With Scores of Business Ventures, This Black Female CEO is Rebuilding Philadelphia One Business at a Time
FunTimes Business Insider
When Katherine Cooper looks in the mirror, she does not just see a 33-year-old entrepreneur. She considers herself a survivor, a community builder, and a woman rewriting all of the rules. Raised by her grandparents in the heart of two neighborhoods – South and North Philadelphia – Katherine’s life has been anything but linear. Today, she is the founder of MBP Enterprises, an expanding rental car business, and is preparing to open Brain Box Academy, a daycare and educational center. Her journey is rooted in Black excellence and second chances.
At just 18, Katherine’s life took a detour on a perilous road of potholes paved by the wrong crowd, poor decisions, and petty crimes that ultimately cost her her freedom. “I never thought I would make it out,” she admits. “It took me to a dark place.”
But that moment of rock bottom became the bedrock of her transformation.
Inside prison walls, she experienced a moment of clarity that would become the foundation for her future. “One day, I told myself, ‘Whatever I see when I look out of this window will determine my future when I come home,” she shared. “And the first thing I saw was a car driving by on the highway. That’s when I decided I was going to start a car service.”
That prophetic moment birthed MBP Enterprises, her rental car company now proudly serving clients across Philadelphia.
For Katherine, entrepreneurship is about income and impact. She does not just run a car rental company. She leads with a mission to uplift her community, especially young Black women who are walking the same path that she once did.
She mentors youth in business matters. She helps girls fix their credit, file for LLCs, and register their businesses with the state. “I really enjoy helping others,” she said. “It gave me purpose and reminded me that I wasn’t my past.”
The “Black woman entrepreneur” space is not easy, especially with the weight of societal expectations and the ever-present shadow of a criminal record. But Katherine moves with faith, confidence, and compassion. “Someone will always bring up your past,” she said, “but always show them it’s about the present and future. The past cannot be rewritten.”
This fall, Katherine will be organizing a series of community-driven events in Philadelphia including coat drives and entrepreneur fairs. Her motivation is personal. “Growing up, I always had what I needed. But many children today don’t,” she explained. Adding: I want to be the person who shows them kindness still exists in this world.”
In a city grappling with poverty, violence, and dwindling resources for underserved youth, Katherine’s work is a lifeline. She sees giving back not as a charity, but as a calling. “Helping others fuels me,” she said. “Especially our future: The children.”
Running multiple companies, planning events, and raising awareness would exhaust most. But for Katherine, it’s a mission inspired by heart and hustle. “I just take every day one step at a time,” she reflected. “If my expectations are high, I don’t get overwhelmed. I’m doing everything from my heart.”
That mindset reflects what many Black women in leadership quietly battle, the constant pressure to be everything, everywhere, all at once. Katherine’s approach is a powerful reminder that leading with intention beats perfection.
And Katherine isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She’s working on an array of new ventures that are already making waves. One of them is FAST LANE Logistics, a transportation company delivering food and goods across states. Another business pursuit is VITAL PATH, a medical supply and transport business (co-owned with her best friend, a company that will deliver supplies, organs, and even offer patient transport. And if that is not enough, throw in A Veterans Home, which is scheduled to be launched in 2026 in honor of her grandfather, the late Robert W. Frye. The side hustle is aimed at supporting retired and disabled veterans.
Each initiative is deeply personal, inspired by her own life, losses, and the desire to fill systemic gaps in Black communities. And her experiences bring wisdom and valuable lessons.
“That even when people look at you and see failure, you can look at yourself and see fuel,” she said insightfully. “Believe in yourself. Pray. Show up even when it’s hard. There’s no mistake too big for redemption.”
Her words are a blueprint for success, no matter what the odds are.
Oluwadamilola is a multi-passionate Creative Brand Strategist, Social Media Expert, and certified Medical Aesthetician. With a strong background in digital storytelling and global brand growth, she blends creativity with strategy to amplify community-driven narratives. Beyond the newsroom, she is building a personal brand at the intersection of skincare, technology, and remote work; empowering undergraduates and young professionals to build digital skills and explore future-forward careers. Deeply curious and always evolving, she thrives on learning, innovation, and creating impact through intentional content. Check out www.tuyifedami.com for more
