Two Black Women CEOs are the First to be named in the Fortune 500 list

Two Black Women CEOs are the First to be named in the Fortune 500 list

After years of developing great strides, the new majority has received a seat at the table, by creating their own table for future generations to come. For the first time, two Black Women CEOs are featured on the Fortune 500 list. Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, the CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Thasunda Brown Duckett, the CEO of TIAA are making history by being named on the 67th edition of the Fortune 500 list. In the year 2021, it is an incredible feat to witness two Black Women who dedicated their careers to excellence to finally receive the recognition they deserve. Not only have these women achieved C-suite levels, they also carry the torch from the path that was paved before them. Ultimately, Duckett hopes that America acknowledges that there is more work to be done. Today we celebrate them and honor their achievements. 

You can learn more about Rosalind Brewer and Thasunda Brown Duckett from this article published in UrbanGeekz where our founder, Dr. Roshawnna Novellus shared her insights. 

Feeling encouraged, Dr. Novellus states that, “One, it’s an initial sign that change is coming to the executive ranks of corporate America. Two, it sends a strong message to the millions of women of color aspiring to be in these positions that they too belong in the C-suite. Still, reaching the CEO level is only half the battle. Sustainable impact comes from empowering diverse talent and implementing policies and procedures that are inclusive and reflect the ever-changing world we live in.”

Sustainable impact comes from empowering diverse talent and implementing policies and procedures that are inclusive and reflect the ever-changing world we live in.

With the financial and corporate world constantly evolving, more Black Women-owned businesses are continuing to develop and prosper with the right opportunities and proper funding. Black Women continue to be among the fastest-growing entrepreneurs, despite the barriers placed against them in corporate America. To provide support, EnrichHER has just launched its next small business grant for $5000, the application is open from June 8-30, 2021. U.S.-based businesses led by women, founders of color, and LGBTQIA entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply. 

The grant is available to support various entrepreneurial needs from purchasing new equipment to implementing a new marketing campaign. EnrichHER is especially seeking companies that are service-based, in the fashion and beauty industries, and B2B business products and services.

Interested owners can apply online at enrichher.com. One grand prize winner and additional winners will be chosen and announced on July 14.

The winners from April's grant contest are:

• Charmaine Kalpen - Status Alert for Emergency, LLC – Grand Prize Winner
• Kenya Johnson - Heavy Brain Media and Consulting - Winner
• Kristen Lucas - The Well: Community for Women - Winner
• Adrian Whiteside - Rugged Past, Righteous Future - Winner
• Sadaf Sajwani – Games and Learning, Inc- Winner
• Tracy Taylor - My Kitty’s Palace - Winner

Grant applicants will receive information on financing options as well as the EnrichHER Business Financing Accelerator Program, a five-week training series that fast-tracks access to loans, grant applications, and venture capital. Applicants will also be able to access the EnrichHER newsletter which provides subscribers with over $50,000 in grant opportunities, pitch competitions, and more each week.

For more information or to apply, visit enrichher.com.