Derrick Gilbert
Leading Change in IT with Purpose and Strategy
EDITOR’S LETTER
Breaking Entrepreneurship Stereotype!
DearReaders,
Thebusinesslandscapeisevolvingatanunprecedentedpace,drivenbytechnological advancements,marketshifts,andthedemandforinnovation.Inthisdynamicenvironment,Black entrepreneursandbusinessleadersaremakingremarkablestrides,reshapingindustries,and fosteringeconomicempowerment.Despitefacinghistoricalandsystemicchallenges,Black-ownedbusinesses arewitnessingunprecedentedgrowth,witha22.2%year-over-yearincreasein2022.However,whileBlack entrepreneursgenerateover$183billioninannualrevenue,theystillrepresentonly3%ofallU.S.businesses, despitetheBlackpopulationconstituting13.7%ofthenation.Thisdisparityhighlightsthepressingneedfor increasedinvestment,visibility,andsystemicsupport.
Yet,theresilience,innovation,anddeterminationofBlackleaderscontinuetobreakbarriersandredefine success.Fromtechinnovatorstocorporateexecutives,socialimpactleaderstotrailblazingentrepreneurs,their contributionsareshapingamoreinclusiveandprogressivebusinessecosystem.Theirleadershipextends beyondfinancialsuccess,drivingmeaningfulsocialchange,mentorship,andcommunitydevelopment.
InthisexclusiveeditionofTheUSALeaders,wespotlight “The 10 Most Inspiring Black Leaders to Follow in 2024” visionarieswhoareleadingindustries,breakingstereotypes,andsettingnewbenchmarksforsuccess.
OurCoverStoryfeaturesDerrickGilbert(Founder,ofGilTechnologyGroup),atechentrepreneurwhose journeyisatestamenttoadaptability,expertise,andleadership.BeginninghiscareeratIBMFederalSystems, Derrick'scommitmenttoinnovationledhimtoMITRECorporationandLucentTechnologies,wherehegained extensiveexperienceincomputernetworkingandITmanagement.Recognizingthegrowingneedforstrategic ITconsulting,hefoundedGilTechnologyGroup(GTG),providingcutting-edgesolutionsacrossmultiple industries.HisExecutiveMBAfromSaintJoseph'sUniversityfurtherstrengthenedhisbusinessacumen, pavingthewayforaleadershiproleatAmericanBaptistHomeMissionSocieties,anationalnonprofit.
AlongsideDerrickGilbert,thiseditionfeaturesKendrickAshton,MichaelJ.Garner,andWandaFrench-Brown, eachexemplifyingexcellence,leadership,andthepowerofperseverance.AsBlackentrepreneursand executivescontinuetodriveinnovationandtransformation,theyinspirefuturegenerationstochallengenorms andbuildamoreequitablefuture.
HappyReading!
Parag Ahire Project Editor
PUBLISHER
ARCHANA
VIKRAM
MANAGING
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PANKAJ
PROJECT
CREATIVE
SACHIN
VISUALIZER AAKASH
RESEARCH
JAMES
ADVERTISING
MARIA
C O N T E N T S
Derrick Gilbert
Cover Story
ERRICK D GILBERT
Leading Change in IT with Purpose and Strategy
Winning against the odds by living through adversity is not just about overcoming or surviving but thriving despite them.
DerrickGilbert’spathfromstudent-athleteto
ITexecutiveillustratesacareerbuilton resilienceandadaptability.Raisedin Ridgeland,Mississippi,heexcelledbothacademically andathletically,rankingamongthetopstudentsat Madison-RidgelandHighSchoolandshiningasanallstarshortstop.AtJacksonStateUniversity,hecontinued hisdualcommitmenttosportsandacademicsby playingDivisionIbaseball,earningaCertificateof AcademicAchievementamongAthletes,andgraduating CumLaudewithadegreeincomputerscience.
Aftergraduation,DerrickjoinedIBMFederalSystems, butacorporateacquisitionsoonredirectedhiscareer Hemovedforward,pursuingamaster’sdegreein computerscienceatMonmouthUniversity,specializing incomputernetworking.Simultaneously,hegained experienceatTheMITRECorporationandLucent Technologies,akeytelecommunicationsplayer
Eagertoexpandhisimpact,Derrickfounded Gil Technology Group (GTG),offeringITstrategyand consultingservicestovariousindustries.Alongsidethis entrepreneurialventure,heenhancedhisleadership skillsbyearninganExecutiveMBAfromSaint Joseph’sUniversity,whichpositionedhimforapivotal roleasHeadofITManagementatAmericanBaptist HomeMissionSocieties,anationalnonprofit.
Today,DerrickleadstheITdepartmentatHorizon HouseInc.,ahealthandhumanservicesnonprofit.His 25+yearsofexperiencespanITmanagement,service delivery,andtechnologyconsulting,establishinghimas aleaderfocusedondrivingmeaningfulchangethrough bothhistechnologyleadershiprolesandhisworkat GTG.
FromFatherhoodtoFounder:TheBirthofGil TechnologyGroup
DerrickGilbertdidn’tsetouttostartGilTechnology Group(GTG)withtypicalbusinessambitions.Instead, theideatookshapeduringapivotaltimeinhislife.In thefallof2006,Derrickandhiswifewelcomedtwin daughtersbornprematurelyatjust23weeks.Whileone twintragicallydidnotsurvive,theotherfoughtforlife intheNICUatTheChildren’sHospitalofPhiladelphia forsixmonths.
