Representation of BIPOC individuals in leadership positions

Thasunda Brown Duckett is the President and CEO of TIAA, a financial services organization specializing in retirement planning. Duckett has made significant strides in the corporate world as one of the few Black women to lead a Fortune 500 company. Her leadership is focused on empowering individuals through financial literacy and advocating for equitable opportunities. At TIAA, she has pushed for inclusive practices, emphasizing that financial services should cater to diverse needs and demographics. Her leadership journey is one of resilience and transformation, navigating the challenges of systemic inequality while uplifting marginalized communities. Duckett’s approach combines her personal experiences with strategic business acumen, leading TIAA’s efforts in shaping a more inclusive financial landscape. She has also spearheaded initiatives that foster employee diversity and improve opportunities for underrepresented groups within the financial services industry. Duckett’s achievements showcase how a leader can make a difference by blending financial knowledge with a deep commitment to social equity, promoting access to resources for all individuals, especially underrepresented communities.

Rosalind Brewer is the CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance and one of the few Black women leading a Fortune 500 company. With a background in corporate leadership at companies like Starbucks and Walmart, Brewer has been at the forefront of efforts to create inclusive business environments. Her leadership focuses on championing diversity, including the integration of racial and gender equity into business strategy. Under her guidance, Walgreens Boots Alliance has worked to increase healthcare access and reduce disparities for underserved communities. Brewer’s visionary leadership is rooted in her strong belief in inclusive growth—where businesses prioritize not only financial outcomes but also societal contributions. She has leveraged her platform to advocate for systemic changes that support diverse suppliers, create more inclusive workplace policies, and expand diversity in senior leadership roles. Additionally, Brewer’s leadership at Walgreens Boots Alliance reflects her commitment to making healthcare more affordable and accessible, especially for historically disadvantaged groups. As a result, she stands as a powerful example of how diverse leadership can drive both business success and positive social change.

Whitney Wolfe Herd is the founder and CEO of Bumble, a women-first dating app that enables women to make the first move in initiating conversations. She has reshaped the dating landscape by providing a safe, respectful environment for women to connect. Herd's leadership style focuses on inclusivity, safety, and community-building, with Bumble expanding to include friend-making (Bumble BFF) and professional networking (Bumble Bizz). As one of the youngest female CEOs to take her company public, she has become a trailblazer for women in tech, challenging industry norms and advocating for greater representation of women, especially in leadership roles. Herd has leveraged her platform to promote female empowerment, not only in dating but also in the tech industry, where women remain underrepresented. She has been vocal about issues like gender equality, harassment prevention, and workplace inclusivity. Bumble’s success under her leadership proves that businesses can succeed while championing diversity and promoting responsible, empowering connections. Herd’s impact extends beyond Bumble, as she continues to inspire other female entrepreneurs and tech leaders.

Ai-jen Poo is an activist and co-founder of the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), advocating for the rights of domestic workers, many of whom are women of color. Poo has led efforts to pass legislation that grants domestic workers better pay, benefits, and protection against abuse, such as the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights. She is dedicated to improving the working conditions for those in the caregiving sector, one of the most underpaid and undervalued professions in the U.S. Poo’s activism goes beyond advocacy; she has worked to shift the narrative around domestic work, helping society understand its importance to the economy. Her leadership has expanded to include economic justice, helping workers gain access to healthcare, fair wages, and the right to unionize. Poo's focus on systemic change has made her a powerful figure in the fight for social justice. Her work not only advocates for domestic workers but also challenges larger societal structures that perpetuate racial, gender, and economic inequality. Poo’s impact is vast, touching the lives of millions of workers, empowering them to demand better treatment.

Darren Walker is the President of the Ford Foundation, where he has championed racial justice, economic equity, and human rights. Under his leadership, the foundation has redefined philanthropy, focusing on promoting systemic change to address global issues like poverty, inequality, and injustice. Walker has spearheaded efforts to combat racial injustice, supporting initiatives that seek to eliminate barriers to opportunities for marginalized groups. His work focuses on the belief that philanthropy should be used as a tool for transformative, lasting change rather than as a temporary fix. He has overseen grants that support a variety of issues, from civil rights to healthcare access. As an African American leader in philanthropy, Walker has been an outspoken advocate for greater diversity and inclusion within the sector. He uses his platform to push for policy changes, encouraging both governments and corporations to address systemic inequities. Walker’s leadership serves as an example of how to use resources to create a more just society by addressing deep-seated disparities that continue to hinder progress for underrepresented communities.

