Marketplace Minister Ella Coleman 

B i o g r a p h y        

ournalist, entrepreneur and speaker, Ella Coleman is the president of Ellavation Enterprises, Inc.  Ellavation with its motto—A Higher Level Operation—is a media communications and publishing company founded by Ella in 1989. The firm provides innovative radio/television programs and segments, as well as speaking and training presentations that inspire and offer relational solutions to organizations, businesses, agencies, churches, families and individuals.  Also, Ellavation provides magazine and book publishing consultations.

In 1990, Ella created and hosted the “Brothers Helping Brothers” Radio-thon, recruiting 400 African American men mentors, including public officials, business executives, college students, blue-collar workers and others to help disadvantaged African American boys and teens in Ohio.  On the air and in person, she inspired the men to pledge their time and connected the committed mentors with agencies who screened and assigned them to the appropriate endangered young males.  Moreover, she has continuously mentored high school and college students as well as women throughout her career and ministry.

Ella’s experience as a journalist began in the late 70s and early 80s as a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines and a radio news intern. She later became a popular radio and television talk show host and producer. She cut her teeth as a journalist working for the black press. She traveled abroad to African nations, writing and broadcasting her personal experiences to enlighten her readers and viewers.  Ella’s positions in black media required that she be able to perform multiple tasks to help them survive and thrive. Therefore, she worked in advertising sales on straight commission at newspapers, magazines and in radio, becoming a respected top sales executive, which prepared her for entrepreneurship.

In 1991, from the basement of her home, she started Purpose Magazine, an inspirational, motivational publication distributed nationally via subscriptions and regionally on newsstands. A visionary with unshakable faith and determination, Ella navigated her vision of Purpose through the difficult times experienced by many in the magazine publishing industry. Today after over 16 years publishing Purpose in high quality print, it is published online at PurposeMagazine.com.  Over the years Purpose has become a resource for generating inspiration, motivation, and discovering purpose for thousands of print and online readers.

From 1986 to 1996, Ella produced and hosted “Keeping in Touch with the World,” a weekly international cultural exchange TV show, featuring guests from over 60 nations for the Columbus International Program in the Central Ohio area. She produced and hosted “Express Yourself,” a live call-in radio talk show, on which she addressed issues and provided practical solutions, inspiring listeners to take action.

In 1998, Ella established the Purpose For Life Foundation (PFL), a non-profit 501c3 education facilitating organization, providing life skills training, teaching, mentoring and scholarships for youth and adults. Purpose Magazine through PFL, in partnership with White Castle Corporation, sponsored the Phenomenal Mom Essay Contest, which financially awarded winning single mothers and their families. Coverage of the Phenomenal Mom Awards Banquet aired on ABC and NBC affiliates.

Ella earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications and Broadcasting with minors in Religion and Writing from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.  She acquired a Master of Arts degree in African American Studies/Political Science from The Ohio State University. 

Abroad, Ella studied Leadership in Nassau, Bahamas and in Israel through the International Third World Leaders Association, headed by Dr. Myles Munroe, who ordained her for international ministry in 1999.  In 2001, she was ordained as an ambassadorial minister by Dr. Eric Warren of Ambassador Ministries International in Columbus, Ohio.  She serves on the board of Promised Land Orphanage, a non-profit Christian organization, providing a home, food, clothing, education and guidance to abandoned children near Madras, India 

As a motivational and inspirational speaker, trainer and lecturer, Ella delivers life-changing messages to organizations, corporations, and churches throughout the nation. She is an excellent communicator whether she speaks in person to an audience, writes and produces radio or television segments and programs, or packages powerful printed material for readers.  Her presentations provide substance and an enlightening perspective.  Truly, her life mirrors the messages she writes, speaks, publishes and lives.

Among Ella’s numerous honors are: The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Governor’s Award (the highest of its kind in Ohio); city, state and U.S. congressional citations for outstanding publishing and community service; the 1996 Eldon W. Ward Minority Business Award; The Blue Chip Award for Excellence in Communication; and the United Negro College Fund’s Leadership Award.

Ella continues to minister via media, producing, hosting and co-hosting television and radio programs. Recently, Ella became a co-host on “The Point” (ThePointTV.com), a new TV talk show hosted by legendary journalist Dr. Barbara Reynolds with a panel of women, addressing life-impacting issues and interests. The program originates in Washington, D.C.  Also, she just launched the “Purpose Revealed” Radio Show in the central Ohio area.