Grace Wales Bonner Becomes First Black Woman To Lead At Major Fashion House
Grace Wales Bonner has made fashion history. According to WWD, Wales Bonner was appointed as menswear creative director at Hermès, making her the first Black woman to lead design at a major European luxury fashion house. The announcement from Hermès International follows the departure of Véronique Nichanian, who held the role for 37 years. “I am deeply honored,” Wales Bonner said in a statement. “Joining such a lineage of artisans and creators is a dream for me.” Born in London to a British mother and Jamaican father, Wales Bonner launched
Kenneth Kelly Named Chair of the American Bankers Association
The appointment is a one-year term for the nation’s largest financial service industry organization First Independence Bank and its board of directors proudly announce that Chairman and CEO, Kenneth Kelly, has been elected as 2025-2026 Chairman of the American Bankers Association. The installation ceremony took place during the American Bankers Association Annual Convention in Charlotte today. “Kenneth brings a powerful combination of decisive leadership, strong vision and problem-solving skills to the role of ABA Chair,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “He understands the unique challenges facing smaller institutions thanks to
Valerie Nesbitt, Norfolf Southern Director of Supplier Inclusion and Sustainability Recives Atlanta Business League Honors
Valerie Nesbitt is Director Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability for Norfolk Southern is the recipient of the Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. League Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, advocacy, and service to the Atlanta area business community. The award, named after the late Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., a beloved civic leader and businessman, celebrates individuals who exemplify his legacy of empowerment, mentorship, and community uplift. Nesbitt is responsible for ensuring that contracts issued by the company maximize opportunities for small, minority and woman-owned businesses to participate. She
Frontier Development and Hospitality Group’s CEO Evens Charles Debuts Hyatt House Hotel in Nation’s Capital
The Frontier Development & Hospitality Group LLC, led by Washington, D.C. native Evens Charles, has officially opened the Hyatt House Washington DC Downtown Convention Center — a modern, 184-room extended-stay hotel in the culturally rich Shaw neighborhood. Managed by Donohoe Hospitality Services, the property sits just two blocks from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and brings apartment-style accommodations and vibrant community-oriented amenities to one of D.C.’s most dynamic neighborhoods. For Charles, this milestone is deeply personal. Born in Columbia Heights and raised in Petworth in the 1980s and 1990s,
Gabrielle Andrews Promoted to Vice President of Marketing for ATL Airport District Convention & Visitors Bureau
Andrews to Continue Decade-Long Tenure with the CVB, Spearheading Strategic Marketing and Brand Awareness for Atlanta’s Southside The ATL Airport District Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the destination marketing organization for the cities of College Park, Hapeville and Union City, Ga., today announced the promotion of Gabrielle “Gabby” Andrews to vice president of marketing. A decade-long member of the ATL Airport District Team, Andrews will continue to help refine the CVB’s marketing programming, which has evolved during her time with the organization and led to impressive reach, which contributed to
Linda Hannah Named 2025 National Career Mastered Top Entrepreneurial Woman to Watch
Linda Hannah, a Detroit-born speaker, author, and mindset mentor, has been named one of Career Mastered Magazine’s 2025 National Top Entrepreneurial Women to Watch. The recognition, announced this week, honors 35 women across the country who are leading change through business innovation, industry leadership, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Hannah, founder of Linda Hannah Speaks, was selected for her commitment to empowering women through storytelling, mindset development, and personal transformation. Career Mastered CEO and Publisher Dr. Lisa J. Lindsay Wicker described the honorees as catalysts for progress in a shifting economic
Todd McDonald Named Chairman of the National Bankers Association
Liberty Bank and Trust proudly announces that its President, Todd McDonald, has been sworn in as the new Chairman of the National Bankers Association (NBA), succeeding Robert E. James II, President and CEO of Carver Financial Corporation. This marks another significant leadership transition for the NBA as it continues its mission of protecting and expanding inclusive banking across the nation. Both McDonald and James represent a continuation of a remarkable legacy, following in the footsteps of their fathers, Alden J. McDonald, Jr. and Robert E. James, who also served as
American Roads Welcomes Regine Beauboeuf as New CEO
American Roads has appointed Regine Beauboeuf, PE, as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a new era for the company as it builds upon its legacy of infrastructure excellence. Beauboeuf succeeds Neal Belitsky, who retires after nearly 27 years of transformative leadership. With an impressive 39-year career managing complex transportation infrastructure projects, Beauboeuf brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President and Director of Infrastructure Mobility at HNTB. Beyond her professional achievements, Beauboeuf has been an active leader in
Atlanta Businesswoman Donata Russell Ross, Daughter of HJ Russell Receives Special Honors for Leadership and Excellence
Atlanta-based entrepreneur, Donata Russell Ross has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry with her induction into the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau's Hospitality Hall of Fame. As CEO of Concessions International, LLC, a minority-owned company known for providing food and beverage services in airports, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience through various challenges, including the aftermath of 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Russell Ross has an impressive background, holding a degree from the Wharton School of Business and overseeing a company that generates over $100
Sherina Maye Edwards, Advocate for Academics, Named Chair of 25th Annual UNCF Gala in Chicago
Sherina Maye Edwards has been named Gala Chair of the “25th Annual UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala, which will be held on June 14, 2025, at the Geraghty in Chicago. For the 25th anniversary, the “A Mind Is…” Gala will be a flashback to its original theme, a Black & White Ball. “As an alum of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Spelman College and Howard University School of Law, I am so proud to serve as Chair of the 25th Annual UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala.