Author: Pheby Mahoney

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 C-suite 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.

New York, NY – October 8, 2024– BlackStars, a preeminent cross-sector conference for Black professionals and allies has announced a partnership with Per Scholas, a national nonprofit that provides tuition-free training to unemployed or underemployed adults for lucrative careers in tech. This collaboration aims to open doors for Black professionals to enter the tech workforce and equip them with the skills and resources needed to thrive.

“At BlackStars, we are committed to uplifting and amplifying Black talent across all industries,” said Sandra Appiah Babu-Boateng.

“We recognize the vital role technology plays in today’s world, and this partnership with Per Scholas allows us to bridge the digital divide and get more black professionals career opportunities in tech.”

Through this partnership, BlackStars will leverage its extensive platform to promote Per Scholas’ tech training programs to its audience, providing opportunities to break into tech or to upskill. 

“At Per Scholas, we believe in the transformative power of technology to unlock potential and drive equity. Our partnership with BlackStars represents a significant step in bridging the opportunity gap for Black professionals in the tech industry, said Brittany Murrey Executive Vice President of Talent Solutions.

“By combining our rigorous training programs with BlackStars’ influential platform, we’re equipping more Black talent with the skills and resources needed to not just enter the tech workforce, but to thrive and lead within it. Together, we are committed to building a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable future in technology.”

This partnership signifies a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse tech landscape. By equipping Black professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge, BlackStars and Per Scholas are paving the way for a more equitable future in technology.

2024 BlackStars Experience

The 2024 BlackStars Experience will take place in NYC, November 6-9. In collaboration with TEKsystems, Per Scholas will host two sessions at the summit on November 7th, Breaking Into Tech, and Diversifying the Tech Pipeline . Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about career opportunities in tech, and connect directly with PerScholas. 

For more information about the conference and to register, visit: BlackStarsExperience.com 

About BlackStars

BlackStars is a leading conference and digital platform dedicated to empowering Black talent across industries, connecting them with opportunities, and celebrating their impact. To learn more, visit BlackStarsExperience.com 

About Per Scholas

For nearly 30 years, Per Scholas has been on a mission to drive equity and opportunity in the ever-advancing technology landscape by unlocking the untapped potential of individuals, uplifting communities, and meeting the needs of employers through rigorous tech training. By teaming up with dynamic employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we’re forging inclusive tech talent pipelines, fulfilling an ever-increasing need for skilled talent. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and counting, Per Scholas offers no-cost training programs in the most sought-after tech skills, spanning Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, 25,000+ individuals have been trained through Per Scholas, propelling their professional trajectories into high-growth tech careers with salaries three times higher than their pre-training earnings. At Per Scholas, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging aren’t just buzzwords—they’re in our DNA. 85+ percent of our learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

New York, NY – September 9, 2024 — The NABA Inc. (formerly the National Association of Black Accountants) has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the “Organization of the Year” award at the 2024 BlackStars Awards Gala. This prestigious accolade recognizes NABA’s exceptional contributions to the empowerment, advancement, and representation of Black talent and professionals across the United States.

Founded in 1969, NABA Inc. has been a pillar of excellence in the accounting and finance industries, committed to fostering the growth and development of Black professionals in accounting, business, finance, and entrepreneurship. With a mission to address the professional needs of its members and to cultivate leaders who will shape the future, NABA has had a profound impact on the industry. The organization, boasting over 20,000 members, continues to break barriers, create opportunities for underrepresented groups, and set a standard of excellence for others to follow.

“We are honored to recognize NABA’s impact and legacy with our inaugural Organization of the Year award,” said Sandra Appiah Babu-Boateng, Co-Founder of PanaGenius, the creators of BlackStars. “For over 50 years, NABA has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of Black accountants, finance professionals, and business leaders. Their commitment to creating pathways for success, advocating for diversity, and fostering a community of excellence has not only elevated their members but also made a profound impact on the broader professional landscape. NABA’s dedication to professional development, mentorship, and community engagement is truly unparalleled and serves as an inspiration to us all.” 

The BlackStars Awards Gala is the signature closing event of the BlackStars Experience, a transformative conference dedicated to elevating Black talent, connecting leaders, and celebrating the power of the Diaspora.The awards celebrate outstanding Black leaders, organizations, and trailblazers who have made significant contributions to their industries and communities. 

“NABA is deeply honored to receive BlackStars’ inaugural ‘Organization of the Year’ award,” said Guylaine Saint Juste, President and CEO of the NABA Inc. “For over five decades, we have worked tirelessly to create pathways for Black Business Leaders to thrive. This recognition reflects not just our commitment to empowering Black talent but also the collective efforts of our members, partners, and allies in driving diversity and equity forward. We are proud to be part of this powerful movement and remain dedicated to fostering leadership, opportunity, and wealth for future generations.”

The BlackStars Awards Gala will take place on November 8, 2024 at Gotham Hall in NYC, bringing together an esteemed gathering of influencers, thought leaders, and allies  to celebrate Black excellence across various sectors.

Join us in celebrating NABA Inc. and the extraordinary BlackStars and allies who are driving change and transformation in America’s corporate landscape. For more information about the BlackStars Awards and to purchase tickets, please visit HERE.