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Source: Michigan News Feature
Kai Bowman.
Kai Bowman.
Kaiwan “Kai” Bowman loves serving his community by connecting people with new opportunities. He works to close the racial wealth gap in metropolitan Black entrepreneurs as chief operating officer of the Detroit Black Business Alliance.
A Brooklyn native, Bowman came to Michigan to attend the University of Michigan, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management and communications. Bowman earned her MBA from Indiana University and also holds a master’s degree from New York University. He has served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Italy, but Detroit is his home.
What does the Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance do?
We founded MDBBA to help Black people navigate systems that have traditionally held them back, such as the banking system, teach them access to capital, and advocate for policy. Since March 2021, we have built an organization of more than 1,300 members and put more than $10 million in the hands of Black entrepreneurs. We are also involved in large-scale economic development projects in Detroit, such as the NFL Draft, to help small businesses participate. It will expand to Flint and Lansing in 2024.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The impact of watching business owners wake up one morning and come up with a new idea for the business they want to build, then help it grow or expand. I liken it to an oasis in the desert. There, he walks alone for long periods of time, trying to find an oasis that will nourish him. we can provide it. People who were told no by big banks come back with our program and get $2 million, or companies put their name in the ring and sign a $10 million deal. doing.
What led you to attend the University of Michigan?
I was a big fan of the Fab Five. It was my dream school, so I was fortunate enough to be able to enroll and spend four wonderful years there. I met some of her closest friends at UM. That’s probably my best memory. A lifelong friend.
What brings you joy?
Traveling is my greatest passion. So far I have visited her 52 countries on 6 continents.
I was also able to encourage my family and friends to travel. My children have been to 30 countries. While at Whirlpool, I was assigned an assignment in Milan, which allowed me to bring my family and experience life abroad.
Who inspires you?
my family, my children. My son is a sophomore at Indiana University and my daughter is a senior in high school. Thanks to them, I can work hard. Watching our friends at UM succeed — Donald Rencher is the Hudson He just became CEO of the Weber Foundation. Another friend is a surgeon. I met him in my dorm when he was 17 years old and he wanted to be a surgeon. When it comes to my friends and family, I’m their biggest cheerleader.
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