Atthetime,Derrickworkedasafull-timeconsultantat BCTPartners,amajormanagementandtechnology
consultingfirm.Thedemandsofworkandfamilysoon collided.Realizinghisdaughterwouldneedongoingcare longafterleavingthehospital,hemadeacriticaldecision: hesteppedawayfromhiscorporateroletofocuson family
Thisdecisionmarkedaturningpoint.In2007,Derrick foundedGilTechnologyGroupasa“Dadpreneur.” LaunchingGTGwasmorethananecessity—italigned withhisentrepreneurialspiritanddesiretocreatea flexiblebusinessmodel.GTGenabledhimtobalancehis responsibilitiesathomewithhisexpertiseintechnology consulting.
In2021,DerrickformalizedGTGasanLLCandbegan addressingaproblemheobservedacrosstheindustry: manysmallandmid-sizedbusinesses,aswellas nonprofits,lackeddedicatedITleadership.Without strategicguidance,theseorganizationsoftenreliedon technologyvendorswhodidn’talwaysactintheirbest interests.GTGsteppedintofillthatgap,providing tailoredITplanningandconsultingservices.Through GTG,Derrickbuiltmorethanabusiness;hecreateda solutionfororganizationsseekingreliabletechnology guidancewhilesupportinghisfamily’suniqueneeds.
Client-CenteredApproachtoTechnologyPlanning
GTGspecializesinstrategictechnologyplanning, governance,andmanagement.Thecompanyfocuseson deliveringtailoredITplanningservicesfornonprofitsand smallbusinesses.Itsteamprovidesexpertiseon-demand, ensuringclientsreceivetherightsolutionswithout unnecessaryoverhead.
GTG’sapproachcentersonaligningtechnologystrategies withtheuniqueneedsofeachorganization,allowingthem toconcentrateontheirmissionwhiletechnologysupports theiroperationsseamlessly.Insteadofaddingpersonnelor expectingexistingstafftomanagecomplexITissues, GTGstepsintoaddresstechnologychallengesasthey arise,providingguidanceandleadershipexactlywhen needed.
Thisflexiblesupportmodelenhancesefficiency,controls costs,andimprovesoverallbusinessperformance. OrganizationsrelyonGTGnotjustfortechnicalsolutions butforstrategicinsightthatdriveslong-termvalue. Throughitsclient-centeredapproach,GTGhasbecomea trustedpartnerfororganizationsseekingtooptimizetheir IT operations and maximize their technologyinvestments.
DrivingITExcellenceandInnovationatHorizonHouse
InadditiontohisroleatGTG,DerrickservesastheDirector ofITatHorizonHouse,Inc.Heshapestheorganization’s technologylandscapethroughvariousresponsibilities.He managestheITinfrastructure,overseesnetworkoperations, andimplementstechsolutionsthatalignwiththe organization’smissionandoperationalgoals.Asheleadsthe IToperationsandHelpDeskteams,Derricksupportsover 800employeesacrossPennsylvaniaandDelaware.He ensuressystemsoperateeffectively,maintainsdatasecurity, andaddressestechnicalissuespromptly
Derrickworkscloselywithseniorexecutivesanddepartment leaderstoensuretechnologyenhancestheorganization’s businessandserviceoperations.Hisroledemandsacareful mixofstrategicplanning,technicalknowledge,and leadership.Derrickexplains, “My role requires navigating the complexities of IT management in a nonprofit setting, where resource constraints and cybersecurity threats pose ongoing challenges.”
Inhisposition,Derrickalsofaceschallengesuniquetothe nonprofitsector.Frommanagingbudgetlimitationswhile strivingforcutting-edgetechnologytoaddressingthe constantevolutionofcybersecuritythreats,hisjobdemands bothproactiveandadaptivestrategies.Additionally,heleads effortsinchangemanagement,ensuringnewtechnologies aresmoothlyintegrated,andworksonrebuildinga customer-centric,high-performance,andmoreeffectiveIT department.
OvercomingBarriersandBuildingaStrongITCareer
Throughouthiscareer,DerrickGilberthasnavigated challengesfamiliartomanyBlackprofessionalsinIT.Early inhisjourney,henoticedthelackofrepresentationin leadershiproles,whichledtofeelingsofisolation.Hesought mentorsbothwithinandoutsidehisorganization,joining professionalcommunitiesthatvalueddiversity.These connectionsprovidedthesupportheneededtoadvanceinhis career.Derricknotesthatmanyprofessionalorganizations offernetworksandresourcesforyoungprofessionalsof color,helpingthemfeelvaluedandsupported.
Derrickalsofacedunconsciousbiasandstereotypesthat influencedhisgrowthopportunities.Toaddressthese barriers,headvocatedforhimself,pursuedcontinuous learning,andalignedwithinclusiveleaderswhovaluedhis contributions.Hisfocusondeliveringstrongresultshelped himovercomeobstaclesinhispath.
In this life you will have trouble. You can’t avoid it. You can’t get around it. But you can live through it. ‘‘
OneofDerrick’sbiggestsetbacksoccurredwhenIBM FederalSystemslaidhimoffduetoanacquisition.He quicklyadjusted,takingonaSoftwareEngineerroleat TheMITRECorporation.Movingtoanewstateand enteringapredominantlywhite,research-focused environmentposeditsownchallenges.However, Derrickremainedfocusedonskilldevelopmentand expandedhisnetworkbyattendingindustry conferencestostayontopofITtrends.
DrivingRepresentationandLeadershipinIT
Derrickviewstherepresentationofpeopleofcolorin ITasacriticalissuewithasignificantimpactonthe industry.HeacknowledgestheongoingDiversity, Equity,andInclusion(DEI)movementascrucial, recognizingthatincreaseddiversityoftenreflectsthe resilienceandcontributionsofpeopleofcolorintech.
