World’s Highest-Ranking Mathematician Dr. Abdon Atangana to Speak at the BlackStars Summit on Nov 7th 

Groundbreaking Fireside Chat with Genentech’s Chief Diversity Officer, Quita Highsmith, to Explore Innovation, Diversity, and Health Equity.

October 22, 2024 – New York, NY – The BlackStars Summit is proud to announce an extraordinary fireside chat featuring the world’s highest-ranking mathematician, Dr. Abdon Atangana from Cameroon, alongside Genentech’s Chief Diversity Officer, Quita Highsmith. This highly anticipated discussion will take place at the BlackStars Summit on November 7, 2024, in New York City.

Dr. Atangana, a renowned expert in applied mathematics, has been recognized globally for his pioneering work in fractal mathematics and its practical applications in fields such as fluid dynamics, modeling, and the natural sciences. His unique contributions have reshaped modern mathematical thinking and have particular relevance to addressing real-world problems, including those in healthcare, environmental studies, and technology.

In 2023, Dr. Atangana was ranked number one in the world in mathematics, number 186 in the world in all fields, and number one in Africa in all fields, according to the Stanford University list of top 2% scientists in the world. He was one of the first recipients of the Obada Award in 2018.

In conversation with Quita Highsmith, a leader in championing diversity and health equity at Genentech, this fireside chat promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of how mathematics, innovation, and diversity intersect to drive global progress.

The fireside chat is expected to be one of the highlights of this year’s BlackStars Summit, a gathering that celebrates excellence and leadership across the African and Black diaspora.

“We are honored to host Professor Atangana and Quita Highsmith for this important conversation,” said Sandra Appiah Babu-Boateng, Co-Founder of BlackStars. “This discussion will not only highlight Dr. Atangana’s groundbreaking work in mathematics and the importance of  diverse representation in STEM, but also underscore the critical need for global innovation in healthcare and beyond.”

For more information on the BlackStars Summit and to register, visit here.

About BlackStars Summit
The BlackStars Summit is a premier event celebrating the collective power, excellence, and influence of the African and Black diaspora. The summit brings together industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers to address critical issues, foster meaningful connections, and drive impact across various sectors.

About Professor Abdon Atangana
Professor Abdon Atangana is a world-renowned mathematician from Cameroon, recognized as the highest-ranking mathematician in the world. His research focuses on applied mathematics and its applications to real-world problems, making groundbreaking contributions to the fields of fractal mathematics, fluid dynamics, and mathematical modeling.

About Quita Highsmith
Quita Highsmith is the Chief Diversity Officer at Genentech, where she leads the company’s initiatives to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a deep commitment to addressing health disparities and championing inclusion in STEM, Highsmith has been a trailblazer in promoting health equity and improving access to healthcare for underserved populations.

For media inquiries, please contact:
BlackStars
contact@blackstars.com

Unveiling the 2024 BlackStars Magazine Cover

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:

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.

BlackStars Announces Partnership with Per Scholas to Empower Black Professionals in Tech

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.

NABA Inc. to Receive The Inaugural “Organization of the Year” Award  at the 2024 BlackStars Gala

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.

Announcing the 2024 BlackStars Honorees

The action-packed celebration of culture, talent, and innovation will take place in New York City, November 6-9.

[New York City – June 19, 2024] – PanaGenius, the leading media company dedicated to amplifying the voices and achievements of the Black Diaspora, has announced the honorees for its prestigious annual awards, BlackStars!

The exceptional 2024 honorees, selected from a competitive pool of over 1,000 nominations, include globally recognized leaders and titans across tech, finance, media & entertainment, healthcare, sports, and more, who are driving significant change and transformation within their fields.

“BlackStars was established not only to recognize the outstanding talent and innovation within the Black Diaspora community but also to create a supportive and culturally relevant platform for learning, connections, and inspiration,” said Sandra Appiah, Co-founder of PanaGenius. “We are thrilled to welcome our new class of honorees, who embody the collective power of Black talent in shaping the industries of today and tomorrow, our communities, and the world at large.”

Some of the esteemed 2024 honorees include:

  • Rose Kirk, SVP & Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Verizon
  • Aaron Walton, Co-Founder & President of Walton Isaacson
  • Lakecia Gunter, Chief Technology Officer and VP, Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft
  • Roger G. Arrieux, East Region Market Leader and New York Managing Partner at Deloitte
  • Quita Highsmith, VP and Chief Diversity Officer at Genentech
  • Ronke Ekwensi, Chief Data Officer at T-Mobile
  • J. Ofori Agboka, VP, People eXperience and Technology, Global Operations at Amazon
  • Rick C. Wade, SVP, Strategic Alliances and Outreach at United States Chamber of Commerce
  • Kori D. Porter, SVP & Head of Business Operations, National Basketball Association
  • Akinyemi T. Akiwowo, Global Chief Operating Officer, Litigation at Morgan Stanley

View full list of honorees and their bios here.

