Episode 11 Season 5
Breaking Down Barriers: Melvin Coleman and Kim Vogel on Empowering Black-Owned Businesses and Driving Economic Growth
Kim recently had the opportunity to interview Melvin Coleman, CEO of the Atlanta Black Chambers, for the Breaking Down Barriers podcast. During their engaging conversation, Melvin shared insights into the transformative work the Atlanta Black Chambers is spearheading in the city. They explored the organization’s initiatives to support and empower Black-owned businesses, foster economic growth, and create opportunities for the African American community in Atlanta. The discussion highlighted the Chamber’s innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and its role in addressing systemic barriers to success for Black entrepreneurs and professionals.
Melvin M. Coleman is the President & CEO of the Atlanta Black Chambers, an organization of over 1000 entrepreneurs. A Georgia native and Navy veteran, Melvin holds an MBA from Georgia Southern University. He’s the Chief Investment Officer at Essential Wealth Management Group and has a background in business development at UPS. Melvin is known for his transformative leadership and commitment to fostering Black-owned businesses. He’s received multiple awards for his work in bringing people together and is currently the President of the Georgia Coalition of Black Chambers.
Kim Vogel, MA, is the Chief Strategy Officer for Economic Impact Catalyst and host of the Breaking Down Barriers podcast. With a diverse background in entrepreneurship, business development, and pastoral care, Kim is passionate about helping individuals and small businesses grow and thrive. Her energetic and optimistic approach drives meaningful conversations with guests, exploring how they’ve overcome obstacles to achieve success. Kim believes everyone has the potential to make a positive impact using their unique strengths and gifts.
About Breaking Down Barriers
This podcast explores the opportunity to build wealth in local, regional, and national economies through entrepreneurship-led economic development. Episodes feature changemakers with innovative approaches to empowering people to start businesses that create wealth for their families and improve outcomes for their communities. Conversations highlight work being done in communities across the U.S. to break down barriers to entrepreneurial opportunity in underserved and underrepresented communities. In this series, we share authentic stories about the impact that entrepreneurship-led economic development has on the local economy and connect a global network of passionate economic developers.
Special thanks to our renowned guests for joining the podcast!
Breaking Down Barriers is a presentation of Economic Impact Catalyst and is hosted by David Ponraj with production and editing by Justine Ramirez with voice talent by Isha Comia. Please rate, review, and subscribe to Breaking Down Barriers, available for free wherever you listen to your podcasts!