HehighlightstheuniqueperspectivesthatBlack leadersbringtothefield.Theirdeterminationanddeep empathyenhanceleadership,particularlyduring challengingtimes.HecitesformerPresidentBarack Obamaasanexampleofhowmulti-racialbackgrounds andempatheticleadershipcannavigatecomplex societalissueseffectively.
Moreover,DerrickemphasizestheimportanceofBlack leadersservingasrolemodelsforyoungergenerations. TheydemonstratethatsuccessinITisattainableand challengestereotypesaboutwhobelongsinthetech industry.Derrickpointstoorganizationslikethe NationalBlackMBAAssociationandtheNational SocietyofBlackEngineersasvitalplatformsthat supportanddevelopBlackleaders.These organizationsworktodismantlebarriersandinspire moreindividualsofcolortopursuecareersin technology
InnovatingITOperationsforLastingImpact
AtHorizonHouse,Inc.,DerrickhasledseveralkeyIT initiativestotransformtheITdepartmentintoa customer-centric,high-performanceentity.He spearheadedmajortechnologydeploymentsthat significantlyenhancedtheorganization'sITcomputing, networking,communicating,andcollaborating infrastructure.Theseprojectsincludedupgrading computingandnetworkingsystemsacrossover65 remotesitesandimplementingVoiceoverIP(VoIP) telecommunicationsformorethan95administrative
andresidentialservicelocations.Derrickalsooversaw theagency-wideupgradeandreplacementofend-oflifecomputers,whichimprovedITcomputing,security, andcommunicationcapabilities.
Derrickemphasizescollaborationamongstaffatall levelsandtechnologypartners.Thisfocushas improvedperceptionsoftheITteamandincreased customersatisfaction.Henotablyledthedeploymentof over300laptopsand450mobilephoneswithin18 months,equippingtheagency’smobilecase managementworkforcewithreliablecomputing solutionsthatgreatlyenhancedtheirproductivity
BuildingaHigh-ImpactITTeam
DerrickleadstheITteamatHorizonHousewitha strategicfocusonalignment,growth,andcollaboration. HisleadershipensuresthattheITdepartment’sgoals directlysupporttheorganization’sbroadermission. ThroughadetailedITroadmap,Derricksetsclear objectivesthatimproveoperationalefficiencyand enhancesecurityacrosstheorganization.
Derrickprioritizesbuildingaskilledteamwithboth technicalexpertiseandstrongproblem-solving abilities.Hesupportscontinuoustrainingand development,fosteringanenvironmentwhereteam memberscangrowandshareknowledge.He encourageshisteamtoattendconferences,obtain certifications,andparticipateinknowledge-sharing sessions,keepingthemengagedwiththelatest advancementsintechnology.
Derrickalsochampionscross-departmental collaboration,ensuringthatITworkscloselywithother departmentstounderstandchallengesandprovide technology-drivensolutions.Regularmeetingswith otherdepartmentleadersensurealignmentwithbroader organizationalgoals.
BalancingWork,Growth,andPersonalWell-Being
Derrickunderstandsthatachievingaperfectwork-life balanceisoftenunrealistic,yetheremainscommitted topursuingit.Hesetsclearboundariesandmanages histimeeffectively,prioritizinghisneeds.Embracinga growthmindset,hebelievesthatvictoriesoftenemerge fromadversity.Thisperspectivemotivateshimto maintainhealthyhabitsthatsupporthisoverallwellbeing.
Beyondprofessionalcommitments,Derrickengagesin hobbiesthathelphimrelaxandstaygrounded.Hekeeps upwiththelatestITinnovationsandreadsliterature focusedontechnologyandpersonaldevelopment.Music, especiallygospel,R&B,andcontemporaryjazz,offersa soothingescapeafterlongdayswhilewatchingbusiness andsocialrealityTVhelpshimunwind.Balancingthese activitiesallowsDerricktoenhancehisproductivityat workwhileenjoyinglifebeyondtheoffice.
Derrick’sMessageforAspiringLeaders
DerrickGilbertsharesanencouragingmessagefor aspiringleaders,emphasizingtheuniquequalificationsof Blackleadersintoday’ssociety.Henotes, “Black leaders today are uniquely qualified to lead and make a difference in society because they are accustomed to not only overcoming tremendous adversity but also living and thriving through it.” Drawingfromhislife experiences,hebelievesthatchallengesoftenshape strongleaders.
Hereflectsonthewordsofafavoritegospelrecording artist: “In this life, you will have trouble. You can’t avoid it. You can’t get around it. But you can live through it.” Derrickcombinesthisperspectivewithhiseducationand competitivesportsexperience,illustratinghow challengescanleadtogrowth.Herecallshistimeplaying DivisionIbaseballatJacksonStateUniversity,wherehe facedadversityasarecruitedshortstop.
Initiallypromisedalegitimateopportunitytostartasa freshman,Derrickfoundhimselfprimarilyinabackup role.“Afteratoughdoubleheaderlossduringmy sophomoreyear,mycoachpromisedtofieldthebest defensiveteamforthenextgame,”heremembers. Excitedforhischance,Derrickfeltdisappointedwhenhis namedidnotappearinthelineup.Thismomentforced himtoconfrontadversityhead-on.Despitethissetback, heimprovedeachyearandeventuallyearnedastarting position,receivingawardsforhiscontributionstothe team.
