National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable

The stories we tell shape the futures we build. When educational institutions highlight the achievements of their graduates, students, and faculty members, they create powerful narratives that transcend individual success to become collective inspiration. For HBCUs in particular, showcasing our alumni's accomplishments serves multiple critical purposes:

This #WomensHistoryMonth, the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable is proud to spotlight Janice Bryant Howroyd, a visionary entrepreneur and proud alumna of North Carolina A&T State University, whose pioneering leadership has created one of the largest workforce management companies in the world. Janice Bryant Howroyd is the founder and CEO of ActOne Group, a global enterprise that provides employment, workforce management, and procurement solutions to a diverse range of industries. Founded in 1978 with just $1,500, a fax machine, and a phone, ActOne Group has grown into a multi-billion-dollar company operating in 19 countries worldwide. Her journey began at North Carolina A&T State University, where she developed the business acumen and leadership skills that would later fuel her entrepreneurial success. Her HBCU education instilled in her the confidence to break barriers as the first Black woman to build and own a billion-dollar company. Through her visionary leadership, Howroyd has created pathways to economic opportunity for countless individuals while advocating for diversity in corporate America. Her business philosophy, "Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally," has inspired generations of aspiring entrepreneurs. Join us in celebrating Janice Bryant Howroyd's remarkable achievements and her contributions to global business and workforce development! #HBCUAlumni #WomenInBusiness #HBCUPride #Entrepreneurship #BlackExcellence #Trailblazer #WomenLeadership #LegacyOfExcellence

This #WomensHistoryMonth, the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable is proud to spotlight Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green, a brilliant physicist, inventor, and proud alumna of Alabama A&M University, whose groundbreaking cancer treatment technology is transforming healthcare and saving lives. Dr. Green founded the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation, a revolutionary non-profit organization developing laser-activated nanoparticle technology that can target and treat cancer cells without the devastating side effects of traditional chemotherapy. Her patented technology represents one of the most promising advancements in cancer treatment in decades. Her journey began at Alabama A&M University, where she earned her bachelor's degrees in Physics and Optics before pursuing her master's and Ph.D. in Physics with a specialty in nanophotonics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her HBCU education provided the strong scientific foundation that launched her remarkable career. Through her innovation and leadership, Dr. Green has become one of only around 100 Black women physicists in the country and has secured over $1 million in research funding. Her work bridges crucial gaps in healthcare technology while inspiring a new generation of Black women in STEM fields. Join us in celebrating Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green's extraordinary achievements and her contributions to cancer research and treatment! #HBCUAlumni #WomenInSTEM #HBCUPride #Innovation #BlackExcellence #Trailblazer #WomenLeadership #LegacyOfExcellence

This #WomensHistoryMonth, the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable is proud to spotlight Jewel Burks Solomon, a visionary entrepreneur and proud alumna of Howard University, whose innovative ventures have significantly impacted the technology industry. Jewel Burks Solomon co-founded Partpic, a groundbreaking startup that revolutionized the process of identifying and purchasing maintenance and repair parts using visual recognition technology. Partpic's innovative approach streamlined procurement processes across various industries, leading to its acquisition by Amazon in 2016. Solomon's journey began at Howard University, where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Her education at this esteemed HBCU laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial endeavors and commitment to technological innovation. Through her leadership, Solomon has empowered underrepresented communities in tech, providing platforms and resources for Black entrepreneurs. Her success serves as an inspiration, highlighting the profound impact of HBCU graduates in driving innovation and fostering diversity within various industries. Join us in celebrating Jewel Burks Solomon's remarkable achievements and her contributions to the tech industry! #HBCUAlumni #WomenInBusiness #HBCUPride #Entrepreneurship #BlackExcellence #Trailblazer #WomenLeadership #LegacyOfExcellence

This #WomensHistoryMonth, the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable is proud to spotlight Amanda Spann, a dynamic entrepreneur and proud alumna of Florida A&M University (FAMU), whose innovative ventures have significantly impacted the tech industry. Amanda Spann co-founded Blerdology, a social platform that unites the Black tech community, fostering engagement through events like hackathons. She also founded The App Accelerator, which collaborates with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to help non-technical founders bring their app ideas to fruition. Spann's journey began at Florida A&M University, where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration. She furthered her education at Georgetown University, earning a Master's in Communications. Through her leadership, Spann has empowered underrepresented communities in tech, providing platforms and resources for Black entrepreneurs. Her success serves as an inspiration, highlighting the profound impact of HBCU graduates in driving innovation and fostering diversity within various industries. Join us in celebrating Amanda Spann's remarkable achievements and her contributions to the tech industry! #HBCUAlumni #WomenInBusiness #HBCUPride #Entrepreneurship #BlackExcellence #Trailblazer #WomenLeadership #LegacyOfExcellence Amanda Spann (Nomination via Jessica LaShawn)

