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Leadership

Meet the leaders guiding BBN’s mission and community impact across Minnesota.

Our Leadership Approach

Black Business Network is led by a community-centered board with lived experience as Black business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals. We prioritize leadership that reflects the communities we serve, while remaining open to individuals with strong experience in nonprofit governance, economic development, and board leadership.

Board in Action

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BBN Board 1
BBN Board 2

Meet the BBN Board

Coa Murrell

Chair

Coa Murrell is the owner of Care4All and holds a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration. She leads fundraising and financial strategy for BBN, supporting entrepreneurs through structured planning, resource alignment, and accountability.

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Yolanda Davis

Secretary

Yolanda Davis is an advocate and community leader with experience in outreach, mediation, and governance support across Minnesota. She is deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and effective board practices, helping strengthen organizational accountability and community-centered leadership at BBN.

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Lynette Harris

Treasurer

Lynette Harris brings experience in community-based initiatives and nonprofit service, including her work with Moms Food Shelf and District 5. As Treasurer, she supports BBN’s financial stewardship and long-term sustainability.

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Vernisha Powers

Board Member at Large

Vernisha Powers is the founder and CEO of United Kidz Transportation Nanny LLC and a Health Unit Coordinator with over 10 years of experience across hospital and clinical settings. She brings expertise in operations, transportation logistics, and family and community engagement, supporting BBN’s mission through community-centered leadership on Saint Paul’s East Side.

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Hamida Muhammad

Board Member at Large

Hamida “Mimi” Muhammad is the owner of Sota Soul LLC, a Saint Paul restaurant and catering company, and a public servant with extensive experience in Minnesota’s human services system. She brings a practical, solutions-oriented perspective on entrepreneurship, financial stewardship, and community engagement, helping BBN expand access to resources, partnerships, and opportunities for Black-owned businesses.

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Open Board Seats

Board Member at Large

BBN currently has 4 open Board Member at Large seats. At-large members serve as general board members—without an assigned title—supporting the board’s work across governance, fundraising, community engagement, and program support based on their skills and interests. See Board Service Requirements below for time, committee, and participation expectations.

Board Service Requirements

  • Term Length: 2 years

  • Term Dates: May 1 – April 30

  • Meetings: Last Tuesday of each month at 12:00 PM (typically 1 hour)

  • Format: Hybrid/rotating (odd months virtual, even months in person)

  • In-Person Location: 925 Payne Ave E, Suite B2, Saint Paul, MN 55130

  • Participation Goal: Strong attendance and preparation (current average ~80%)

  • Board members serve on at least one committee

  • Standing committees include:

    • Executive Committee (officer group + one additional board member)

    • Governance Committee

    • Audit & Finance Committee

  • Committees meet as needed, often in advance of full board meetings

  • Board members may also support functional roles (ex: marketing, member engagement, volunteer coordination)

  • BBN does not currently require a give/get minimum

  • Board members are expected to support fundraising through non-monetary efforts such as:

    • Sharing campaigns and announcements in personal/professional networks

    • Inviting contacts to events and programs

    • Helping build relationships with partners, sponsors, and funders

    • Serving as ambassadors for BBN in the community

  • Looking ahead: BBN anticipates a modest annual give/get (~$400/year) in the next 2–3 years (personal giving, funds raised, or both)

  • Board nominations are accepted on a rolling basis based on strategic needs

  • Candidates are vetted through conversations for mission alignment, capacity, and relevant skills

  • New members complete a structured onboarding (board portal + guide + checklist)

  • Includes a 120-day onboarding & engagement period with check-ins

  • Continued service is confirmed by mutual agreement after the onboarding period

Board priorities over the next  1–2 years

  • Strengthen sustainability through diversified fundraising and financial oversight

  • Support the shift toward structured, repeatable programs (not only events)

  • Expand board expertise in governance, systems, and strategic growth

  • Ensure programs remain aligned with BBN’s mission supporting Black-owned businesses across Minnesota

Skills we’re seeking

  • High need: Accounting/Finance, Legal, Nonprofit Governance, Fundraising, Strategic Planning

  • Moderate need: Communications/PR, HR, Operations, IT, Advocacy, Nonprofit Admin/Management

Ready to Get Involved?

Email us your role of interest and your resume. We’ll follow up with next steps and schedule a conversation.

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