Derrick’smessagetoaspiringleadersisclear:everyone faceschallengesatsomepoint. “It is how we respond to these challenges that define us and impact our future,” he states.Heidentifieskeyattributesforthrivingthrough adversity,includingresilience,optimism,perseverance, adaptability,andpurpose.Hesuggestspracticalstrategies forovercomingchallenges,suchassettingcleargoals, buildingasupportnetwork,practicingself-care, developingemotionalintelligence,andfocusingonwhat onecancontrol.
Kendrick Ashton
Building a Wellness Empire That Transforms Lives
KendrickAshtonhasemergedasatrailblazerintherealmsofsports, wellness,andentertainmentthroughhisimpactfulleadershipasCoFounderandCo-CEOofTheSt.JamesGroup.Fromitsinception, TheSt.Jameshastransformedintoapremierdestinationforphysicalwellness, athleticdevelopment,andcommunityengagement,particularlyinthe Washington,D.C.,area.Asavisionaryleader,Ashtonispassionatelycommitted tobuildingacomprehensivewellnessplatformwhilecreatingopportunitiesfor underservedcommunitiesthroughthepowerofsportsandrecreation.
EarlyLifeandEducation
KendrickAshtonwasbornandraisedintheWashington,D.C.,area,wherehe discoveredhispassionforsportsandcommunityserviceatayoungage.His educationaljourneyprovidedarobustfoundationforhisfuture.Ashtonattended theCollegeofWilliam&Mary,earningaBachelor’sdegreeinInternational Relations.HefurtheredhisacademicpursuitsattheUniversityofChicago, excellingasaJurisDoctorandMasterofBusinessAdministrationstudent. Kendrick'sexceptionaldedicationearnedhimrecognitionasaMeritScholarand theprestigiousEarlDickersonPublicServiceScholarship,reflectinghis unwaveringcommitmenttopublicserviceandsocialresponsibility
ThisdiverseeducationalbackgroundequippedAshtonwithessentiallegal expertisetonavigatecomplexbusinesslandscapesandaprofoundunderstanding ofinternationaldynamicsinfluencingglobalmarkets.Asascholar,hecultivated invaluableskillsthatwouldshapehisjourneyasanentrepreneurandcommunity leader
ProfessionalBackground
BeforefoundingTheSt.James,Ashtoncultivatedawealthofexperienceinthe financeandlegalsectors.Helaunchedhiscareerasaninvestmentbankerat GoldmanSachs,whereheexpertlymanagedfinancialtransactionsandhoned essentialstrategicinsights.HethenbecameafoundingmemberandManaging DirectoratPerellaWeinbergPartners,aglobalboutiqueinvestmentfirm renownedforitsdiscretionandpersonalizedservice.Theseprestigiousroles equippedhimwithadeepunderstandingofbusinessoperationsandstrategic investment,skillsthatwouldgreatlyenrichhisimpactfulworkatTheSt.James.
Ashton’sjourneyisatestamenttohisabilityto intertwinefinance,law,andcommunityservice, creatingapowerfulperspectivethatinspireshis approachtoleadershipandbusinessdevelopment.
TheSt.JamesGroup:ANewParadigminWellness
In2018,KendrickAshtonco-foundedTheSt.James Groupwithhisbusinesspartner,CraigDixon.Situated inSpringfield,Virginia,TheSt.Jamesisaremarkable 450,000-square-footcomplexdedicatedtosports, wellness,andentertainment.Fromtheverystart, Ashtonenvisionedatransformativespacethatnotonly supportsathletictrainingbutalsoinspirescommunity engagementandnurtureswell-beingforallages, championingaholisticapproachtohealth.
InnovativeOfferings
TheSt.Jamesisabeaconofopportunity,offeringa diverserangeofamenitiesthatempowerathletic developmentandwellness.Withfitnesstraining,sports leagues,recoverytherapies,andrecreationalactivities, thefacilityinspiresachievement.Itfeaturesindoorand outdoorsportsfields,basketballcourts,swimming pools,andaperformanceacademydedicatedto nurturingyoungathletes.Thismulti-sportapproach elevatesTheSt.Jamesbeyondtraditionalgymsand healthclubs,creatingatrulyuniquedestinationinthe region.
UnderAshton’svisionaryleadership,thecenterhas launchedinitiativesthatigniteyouthparticipationin sports,particularlyamongunderservedcommunities. Thecommitmenttoaccessibilityandinclusivitystands asacornerstoneofTheSt.James'ethos,asthe organizationpassionatelyworkstoremovebarriersfor youngathleteswhoaspiretoexcelinsports.
EconomicImpact
KendrickAshtonisachampionofcommunityand economicequity,highlightingthevitalroleofsmall businessesandlocalpartnerships.TheSt.James collaborateswithschools,localgovernment,and communityorganizationstocreateinspiringprograms thatempoweryoungathletesandpromotehealthy lifestyles.Throughseveralscholarships,theyensure thattalentedyoungindividualsfromdisadvantaged backgroundshavetheopportunitytopursuetheir dreamsinathletics,freefromfinancialbarriers.
Ashton’scommitmenttothecommunityhastransformed TheSt.Jamesintoabeaconofhopeintheregion, generatingjobsandinvigoratingthelocaleconomy.Its impactradiatesbeyondfinancialcontributions,cultivatinga supportivenetworkforfamiliesandyoungathletesstriving forgrowthanddevelopment.
AwardsandRecognition
KendrickAshton’seffortsinestablishingTheSt.Jamesasa leadingwellnessdestinationhavenotgoneunnoticed.In 2024,hewashonoredintheWashingtonBusinessJournal Power100,whichrecognizesthemostinfluentialleaders acrosstheregion.Thisaccoladeemphasizeshisstatureasan entrepreneurdeeplycommittedtocommunityenhancement, promotingeconomicequitythroughinnovativesports programming.