This #WomensHistoryMonth, the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable is proud to spotlight Melissa Butler, a dynamic entrepreneur and proud alumna of Florida A&M University (FAMU), whose innovative spirit has significantly impacted the beauty industry. Melissa Butler is the visionary behind The Lip Bar, a beauty brand challenging industry norms by offering inclusive and diverse cosmetic products. Founded in 2012, The Lip Bar has grown from a modest startup into a nationally recognized brand, available in major retailers like Target and Walmart. Butler's commitment to promoting beauty inclusivity has garnered widespread acclaim, positioning The Lip Bar as a trailblazer in the industry. Butler's journey began at Florida A&M University, where she earned a degree in Business Finance. Her education at this esteemed HBCU equipped her with the foundational knowledge and skills that have been instrumental in her entrepreneurial endeavors. Through her leadership at The Lip Bar, Butler has not only disrupted traditional beauty standards but also empowered consumers to embrace their individuality. Her success serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the profound impact of HBCU graduates in driving innovation and fostering diversity within various industries. Join us in celebrating Melissa Butler's remarkable achievements and her contributions to redefining beauty standards! #HBCUAlumni #WomenInBusiness #HBCUPride #Entrepreneurship #TheLipBar #BlackExcellence #Trailblazer #WomenLeadership #LegacyOfExcellence Melissa Butler (Nomination via Jessica LaShawn )

This #WomensHistoryMonth, the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable proudly recognizes Dr. Joyce J. Elam, a distinguished leader whose extensive contributions have significantly advanced business education. Dr. Elam is Dean Emerita of the College of Business at Florida International University (FIU). She served as Dean and James L. Knight Eminent Scholar in Management Information Systems for fifteen years prior to her retirement in 2016. Before joining FIU, she was an associate professor at the McCombs College of Business, University of Texas, and an assistant professor at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Renowned for her expertise in the strategic use of information technology to support decision-making, Dr. Elam is also celebrated for her dedication to developing women leaders. She developed and annually directs The Women Leaders Program, an executive leadership development initiative offered by FIU's Center for Leadership. Dr. Elam continues to contribute to the academic and business communities through her involvement in various boards. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of Bentley University, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advancing business education. Join us in celebrating Dr. Joyce J. Elam's unwavering commitment to advancing business education and her impactful contributions to the community! #WomenInBusiness #BusinessEducation #BlackExcellence #Trailblazer #WomenLeadership #LegacyOfExcellence

This #WomensHistoryMonth, the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable proudly recognizes Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, a distinguished leader whose extensive contributions have significantly advanced higher education within the HBCU community. Dr. Dawkins has held pivotal roles across several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), showcasing her dedication to academic excellence and institutional advancement. Notably, she served as the 18th President of Bennett College, where her leadership was instrumental in the institution's transformation. During her tenure, Bennett College experienced significant enrollment and retention increases. Dr. Dawkins spearheaded a successful bipartisan legislative effort with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), leading to a $1 billion loan forgiveness for all HBCUs. She also led the nationwide StandWithBennett Campaign, raising $9.5 million in 60 days to support the college's mission. Currently, Dr. Dawkins serves as the Executive Director of the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta University (HBCU ELI). In this role, she is committed to identifying and cultivating the next generation of HBCU leaders, ensuring the sustainability and growth of these vital institutions. In recognition of her unwavering support and contributions to HBCUs, Dr. Dawkins was honored with the Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) 2024 'Arch of Triumph Award'. This accolade celebrates individuals who have positively impacted their communities and the university, underscoring Dr. Dawkins' commitment to leadership and diversity within higher education. Join us in celebrating Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins' dedication to advancing business education and her impactful contributions to the HBCU community! #HBCUBusinessDeans #WomenInLeadership #HBCUPride #BusinessEducation #BlackExcellence #Trailblazer #WomenLeadership #LegacyOfExcellence

This #WomensHistoryMonth, the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable proudly recognizes Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, a trailblazer in higher education and a dedicated advocate for excellence within the HBCU community. On March 15, 2021, Dr. Anthony was officially appointed as the fifth and first female president of Lawson State Community College. With over 30 years of experience in higher education, she has been instrumental in advancing the college's mission and fostering a culture of academic excellence. Dr. Anthony's extensive career includes serving as Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Success for the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and holding leadership roles at various institutions, including Interim President positions at Drake State Community and Technical College, Shelton State Community College, and Enterprise State Community College. Under Dr. Anthony's leadership, Lawson State Community College has strengthened its commitment to producing graduates who are academically proficient and prepared to lead in a global economy. Her efforts underscore the vital role of HBCU business schools in fostering talent, innovation, and community engagement. Join us in celebrating Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony's unwavering commitment to excellence in HBCU leadership and her role as a catalyst for positive change! #HBCUBusinessDeans #WomenInLeadership #HBCUPride #BusinessEducation #LawsonState #BlackExcellence #Trailblazer #WomenLeadership #LegacyOfExcellence