By Cultural Kare Magazine Staff
The Minneapolis community is grieving the sudden and unexpected passing of Candice Ellis—a respected leader, advocate, and businesswoman whose impact reached far beyond the work she did professionally.
News of Ellis’ passing has sent shockwaves through the Twin Cities, with an outpouring of tributes from organizations, colleagues, and community members who describe her as both a visionary and a deeply compassionate force.
The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce, where Ellis previously served as Board Chair, publicly acknowledged her legacy, sharing that they were “deeply saddened” by her passing and honoring her leadership and commitment to advancing Black business in Minnesota.
Local media voices echoed that sentiment. KMOJ Radio described Ellis as “a vital and cherished member of our community,” underscoring the deep connections she built across Minneapolis.
A Builder of People, Purpose, and Possibility
Known to many as “Coach Candice,” Ellis carved out a powerful niche in consulting, particularly within the social services and compliance space. Through her company, she worked with organizations navigating Minnesota’s Department of Human Services requirements—helping providers serve individuals with disabilities while remaining compliant and sustainable.
Her work wasn’t just technical—it was transformational.
Ellis focused heavily on empowering small businesses, many of them Black-owned, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and structure needed to survive and thrive in complex systems. Her consulting extended into community engagement, workforce training, and operational development—making her a quiet but critical architect behind many successful organizations.
But beyond the titles and accomplishments, those who knew her describe a woman who showed up—with intention, with excellence, and with heart.
A Legacy Rooted in Service
Candice Ellis represented a rare intersection of leadership and service. She was not only building businesses—she was building people.
Her work created pathways for individuals often overlooked—those navigating disabilities, those starting businesses with limited resources, and those trying to understand systems not built with them in mind.
In many ways, her impact reflects a larger truth about community leadership: the most powerful work is often done behind the scenes.
And yet, when someone like Candice Ellis is no longer here, the ripple effects become unmistakably visible.
A Community in Reflection
As news continues to circulate, the Twin Cities community is collectively pausing—to reflect, to grieve, and to honor.
Her passing is a reminder of how deeply interconnected community leadership truly is. From business circles to nonprofit spaces to local media, Ellis’ presence was felt—and her absence will be as well.
At this time, details surrounding her passing remain limited, and many are choosing to center her life, her work, and her impact.
Honoring Her Name Moving Forward
For those who had the privilege of working alongside Candice Ellis, the call now is clear: continue the work.
Continue building.
Continue empowering.
Continue showing up for the community the way she did.
Because legacies like hers don’t end—they echo.
Candice Ellis was also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a historically Black sorority founded on the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. As a Zeta, she embodied those values in every space she entered—leading with purpose, serving with intention, and uplifting those around her with grace and strength. She is survived by her daughter, Ramaya Ellis-Debrah, along with a community of family, friends, sorors, and colleagues who will continue to carry her legacy forward through the lives she touched and the foundation she helped build.
Cultural Kare Magazine extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community of Candice Ellis.