Further,TheSt.Jamesreceivedsignificantacclaimwithin thefitnessandwellnessindustry,earningawardsforits programming,facilities,andcommunityoutreachinitiatives. TheserecognitionshelpsolidifyAshton’svisionand highlightthecenter’sroleasaleaderinwellnessand communityengagement.
LeadershipStyleandVision
Asaleader,KendrickAshtonembodiesacollaborativeand communicativeapproach.Hefrequentlyemphasizesthe importanceoflisteningtodiverseperspectivesandfostering relationshipsthatempowerothers.Thisphilosophyis particularlyevidentinhiscommitmenttomentorship,as Ashtonactivelyseekstoguideyoungprofessionalsand entrepreneursintheirjourneys.
Invariousinterviews,hehasdiscussedtheimportanceof emotionalintelligenceinleadership,advocatingforthe necessityofempathyandunderstandinginbuildingfruitful professionalrelationships.Ashton’sexperienceacross multipleindustrieshasprovidedhimwithanuanced understandingofdifferentorganizationaldynamics,allowing himtoadapthisleadershipstyletothespecificneedsofhis teamandcommunity
HisvisionforTheSt.Jamesencapsulatesadedicationto innovation,community,andcontinuousimprovement. Ashtonembracestechnologicaladvancementsandemerging trendsinfitnessandwellness,ensuringthatTheSt.James remainsattheforefrontoftheindustry.Underhisguidance, theorganizationcontinuestoexpanditsofferingsandrefine itsoperationstomeettheevolvingneedsofitscommunity
CommitmenttoDiversityand Inclusion
KendrickAshtonisanoutspoken advocatefordiversityandinclusion withinthesportsandwellness fields.Recognizingthe underrepresentationofminoritiesin athleticsandrelatedindustries,he hasmadeitaprioritytocreate pathwaysforaspiringathletesfrom diversebackgrounds.Bypartnering withorganizationsdedicatedto promotinginclusivityinsports, Ashtonhasworkedtodevelop programsthataddressthese disparities,providingopportunities formentorship,coaching,and financialsupportfor underrepresentedyouth.
TheSt.Jamesservesasamodelof howbusinessescanoperationalizea commitmenttodiversity.Through awarenesscampaigns,community outreach,andpartnershipswith localnonprofits,Ashton’sleadership drawsattentiontotheimportanceof equityinsports,underscoringthat everyyoungpersondeservesthe chancetosucceedregardlessof theirbackground.
PhilanthropicEfforts
Beyondhiscorporate responsibilities,KendrickAshtonis deeplycommittedtogivingbackto thecommunity.Heactively participatesincharitableinitiatives andorganizationsthatsupport educationalprogramsand communityserviceefforts.Notably, Ashtonwasinvolvedinthe foundingofUrbanPrepCharter Academies,whichprovidescollege preparatoryeducationtoyoungmen inChicago,demonstratinghis dedicationtoenhancingeducational opportunitiesforunderserved populations.
Throughhisphilanthropicactivities,Ashtonaimstoinspireasenseof communityandsocialresponsibilityamongyoungpeople.He encouragesaculturewheregivingbackisparamount,influencing futureleaderstoconsidertheirrolesintermsofcommunityimpact.
FutureDirections
AsTheSt.JamesGroupcontinuestoevolve,KendrickAshton remainssteadfastinhiscommitmenttoexpandingitsreachand influence.Futureplansincludetheintroductionofnewprogramsthat blendwellnesswitheducation,suchasworkshopsonnutrition, financialliteracy,andmentalhealthawareness.Theseinitiativeswill supporttheholisticdevelopmentofathletesandtheirfamilies, reinforcingTheSt.James’missiontocreateacomprehensive ecosystemforhealthandwellness.
Moreover,inlightoftheongoingevolutionwithinthefitnessindustry, Ashtonisexploringinnovativetechnologiesthatenhanceuser experiences,streamlineoperations,andfurtherpromotecommunity engagement.Byembracingdigitaltoolsandtrends,Ashtonaimsto ensurethatTheSt.Jamesremainsrelevantandadaptivetotheneeds ofitsmembers.
Michael J. Garner Champion of Economic
Equity in New York City
Inourever-changingeconomicworld,ensuring
everyonehasfairaccesstobusiness opportunitiesisimportant.MichaelJ.Garner, theChiefBusinessDiversityOfficerforNewYork City,isdoingfantasticworktohelpempower minority-andwomen-ownedbusinesses,especially thoseincommunitiesthathavebeenhistorically overlooked.Hispassionforbuildingpartnershipsand creatingstrategiesthatpromoteeconomicequityis makingarealdifferenceintheentrepreneurial landscapeofNewYorkCity.Throughhisefforts,he’s notjusttacklingthechallengesfacedbyBlack-owned businesses,butalsoworkinghardtocreateabrighter, moreinclusiveeconomicfutureforallNewYorkers.
ABackgroundShapedbyService
MichaelJ.Garnerhasanimpressivecareerthatspans over30years,dedicatedtopromotingdiversityand inclusioninvariouspublicsectors.Beforehetookon theroleofNewYorkCity’sveryfirstChiefBusiness DiversityOfficer,hemadeabigimpactastheChief DiversityandInclusionOfficerattheMetropolitan TransportationAuthority(MTA).There,hecreated oneofthetopbusinessdevelopmentprogramsfor minority-owned,women-owned,anddisadvantaged businessenterprises(MWDBEs)inthecountry.
