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Melvin Carter

Senior Advisor

Melvin is a nationally recognized systems innovator and two-term Mayor of Saint Paul known for advancing equity-centered, community-driven change. As chief executive of an $800 million municipal enterprise, he has led transformative public-private partnerships, guided the city through overlapping crises, and launched nationally recognized models such as Community-First Public Safety and CollegeBound Saint Paul. Melvin brings operational rigor and a deeply human leadership philosophy focused on generational impact and inclusive economic growth.

Drinal Foster

Chief Impact Officer

Drinal oversees performance measurement, operational excellence, and long-term impact tracking for GroundBreak Coalition, ensuring its transformational goals are matched by disciplined execution. A 30-year Wells Fargo veteran and Senior Vice President, she has led enterprise-wide operational and customer engagement initiatives with a strong focus on equity and inclusion. An award-winning executive and civic leader, Drinal brings deep systems expertise to align strategy, accountability, and innovation in building a more inclusive financial system.

Mike LaFave

Chief of Staff

Mike serves as Chief of Staff for the GroundBreak Coalition, overseeing governance, operations, and coordinated implementation as the organization expands its impact. With more than 25 years of senior leadership in community development—including roles at Family Housing Fund, Project for Pride in Living, and Neighborhood Development Center—he has dedicated his career to expanding access to housing, capital, and entrepreneurship. Mike brings strategic discipline and partnership-driven leadership to advance equitable wealth building across Minneapolis–St. Paul.

Gwen King-Lunde

Executive Administrator & Operations Coordinator

Gwen serves as Executive Administrator and Operations Coordinator for the GroundBreak Coalition, strengthening cross-functional coordination and ensuring the organization’s operations run seamlessly in service of its mission. With a background in nonprofit administration, executive support, and program management, she brings expertise in stakeholder engagement, budget oversight, and high-level communications.

Eric White

Chief Investment Officer

Eric leads the Capital Mobilization aspects of the GroundBreak Coalition, ensuring that our financial institution and community lending partners in entrepreneurship, homeownership, and neighborhood development are working seamlessly in support of the wealth builders we serve. With nearly 20 years experience in impact and investing, mobilizing hundreds of millions of dollars for economic justice at Cogent Consulting, the Bush Foundation, and The Financial Services Consulting Group, mobilizing capital equitably is his life’s work.

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Adair Mosley

CEO

Adair leads the GroundBreak Coalition with a deep commitment to equity-driven transformation and creating new pathways for generational prosperity across Minnesota. With more than a decade of experience leading social impact organizations—including serving as CEO of African American Leadership Forum and President & CEO at Pillsbury United Communities—his career has been dedicated to rallying talent, launching innovative initiatives, and building a more equitable financial system for all.

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What is ABH (Advancing Black Homeownership)?

This first-of-its-kind program combines flexible underwriting criteria with financial assistance to help Black or African-American buyers overcome historically inequitable housing practices and buy their first home. The ABH Community Fund is a collaboration between the Minnesota Homeownership Center, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Build Wealth Minnesota, NeighborWorks Home Partners, PRG, Inc., Project for Pride in Living (PPL) and GroundBreak Coalition.

From West 7th to West Broadway

Keg House Commons

On West 7th, a historic market is preparing for a new chapter. On West Broadway, Minneapolis residents have become co-owners of a commercial property. GroundBreak’s Sept. 30th report offers a view at the people and projects capital is reaching.

$155.9 Million Mobilized

With $27.6 million in GroundBreak capital, the coalition has helped mobilize $155.9 million in total financing with:

  • $19.4M in down payment assistance
  • $2.43M in entrepreneurship capital
  • $5.75M in development capital

Each milestone brings us closer to a region where more people can participate in the economic future of their neighborhoods.

Across Products 

444 Households supported in purchasing homes, including 63 in July alone, our strongest month since launch.

55 Businesses financed through GroundBreak’s entrepreneurship program.

7 Neighborhood Developments financed, representing $23 million in combined project costs and 62 housing units preserved or created.

West 7th & West Broadway

On St. Paul’s West 7th St., the opening of Keg House Commons is scheduled this month. The redevelopment of the former Keg & Case market includes a 12,000-square-foot event venue, Element Boxing & Fitness, and space for local businesses and community gatherings.

On Minneapolis’ West Broadway, the approximately $9 million acquisition of Hawthorn Crossings, a 51,459-square-foot shopping center has been finalized. 97 Minneapolis investors now hold ownership stakes, including 19 young Northsiders, ages 18 to 25.

Coalition Impact

45 lenders engaged. 57% of loans layered with other funding sources.

The value of our coalition extends beyond the capital each partner contributes. Our Origination Partners bring deep community knowledge, while financial institutions and philanthropy bring additional resources and expertise. Together, we’re building the trust and shared responsibility needed to address challenges that no single institution can take on alone.

Design Sprint

In September, we hosted a pair of design sprints to gather community expertise and experience to evolve our entrepreneurship and neighborhood development programs beyond our initial offerings. The sessions focused on expanding services to better support larger, more mature businesses and to expand the types of projects our real estate program supports.

The common theme across recommendations is streamlined transaction and project financed tools that serve as building blocks to make capital more readily and easily accessible.

Community engagement across business owners, capital and service providers, government, and advocacy organizations exceeded all expectations and we’re very excited to implement your recommendations in 2027.

Supporting Black Homeownership Through the H.O.M.E. Fair

GroundBreak Coalition is proud to sponsor the 2026 H.O.M.E. Fair, hosted by NAREB Twin Cities on Saturday, October 24, at NEON Collective Kitchens in North Minneapolis.

This free community event is designed to help aspiring homebuyers connect with lenders, realtors, housing counselors, and trusted community organizations while exploring pathways to homeownership. Through workshops, roundtable discussions, and one-on-one guidance, attendees will gain practical tools and connections to navigate credit, financing, down payment assistance, and alternative homeownership opportunities.

The H.O.M.E. Fair reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to homeownership and closing Minnesota’s racial homeownership gap by connecting future homeowners with the resources, education, and relationships needed to move from aspiration to action.

Learn more and register: H.O.M.E. Fair Registration.

In Gratitude, 

The GroundBreak Coalition Team

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