Background

Charles Minimah was born in Nigeria, West Africa, into a Christian family. In his youth, he enlisted and served in the military during the Nigerian Civil War. Upon completing high school he worked for two years with the State and in 1976, he came to West Virginia to further his education at West Virginia State College (Now West Virginia State University).

Hard Working Family Man

While in College, Charles often worked two or more jobs to pay for his college tuition and school fees. In 1980, West Virginia Department of Mines and Energy employed him as an engineering drafting technician. Charles spent two years overseas after the death of his mother. In 1984 he gained his U.S. citizenship and took a job in the insurance industry, during which time he worked and traveled extensively for eight years proving service to the labor union market statewide. Charles and his wife Pamela (a native West Virginian from Charleston) met in college and have been married for twenty-nine years. They have three children.

Entrepreneur and Leader

In 1989 Charles and his wife started a home health care business serving senior citizens and the disabled. Since that time he has spearheaded two additional corporations, one being a non-profit organization dedicated to education and economic development. His passion for economic growth and opportunity is realized through job creation. He founded and established Heritage Towers dedicated to the accomplishments and contributions of West Virginia citizens of color.

Dedicated To Community Service

Charles Minimah has served on various boards and committees. He is dedicated and works very hard to promote Diversity among citizens. Charles served on the West Virginia State Workforce Investment Board and WV Region III (Kanawha County) WIB Board, the West Virginia Small Business Development Center Advisory Board. He currently serves on the Regional Intergovernmental Council Advisory Board, All-Aid International, Incorporated and the Charleston Economic & Community Development Corporation Board.

Awards

Some awards received include the following: The Governor’s Distinguished West Virginian Award; The Human Relations Ambassador Award; The Mayor’s Award for the Arts & Artistic Enlightenment Award, and the Joint Vision and Community Service Award from Rimson Memorial Church of God in Christ.