Janelle Coleman to pen foreword for Who’s Who In Black Columbus 20th Anniversary edition
Who’s Who In Black Columbus proudly announces that Janelle Coleman, President of the American Electric Power Foundation and Vice President of Community Engagement and Corporate Philanthropy for American Electric Power, will author the foreword for the landmark 20th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus.
The commemorative edition will celebrate two decades of recognizing the achievements, leadership, and lasting impact of Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders throughout Central Ohio while honoring the publication’s legacy of documenting Black excellence.
“Janelle Coleman embodies the spirit of servant leadership and community investment that has defined Who’s Who In Black Columbus for the past 20 years,” says Dr. Carter D. Womack, Chief Operating Officer of Who’s Who In Black. “Her passion for creating opportunity, strengthening communities, and empowering future generations makes her an outstanding choice to write the foreword for this historic anniversary edition.”
Coleman leads American Electric Power’s enterprise-wide community engagement and corporate philanthropy strategy, directing more than $30 million in annual corporate and foundation investments across the company’s 11-state service territory. She also oversees employee volunteer initiatives that engage more than 17,000 associates in strengthening the communities AEP serves.
Prior to joining AEP, Coleman spent more than two decades with L Brands, where she served in executive leadership roles including Chief Diversity Officer, Vice President of Community Relations, and President of the L Brands Foundation. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives that expand opportunity, strengthen nonprofit organizations, and advance meaningful community impact through strategic philanthropy and civic leadership.
A respected leader across Central Ohio, Coleman has served as board chair of Ohio University’s Board of Trustees and the YWCA Columbus and as board president of the Journey Foundation. Her leadership continues to shape the region through service, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to creating lasting change.
The 20th Anniversary Edition unveiling and networking reception for Who’s Who In Black Columbus will be held on November 17, 2026, at The Ohio State University’s Archie Griffin Ballroom.