Geneva Cole, born on October 22, 1954, is the visionary behind Freedom’s Dream Global. With a rich background spanning over four decades in administrative services within major corporations such as Reliable Contracting and Equipment Co., The Chicago Tribune, Bank of America, and America Online (AOL), she honed her business acumen. In addition to her corporate career, Geneva ran a sole-proprietorship and worked as a printing broker/desktop publisher from 1986 to 1996.

Geneva’s educational journey encompasses two years of dedicated study at the Chicago College of Commerce, where she pursued Court Reporting from 1976 to 1978. Additionally, she expanded her knowledge through business courses at Harold Washington Junior College.

Geneva’s commitment to community service began early, as she actively participated in outreach ministries at local churches from 1984 to 2004, serving both youth and elderly. Raised by a single mother alongside six siblings on the Southside of Chicago, IL, Geneva’s formative years in the close-knit community in Altgeld Gardens (a village of its own) instilled in her a deep sense of compassion and a desire to uplift others, particularly the underprivileged.

In 2001, Geneva relocated to Minnesota, where she intensified her focus on community engagement. She co-founded the St. Cloud Area Somali Salvation Organization (SASSO) and served as its associate director, advocating for Somali refugees. SASSO gained recognition as one of nine “Movers and Shapers” of Central Minnesota in 2003 by the St. Cloud Times Newspaper, and was featured in Initiative Foundation’s IQ Magazine Cover Story in 2004 entitled, “Symbols of Salvation.”

During her tenure with SASSO, Geneva produced a groundbreaking Black History play titled “Freedom’s Dream—From Africa to African Americans,” which premiered at the Paramount Theater in St. Cloud, MN, for two consecutive years (2003-2004). The creation of the “Freedom’s Dream” play, intertwined with Geneva’s own life journey and a transformative visit to Haiti, served as the catalyst for the establishment of Freedom’s Dream Global.

This initiative was born out of Geneva’s deep reverence and honor for her late mother. Claudette Cole, whose remarkable life narrative Geneva aptly titled “The Glory of a Victorious Struggle”—Geneva’s heartfelt tribute at her mother’s memorial service in 2001. Driven by her enduring passion and a desire to make a meaningful impact, Geneva continues to dedicate herself to the mission of “Empowering A New Generation—At Home and Abroad.”

Beyond her professional achievements, she takes immense pride in her role as a single mother to two sons, grandmother to thirteen grandchildren, and great-grandmother to ten great-grandchildren.