Gloria Freeman

Gloria Freeman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Minneapolis-based Olu's Home, Inc. and Olu's Beginnings LLC, saw a critical need for community-based services, has dedicated her career to helping fill that need, and in the process became a successful entrepreneur.

In 1999, Gloria founded Olu's Home, a licensed care organization that provides residential and in-home services to persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness and elderly. The company operates ten residential and two assisted living sites within the Twin Cities area.

Gloria's desire to serve those with disabilities and mental illness has roots in her childhood. Gloria recalls accompanying her mother who was a prominent public speaker, on residential visits, where she would advocate for the mentally ill.

In 2013, Gloria Freeman started collaborating with her daughter, Jessica Herod, to expand the business by establishing a holistic, intergenerational early childhood program. Their focus was to provide exceptional services in the North Minneapolis area, with a goal to expand into the Metro area.

While developing her business, Gloria has continued her education by participating in the Small Business Administration's Emerging Leaders Initiative, an intensive MBA-level training program for executives of high-potential. In addition, Gloria attended the Harvard Business Publishing through the Women Presidents’ Organization.