HisworkattheMTAincludedlaunchingtheSmall BusinessMentoringProgram,whichhassuccessfully awardedover$600millionincontractsto participants.Thisachievementtrulyshowcaseshis commitmenttohelpingminorityanddisadvantaged businessesthrive.Plus,hispreviousrolesattheNew YorkCityHousingAuthority(NYCHA)andtheNew
YorkCitySchoolConstructionAuthority(SCA) furtherdemonstratehisdedication.Thankstohis efforts,morethan$20billionhasbeenawardedto MWDBEsandbusinessesownedbyservice-disabled veterans.
AppointmentasChiefBusinessDiversityOfficer
Garner’sappointmentinFebruary2023astheChief BusinessDiversityOfficerwasabigmomentforthe CityofNewYork!MayorEricAdamsintroducedthis roletohelptacklethehistoricalracialandgender disparitiesincitycontracting.Theaimistomake surethatminority-andwomen-ownedbusinessesare notonlyrepresentedbutalsoactivelyinvolvedinthe city’seconomicscene.Garnerispassionateaboutthis workandbelievesthateconomicequityiskeytoa vibrantcity.Asheputsit,“Ourminority-and women-ownedbusinessesarethebackboneofour city,andtheytrulydeserveachampionwho recognizestheirvitalroleinoureconomicrecovery.”
AddressingDisparitiesandChallenges
Garner’stimeinofficehasreallyfocusedonhelping minorityentrepreneurstacklethechallengesthey face.AstheChiefBusinessDiversityOfficer,heis dedicatedtomakingmeaningfullegislativeand policychangesthatopendoorsforunderrepresented groups.Amajorhighlightofhisworkwasthe introductionofExecutiveOrder26,whichaimsto reducebiasandenhancetheopportunitiesforspecific ethnicandgendergroupswithintheMinorityand Women-OwnedBusinessEnterprises(M/WBE) community ThisorderreflectsGarner’sproactive approachtowhathereferstoasthe“disparitywithin adisparity,”pointingoutthatsomeethnicgroupsstill strugglesignificantlywhenitcomestoaccessingcity contracts.
ThankstoGarner’sleadership,thecityhasmade impressivestridesinsupportingminority-owned businesses.InFiscalYear2024alone,thecity awardedover$6.4billionincontractsto M/WBEs—markingthehighestamounteverinthe program’shistory!Thisachievementcomeswitha M/WBEutilizationrateof31.2%,signalinga wonderfulshifttowardamoreinclusiveprocurement landscape.It’sclearthatGarnerismakingareal differenceandbringingpositivechangetoestablished systems.
InnovativePartnershipsandInitiatives
Garner’sapproachisallaboutbuilding partnershipsthatboostbusinessopportunitiesfor minorityentrepreneurs.Oneofhisstandout initiativesisworkingwiththeGoldmanSachs UrbanInvestmentGroupandtheCommunity PreservationCorporationtolaunchtheNewYork CityMinorityBusinessEnterpriseGuaranty Facility.Thisexcitingprogramissettoprovideup to$50millioninguarantees,helpingminority developersaccessthefundingtheyneedfor affordablehousingprojectsacrossthecity
Thisinitiativeisespeciallyimportantrightnow, consideringtherisingdemandforaffordable housingsolutionsinNewYorkCity.Garner's effortsshowabeautifullyholisticunderstanding ofhowentrepreneurship,housing,andeconomic policyconnect.Bysupportingminority-owned businessesinthehousingmarket,he’snotjust openingdoorsfortheseentrepreneurs;he’salso creatingopportunitiesforwealth-buildingin communitiesofcolor,whichbenefitseveryone andstrengthenslocaleconomies.
BuildingaLegacyofInclusivity
MichaelJ.Garnerhasmadearemarkableimpactthrough hispassionatecommitmenttopromotingdiversityand inclusivityintheeconomy.DuringhistimeattheMTA, heworkedhardtocreatestrongmentoringandsupport programsthathelpedincreasetheparticipationofminority contractorsinpubliccontracts.Hebelievesthatit’snot justaboutgettingcontractsforminoritybusinesses;it’s alsoaboutprovidingthemwiththetoolsandresources theyneedtothriveandsucceed.
Thankstohisproactiveapproachanddedicationto mentorship,Garnerhasbuiltasupportiveenvironment whereminorityentrepreneurscanflourish.Heoften emphasizesthevalueofcollaborationamongvarious groups—whethercityagenciesorprivatecompanies—as awaytostrengthentheM/WBEcommunityandensure everyonehastheopportunitytothrive.
FocusonEconomicRecoveryPost-Pandemic
SincetheCOVID-19pandemic,Garnerhasbeenleading somereallyimportantinitiativesaimedatmaking economicrecoverymoreequitableforeveryone.Many
businesses,especiallyincommunitiesofcolor, hadtoclosetheirdoorsduringthischallenging time,andGarnersteppeduptoadvocateforthose whohaveoftenbeenoverlooked.Underhis guidance,cityagenciesareusingdata-driven strategiestokeeptrackofandensureprompt paymentstoMinorityandWomen-Owned BusinessEnterprises(M/WBEs),makingsurethat thefundsreachthecommunitiesthatneedthem themost.
Thisfocusoncollectingdataandbeing accountableisagreatstepforwardinhowthecity handlesitsprocurementprocessandallocates resources.Byembracingtechnologyand analyticaltools,Garnerisworkingtocreate greatertransparencywithintheM/WBEprogram, withthegoalofachievingfairoutcomesforall businessowners.
