Watch this year’s featured honorees share more on their journey, what it means to be a BlackStar, and more!
The BlackStars Magazine is more than just a coffee table publication; it is a beautifully curated collection of profiles and success stories that highlight the brilliance, resilience, and leadership within the BlackStars community. Each edition of the magazine serves as an integral part of the annual BlackStars Experience, providing an opportunity to celebrate and document the achievements of Black leaders across various industries. What makes this magazine so unique is its ability to capture not only the individual accomplishments of these leaders but also the collective progress being made by the Black community in business, technology, governance, and more.
Each year, the BlackStars board carefully selects a few of the honorees to be featured on the magazine’s prestigious cover. These honorees are chosen with intentional diversity in mind, reflecting a wide range of industries, professional experience levels, and backgrounds. This thoughtful selection process ensures that each issue of the magazine truly represents the depth and richness of the BlackStars community, highlighting leaders who are shaping the future across sectors and regions.
For the 2024 edition, the cover shoot took place in the vibrant heart of New York City, bringing together some of the year’s most distinguished honorees. The photoshoot, set against the dynamic backdrop of the city’s skyline, was not only a visual celebration of excellence but also a moment to reflect on the journeys of these trailblazers.
Among the 2024 BlackStars featured on the cover are six honorees who embody leadership and innovation in their respective fields:
- J. Ofori Agboka, VP of People Experience & Technology, Global Operations at Amazon
- Akinyemi T. Akinwowo, COO of Global Litigation at Morgan Stanley
- Roger G. Arrieux Jr., East Region Market Leader and New York Managing Partner at Deloitte
- Quita Beeler Highsmith, VP & Chief Diversity Officer at Genentech
- Rose Stuckey Kirk, NASDAQ Board Member and Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Verizon
- Kori Davis Porter, SVP, Head of Business Operations at the NBA
These individuals are not just leaders in their fields; they are trailblazers who have consistently shattered barriers and created opportunities for others to follow. This year’s magazine theme, “The Power of Firsts,” perfectly encapsulates the journeys of these leaders. The theme coincides with what has been a historic year for the United States, marked by significant milestones such as the nomination of the first Black and South Asian woman, Kamala Harris, on a major presidential ticket.
“The Power of Firsts” also reflects the experiences of many of the BlackStars honorees, who have often been the first in their fields to reach certain heights. Whether they are the first Black executives in their organizations or the first to lead major initiatives, these leaders have not only embraced the responsibilities that come with being “firsts” but have also worked tirelessly to ensure they are not the last. Their efforts are paving the way for future generations of Black leaders to thrive in spaces where they were previously underrepresented or excluded.
The 2024 cover shoot was a powerful moment of celebration, underscoring the honorees’ groundbreaking achievements while also acknowledging the importance of legacy and mentorship. As these leaders continue to ascend, they are pulling others up with them, creating a ripple effect that is felt across industries and communities.
And now, without any further do, we are thrilled to unveil to you the 2024 cover:
As we approach the BlackStars Experience on November 8, 2024, we invite you to join us in celebrating these extraordinary leaders and the rest of the 2024 honorees. These are individuals who are not only leading innovation but are also transforming some of America’s most influential businesses. Their work is redefining industries, fostering inclusion, and driving meaningful change that extends far beyond their personal success.
Be sure to pick up your copy of the 2024 issue of the BlackStars Magazine, where you can dive deeper into the stories of these leaders who are shaping the future. This year’s edition promises to be an inspiring tribute to the power of leadership, legacy, and community—three pillars that will undoubtedly continue to define the BlackStars community for years to come.
