Ella Coleman: The Lady Behind the Message
Ella means "Bright." Interestingly, my identity is reflected in my name. I'm a light-giving spirit, divinely assigned to bring light into the lives of others through creative communication. Therefore, I speak, write, recite, and relate well with people of various cultures, classes, and nationalities. I love God and people. That deep love has empowered me to be my message, enabling me to touch the hearts of audiences. Let me share a little about my life.
From early childhood, I was a visionary with great imagination. I dreamed and saw visions with fascination. This enthusiasm continued into adulthood. Ambitious to pursue my purpose and career, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications and Broadcasting with minors in Writing and Religion from Capital University. Later, I received a Master of Arts in African American Studies/Political Science from The Ohio State University. This prepared me as a journalist and a communicator to become a voice in and for the community.
My journalism experience began as a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines. I entered broadcasting as a media producer for numerous radio and TV stations and organizations. During the late 80s and early 90s, I produced and hosted "Keeping in Touch with the World," an international, cultural exchange TV show, featuring guests from over 60 nations for the Columbus International Program. Following this, I hosted "Express Yourself," a live call-in talk show that addressed social issues, provided practical solutions, and inspired listeners to take action. Then in 1991, I founded the award-winning PURPOSE Magazine, an inspirational /motivational monthly newsstand publication.
Still, there was a call to ministry that I had to answer. To prepare, I studied Leadership Dynamics abroad in Israel and in the Bahamas through the International Third World Leaders Association (ITWLA), headed by Dr. Myles Munroe. I was ordained by Dr. Munroe for international ministry in 1999. In 2001, I was ordained as a minister by Senior Pastors Eric & Carolyn Warren of Equip U Ministries, Columbus, Ohio.
While living in the Washington, DC area, I co-hosted a national satellite radio program called Reynolds Rap, and The Point TV Show with legendary journalist Dr. Barbara Reynolds. I later produced and hosted the "Purpose Revealed" and "Purpose For Life" radio shows.
I created Brothers Helping Brothers Radio-thon, through which I recruited over 400 men to serve as mentors for disadvantaged young boys and teens in Ohio. In 1998, I established the Purpose For Life Foundation, non-profit organization created to facilitate education, provide life skills training, mentoring and scholarships for children and young adults.
It was my pleasure to serve on the Board of Directors for the Columbus NAACP, Purpose For Life, Promisedland Orphanage, and other organizations. Honors include: the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Governor’s Award (the highest of its kind in Ohio); The Eldon Ward Minority Business Award; the Blue Chip Award for Excellence in Communication, the United Negro College Fund’s Distinguished Leadership Award, and a Long Street Bridge Cultural Wall honoree in Columbus, Ohio.
While living in the Washington, DC area, I co-hosted a national satellite radio program called Reynolds Rap, and The Point TV Show with legendary journalist Dr. Barbara Reynolds. I later produced and hosted the "Purpose Revealed" and "Purpose For Life" radio shows.
I created Brothers Helping Brothers Radio-thon, through which I recruited over 400 men to serve as mentors for disadvantaged young boys and teens in Ohio. In 1998, I established the Purpose For Life Foundation, non-profit organization created to facilitate education, provide life skills training, mentoring and scholarships for children and young adults.
It was my pleasure to serve on the Board of Directors for the Columbus NAACP, Purpose For Life, Promisedland Orphanage, and other organizations. Honors include: the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Governor’s Award (the highest of its kind in Ohio); The Eldon Ward Minority Business Award; the Blue Chip Award for Excellence in Communication, the United Negro College Fund’s Distinguished Leadership Award, and a Long Street Bridge Cultural Wall honoree in Columbus, Ohio.