Garner’sVisionfortheFuture
MichaelJ.Garnerisonamissiontochangethe landscapeofbusinessdiversityinNewYorkCity! He’sdedicatedtohelpingthecityreachits excitinggoalofawarding$25billionincontracts tominority-andwomen-ownedbusinesses (M/WBEs)byFiscalYear2026.Garnerhasa greattrackrecordofopeningdoorsforminorityownedbusinessesthathavefacedchallengesin thepast.
Heimaginesacitywheretheincrediblediversity ofitspeopleisreflectedintheeconomic opportunitiesavailabletoeveryone.Garneris passionateaboutholdingcityagencies accountableforembracinginclusivepracticesand creatinganenvironmentthatactivelysupports minoritybusinessowners.Hisgoalsarenotonly ambitiousbutalsoattainable,drivenbyadeep understandingofthedisparitiesthatstillexistin citycontracting.
CommunityEngagementandAdvocacy
Garner’sleadershipgoesfarbeyondjustsittingat adesk;heactivelyengageswithhiscommunity andchampionsequitableaccessinmanyareas.As theformerpresidentoftheOneHundredBlack MenofNewYorkCity,hehasbeeninstrumental inlaunchingprogramsthatprovidescholarships,
mentorship,andsupporttoyoungpeople. Thisworkisallaboutempoweringthe nextgenerationofleaderswhoareready tomakeadifference!Throughhis mentoringefforts,Garnerhasalsocreated valuableconnectionsbetweenyoung entrepreneursandseasonedindustry professionals,helpingtoboostourlocal economy.
Garnerdoesn'tjustmentor;heloves sharinghisknowledge,too!Heoften joinspanelsanddiscussionsthathighlight effectiveprogramsforMinority/WomenOwnedBusinessEnterprises(M/WBEs). He’sdedicatedtokeepingthe conversationarounddiversityand inclusionalive,makingsureit'sakey focusacrossthecountry Withhisteamorientedmindset,heinspiresbothpublic agenciesandprivatecompaniestorethink theirapproachestobusinessdiversityand toexplorefresh,innovativeideas together.
RecognitionandInfluence
MichaelJ.Garnerismakingquitea splashwithhisincrediblework!His passionforsupportingminority-and women-ownedbusinesseshasearnedhim well-deservedrecognitionacrossthe industry.Peopleoftenadmirehisstrategic mindsetandhisfocusonachievingreal results,whichisapplaudedbybothhis peersandcityofficials.Garnertruly standsoutasachampionforthosewho havebeenhistoricallymarginalized,and moreandmore,he’sseenasakeyplayer inchanginghowwethinkaboutand practicediversityinurbaneconomies.
Hisleadershipisagreatexamplefor othercitiesfacingsimilarchallengeswith representationandaccess.Bycreating effectiveprogramsandgenuinely connectingwithcommunities,Garner’s influencegoesfarbeyondNewYorkCity. He'sinspiringsimilarinitiativesallover thecountry,andthat’ssomethingto celebrate!
RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANIES Best 5 for Commercial Projects
Did you know that businesses can save money and help the Earth at the same time? Whatifyourfavoritebusiness couldrunentirelyonsunshineorthepowerofthewind? Soundsamazing,right?Thisisn’tjustafuturisticidea—it’s happeningtoday,thankstorenewableenergycompanies.
Inthisblog,youwilllearnaboutthetop5companies supportingfirmstoswitchtocleanenergyfortheir commercialprojects.Theseleadersarehelpingbusinesses savemoney,reducepollution,andembraceagreener future.
Whetheryou’reastudentinspiredbygreenideasora businessleaderlookingforsolutions,thislistwillshow youthewaytoacleaner,brightertomorrow
Excited?Let’sgetstarted!
Herearethebestrenewableenergycompaniesfor commercialprojects
1. NextEraEnergy
● CEO-JohnW.Ketchum
● Industry-ElectricUtilitiesandEnergyIndustry
● RecentAnnualRevenue-$26.25billion
● Headquarters-JunoBeach,Florida
● YearOfEstablishment-1984
● NextEraEnergyholdsthetitleofthelargestelectric utilityholdingcompanyintheworldbasedonmarket capitalization,valuedat$138.27billionasofJanuary 2025.
● Beingoneofthetoprenewableenergycompanies,itis alsoagloballeaderinwindandsolarenergyprojects.
● Withrenewableenergyprojectscompletedworldwide, NextEraEnergypowersnearly9,00,000 homes annuallythroughoutthestates.
● Asthelargestproducerofrenewableenergy,it generatescleanpowerfromthesunandwind.
● Thecompanyalsoexcelsinbatterystoragesolutions, ensuringreliableandefficientenergydelivery.
● RecognizedasNo.1intheenergysector,NextEra Energyispraisedforitsinnovation,excellentcorporate support,andoutstandingpeoplemanagement.
● Its2024revenuereached$26.25billion,highlighting itsfinancialstrength.
● NextEraEnergyisattheforefrontofaddressingglobal climatechangebyofferingsustainableenergy solutions.
● Itaimstoreducerelianceonfossilfuelsandlower carbonemissions,contributingtoagreenerplanetfor futuregenerations.
2.BrookfieldRenewablePartners
● CEO-ConnorTeskey
● Industry-RenewablePowerIndustry
● RecentAnnualRevenue-$6.486billion
● Headquarters-Toronto,Ontario,Canada
● YearOfEstablishment-2011
● BrookfieldRenewablePartnersisoneofthelargest publiclytradedrenewableenergycompaniesinthe world.
● Ithasahugeamountofrenewableenergyalready installedandmanyexcitingprojectsplannedforthe future.
