MEET THE FOUNDER

Carmen Davenport brings over three decades of leadership experience in a non-profit healthcare organization, where she has been instrumental in implementing crucial software programs for Practice Management and EHR workflows. With a 15-year PM training certification, Carmen has not only overseen the development of the company's PM training program but has also managed the Revenue Cycle Department, significantly impacting the organization's financial health. Carmen has received several corporate awards such as Service Impact, Financial Impact, and Teaching Effectiveness Awards.  Beyond her corporate achievements, Carmen is a recognized advocate for change, receiving prestigious awards such as the 2022 Kimet 360 Black Excellence Award, the 2023 S.E.A. Leaders Service Impact Award, and the 2024 WTLC, Hot100.9, and Praise1310 Melanin Magic Black History Trailblazer Award. Her commitment to improving the social and economic health of underserved neighborhoods has earned her widespread recognition and features on news stations, radio, and the front page of the Indianapolis Recorder.

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Carmen teaches a fundamental course (Prep & Access), refers them to organizations specializing in coaching, mentoring, and scaling, and when they are ready to go public with their business, BDI provides the visibility they need to be sustainable through their Black business directory, monthly and exclusive e-newsletters, live reviews, and vendor events.

 

Fueled by a passion for empowerment, Carmen has embarked on a journey of knowledge and growth, leveraging transformative business courses, coaching, and mentoring from esteemed institutions like MOBI at Butler University, Indy Urban League, Verizon Digital Ready, SCORE, Boomin University of Tennessee, Harlem CDC, Indy Black Chamber, ISBDC  (Indy Small Business Development Center) - Butler, and the SBA. Through her pioneering initiative, 'Prep & Access,' she has partnered with the Edna Martin Christian Center to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the foundational knowledge and support needed to ignite their entrepreneurial spirit. Carmen then refers them to spaces focused on scaling and stays connected to ensure they gain the visibility they need when they go public through her Black business directory and comprehensive marketing efforts, also used by Indy Urban League & Verizon Digital Ready.

 

Carmen's commitment to community empowerment extends beyond her program, as she remains dedicated to staying abreast of industry knowledge through collaboration with industry-leading entities, enriching the learning experience for her participants and nurturing a thriving, empowered Black Dolla Indy that transcends mere statistics.  

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With a deep connection to the local community, Carmen is trusted by consumers and small business owners for the valuable insights she provides. Her genuine advocacy for change, and her desire to plug the community back into itself, define her as a leader and source of inspiration.

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Carmen's ultimate vision is that more organizations like Edna Martin Christian Center, Urban League, and Verizon Digital Ready that share her fervent commitment to elevate Black communities will collaborate with her to amplify their impact. Together, they will transcend mere statistics to cultivate a thriving, empowered Black Dolla Indy, where entrepreneurship flourishes, opportunities abound, and every individual has the chance to thrive.