Julie Sweet is the CEO of Accenture, a global consulting and professional services firm. She has been a transformative leader, spearheading Accenture’s push for greater diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Sweet has prioritized initiatives to increase the number of women and people of color in leadership positions, and she has worked to address unconscious bias in hiring practices. Under her leadership, Accenture has launched numerous programs that support diversity and inclusion, promoting a workplace where employees can thrive regardless of race, gender, or background. She believes that diversity drives innovation and that inclusive leadership is key to staying competitive in the global market. Sweet has also led Accenture through digital transformation, expanding the company's capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence and data analytics. In her role, Sweet has positioned Accenture as a leader in both the business and social sectors, working to ensure that the company’s success benefits a broader range of stakeholders. Her approach serves as a model for companies seeking to blend business growth with positive societal impact.

Sherrilyn Ifill is the former President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF), where she played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights and racial justice. During her leadership, Ifill led the charge on several high-profile cases, including fighting voter suppression, advocating for criminal justice reform, and challenging discriminatory laws. She has been at the forefront of efforts to challenge racial inequalities in the justice system, using her legal expertise to drive lasting changes. Ifill's work has extended beyond legal cases to broader policy advocacy, working to shift the national discourse on race, justice, and civil rights. She also focused on increasing awareness about the importance of fair representation within the legal profession. As one of the most prominent Black women in law, Ifill has used her platform to mentor future generations of lawyers and activists. Her leadership has left an indelible mark on civil rights law, inspiring others to continue fighting for systemic reform. Ifill's career has been defined by her steadfast commitment to justice and equality.

Melinda Gates is the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she has been a tireless advocate for gender equality, healthcare access, and education. Throughout her career, Gates has focused on improving conditions for women and girls around the world, especially in underserved communities. Her philanthropic work emphasizes empowering women in the developing world, helping them access healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Gates has been particularly vocal about the need for reproductive rights and maternal health, working to ensure women can make choices about their bodies. She also advocates for greater inclusion in leadership roles, recognizing that women are often underrepresented in decision-making spaces. The Gates Foundation, under her leadership, has funded global health initiatives and worked to reduce extreme poverty. Gates has used her influence to challenge global inequalities, particularly in how wealth and resources are distributed. Her leadership has inspired countless individuals to think about philanthropy as a tool for systemic change, not just charity.

Eva Karlsson is the CEO of Houdini Sportswear, a Swedish outdoor clothing company that has earned recognition for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Under her leadership, Houdini has embraced innovation in designing performance gear that also minimizes environmental impact. Karlsson is an advocate for a circular economy, focusing on creating products that can be recycled or repurposed, reducing waste in the process. She emphasizes transparency in sourcing, manufacturing, and product life cycles to ensure the brand upholds the highest sustainability standards. Karlsson's approach to leadership goes beyond just producing sustainable products—she aims to drive a broader cultural shift in the fashion industry, encouraging others to adopt environmentally responsible practices. Houdini’s success highlights how it is possible to build a successful business that prioritizes environmental concerns without compromising on quality or innovation. Karlsson has become a leading voice in sustainable business practices, using her platform to promote the adoption of greener, more conscious models in fashion. Her leadership demonstrates that sustainability and profitability can coexist in the highly competitive fashion industry, helping to shape the future of fashion for a more sustainable world.

Leena Nair is the CEO of Chanel, marking a significant milestone as the first woman of color to lead the luxury brand. Nair has dedicated her career to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment within the corporate world, particularly in the fashion industry. As the CEO of Chanel, she is steering the company to embrace progressive changes, including an emphasis on ethical sourcing, diversity in leadership, and sustainability. Nair advocates for more inclusive corporate cultures and a shift toward modern values that balance tradition with social responsibility. Her leadership at Chanel is also focused on empowering women and encouraging greater representation of marginalized groups within the luxury fashion industry. Under her guidance, Chanel has advanced its commitment to sustainability, using innovation to address environmental concerns while staying true to its iconic craftsmanship. Nair is reshaping the narrative of what it means to be a leader in luxury fashion, pushing for change while respecting the brand's rich heritage. Her leadership style blends forward-thinking strategies with a deep understanding of the evolving needs of consumers, making her a powerful advocate for change in the luxury market.