During Black History Month, BLACK ENTERPRISE recognizes and celebrates five Black businesswomen who have and still “stand on business.”
Throughout history, Black businesswomen of all calibers have transformed the business landscape. From inventors and movement leaders to entrepreneurs and C-suite trailblazers, BLACK ENTERPRISE recognizes and celebrates five Black businesswomen who “stand on business” to pave the way for future generations.
Marian Rogers Croak: Tech Inventor
We just released our newest inventor card! Join Dr. Marian Croak and Director Iancu for a Speaker Series event at on Oct. 21 as they chat about Dr. Croak’s inventor journey and how to increase diversity in innovation: https://t.co/XF88vXmldR #ExpandingAmericanInnovation pic.twitter.com/5JEq9aUkba— USPTO (@uspto) October 5, 2020
Shelley V. Worrell: Caribbean Community Champion
RJ White: Sports Business Trailblazer
Gwendolyn Butler: Real Estate Model
Gwendolyn Butler is revered for her many trailblazing accolades and for being a model for Black businesswomen in finance, investment, and real estate. Among BLACK ENTERPRISE’s “75 Most Powerful Women in Business,” Butler was the first African American female to be appointed vice president of commercial lending at Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Co. in 1977. She is also the first African American female president and COO in the commercial real estate management industry. Throughout her career, Butler has made a name for herself as a nonprofit real estate developer who applied her skill set to her presidential and chief operating officer role at Capri Investment Group and various financial services companies. Under her leadership, Butler completed more than $13 billion in commercial real estate investments at Capri. She serves as an Independent Director at Goldman Sachs Real Estate Income Trust in Chicago.
Esi Eggleston Bracey: Groundbreaker In Retail Sales
A native of Chicago, Esi Eggleston Bracey’s motto is “passion power.” She proudly lives out her purpose, breaking barriers and inspiring collective greatness. In 1991, she made history when she became one of the youngest employees to become general manager at Procter & Gamble. She later became senior vice president of Procter & Gamble’s Global Cosmetics, leading a portfolio of flagship international make-up brands, including Covergirl, Max Factor, Sally Hansen, Rimmel London, and more. Bracey now leads the multibillion-dollar Beauty & Personal Care portfolio for Unilever North America, where she is responsible for the hair, skin cleansing, skincare, and deodorant businesses with iconic brands such as Dove, TRESemmé, Suave, Vaseline, Degree, Axe, and Shea Moisture.
Source: Black Enterprise
