LaForce J. Baker, 2010
B.A., Denison University
Principal and Founder
Baker Enterprises Retail
Chicago
LaForce J. Baker exemplifies the spirit of innovation, community leadership, and ethical entrepreneurship that defines Denison University’s most distinguished alums. As principal of Baker Enterprises, LaForce leads a dynamic firm that advises national retailers on profitable and socially responsible growth strategies, while also developing and managing market-rate residential apartment units in underserved urban communities.
A passionate advocate for equitable economic development, LaForce previously served as vice president of community impact at World Business Chicago, the city’s premier economic development agency. In that role, he led transformative initiatives to attract national retailers and grow minority-owned small businesses, helping catalyze over $1.4 billion in mixed-use commercial development.
LaForce is also the founder of Moon Meals, a plant- based food company that became one of the top-selling minority-owned consumer packaged goods brands in national grocery chains such as Whole Foods Market, Kroger, and Albertsons. His entrepreneurial journey has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Crain’s Chicago Business, Success Magazine, and Black Enterprise.
Before launching Moon Meals, LaForce built his career in brand marketing, working on billion-dollar portfolios for global giants like Kraft-Heinz, Conagra, and Nestlé through the brand strategy firm Landor Associates. He was an involved student on Denison’s campus, participating in organizations such as the Black Student Union, College Democrats, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, and he received a Distinguished Leadership Award.
Originally from Chicago’s South Side, LaForce’s deep commitment to community empowerment continues to shape his professional mission. He remains a proud and engaged Denisonian, frequently returning to campus to mentor students and young alumni, and previously serving on the Alumni Council.