November 19, 2025
By Cate Wiley, Columbia Missourian — Adonica Coleman began her journey as an entrepreneur in Columbia in 2011, when she launched her business A2D Events.
With A2D Events she works with local nonprofit organizations and small businesses to plan events and community programs. In 2022, she founded The COMO 411, which is a media platform that promotes small businesses and delivers information about local organizations and their initiatives.
Coleman has also moved into radio, hosting The Daily Blend on KBIA and Community Connections on KRCG 13, where she meets local leaders and highlights community involvement.
In 2024, she took on the role of executive director at the Day Dreams Foundation, making sure that Columbia youth have access to extracurricular opportunities. Through her work as an entrepreneur, along with her roles in media and nonprofit leadership, Coleman continues to grow her own businesses, support local organizations and create more opportunities for everyone to have a voice in Columbia.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How has your vision for A2D changed over the years as both you and the Columbia business community evolved?
One big change is that I don’t do as many events as I used to as I have kind of morphed into digital media. I really do one large community event every year, which we recently did a Bridgerton themed event. I’m committed to doing one big event production per year, just because it’s kind of my first love. I love bringing the community together, and I feel like good events are a way to do that. When I put on an event, I like to put on a really good event. I have other nonprofits that call me and ask about me giving them event planning ideas, and I am always happy to do that. I enjoy doing this because every nonprofit here serves a purpose, and I want them to be successful.
What’s been one of the most rewarding moments from connecting with local voices through your media work?
The most rewarding thing to me is when a guest from the show calls me back and tells me that they have gotten results from being on the show. I love when nonprofits tell me that they have received many donations or even small businesses telling me they have people calling and for me that’s what it’s all about. It’s all about connecting that business or nonprofit to a wider audience. When I hear somebody call me back and say somebody heard about their organization, I know I’m making a difference. It truly is the most rewarding thing about my job.
What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs today?
I would say it really is a journey. It’s a long, continuous journey. The entrepreneurial spirit is always growing, that’s why you notice an entrepreneur sometimes doing multiple things and they are always grinding. I think having a strong passion and sticking to it is also very rewarding, and it is a grind and a lot of work to do. I also think you need to get the help you need when you need it and do that early. Find out about your help first and that will set you up to be able to grow better and faster. I will also say entrepreneurship is not for the weak, and it is very important you have a strong support system around you.
Is there anything you’d like to share with the community or with those who nominated you for this honor?
Personally, I think it’s just nice to feel seen and to think for somebody to take the time to do it, that means a lot to me. It feels good.