October 3, 2022
BLACK ENTERPRISE Unveils Distinguished List of 40 Under 40 Honorees
BLACK ENTERPRISE, the No. 1 Black digital media brand with 10 million unique visitors per month, announced its second annual list of 40 Under 40 honorees, highlighting an illustrious group of young Black leaders in tech, business, arts and entertainment, finance, media, fashion and beauty, social impact, and sports.
This dynamic roster of disruptors, innovators, and trailblazers has paved a pathway to power and success before their 40th birthdays. Some have demonstrated extraordinary creative talent and business prowess, while others use their voice to amplify Black stories or are dedicated to creating social change. Collectively, they are changing the world at local, national, and global levels. The honorees were selected through an internal editorial process based on merit, demonstrated leadership, and notable achievements in their fields.
“We are excited to celebrate the 40 Under 40 honorees for their outstanding achievements,” said Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“As we continue to evolve as a company, we want to ensure that we are uplifting the next generation of leaders while staying true to our core values: building generational wealth and driving economic advancement among Black Americans.”
“Driven by purpose and passion, the BE 40 Under 40 honorees are using innovation and creativity to find solutions, build a better future, and bring inspiration in the darkest times. They represent the best of our generation,” said BLACK ENTERPRISE Deputy Digital Editor Selena Hill. “They possess the same ambition, grit, and vigor that Earl G. Graves Sr. had when he launched BLACK ENTERPRISE in 1970 at the age of 35.”
BLACK ENTERPRISE will celebrate the honorees at the 40 Under 40 Dinner, a private, invite-only ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at City Winery New York City, thanks to title sponsor Now and Later, presenting sponsor Amazon Web Services, platinum sponsor Walmart, and Lobos 1707. The celebration will culminate with the 40 Under 40 Summit, taking place virtually on Thursday, Dec. 8.
Meet the 2022 BLACK ENTERPRISE 40 Under 40 Honorees:
TECH
- TJ Adeshola – Head of Global Content Partnerships, Twitter
- LaDavia Drane – Director & Global Leader, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Amazon Web Services
- Jackson Georges, Jr. – Partner, Growth, CapitalG
- Iddris Sandu – Founder, SLABS Inc.
- Kimberly Wilson – Founder & CEO, HUED
BUSINESS
- Johnny Bailey –Founder & CEO, ShineHard Family
- Aisha “Pinky” Cole – Founder, Slutty Vegan
- Kelvin “PJKev” Mensah –Co-Founder, Approved Jets
- Regine Moore – Director of Constituent Relations, Walmart
- Sevetri Wilson – Founder, Resilia
FINANCE
- Shaquanna “Ms. Business” Brooks – CEO, Brooks Alliance L.L.C.
- Darren Dixon – Fund Manager; Former Partner, Goldman Sachs
- Tiffany James – Founder, Modernblkgirl
- Teri Ijeoma – Founder, Trade and Travel Program
- Ermias Tadesse and Cheick Camara – Co-Founders, BlackGen Capital
SPORTS
- Simone Biles – Olympic Gymnast
- Stephen Curry – 4x NBA Champion, 2x MVP; CEO, SC30 Inc.
- LeBron James – 4x NBA Champion, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist
- Candace Parker – 2X WNBA Champion
- Russell Wilson – Super Bowl Champion and Philanthropist
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
- Ryan Coogler – Filmmaker
- Robyn Rihanna Fenty – Musical Artist, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist
- Chloe and Halle Bailey – Musical Artists, Actresses, and Producers
- Nyla Hayes – NFT artist
- Marsai Martin – Actress and Producer
MEDIA
- Rashaad Lambert – SEVP, Forbes; Founder, For(bes) The Culture
- Jamila Mustafa – Award-winning Journalist, Host, and Actress
- Angelica “Angie” Nwandu – Founder & CEO, The Shade Room
- Tashara Parker – Emmy Award-winning News Anchor and Founder, Loud Women Lead
- Taylor Rooks – Broadcast Sports Journalist and Host, Bleacher Report; Thursday Night Football, Amazon Prime
FASHION AND BEAUTY
- Melissa Butler – Founder & CEO, The Lip Bar
- Alexander-Julian “AJ” Gibbson – Creative Director, Visual Artist, and Celebrity Stylist
- Romeo Hunte – Founder, Romeo Hunte New York
- Kerby Jean-Raymond – Founder, Pyer Moss
- KJ Miller –CEO & Co-founder, Mented Cosmetics
SOCIAL IMPACT
- Jamira Burley – Activist and Worldwide Education Strategic Lead, Apple
- Mari “Little Miss Flint” Copeny – Activist and Teen Miss Michigan Earth 2022
- Cierra Kaler-Jones – Founder & Director, Unlock Your Story
- Renee Bracey Sherman –Founder & Executive Director, We Testify
- Jeffery Wallace – Commissioner; President & CEO, LeadersUp