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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Local development can transform the neighborhood, from new jobs and services to beautifying the block.

But none of it happens without financing. For developers who have been denied investment, GroundBreak brings capital and support to turn their plans into pillars of the community.

Start

“What excites me is seeing people who look like me starting to have success… and if they grow right up out of my organization, that is incredible.”

PJ Hill, PGMA Development

Our Solution

GroundBreak low-cost, patient capital is making new commercial developments a reality in communities where conventional lending has been slow to go.

$50,000 to $3.5M

Low-cost junior debt to cover up to 35% of total project expenses
Must secure 60% senior debt from outside lender and provide 5% owner equity

Affordable Repayment

Below-market interest rate with flexible repayment terms

Handpicked community partners to help you succeed

Build the dream.

Answer a few questions to get started with GroundBreak financing.

Begin

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