serve youth, adults and families with intellectual, cognitive, emotional and behavioral challenges.
Its mission is to foster inclusion and support clients in “exploring possibilities, discovering opportunities and achieving dreams.”
The organization’s philosophy is strengths-based, prioritizing the desires of all people to be accepted, feel love, make meaningful contributions and receive respect. Services include emergency shelter care, child mental health wraparound, family preservation, counseling, substance abuse assessment and transitional housing.
Cornerstone Support Services operates from two Indianapolis locations: 3949 Meadows Drive and 6214 Morenci Trail, Suite 100.
This highlight was written by Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham. Contact him at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook and TikTok @HorsemenSportsMedia. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Safe Travels Transport offers non-emergency medical transportation services aimed at helping individuals with mobility challenges travel safely to appointments.
The company provides a variety of services, including medical courier delivery, ambulatory assistance, wheelchair transport, stretcher transfers and broker and rental services.
According to its website, Safe Travels Transport is designed to support passengers needing reliable travel to doctor’s visits, hospital discharges, therapy sessions and other essential destinations. Services are also available for airport trips and group outings, reflecting an effort to serve a wider range of transportation needs beyond medical care.
Customers can book services online, where the company lists estimated booking times depending on the type of transport required. For example, ambulatory assistance requests are scheduled with a 45-minute lead time, while wheelchair transport may take up to 2 hours and 45 minutes to coordinate. The company states that this system is intended to provide transparency and help riders plan.
Safe Travels Transport provides non-emergency medical transportation services in Indianapolis, helping residents access appointments and essential destinations safely and reliably. (Photo/Safe Travels Transport)
While the company is still in its early stages and does not yet have independent reviews, it promotes itself as a dependable option for patients, families and health care providers seeking accessible transportation.
Based in Indianapolis, Safe Travels Transport joins a growing industry of non-emergency medical transportation providers working to address the needs of residents who may not have consistent access to reliable travel. As it builds its operations, the company’s focus on accessibility and scheduled service delivery may help strengthen its position in the local market.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Optimal Dialysis Center of Indy is a Black-owned and operated renal company specializing in hemodialysis for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
Led by CEOs Yvette Dupree and Richard Russell Sr., the company aims to provide patients with the highest quality dialysis services in a professional and dedicated environment. Staff follow, provide care for and support each patient in an intimate, cubicle-style, four-station clinic that “operates like a family,” according to the website.
“Our mission is to provide optimal services and an optimal experience while being cared for by the Optimal Dialysis staff,” the website states. “Our facility and staff are dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused service in everything we do.”
Optimal Dialysis Center of Indy features a deficiency-free facility, as labeled by the State of Indiana, and staff are fully trained and have decades of experience in consulting and initiating new start-up dialysis facilities, according to the website.
The onsite medical doctor is a leading nephrologist known for hypertension maintenance and ensuring patients’ placement on the kidney transplant list. Optimal Dialysis Center of Indy also has the capability of providing in-house dialysis treatments in nursing home facilities.
Optimal Dialysis Center of Indy is located at 8315 E. 56th St., Suite #120. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit optimaldialysis.org. To get in contact, email optimaldialysis@gmail.com, or call 1-888-261-2206.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
AEM Analytics Consulting, a women-led digital transformation firm, provides enterprise technology solutions focused on inclusive innovation.
Founded in 2019 and co-founded by CEO Brandy Smith, the company specializes in Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), artificial intelligence, cloud integration and custom application development.
The firm serves Fortune 500 clients and government agencies, including the U.S. Army, Navy, NBC, BMW and X (formerly Twitter.) Its mission centers on bridging technology gaps for underrepresented communities while delivering scalable AI and cloud-based systems.
AEM Analytics Consulting will host the “AI Forward Conference” in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 29–30. The event focuses on AI-driven career opportunities across healthcare, government, education and transportation sectors, emphasizing accessibility for non-traditional professionals.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Facebook @HorsemenSportsMedia. If you would your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
