Uvaldo Mondragon is the owner of Amez International Imports LLC, a minority-owned business based in Brownsburg, Indiana.
The company is known for transporting fresh produce such as avocados, bananas, berries, and other fruits and vegetables. Amez International Imports also transports refrigerated products such as meat, seafood and beverages, typically shipped fresh or frozen.
Unlike other similar services, Amez International Imports owns its fleet of trucks, which ultimately helps keep costs down.
In August 2025, Mondragon, alongside his wife Alejandra and her business, La Victoriana Brands, completed the “Coaching for Impact” program created by Chase Bank. The program concentrates on five key areas: the power of capital, cash flow management, building a team of trusted advisors, marketing and cybersecurity.
Mondragon, who has over twenty years of industry experience, emphasized the significance of sharing the knowledge learned in the program. He acknowledged that despite his extensive background, programs like those from Chase Bank better equipped him for success.
“If I didn’t have the experience I have now and I started, I would have failed in six months,” Mondragon told the Indiana Minority Business Magazine. “You have to have the knowledge. [Coaching for Impact] program is very important to learn before you start.”
Learn more about Amez International Imports by contacting them via phone at 773-981-2863.
This business 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 want your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Take.Two is a justice-involved organization dedicated to helping people become “better than their past.” Led by founder and CEO Kourtnee and COO Victor T. Woods, Take.Two works with individuals with disabilities and criminal backgrounds.
“We believe that helping and being charitable to others who have to deal with re-entry into society will not be difficult but provide avenues that will give them hope for a positive change,” the website states. “We also believe that it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.”
Services offered through Take.Two include housing, employment and education assistance, appliance rentals, free Pack N Plays and basic business courses. The organization also assists employers with staffing needs.
Take.Two serves health care agencies, warehouses, retail spaces, large nonprofits and corporations with more than 50 employees as well as long-term care facilities and construction companies, according to the website.
Take.Two operates out of 55 S State Street Suite 306. For more information or to book a service, visittaketwoindy.com. To get in contact, call 317-455-3101 or email Take.Two22@yahoo.com.
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.
In today’s fast-changing business world, staying ahead often means solving problems that slow teams down. Optimist Business Solutions, a minority- and woman-owned firm based in Indianapolis, is helping organizations do that through a unique blend of process improvement and artificial intelligence (AI).
Known for addressing issues like costly delays, shrinking revenue and disorganized data, Optimist builds clear, efficient systems designed to boost results. The company has guided clients to measurable improvements, including cutting client intake times by 40% and closing significant data management gaps.
At the core of Optimist’s mission is making AI accessible and practical. Professionals learn to integrate tools such as ChatGPT and workflow automations into their daily routines through workshops, coaching and online programs. These skills help clients save time, improve decision-making and adapt to changing markets.
Optimist’s impact is being recognized. The Better Business Bureau recently accredited the firm, highlighting its commitment to transparency and service excellence. Its diverse client base includes executives, nonprofit leaders and corporate teams, all seeking innovative ways to meet their goals.
The company is also preparing to launch its next Virtual AI Training on Sept. 8, conveniently scheduled over lunch. Designed for participants at any level of AI confidence, the training helps professionals apply technology in simple, human-centered ways.
With a focus on innovation and results, Optimist Business Solutions is proving that the future of work doesn’t have to be overwhelming — it can be empowering.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.If you want your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
The Indy Chamber has appointed Martina Jackson as its new Senior Director of Public Relations and Communications.
Jackson, an Indianapolis native, brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit marketing, social media strategy and visual storytelling. In her role, she will lead the Chamber’s communications and media relations efforts with a focus on shaping how the organization communicates its mission to accelerate economic growth, support local businesses and strengthen the Indianapolis region.
“Martina is an innovative communicator whose work bridges storytelling and strategy in a way that inspires engagement and action,” said Blaine Zimmerman, chief talent and marketing officer of the Indy Chamber. “Her ability to craft narratives that resonate across communities will be an incredible asset as we continue to position Indianapolis as a vibrant regional hub for business, talent, and opportunity.”
Martina Jackson (Photo/Indy Chamber)
Jackson’s career includes founding and leading Drea & Co., a marketing agency focused on mission-driven organizations. She has also held fractional leadership roles with the Black AIDS Institute and BU Wellness Network, where she expanded digital engagement by triple-digit percentages. In addition, Jackson is the founder and CEO of Pixus Inc., the company behind CaptureNoire, an award-winning mobile app recognized nationally for inclusive tech innovation.
Her work has earned recognition from multiple organizations, including Indiana University’s College of Arts and Sciences, which named her to its 20 Under 40 list. She has also been selected as a Creative Fellow with the Indianapolis Arts Council and has won several pitch competitions and innovation grants.
(Photo/Indy Chamber)
Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Philosophy from Indiana University and is fluent in Japanese. Beyond her professional endeavors, she co-founded Create. Connect. Collab and serves as Marketing Chair for Friends of Belmont.
With Jackson joining the Chamber’s marketing and communications team, the organization aims to expand its storytelling, outreach and engagement strategies while highlighting Indianapolis as a destination for business and talent.
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.
