The Executive Leadership Council (ELC)

A win for Fearless Fund is a win for us all.

We are proud to announce that Luminas Strategy CEO and founder D. Keith Pigues (“Keith”) will receive the esteemed 2024 Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award at The ELC’s Annual Recognition Gala on October 3 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC. Named in honor of The ELC’s founding member and first president and CEO, Alvaro L. Martins, this award celebrates an individual who has made remarkable lifetime contributions by supporting the achievement of Black executives in business. “Keith’s extraordinary dedication to advancing the presence and success of Black executives in business, along with his deep commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, exemplifies the essence of this prestigious award,” said ELC President and CEO Michael Hyter. “His influence across multiple industries, from technology and consulting to academia and nonprofit sectors, has made him a leading figure in our community, and we are thrilled to honor him with the 2024 Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award.” Read the full release: https://lnkd.in/eeZMTjYT #ELCGala #UnstoppableTogether #ELCGalaWeek #BlackExecutive #ELCMember

We are pleased to announce that Jovian Zayne, International Keynote Speaker, Certified Coach, and Management & Equity Consultant, will be speaking at the 2024 Mid-Level Managers' Symposium (MLMS)! While in-person registration is sold out, you can still hear Jovian’s impactful message virtually. Register now at elcinfo.com/mlms. Jovian brings years of expertise in guiding teams through restructures, culture shifts, and ambitious goals. Her insights will provide invaluable guidance for professionals looking to grow and lead with purpose. Our annual MLMS experience is dedicated to empowering Black professionals to build meaningful, successful careers. Register by October 1st to get your virtual seat! #ELCMLMS #BlackProfessionals #ELCGalaWeek #UnstoppableTogether

The ELC commemorates the life of the legendary James Earl Jones. His iconic voice, unmatched talent, and profound contributions to film, theater, and television have left an indelible mark on generations of fans and performers. More than just an extraordinary actor, Jones was a beacon of Black excellence, breaking barriers throughout his illustrious career. From his powerful performances in The Great White Hope to his unforgettable role as Mufasa in The Lion King, he embodied the transformative power of storytelling and representation. Jones' legacy will continue to inspire, reminding us of the importance of art, culture, and perseverance. His impact on the entertainment industry and his role as a champion for Black performers will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. Today, we honor his life and immense contributions to the world of entertainment. #JamesEarlJones #RestInPower

Myavana Founder Candace Mitchell once struggled to raise funding, but staying the course has led her to close a multi-million-dollar round. Mitchell, who attended Georgia Institute of Technology and obtained a bachelor’s degree in computer science, launched Myavana with a $1,000 investment from her checking account and had a mission to improve hair care for Black women, as AfroTech previously reported. “Originally, my ‘why’ was really to provide a more personalized approach for people to really be seen and heard in the beauty industry,” Mitchell said in an interview with AfroTech. “Because, at the time, there were not many products catered to women of color or textured hair. And it just felt like it was just a huge oversight, and we were just kinda out there figuring it out on YouTube. I feel that hair is deeply connected to our purpose and identity, especially in Black culture. So my ‘why’ was just really deeply rooted in people understanding who they are and also having the technology that could cater to our personalized journeys.” Read more https://lnkd.in/eX3qasTh #ThoughtLeadership #BlackFounders #BlackCulture

The 2024 Virtual Mid-Level Managers' Symposium (MLMS) brings you world-class leadership insights without the need to travel. Register today at elcinfo.com/mlms. Gain exclusive access to virtual-only content, fireside chats, and sessions from leaders like Carla Harris and Jovian Zayne. Don’t miss out on this career-changing experience – all from the convenience of your own space. Register before October 1! #MLMS2024 #ELC #BlackProfessionals

Despite the perceived backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, DEI does not appear to be going away. Organizations are either doubling down or others who were never serious to begin with might be abandoning it altogether, studies show. - Ninety-seven percent of companies have at least one DEI initiative. - Eighty-five percent have a dedicated DEI budget. - Eighty-two percent of U.S. organizations are measuring the business impacts of DEI. - Seventy-eight percent prioritized DEI more than the previous year, with 45% foreseeing increasing their DEI budget in the next financial year (up from 35% in 2023) “Even with DEI backlash, the imperative has not changed. The U.S. is becoming more diverse, and businesses need to stay relevant globally,” said Craig Welsh, head of traditional and non-traditional distribution at Westfield Insurance. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ekAP97zy #DEI #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion

We are proud to announce that Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, will be honored with the 2024 ELC Achievement Award at The ELC Recognition Gala. The event will take place on October 3, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. The Achievement Award is presented annually to a Black corporate executive whose business and career achievements exemplify bold, transformative, and courageous leadership. This year’s honoree, Cynt Marshall, has distinguished herself as a trailblazer in corporate America, breaking barriers and setting new standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the NBA’s first Black female CEO, Marshall has led a cultural transformation at the Dallas Mavericks, fostering an environment of inclusivity and fairness. Read the full release: https://lnkd.in/edvHs9xB #ELCGala #UnstoppableTogether #ELCGalaWeek

As hundreds of athletes from around the world gathered in Paris last month, a smaller gathering of entrepreneurs was happening, spearheaded by Pharrell Williams. Two Atlanta-based founders were part of the group, dining with Williams and other executives of the luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, connecting with former Olympians, billionaire investors and French entrepreneurs. The trip to Paris was paid for and organized by Black Ambition, a nonprofit initiative founded by Williams in 2020 based on the premise that ambition is limitless, but access is not. It invests in Black, Hispanic and HBCU founders, provides mental health support for entrepreneurs and connects them to potential corporate sponsors and future investors. Read more https://lnkd.in/gnzEDpkm #PharrellWilliams #BlackFounders #BlackAmbition

Described an “idea whisperer,” Valaida Fullwood brings unbridled imagination and a gift for harnessing wild ideas to her work as a writer, public speaker and consultant on various projects and events. Valaida is a recognized thought leader on African American philanthropy and community-led philanthropy and is frequently invited by a variety of groups to write, talk and consult on the topic. She is featured in a 2013 TEDx Talk on philanthropy and was named the 2014 Lake Distinguished Visitor at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. In 2015, Valaida collaborated with HBCUs, museums and other cultural institutions to launch the multimedia, touring exhibition Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited. The exhibit has attracted major funding, been hosted by 30 communities, and continues to tour cities nationwide. Akron Roundtable inspires and promotes community dialog and networking by presenting speakers who inform and educate listeners on diverse topics of importance to the region, the nation, and the world. Listen to The Soul of Philanthropy: Examining The Power and Possibilities of Black Giving - Valaida Fullwood: https://lnkd.in/edzUGx9E #ThoughtLeadership #Philanthropy #BlackLeadership