Gloria Freeman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Phone: 612-424-6163
Email: gfreeman@olushome.com

Gloria Freeman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Minneapolis-based Olu's Home, Inc. and Olu's Beginnings LLC, saw a critical need for community-based services, has dedicated her career to helping fill that need, and in the process became a successful entrepreneur.

In 1999, Gloria founded Olu's Home, a licensed care organization that provides residential and in-home services to persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness and elderly. The company operates ten residential and two assisted living sites within the Twin Cities area.

Gloria's desire to serve those with disabilities and mental illness has roots in her childhood. Gloria recalls accompanying her mother who was a prominent public speaker, on residential visits, where she would advocate for the mentally ill.

In 2013, Gloria Freeman started collaborating with her daughter, Jessica Herod, to expand the business by establishing a holistic, intergenerational early childhood program. Their focus was to provide exceptional services in the North Minneapolis area, with a goal to expand into the Metro area.

While developing her business, Gloria has continued her education by participating in the Small Business Administration's Emerging Leaders Initiative, an intensive MBA-level training program for executives of high-potential. In addition, Gloria attended the Harvard Business Publishing through the Women Presidents’ Organization.

Leadership

• YMCA Board Member
• Women Presidents’ Organization Member
• MEDA Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Council
• Hennepin Theatre Trust Board Member
• MEDA Board Member
• Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Leadership Program Alumni
• Past board member Minnesota Black Chambers of Commerce

Awards

• Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce – Category II Award, 2007
• Initiative for Competitive Inner City (ICIC) 100 list of fastest-growing, inner city companies, 2014
• SBA Minnesota State Small Business Person of the Year, 2016
• Women of Excellence Award, 2016
• Minnesota Business The (Real) Power 50, 2017 
• MEDA Entrepreneur of the Year, 2018