Power 40

In 2023, it’s hard to believe that Black women are still celebrating being the “first.” But for Danita Johnson, she is more than a history-maker, but a trailblazing leader that every organization needs, and could only be so lucky to deserve. Johnson serves as the President of Business Operations for Major League Soccer’s D.C. United, a role she has held since January 2021. Stepping into this title not only made her the first Black President of an MLS Club but only the third woman in league history to serve in this role. A career that spans over two decades, her creds made her the right woman for the job — she has successfully launched a professional franchise and delivered record-breaking ticket sales for multiple organizations.

“Each day I wake up and live my purpose,” says Johnson. “Through my lens in the front office, I impact change, connect communities, and drive a business forward.”

Sheila Johnson has long been cemented in Black history, as the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television. Now, in her second act, she is thriving as the Founder and CEO of the Salamander Collection, a portfolio of luxury properties centered around unique destinations in the US and the Caribbean.

“Each day, I wake determined to make memories,” she says. “No 24 hours is ever remotely the same, and that’s just the way I enjoy it. My companies, from hotels to resorts to sports teams, are in the business of creating experiences and I’m proud of the success we’ve achieved.”

Black executives at Fortune 500 companies are few and far between, but Sean Tresvant is proving that the future is bright for corporate America. Tresvant will replace Mark King, who is retiring as Taco Bell CEO on Jan. 1, 2024, leading the company into a new age of transformative global marketing — just the type of refresh the brand needed.

“At the end of the day, no matter the role I hold, I am part of a team and I have every intention to uphold the same leadership I always have,” says Tresvant. “I strive to be the best coach, lifting up those around me to foster a positive, collaborative team environment.”

Like Cartier, Erica Lovett is the epitome of excellence. As the company’s first diversity and inclusion leader, she is responsible for all aspects of D&I within and outside of the luxury Maison — and making it look easy. Prior to joining Cartier, Erica served as the Director of Inclusion & Diversity at Condé Nast, a global media company.

“The beauty of luxury is that it is subjective, and it holds a different meaning for each person,” says Lovett. “There are important stories waiting to be told, and I’m passionate about creating opportunities for accessible and inclusive storytelling.”

A mind is a terrible thing to waste, and for Aulston Taylor, he is responsible for hundreds of those young, Black minds. As President and CEO of St. Augustine High School, Taylor manages a $9.7 million operating budget while fulfilling the school’s mission of providing a high quality, well-rounded education to young men — making history in 2022 for having 100% of St. Augustine’s graduates accepted and entered into their college of choice.

“I have the great fortune of opening doors, securing access and working with a team that prepares 617 African American males ages 13 - 18, to discover their greatness and see a pathway to prosperity through the lens of education,” says Taylor.

Jamira Burley is a passionate advocate, human rights defender and community strategist fighting the good (and oftentimes, very difficult) fight for equitable change. Currently, Jamira serves as the Worldwide Education Strategic Initiatives Lead at Apple and is a Senior Fellow at the Responsible Business Coalition for Justice, with a mission of ensuring that everyone has access to quality education.

“I aspire to cultivate spaces fostering genuine intergenerational dialogues,” says Burley. “Here, youth actively mold our nation's and world's trajectory. Leveraging my platform, I aim to edify my audience on pressing matters, equipping them to participate thoughtfully and vigorously in societal discourse.”

Black women have been pioneers within the beauty industry for generations and Stephanie Davis Michelman following suit. As a C-suite executive with 20 years’ experience driving growth and profitability for rapidly changing, highly competitive, consumer products brands, Davis joined The INKEY List earlier this year as its Chief Executive Officer, and we know her impact of the brand’s strategy and growth of the knowledge-led skin and hair care brand will be boundless.

“I believe in being present where you are,” says Michelman. “I am 100% focused on building The INKEY List as one of the most dominant brands within the beauty industry.”

Like Olivia Pope, Yunice J. Emir has it handled. After all, leading communications for one of the world’s leading brands is no easy feat. Currently, Emir Yunice is the Interim Head of Communications at Moët Hennessy USA, the luxury wines and spirits division of LVMH, where she leads the planning and execution of all internal and external corporate communications strategies. Her resume certainly prepared her for the job — she joined the org from The Coca-Cola Company where she spent a decade leading the company’s disaster relief, board placement and youth empowerment giving strategies.