The 2024 honorees will be celebrated at the prestigious BlackStars Awards Gala during BlackStars Experience, the action-packed four-day celebration of culture, talent, and innovation, taking place November 6-9 in New York City.

Building on last year’s success, which brought together nearly 1,000 attendees, the 2024 BlackStars Experience promises to be a landmark event with an expanded program including a full-day summit, exhibition and recruitment opportunities, networking, and the closing awards gala honoring the 2024 honorees.

BlackStars Experience 2024 is supported by Morgan Stanley, Verizon, Deloitte, T-Mobile, Henry Schein, Webster Bank, Per Scholas, Capemay Properties, and more.

To learn more, visit www.panagenius.com. For sponsorship and partnership opportunities, email contact@panagenius.com.

About PanaGenius 

PanaGenius is at the forefront of connecting, informing, and empowering a new generation of African-Americans who embody the rich cultural diversity and experiences of today’s global Black community. Through initiatives like the BlackStars, PanaGenius continues to amplify the voices and contributions of the modern Black Diaspora, fostering a stronger, more connected global Black community.

Join Us 

Mark your calendar for November 6-9, 2024, and join us in New York City for the BlackStars Experience. This event promises to be a powerful gathering of professionals, leaders, innovators, and change-makers dedicated to advancing the Black Diaspora. For more information and to register, visit our event website.

Media Contacts: 

PanaGenius
contact@panagenius.com
www.panagenius.com

BlackStars Unveils Distinguished Advisory Board to Propel Platform’s Growth

BlackStars proudly announces the establishment of its inaugural Advisory Board, an esteemed group of influential leaders, visionaries, and trailblazers committed to steering the platform toward new horizons.

The Board members, carefully selected for their remarkable achievements and dedication to fostering positive change, will play a pivotal role in guiding BlackStars through its next phase of growth.

Sandra and Isaac Babu-Boateng, Co-Founders of BlackStars, express their gratitude to each Advisory Board member for their commitment to the platform’s vision:

“BlackStars is poised for a transformative journey of growth and impact, and we are thrilled to have such an exceptional group of leaders- who truly mirror the excellence we aim to inspire- steering us toward continued success.”

The Advisory Board will provide invaluable support, expertise, and strategic direction, elevating BlackStars to new heights and ensuring the platform continues to deliver on its promise to elevate and shape the future of Black excellence, leadership, and innovation across industries.

Get to know the inaugural Board members:

Aaron Aboagye

Aaron Aboagye is the Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company’s Detroit office.  Prior to his current role in Detroit, Aaron was based in McKinsey’s New Jersey office where he served clients in the Industrials (Semiconductors, Automotive, Materials) sector on strategy and operations topics. Aaron is also the co-leader of the NA Semiconductor practice. Beyond his client and office responsibilities, Aaron leads McKinsey’s Black Network (MBN) in North America with a focus on attracting and developing black talent at the firm

Sabina Dankwa

Sabina Dankwa is Global Head of Technology Communications, Marketing & Philanthropy at Morgan Stanley. Previously, she was  Vice President/Executive Director at Goldman Sachs where she led the Marketing and Communications function for the Engineering Division. Prior to this role, she was responsible for technology risk governance programs, focused on policies and standards, as well as regulatory and audit controls for the firm’s information and cyber security infrastructure.

Ron Taylor

Ron Taylor has over 20 years of experience leading DEI programs, primarily in the financial services industry. He recently served as Executive Vice President and Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Natixis Investment Managers. In this role, he led the firm’s US DEI activities and programs, and served as a resource for affiliates in the region to support their DEI efforts. Before joining Natixis, he served as Managing Director, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Mizuho Americas. Prior to that, he worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Deutsche Bank, and KPMG.

Michele Ghee

Michele Ghee is the Co-Founder and CEO of Expectant Media, a Black Women-owned boutique Ad Tech and content agency. With a track record of generating over a billion dollars in revenue, Ghee has held pivotal roles at some of the world’s most influential media companies, including Allen Media Group, WME, CNN, A&E, The History Channel, and BET Networks. During her tenure at BET, she pioneered and oversaw the groundbreaking network for Black women, BETHer.

Nexus Sea

Nexus Sea is a Partner at O’Melveny & Myers, where he is a litigator and trial lawyer with significant experience representing Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, and pharmaceutical firms in a variety of disputes in state and federal courts. He is a founding member of “1844,” an association of African American male attorneys that focuses on promoting collaboration, business development, and mentorship among attorneys of color in Big Law.

