Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon is a mission-forward visionary, author, and social entrepreneur known for developing economic vehicles that empower the Black community. She transforms businesses from sales to success by advocating for, equipping, and empowering entrepreneurs to scale and leaders in the community.

Affectionately known as Dr. Key, her unique “Village Model” is renowned for its innovative structure and community-centered approach. Since founding The Village Market in 2016, Dr. Key has served over 1,440 businesses and facilitated $8.8 million in direct sales to Black-owned enterprises and $ 800,000 in grants. She set a new standard for success among Black-owned businesses by integrating programs offering grants, mentorship, and technical assistance through her nonprofit, Our Village United. Dr. Hallmon has expanded her mission with The Village Retail, a flagship retail store for Black brands.

No One Is Self-Made: Build Your Village to Flourish in Business and Life.” In this transformative book, she dismantles the myth of individualism, showing how collaboration and community are the true paths to overcoming systemic barriers and establishing economic prosperity.

Dr. Hallmon’s long-term vision is to build Black economic resilience where businesses and communities can flourish globally. Her commitment to culturally competent programs and community-centric wealth-building models distinguishes her from others in the field. She integrated her mantra, “Support is A Verb,” into her business motto as she propels businesses from Atlanta to the Bahamas to turn big ideas into big profits. Testimonials from beneficiaries of her initiatives consistently highlight her impactful leadership and dedication to fostering environments where Black businesses can succeed.

She has established notable partnerships with institutions such as Mastercard, Rockefeller Foundation, Target, and WalMart, which have enhanced her credibility and expanded her network to elevate businesses. She has been recognized in esteemed publications, including Forbes, The Entrepreneur, Inc. Magazine, Essence, Black Enterprise, CNN/HLN, the Today Show, and more. A sought-after speaker, she has graced the stages at prominent events hosted by organizations like the Aspen Global Inclusive Growth Summit, Bloomberg, AD Color, Goodwill of America, and Clark Atlanta University, as well as conferences such as the National Urban League & Hope Global Forum.

Her notable accomplishments include induction into the 40 Under 40 Society at Tougaloo College, 40 Under 40 Atlanta Business Chronicle, Trailblazer Award Atlanta Business League, Georgia Trend’s 500 Most Successful Businesses, and being listed among The Root 100 Successful African Americans and the inaugural Forbes 50 Champions.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens appointed Dr. Hallmon to serve on the Women’s Advisory Council and the ethics and procurement committee for the City of Atlanta’s 61st Mayor transition team.

As a board member for Invest Atlanta, Dr. Hallmon continues to advocate for equitable opportunities within the business and affordable housing landscape. Dr. Hallmon serves on the Board of Trustees for Tougaloo College. Dr. Hallmon is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.