“I get so excited when I remember that the essence of my role is to inspire and encourage people to collaborate and celebrate!” says Emir.

Black women invented style — or at least, it would appear that way. And for Fumi The Label’s owner and creator of the same name, she is giving the girls what they want and need. As the creator of this contemporary women’s fashion line, she has expertly carved her own space in the world of fashion with her captivating style, business prowess and eye for design. Launched in 2016, you’ll be lucky to snag your favorite design, as the brand is consistently sold out — and for good reason. For Egbon and her beautiful styles, fashion is more than just clothing—it is a powerful tool for promoting self-love, empowerment, and unwavering confidence.

“Inspired to become the kind of woman I personally admire, the mere act of taking that leap of faith [of starting Fumi The Label brought me immense joy and fulfillment, regardless of the outcome and success of my venture,” says Egbon.

Model, entrepreneur and actress — Winnie Harlow is the true definition of the phrase ‘triple threat.’ While we were first introduced to her after gracing the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, and more, she’s proven to us that she’s more than just a beauty, but the brains too. The Canadian born, Jamaican bred supermodel turned her passion into a purpose by using her experiences with childhood bullying as a calling to showcase to the world the diversity of beauty. Now, as the founder of the cult-favorite beauty brand, CAY SKIN, she ensures that everyone has access to clean sun care, no matter their skin color, condition or type.

“I hope to raise voices and awareness for other female founders of color through the success of Cay Skin and continue to advocate for diversity in the fashion and beauty industries,” says Harlow.

A recognized diversity, equity and inclusion thought-leader and collaborative partner, Rachelle Daglis is making sure that corporate organizations see US, pay US and respect US. As the Founder & CEO at CNGLMRT, a DEIB consultancy & technology company that collaborates with giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Disney, to create more inclusive corporate cultures, she may be fighting an uphill battle, but through her own journey led extraordinary projects and teams that solidify she’s the right woman for the job.

“Each day, I am driven by a singular purpose: to cultivate,” says Daglis. “Whether it's nurturing fresh ideas, fostering invaluable relationships, or devising innovative solutions, I am committed to uplifting even the most marginalized.”

Amber Cabral has made it her mission to encourage others to “speak up, push back, and advocate for themselves” — literally. And the founder, author, podcast host and born advocate is just getting started. She currently leads Cabral Co., a boutique leadership strategy firm that helps organizations move the needle on equity and inclusion.

“DEI” isn’t a work thing, it is a life thing and I love helping people see the part they have the power to play within it,” says Cabral.

Nancy Twine’s story is nothing short of a testament to her work ethic and determination. Pivoting from her first career as a VP at Goldman Sachs, she went on to found cult-favorite Briogeo — the clean, high-performance hair care line that pioneered the "skinification" of hair — bootstrapped it, scaled it, raised VC and then made history by selling it.

“I am looking forward to expanding our salon footprint globally and continuing to create new and innovative products that drive growth for the premium hair care category,” says Twine.

If you live in or around New York City, then you know it’s easier to get Beyonce tickets than it is getting a reservation at Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s “Tatiana” restaurant. The James Beard Award-winning chef and author, is considered one of the"Most Important Chefs in America" and it’s safe to say his influence is palpable.

As Food & Wine's new executive producer, Onwuachi collaborates on events such as the "Food & Wine Classic" in Aspen as well as "The Family Reunion: Presented by Kwame Onwuachi" — an annual multi-day event in Middleburg, Virginia, which celebrates diversity in the hospitality community.

“I’m a storyteller, and I use different mediums to tell my stories, whether writing books, giving speeches, opening restaurants, hosting events or acting,” says Onwuachi.

The house that ‘Beloved’ has built has become one of solace, refuge and fellowship for R&B aficionados and party goers alike. Charles Kuykendoll aka “Beloved” is the founder, CEO, and host of RNBHouseParty, an event series dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for multicultural creatives to live life authentically. It quickly became one of the nation’s most in-demand events, with thousands of attendees served each year. When he’s not making us belt out R&B songs, Kuykendoll is making the tech industry a bit more diverse, as a recruiter and General Manager of Community at Blavity.

