Octavia Forrest

KCC Founder and Director,

International Life, Recovery, and Business Coach,

Philanthropist and Entrepreneur.

Octavia Forrest, 40, of South Bend, IN Native, is an active Apostolic and Innovative Leader who delights in serving the Michiana region, the greater Midwest, and international communities. As a visionary committed to transformational living, she currently oversees the EHV (Emergency Housing Voucher) Department across five Indiana counties, supporting over 40 families by providing stable housing and empowering them with tools for long-term success. 

Octavia is a certified International Peer Recovery Coach, as well as a spiritual, business, and life coach. She is a licensed and ordained minister and Prophet, with a calling to serve in the Community, Church, and marketplace. In 2016, she completed real estate school and has since demonstrated remarkable acumen in real estate by acquiring ownership of four residential homes and multiple commercial properties. Recognized as an incremental developer in South Bend, Indiana, she has also established multiple successful business ventures and has become a well-regarded entrepreneur in the region.

In alignment with her passion for restorative justice, Octavia serves as a national volunteer for the Indiana Department of Corrections in an official capacity and the REFORM Alliance Institute at Yale. With a heart for transformation and reintegration, she has launched a Re-Entry Cohort Program, which provides returning citizens with transitional housing, mentorship, and practical resources to support their successful re-entry into society. Her long-term vision is to expand housing and holistic services for justice-involved individuals across Indiana and beyond. 

A proud graduate of several prestigious entrepreneurship and leadership programs, Octavia holds credentials from: 

• Saint Mary’s SPARK Women’s Entrepreneur in Innovation Program 

• Purdue Global Entrepreneurship Degree (AA) 

• Sparks Mastermind Program 

• Notre Dame’s Entrepreneur Boot Camp 

• Hustle SBE Cohort 

• South Bend Incremental Development Cohort 

• Elkhart Leadership Academy (Class of 2025) 

Octavia is the founder of Kingdom Community Center (KCC), a Marketplace Ministry in Elkhart, Indiana, where she spearheads faith-based and community-building initiatives. Under her leadership, KCC has launched over three regional food pantries, created a Community Merchant Market for local entrepreneurs, and founded “Entrepreneur Table Talk” to mentor new business owners. In collaboration with PNC Bank, she also established financial literacy classes, the KINGDOM Recovery Academy, life skills workshops, and social development programs. As a passionate advocate for mental health, Octavia has hosted numerous trainings and workshops focused on wellness, particularly for women and underserved populations. 

Octavia is honored to serve as an ambassador for the City of Elkhart, Indiana, where her leadership and advocacy continue to inspire change. She credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, mentors, peers, and community — and above all, to God. With deep humility, she acknowledges that her work is a divine assignment, entrusted to her for a greater purpose. 

“To whom much is given, much is required. I am grateful to be trusted with His vision, His people, and the mission to bring transformation and hope.” — Octavia