Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon is a mission-forward visionary known for developing an economic vehicle that empowers the Black community through collective wealth. She transforms businesses from sales to success by advocating for, equipping, and empowering artisans, creators, and entrepreneurs to become doers, supporters, and leaders of change.

Affectionately known as Dr. Key, her unique “Village Model” is renowned for its innovative structure and community-centered approach. Since founding Village Model’s retail platform, The Village Market, in 2016, Dr. Key has served over 1,440 businesses and facilitated $8.3 million in direct sales to Black-owned enterprises. She set a new standard for success among Black-owned businesses by integrating, through her nonprofit, Our Village United, programs offering grants, mentorship, and technical assistance and has awarded $800,000 in grants. Dr. Hallmon continues to expand her mission creating a retail storefront — The Village Retail at Ponce City Market —a curated retail collection of premier Black businesses.

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 and collaborated with numerous organizations, including the White House Office of Public Engagement, Mastercard, Verizon, Target, Walmart, Puma, Michael Jordan Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Clorox, Kellogg Foundation, Essence, and more, which have enhanced her credibility and expanded her network to elevate businesses. Her influence is recognized in esteemed publications, including Forbes, 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 accolades include induction into the 40 Under 40 Society at Tougaloo College, recognition by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the Atlanta Business League and being listed among The Root 100, Georgia Trend 100, and the inaugural Forbes 50 Champions as one of the most successful people in business. Appointed by Atlanta Mayor, Andre Dickens, to serve on the Women’s Advisory Council for the City of Atlanta, served on the ethics and procurement committee for the City of Atlanta 61st Mayor transition team, and serves as a board member for Invest Atlanta, Dr. Hallmon continues to advocate for equitable opportunities within the business landscape. Dr. Hallmon serves on the Board of Trustees for Tougaloo College. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.