Marcus Green

Markus Green is former Vice President & Assistant General Counsel for Pfizer, Inc., one of the largest global biopharmaceutical companies. At Pfizer, Mr. Green led the Government Litigation Group, where he worked with local, state, and federal prosecutors to defend Pfizer’s interest in government-initiated litigation and investigations. He was also responsible for several Pfizer initiatives, including civil justice reform, managing the attorney general outreach program and handling congressional inquiries and investigations. Before joining Pfizer, Mr. Green spent a decade in public service and was as a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and later served as Executive Assistant Attorney General and Chief of Staff in the New Jersey AGs Office.

2023 BlackStars Experience Recap + Video Highlight

In the heart of the world’s financial capital, New York City, the BlackStars Summit & Awards commanded the spotlight on November 2-3, 2023, bringing together over 1000 industry leaders and professionals across various sectors for two days of learning, connections, and inspiration. Created by PanaGenius, a media company focused on amplifying the diverse voices of the modern Afro-Diaspora, BlackStars aims to highlight, connect, and empower a new era of of leaders and emerging talent who embody the richness, diversity and vast potential of the Black Diaspora.

The annual summit & awards serves as a platform to exchange ideas, ignite transformation, inspire excellence, and celebrate the exceptional contributions and impact of these leaders in the corporate realm.

Michele Ghee moderates fireside chat with Sekou Kaalund, EVP and Head of Branch and Small Business Banking at US Bank

The summit attracted nearly 500 attendees from diverse sectors, including technology, finance, media, healthcare, law, and more, and featured sessions with prominent leaders who shared valuable lessons from their own journeys. Speaking on the leadership panel, Duane Hughes, Managing Director at UBS Bank, emphasized the importance of crafting a personal mission statement and an ideal job description. Evaristus Mainsah, Vice President of Tech and People Experience at Amazon Ads, encouraged stepping out of one’s comfort zone into uncharted territories, while Edwige Robinson, Senior Vice President of Network Operations, Engineering and Technology at T-Mobile underscored the ability to demystify complex ideas as a paramount skill for future leaders.

2023 BlackStars Summit Highlight Video

A pair of engaging fireside chats highlighted the day’s events. The first showcased Sekou Kaalund, EVP, and Head of Branch and Small Business Banking at US Bank, skillfully moderated by Michelle GheeSekou Kaalund, a prominent leader on the path to a major bank’s CEO position, shared lessons from his journey, emphasizing the importance of taking calculated risks and learning from failures.

The second fireside chat featured Deniece Laurent Mantey, the newly appointed Executive Director of the President’s Council on African Diaspora Engagement, in conversation with Sandra Appiah Babu-Boateng, co-founder of BlackStars. They discussed the role of business leaders in driving socioeconomic transformation within the African Diaspora, reminding attendees of the potential to effect change beyond borders. The summit concluded with a networking session, offering attendees the opportunity to connect and engage.

2023 BlackStars Awards Gala Highlight Video

The BlackStars Awards Gala followed the next day at Capitale. Hosted by international broadcaster Anita Erskine, it was a night of excellence and inspiration, where 30 trailblazing African-American corporate leaders were honored. Their remarkable stories came to life through captivating videos, and the five pinnacle awardees, representing senior leaders from various industries, shared words of inspiration with the audience. To see the full list of this year’s honorees, visit here. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was the Guest of Honor, was presented with a special award.

Speaking on the essence of the evening, Sandra Appiah Babu-Boateng, co-founder of PanaGenius and BlackStars, reminded leaders in the room of the work ahead:

“We’ve come a long way, but we have a long way to go. Executive and C-Suite representation for Black professionals remains disheartening. At the current pace, McKinsey estimates it will take a century to close this gap. Look at our honorees tonight, and you’ll see there’s no absolutely no shortage of Black talent to fill your leadership and C-Suite positions. If you sense a shortage, I ask: where are you looking? You’ve heard the stories of our honorees, There are thousands more Edwige Robinson’s and Dennis Williams’ out there waiting to be discovered. What are you doing to discover them early and provide the resources, support, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential?”

BlackStars co-founder Sandra Appiah Babu-Boateng presents award to NYC Mayor Eric Adams

The evening was a magnificent celebration of the power of diversity, featuring remarkable fashion, delectable cuisine, and live music. It created an atmosphere of unity, bringing people together and highlighting the power of collective strength.

The BlackStars Summit & Awards not only celebrated the accomplishments of these leaders but also sparked change and inspired the next generation of leaders. The event served as a testament to the significant impact of African-Americans in the corporate world and a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie ahead in our journey. Click here to view the full 2023 program.

Get a digital copy of the BlackStars Magazine here.