I was so very honored to be recognized as “CEO of the Year” at the inaugural Essence Communications Inc. Black Women in Business Awards. This award reflects not only my achievements, but also the unwavering support of my family, colleagues, and friends. Leadership is about more than a title; it’s about compassion, trust, partnership, and inclusivity. As I often say, you rent your title, but you own your character, and this award reflects so many values I hold dear: servant leadership, authenticity, empathy, and intellectual curiosity. That it comes from Essence is the icing on the cake – it has always embodied the spirit and resilience of Black women and Black culture, celebrating our influence across all spheres. Special thank you to Caroline A. Wanga for fostering Essence’s mission to acknowledge women in positions of influence. Being the first recipient of this award strengthens my commitment to empowering future leaders. As one of only two Black women CEOs currently in the Fortune 500, and one of just four ever, I hold this honor with a blend of pride and the recognition of the critical work still needed to achieve true parity in corporate America. As leaders, we must believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion to move our vision forward. Our efforts will open doors, elevate underrepresented voices, and improve outcomes for everyone. It is now our turn to become those shoulders for the next generation. #ESSENCE #EssenceFest30 #EssenceFest2024 Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE
Wonderful! Congratulations! Well deserved.
This is amazing! Congratulations!! 🙌🏾
Congrats on receiving this prestigious awards! 🥂 Much respect for your commitment to 'open doors, elevate unrepresented voices, and improve outcomes for everyone! 🎉 #servantleadership
you deserve all the recognition
Congratulations to you on this outstanding achievement and merited recognition.
Cheers to #POWERHOUSES. #BLACKWOMEN🎉
Guide me to reach your status!
CONGRATULATIONS, Thasunda Brown Duckett! And, what a GREAT photos of amazing women leaders and trailblazers! We know they picked the perfect one to be the first because you will make sure, you are not the last. #kudos #sincereappreciation
CEO I Mela-Preneur I Cultural Architect | Thought Innovator l Instigational Orator | Authenticity Democratizer | DEI Practitioner | HR Strategist | Operational Leader | Community Curator | Non-Profit Steward
1moLegacy on legacy on legacy on legacy! 🫶🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