“In practice, it may look like I barely rest lol, but in reality, it is the gift of bringing joy to people's lives through creating a house party-like atmosphere around the globe,” says Kuykendoll.

Heather Lowery is the epitome of “paying it forward.” The strategist and creative visionary is the CEO of Femme It Forward, a joint partnership with Live Nation, celebrating, educating, and empowering women by giving them a platform to share their voices on and off stage through live shows, panels, original music, and mentorship.

“I make a living by prioritizing joy and beautiful things in my life,” says Lowery. By being a mom, daughter, sister, friend and mentor. By growing, evolving and becoming. By exploring all parts of myself and how I show up in this world.”

Tina Davis’ reputation in the music industry precedes her name. A giant in her own right, she is an accomplished record label executive, artist manager, and entrepreneur, boasting an impressive and enduring legacy spanning over 30 years in the music industry. You can thank her for some of this generation’s greatest hits.

“Aside from releasing the timeless classic “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan with Def Jam Records in the 90s, one of my proudest career achievements is discovering and nurturing the talent of Chris Brown,” says Davis.

Joi Brown has been doing it for the culture — literally — for decades. As the former SVP Marketing, Brand Partnerships at Atlantic Records and Head of Strategic Partnerships at ICM Partners, her experiences have culminated in what is arguably her most impactful role to date — the visionary Founder, and CEO behind Culture Creators. Through this organization she has redefined the landscape of diversity, inclusion, and inspiration.

“For me, this work isn't just about financial compensation,” says Brown. “It's about living with purpose and giving back to others.”

The modern day “Sidney” (a la “Brown Sugar”), Naima Cochrane makes us all consider every day with her #MusicSermon when we fell in love with hip hop. Cochrane spent more than 20 years in the entertainment industry, from culture- shifting labels Bad Boy and Arista Records to legacy majors Columbia and Epic, which has morphed into a career on her own terms, fusing her love of her favorite things — music and storytelling.

“The through-line through everything I do, is shaping narratives around music and culture (mostly Black music and culture) in some way,” says Cochrane.

If you’re a fan of music, then you’re a fan of Phylicia Fant. An industry veteran, she is responsible for the rise of some of your favorite artists such as Lil Nas X, Joey Bada$$, Chloe X Halle — and that’s just the new generation. Now, in her role as Head of Music Industry and Culture Collaborations at Amazon Music, she is a purveyor of culture, developing some of the biggest moments and talent partnerships in music history. Since joining Amazon Music in February 2022, Fant has succeeded in connecting Amazon Music to Culture via culture collaborations, partnerships, and industry events.

“Anytime I can remove someone from that unsaid box they have been placed in, I am proud, but especially when there is a component of giving back,” says Fant.

Ericka Coulter has been a force in the music industry for over a decade. Working with the likes of Rick Ross, LAYA, Giveon and ASTN, amongst others, her eye for talent, and her ear for music has contributed to some of hip-hops most spinned records. To further the next generation of industry hitmakers, she created The Basement Series, an exclusive underground showcase for new and emerging artists to perform in front of industry tastemakers.

“On a daily, I push to make the impossible possible,” says Coulter. “I’m blessed to say I’ve had a career in entertainment for over 10 years, as a music executive and curator for talent.”

Niesha Butler’s next act may be her biggest one yet. The renowned former record holding collegiate and WNBA basketball player, Butler opened New York City’s first Afro-Latina owned STEM and STEAM Children’s Center. Her mission? To elevate the next generation of student-athletes and STEM professionals. Her educational center, located in Downtown Brooklyn, teaches kids coding, robotics, engineering, and arts and prepares them for a career in STEM.

“Every day I wake up with a purpose,” says Butler. “I know I am very lucky to have two loves in this world, basketball was my first, and technology is my second.”

“Hidden figure” no more, Aisha Bowe is a former NASA rocket scientist, a global motivational speaker, and the founder and CEO of STEMBoard, an engineering powerhouse recognized twice by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. A servant leader, Bowe is passionately engaged in advocating for greater representation of women in the tech and STEM fields.

