Elite 100: Celebrating the Trailblazing Black Women Leading the Way in Corporate America

Diversity Woman proudly honors the remarkable achievements of Black women who are shattering the glass ceiling in executive leadership across various industries, both within and beyond Corporate America. Their relentless efforts and groundbreaking accomplishments deserve our utmost recognition and celebration.

The Rise of Black Women in Executive Leadership

Black women continue to make significant strides in Corporate America, defying the odds and breaking barriers. A testament to this progress is the appointment of Toni Townes-Whitley as the CEO of Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), a leading provider of tech and engineering services primarily to the US government. This appointment marks the third time in as many years that a Black woman has taken the helm at a major US corporation, joining the ranks of Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of TIAA.

The Elite 100: Honoring Extraordinary Black Women Leaders

Diversity Woman is thrilled to present its fourth annual Elite 100, a prestigious list honoring the achievements of Black women in the C-suite and executive leadership roles. The Class of 2024 showcases 100 extraordinary Black women who are making their mark in some of the largest US and multinational corporations, major national nonprofit organizations, and leading business enterprises. These women represent a wide array of fields, including finance, tech, energy, healthcare, retail, food, beverage, sports, and entertainment.

The State of Women in the Workplace

While the story of women rising to leadership positions is encouraging, it is also exasperating. According to the latest Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey, in partnership with LeanIn.org, the number of women in the C-suite has increased from 17% to 28% since 2015. However, progress is lagging in the middle of the pipeline, and women are leaving at a higher rate than in past years. Women of color, including Black, Asian, and Latinx women, are especially underrepresented in leadership roles.

Black Women Entrepreneurs: A Growing Force

Despite these challenges, progress is slowly being made. Many Black women are disrupting the status quo in leadership across sectors and industries. A significant number of Black women are running multi-million-dollar enterprises under the dual role of founder and CEO, giving them even greater clout and a higher stake in the success of their companies. In fact, Black women remain the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States.

Methodology: Selecting the Elite 100

The Diversity Woman Elite 100, Class of 2024, highlights extraordinary Black women leaders who have demonstrated a record of leadership success and achieved results on the bottom line. Our roster comprises some of the most powerful women executives in C-suite and senior-level roles at Fortune 500, Fortune 1000, Fortune Global 500, S&P 500, and S&P 400 companies, as well as other leading business enterprises and national nonprofits.

Meet Some of the Elite 100

Pamela Abner: As the SVP and Chief Diversity Operations Officer at Mount Sinai Health System, Abner oversees system-wide initiatives to sustain diversity, inclusion, and equity. She is instrumental in implementing programs to identify disparities and eliminate barriers to medical care, employment, and education for underserved groups.
Tinisha Agramonte: Serving as the SVP and Chief Diversity Officer at The Walt Disney Company, Agramonte leads Disney’s DEI strategy, fostering a culture of belonging and collaboration across the company.
Machelle Allen: As the SVP and Chief Medical Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals, Allen is recognized for her service to vulnerable populations and her innovative approach to healthcare management.
Tameka Alsop: Alsop is the Chief Administrative Officer at Moody’s Corporation, overseeing strategic and operational initiatives vital to the company’s success. She brings over 20 years of experience driving positive change and business results.
Sharifa A. Anderson: Anderson is the SVP and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Fannie Mae, leading efforts to create measurable, positive diversity and inclusion outcomes across the enterprise.
Nadine Augusta: As the Chief DEI Officer at Cushman & Wakefield, Augusta drives a global commitment to DEI, focusing on the workplace and marketplace.

These remarkable women are just a few examples of the trailblazing Black women leaders honored in the Elite 100. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to us all, demonstrating the power of perseverance, determination, and excellence.