BlackStars

What makes a BlackStar? Get to know some of this year's esteemed honorees as they reflect on their inspiring journeys and what it means to be recognized as a 2024 BlackStar! Rose Stuckey Kirk, Roger G Arrieux Jr, NACD.DC, Akinyemi Akiwowo, J. Ofori Agboka, Kori Davis Porter, Quita Beeler Highsmith, MBA. Learn more and get your tickets at https://lnkd.in/eVSt2Upa. #BlackStarsExperience

"Tell someone who you are, tell them what you want, and ask them if they will partner with you-" Lakecia Gunter

For the past four years, BlackStars has illuminated the undeniable power of Black professionals, innovators, and leaders in shaping industries, driving economic growth, and redefining the future. Our contributions are not fleeting trends or moments in time—they are the bedrock of progress, creativity, and transformation. Yet, history has shown that recognition is never guaranteed. It must be claimed. It must be celebrated. It must be cemented. BlackStars was created for a moment like this- a time when visibility is power and acknowledgment is imperative- to ensure that our impact is not overlooked or erased. Now, we turn to you. Who are the visionaries, the changemakers, and the trailblazers within your organizations and beyond? Help us find and honor those shaping the present and defining the future. Nominate a BlackStar or Ally today! View criteria and nominate here: https://lnkd.in/eGBRrhsZ Ronald Taylor Markus Green, Esq. Sabina Dankwa Aaron Aboagye @nexussea Roger G Arrieux Jr, NACD.DC Kori Davis Porter Quita Beeler Highsmith, MBA J. Ofori Agboka Rose Stuckey Kirk Akinyemi Akiwowo

Happy New Year from all of us at PanaGenius! Here’s to a year of growth, success, and making a difference together. Thank you for being part of our journey—we can’t wait to see what 2025 holds! Cheers to new opportunities and brighter days ahead! #HappyNewYear #2025

BlackStars Experience is more than an event- it's a movement mobilizing decision-makers and innovators to advance talent, foster innovation, and unlock access. With unparalleled networking, thought leadership, and groundbreaking insights, it empowers corporations to tap into the immense potential of Black talent and unlock new pathways for growth, economic opportunity, and global impact. Enjoy this recap of our recent Summit & Expo and join our partners in 2025: https://lnkd.in/gzQUpRHf Thank you to our partners and speakers: Dethra U. Giles Gena C Lovett, Ph.D. Sabina Dankwa Kiersten Barnet J. Ofori Agboka Rick C. Wade Rose Stuckey Kirk Roger G Arrieux Jr, NACD.DC Erika Irish Brown (she/her) Quita Beeler Highsmith, MBA Franklin Reed Lakecia Gunter Derrick Johnson Kimberley Hayes Noble Rodney Jordan Michele T Ghee Ryan L. Smith DeForest Soaries Edit Dolce, MBA Shalaya Morissette Brittany Murray Tasha Austin-Williams, Ph.D. J.D. Myers, MBA Sandra Babu-Boateng #Blackstarsexperience

One of the highlights of this year’s BlackStars Experience was honoring Prof. Abdon Atangana, the world’s leading mathematician. Hailing from Cameroon, Abdon Atangana has achieved remarkable milestones and is doing groundbreaking work in scientific research. He was ranked the #1 mathematician globally by Stanford University and #186 across all Science, Technology, and Engineering fields. He is also the youngest inductee into the World Academy of Sciences at just 39 years old. Hearing Prof. Atangana share his journey, groundbreaking contributions, and vision for the future was nothing short of extraordinary. His story is a testament to the wealth of talent emerging from Africa and the continent’s boundless potential to drive transformative global innovation. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Genentech for sponsoring his fireside chat at the summit, and to Quita Beeler Highsmith, MBA for masterfully moderating the session. This collaboration brought to life a conversation that will inspire generations to come. Learn more about Prof. Atangana here: https://lnkd.in/gGM_wFed BlackStars #BlackStarsExperience

The BlackStars Awards has firmly established itself as a premier celebration of excellence. This year, our honorees and guests captivated with their impeccable style, elegance, and class, creating unforgettable fashion moments that perfectly rounded out the evening. Check out some of our favorite red-carpet moments!

About last week.... Over 500 industry leaders, innovators, and allies gathered at the iconic Gotham Hall in New York City to honor the 2024 class of 30 BlackStars. It was more than a celebration—it was a powerful testament to the influence, resilience, and limitless potential of Black talent. The room was filled with power, optimism, and a shared commitment to shaping a brighter future. BlackStars is here at a critical time to amplify a new generation of leaders and innovators driving transformation across industries. We are committed to paving the way for sustained growth by elevating talent, fostering intentional partnerships, and unlocking new opportunities. A heartfelt thank you to our key sponsors Morgan Stanley Genentech Verizon TEKsystems for standing with us on this mission, and all our supporting partners and table sponsors who joined us this year: Amazon National Basketball Association (NBA)Henry Schein Atlanta Life Insurance Company Deloitte McDonald's Citi and more. Thank you to our 2024 honorees for redefining what's possible: Aaron Walton Rose Stuckey Kirk Lakecia Gunter Rick C. Wade Richard Aby J. Ofori Agboka Roger G Arrieux Jr, NACD.DC Ronke Ekwensi Kori Davis Porter J.D. Myers, MBA Niesha Foster Ryan L. Smith Rodney Jordan Pia Flanagan Akinyemi Akiwowo Natalee Graham Ilya Brown Natalya Johnson Franklin Reed Lanaya Irvin LaToya Christian, M.S. Sheila Stephens Naana Boakye, MD MPH Mike Richardson, Percy Boateng, Abdon Atangana A huge shout out to NABA INC. Guylaine Saint Juste for receiving the inaugural Organization of the Year Award, and Jules Kroll for receiving the Ally of the Year Award. Thank you to Sandra Babu-Boateng and Isaac Babu-Boateng, the creators and visionaries behind BlackStars, Anita Erskine, MCM our extraordinary gala host, special guests Michele T Ghee and Karol Mason, and our incredible team who made the night a success! We can't wait for 2025! Visit https://lnkd.in/eVSt2Upa to learn more and nominate a Star within your company! #blackstarsexperience #BlackExcellence

What happens when 30 brilliant stars collide? They don’t just shine—they ignite, sending ripples of inspiration across the universe! No words can fully capture the energy, pride, and purpose that filled Gotham Hall in New York City last Friday at the BlackStars Awards Gala, as we brought over 500 people together to honor 30 visionary leaders who are reshaping industries and communities. The night was a powerful reminder: while talent is universal, opportunity is not. Our calling is clear—to keep opening doors, breaking barriers, and lighting the path for those who follow. To our incredible honorees, presenters, speakers, and sponsors, thank you for making this an unforgettable, historic celebration of excellence and impact. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see you all again next year! #BlackStarsExperience Roger G Arrieux Jr, NACD.DC Rose Stuckey Kirk Rodney Jordan Richard Aby Aaron Walton Lakecia Gunter Rick C. Wade Quita Beeler Highsmith, MBA J. Ofori Agboka Ronke Ekwensi J.D. Myers, MBA Niesha Foster Pia Flanagan Akinyemi Akiwowo Natalee Graham Natalya Johnson Ilya Brown Franklin Reed Lanaya Irvin LaToya Christian, M.S. Sheila Stephens Naana Boakye, MD MPH Sandra Babu-Boateng https://lnkd.in/eVSt2Upa

We are thrilled to announce that Derrick Johnson, President & CEO of the NAACP will be delivering closing keynote at the BlackStars Summit tomorrow! https://lnkd.in/eBaspjTX