BLACK ENTERPRISE, the premier Black-owned digital media brand dedicated to providing business, investment, and wealth-building resources for African Americans, unveiled its highly anticipated 40 Under 40 Class of 2023, showcasing a remarkable assembly of young Black visionaries and changemakers making their mark in their respective industries, including technology & stem, business, creative arts & entertainment, finance, media, fashion & beauty, political & social impact, and sports.
This distinguished group of honorees, celebrated for their innovation, unwavering determination, and trailblazing spirit, have demonstrated remarkable leadership and achieved notable milestones before reaching the age of 40. Among them are entrepreneurs, social activists, athletes, entertainers, tech innovators, diversity leaders, and more. Their collective dedication to creating a fairer and more equitable society exemplifies the best of this generation.
"BLACK ENTERPRISE's 40 Under 40 list is not just a celebration of individual success but a testament to the boundless potential within our community," said Earl "Butch" Graves Jr., CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE. "This announcement serves as a powerful reminder that Black excellence knows no bounds and that, collectively, we are charting an extraordinary course toward a brighter, more inclusive future."
Notably, this year, individuals had the opportunity to nominate themselves, as well as others, to be considered for the 40 Under 40 list, reflecting a broader selection process. This inclusivity aligns with BLACK ENTERPRISE's commitment to recognizing and making space for the diverse group of visionaries within the Black community.
"These outstanding individuals are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today, actively shaping industries and driving change," said BLACK ENTERPRISE Deputy Digital Editor Selena Hill. "After curating this list with my colleagues, I'm delighted to celebrate the limitless opportunities that lie ahead for each of the honorees. Their stories are a source of inspiration, illustrating the immense potential that exists when passion meets purpose."
BLACK ENTERPRISE will celebrate the honorees during a private, invite-only reception on Sunday, December 10th sponsored by Nationwide.
Here are the 2023 BLACK ENTERPRISE 40 Under 40 Honorees:
CREATIVE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Quinta Brunson – Actress, Writer, and Producer
Devale Ellis – Actor, NY Times Bestselling Author, and Podcast Host
Kiari "Offset" Cephus – Grammy-Nominated Musician, Global Influencer, Philanthropist, and Fashion Icon
Ziwe – Comedian and Author of Black Friend: Essays
Ernest Dukes – Founder and CEO, The Nottingham Agency
FASHION AND BEAUTY
Winnie Harlow – Supermodel and Founder, Cay Skin
Nancy Twine – Founder and CEO, Briogeo Hair Care
Sergio Hudson – Fashion Designer and Founder, Sergio Hudson
Olamide Olowe – Founder and CEO, Topicals
Laquan Smith – Designer and Founder, Laquan Smith
SPORTS
Nicole Lynn – Agent and President of Football, Klutch Sports Group
Angel Reese – NCAA Champion and Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 Women's Basketball NCAA Championship
Antonio Depina – Founder, SCOUTZ
Sanya Richards-Ross – Olympic Gold Medalist and Founder, MommiNation
Andre Tyler Iguodala – NBA Champion, Entrepreneur, and Investor
TECH & STEM
Aisha Bowe – Founder and CEO, STEMBoard and LINGO
Everette Taylor – CEO, Kickstarter
Dasia Taylor – Scientist and Founder and CEO, VariegateHealth™
Alex Wolf – Tech Philosopher
Netta Jenkins – CEO, AeroDEI
BUSINESS
Olajuwon Cooper and Earl Cooper – Co-Founders, East Side Golf
Dave Salvant and Songe LaRon – Co-Founders, SQUIRE Technologies, Inc.
Kwame Onwuachi – Chef, Author, and Restaurateur
Derrick Hayes – Founder and CEO, Big Dave's Cheesesteaks
Tarshena Armstrong – Director of Diversity Marketing and Development, General Motors
FINANCE
Rashad Bilal – Co-Founder and CEO, Earn Your Leisure
Megan Holston-Alexander – Partner, Head of the Cultural Leadership Fund, Andreessen Horowitz
Anthony O'Neal – Speaker, Author, and Podcaster
Terance "DJ Tao" Takyi – Managing Director, UBS
Mathilda Lambert – Vice President of Community and Business Development, JP Morgan Chase
MEDIA
Lindsay Peoples Wagner – Editor-in-Chief, New York Magazine's The Cut
Rachel Lindsay – Author, Attorney, Media Personality, Podcaster, and Speaker
Chris "Speedy" Morman – On-camera host, journalist, and executive producer
Arielle "Ari" Chambers – Women's Sports Journalist & Advocate and Founder, HighlighHER
Jonathan Rab – Founder, Watch The Yard
POLITICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT
Justin Pearson and Justin Jones – Tennessee State Representatives
Maxwell Frost – U.S. Representative, Florida's 10th Congressional District
Brandon Scott – Mayor, Baltimore
Maya Penn – CEO, Global Activist, Animator, and Filmmaker
Ambre Stanford – U.S. Head of CAA Social Impact, Creative Arts Agency (CAA)