By Athena Alliance

Black women have always been at the forefront of change—whether or not history books gave them credit. From the corporate world to venture capital, from founding billion-dollar brands to governing Fortune 500 boards, they are building legacies that will outlast generations. This Black History Month, we celebrate the women who didn’t just break barriers—they shattered them.

At Athena, we believe in building a Portfolio of Impact—a holistic approach to career that extends beyond titles to influence, legacy, and meaningful change. Black women have been doing just that for generations—they LEAD, GOVERN, INVEST, CREATE, and INSPIRE, proving that impact takes many forms, all of which shape the future. This Black History Month, we recognize and uplift the Black women who have redefined leadership and continue to build a lasting legacy.

Black Women who LEAD

Black women executives aren’t just leading—they’re rewriting the rules of leadership. They’re breaking barriers, setting new standards, and proving that representation at the top isn’t just necessary—it’s transformative. Leaders like Roz Brewer, former CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance and one of the few Black women to helm a Fortune 500 company, and Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of TIAA, have set new standards for corporate leadership. Toni Townes-Whitley, CEO of SAIC, is driving innovation in technology and government contracting, while Anika Howard, CEO of Wondr Nation, is shaping the future of gaming and entertainment. These women have transformed industries, led organizations through complex challenges, and set new benchmarks for excellence in executive leadership. We were honored to host Toni and Anika as guests for our CEO Perspectives Salon series last year, where they shared their insights on innovation, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of executive influence.

Black Women who GOVERN

For generations, the doors to the boardroom were closed. Black women weren’t just left out—they were told they didn’t belong. But today, they’re not just stepping in; they’re leading. From Ursula Burns breaking ceilings at Xerox to Athena’s own Rhonda Mims shaping corporate governance, these women are proving that inclusion isn’t just a trend—it’s the future. Pioneers like Ursula Burns, the first Black woman to serve as CEO of a Fortune 500 company at Xerox, have also made their mark in the boardroom, serving on the boards of major corporations, including Uber and ExxonMobil. Athena board member Rhonda Mims, a seasoned corporate affairs and governance leader, has brought her expertise to boardrooms, including serving as Board Chair of the Thirty Percent Coalition and Chair of the Executive Leadership Council. Her strategic guidance and commitment to strong corporate governance continue to shape the future of board leadership.

Black Women who INVEST

Investing has long been an arena where Black women have been underrepresented—but many are forging ahead. Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital, has built a firm that invests in underrepresented founders, proving that diversity and profitability go hand in hand. Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments, has long been a champion of financial literacy and investing in undervalued markets, shaping how capital flows into diverse businesses. Gayle Jennings-O’Byrne, co-founder of the WOCstar Fund, is pioneering venture capital investments in women of color-led tech startups, proving that innovation and high returns go beyond traditional networks. Monique Woodard, founder of Cake Ventures, focuses on the future of technology, funding companies that reflect demographic shifts and changing consumer behaviors. These trailblazers are not just investing in businesses—they are reshaping the financial landscape, creating pathways for Black entrepreneurs and executives to access capital, and ensuring the next generation of investors and founders thrive.

Black Women who CREATE

From the beauty aisles to the boardrooms, Black women founders are turning dreams into industries, ensuring future generations see themselves reflected in spaces that once shut them out. Lisa Price started Carol’s Daughter in her Brooklyn kitchen, mixing oils and butters with the hope of creating haircare that truly nourished textured hair. That small venture grew into a global beauty empire that paved the way for Black-owned brands to reach mainstream success. Sheena Allen, founder of CapWay, is revolutionizing financial technology to create inclusive banking solutions. Melissa Butler, founder of The Lip Bar, disrupted the beauty industry by challenging traditional standards and creating an inclusive, vegan, and cruelty-free cosmetics brand that is now sold in major retailers nationwide. Jessica O. Matthews, founder of Uncharted Power, is transforming renewable energy and infrastructure solutions, using tech-driven innovation to bring sustainable power to communities worldwide. Their journeys reflect the perseverance and creativity that define Black women in business, proving that visionary leadership can drive lasting change.

Black Women who INSPIRE

The power of storytelling and thought leadership has long been a tool for change, and Black women have been at the helm of driving cultural and intellectual transformation. Athena member Shannon Nash, a thought leader in finance, technology, and corporate governance, extends her impact through filmmaking as the co-producer of OnBoard, an award-winning documentary that chronicles the journey of Black women ascending to corporate board positions. The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, captures the story of two friends, Merline Saintil and Robin Washington, who, during the summer of 2020, recognized the urgent need to increase Black women’s presence in boardrooms. As two of the few Black women on corporate boards, they believed change had to start at the top. What began as a Zoom happy hour with 18 women quickly grew into a global movement, retooling the board member selection process and elevating more than 200 Black women to board positions in both public and private companies. OnBoard highlights this transformation, featuring Merline, a distinguished technology executive and investor, and Robin, a seasoned board leader and former CFO of Gilead Sciences, as they share their personal journeys of breaking barriers and reshaping corporate governance. Through their leadership and advocacy, they are not only redefining boardroom dynamics but also inspiring future generations of women of color to lead at the highest levels.

Athena is proud to have incredible Black women leaders within our community who are shaping the future of executive leadership, governance, investment, entrepreneurship, and more. These women are driving impact in boardrooms, funding the next generation of businesses, and using their voices to inspire change across industries. Their leadership exemplifies the power of representation and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for future generations to thrive.

Black women have always been architects of progress—often without recognition, often while carving paths where none existed. But they’re here. They’re leading. They’re investing. They’re governing. And they’re inspiring the next generation to dream bigger, push further, and demand more.

Who are the Black leaders who have inspired you? Let’s continue this conversation, not just this month—but every month. Because Black excellence isn’t a moment; it’s a movement.