“As I continue to break barriers in the aerospace industry and promote diversity, I also aim to inspire others by sharing practical experiences and facilitating opportunities,” says Bowe.

A servant leader working towards the collective good of Black innovation in tech (and the good of mankind), Rachelle Olden is the Lead & Sr. Product Marketing Manager of Google’s Tech Equity Collective, a program that launched within the organization after the murder of George Floyd. Her work in social impact didn’t start there — she’s served in the U.S. Peace Corps, led social advocacy programs with the U.N. World Food Programme in Liberia and World Vision International in Latin America. With a resume and accolades to match, is there anything this woman couldn’t do?

“I am working to build a more equitable tech ecosystem where we not only build for everyone but we also build with everyone — with Black innovation at the center,” says Olden.

We’re all aware of the statistics when it comes to access to capital for Black founders. But when it comes to Felecia Hatcher, she is putting her money where her mouth is. As the CEO of Pharrell William’s Black Ambition Opportunity Fund, she is investing in diverse entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship and uninterrupted access to resources and opportunities.

“I run an organization that creates uninterrupted pathways to capital, high-level connections and mentorships, community, and care for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs,” says Hatcher.

A problem that Salvant, and his business partner and friend, Songe LaRon observed in barbershops as youth turned into their own $750 million empire. Neither LaRon, a corporate lawyer at the time, nor Salvant, who worked in finance, had worked in a barbershop let alone run a multi-million dollar business, but with a hell of a lot of grit and hustle, they’ve become one of America’s greatest success stories. Since its inception in 2015, SQUIRE has rein-vented the concept of the barbershop community and turned daily operations on its head.

Being a diverse leader can often be a thankless job, but Tiffany R. Warren has used her career to make sure this type of recognition is at the forefront of corporate America . As the Founder of ADCOLOR, she has deeply impacted the progress and direction that creative industries have taken around diversity, equity & inclusion, while simultaneously expanding equity and inclusion activities and policies across all Sony Music Group.

“It’s very typical for people to say they hope to be a “role model” for those around them, but I take it a step further and often say I want to be a “real model,” says Warren.

Don’t let the term “influencer” fool you — Dayna Bolden is a woman of worldwide impact. As a lifestyle content creator and founder of the apparel brand DEFINE BOLD, Bolden has consistently dominated the online arena as an influential industry leader, serving as a source of inspiration for over 300K women and men. This is what the new future of media looks like.

“My hope is to continue nurturing this community, spreading positivity and self-love, and leaving an enduring legacy of empowerment for generations to come,” says Bolden.

Chances are, you’ve been impacted by Gary Williams Jr.’s work at some point in your life. And rightfully so — he’s spent 15 years curating, creating, and collaborating on content for the culture, for brands such as Google (no big deal!) and FEMA. His work as an award-winning photographer eventually led Williams to co-found the award-winning Creative Theory Agency in 2015

“It’s extremely important to me that my role as a creative leader never takes away from my primary purpose of being a father and husband,” says Williams. “I'll always prioritize my time with them as well as time with myself.”

Charles D. King casts the overall vision, mission and strategic goals as Founder & CEO of MACRO, a multi-platform media company representing the voice and perspectives of Black people, indigenous people and people of color. Formerly a partner/senior agent at William Morris Endeavor, King was the first Black partner in the company’s 100+ year history and the first ever Black partner at any major talent agency.

“I look forward to expanding our company, investing in new projects, lending my support however I can to bring resolution to these unprecedented WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes, that have brought most production to a halt in our industry, so that everyone can get back to doing what they love,” says King.”

What do you get when impact, culture and community collide? A brief snapshot of Kelsei Wharton’s career as a social impact leader and creative consultant, that’s what. Further, as Senior Impact Strategist at Values Partnerships, he helps clients and partners reach new communities to solve big challenges and launch projects for good.

“In my life, both on and off the clock, I’m driven to continue sharpening my ability as both a dreamer and doer,” says Wharton. “I know that my efforts and accomplishments must be expansive across culture, civic life, business and more, so I aim to be bold, creative and undeterred in the joyful pursuit of making an impact and helping shape the world that we deserve to live in.”