More than 100 years after Madame C.J. Walker opened the first black woman-owned business in 1908 and became the first self-made female millionaire in America, black women are still making history as firsts.
From being the first one in the boardroom to being the first from their family to graduate from college, today’s black women remain barrier-breakers.
In honor of Black History Month, Little PINK Book shares the triumphs and tribulations of four amazing women blazing trails for the next generation of leaders.
Anita Phillips, Senior Director Strategic Consumer Insights, RJ Reynolds
RJ Reynolds’ Anita Phillips spent her undergraduate years studying chemistry, with lifelong plans of becoming a dentist and running her own private practice. << Read her full interview
Quinnie Jenkins-Rice, Regional Leader of Community Affairs and Grassroots, Southwest Airlines
Working alongside top business, political and community leaders, Southwest Airlines’ Quinnie Jenkins-Rice is charged with making important, thoughtful decisions for the Fortune 500 staple.
But, she, sometimes, finds herself confronted with hesitation on the other side of the table. << Read her full interview
Geri Thomas, State President of Georgia and Diversity & Inclusion Executive, Bank of America
Atlanta native and Bank of America executive, Geri Thomas, has a reputation for strong performance and leadership. But it didn’t come easy facing the hurdles of race and gender bias.
She’s in an industry dominated by white men, where white women are usually tapped into executive roles for diversity. << Read her full interview
Betty Marshall, Regional Vice President, Sam’s Club
In the mid 1980’s, Betty Marshall became the first black woman appointed to a management position at Arby’s. During the 90s, she became the first black female in a management position at Shoney’s – where she would eventually be promoted to vice president.
Another first. << Read her full interview