● Brookfieldhelpsreducecarbonemissionstofight climatechange.
● Itcreatescleanenergysolutionstomaketheplanet healthierandmoresustainable.
● Thecompanyuseshydroelectric,solar,wind,and storageenergytopowerhomesandbusiness.
● Brookfieldworksinmanycountries,including Europe,Asia,NorthAmerica,andSouthAmerica.
● Brookfieldisbuilding134,400Megawattsof renewableenergy.Thisisabigsteptoward creatingmorecleanenergyworldwide.
● Brookfieldprovidescleanenergytolarge businesses,likeMicrosoft.
● Itsstrongreputationandreliablesolutionsmakeit afavoritechoiceforcompanies.
3. FirstSolar
● CEO-MarkWidmar
● Industry-PhotovoltaicsIndustry
● RecentAnnualRevenue-$3.85billion
● Headquarters-Tempe,Arizona
● YearOfEstablishment-1999
● FirstSolarisabignameinphotovoltaic(PV)solar solutions.Itisnotonlyoneofthetoprenewable energycompaniesbutalsomarksa15%shareof theglobalPVmarketandfocusesonthin-film technology.
● Itsadvancedthin-filmPVtechnologyisecofriendlyandhelpsfightclimatechange.
● FirstSolarpanelsneedonly1-2%less semiconductormaterialthantraditionalcrystalline silicon(c-Si)panels.
● Thismeanstheymakethesamepowerwhileusing lessmaterialandcreatinglesswaste.Nevertheless, thecompany’smanufacturingprocessissmooth andefficient.
● Itsspecialsemiconductortechnologymakessolarpanels thatarehigh-qualityandverydependable.
● FirstSolaristheonlycompanyinthetop10solar manufacturersthatisheadquarteredintheUS.
● Itstandsoutbecauseitdoesn’tmakeitspanelsinChina.
● FirstSolarhasthelargestsolarmanufacturingfactoryin theWesternHemisphere,locatedinOhio,USA.
● Itcanproducebetween394and447megawatthours (MWh)peracreofsolarpanelseveryyear Thesepanels havesavedapproximately208to236timesmoreofCO₂, whichhelpsourplanet.
● Thecompanymade$3.85billioninrevenueasof2025, showinghowstrongandsuccessfulitis.
● FirstSolarhasaspecialprogramtorecycleoldpanels, turningthemintonewmaterials.Therefore,thiskeepsthe environmentcleanandreduceswaste.
4.SolarEdgeTechnologies
● CEO-ZviLando
● Industry-RenewableEnergyIndustry
● RecentAnnualRevenue-$1.05billion
● Headquarters-Herzliya,Israel
● YearOfEstablishment-2006
● SolarEdgeTechnologiesisoneoftheleadingrenewable energycompaniesinthisfield.
● ItisbestknownfordevelopingtheDC-optimizedinverter system.TheirtechnologystandsoutbecauseofitsDCoptimization,givingthemanedgeinthemarket.
● Thecompanywasthefirsttobringpoweroptimizersto themarket.
● SolarEdge'sinvertersystemschangehowsolarpoweris collectedandused.
● Theyoffersmartenergysolutionsthatinclude,solar inverters,energystoragebatteries,poweroptimizers,and monitoringsystems.
● SolarEdgehasshippedover31.6GWofitssystems worldwide.However,thisisenoughtopowermillionsof homesacrossdifferentcountries.
● Thecompanyfocusesonimprovingenergy productionfromsolarresources.But,theyalso innovateinelectricvehicle(EV)chargingsolutions andenergystoragesystems.
● SolarEdge’ssolutionsaredesignedforboth residentialandcommercialuse.
● Theirwiderangeofproductshelpscustomers manageandmaximizetheirsolarpoweruse makingitmoreefficientandaccessible.
5.ClearwayEnergy
● CEO-CraigCornelius
● Industry-RenewableEnergyIndustry
● RecentAnnualRevenue-$263million
● Headquarters-Princeton,NewJersey,USA
● YearOfEstablishment-2018
● ClearwayEnergyisoneofthebiggestrenewable energycompaniesintheU.S.,holdingthe positionofthe5thlargestrenewableoperating fleetinthecountry.
● Theyfocusonowning,developing,andrunning cleanenergyprojects.
● Thecompanyhelpsfightclimatechangeby offeringaffordablerenewableenergysolutions.
● Clearwayhasextensiveexperienceinareaslike projectdevelopment,operations,finance,and customerservice.Thisknowledgemakesthema leaderintherenewableenergysector
● Clearwayisexpandingrapidlyanddiversifying itsenergyportfolio.And,theyownsomeofthe largestwindandsolarprojectsintheU.S. However,thecompanyhasagrowingportfolioof over30windandsolarprojects.
● Inadditiontosolarandwind,Clearwayalso operatesnaturalgasfacilitiesthatareefficient andeco-friendly Theyhavehelpedtheir customersavoid13millionmetrictonsofCO2 emissionsthroughrenewablegeneration.
● Clearway’srenewableenergyprojectshelp reducecarbonemissions,contributingtocleaner airandahealthierenvironment.
● Clearwayoperatesover11.7GWofgross capacityofrenewableenergycapacityacrossthe country
ExpertOpinion
SurvivalAnalysis:WhatMakesRenewable EnergyCompaniesSucceed?
1.DiversifiedEnergyPortfolioEnsuresLongevity
Companiesusingdiverseenergysourceslikesolar, wind,hydro,andstoragehavehighersurvivalrates. ExamplesincludeBrookfieldRenewablePartners andClearwayEnergy,whichreducerisksbyutilizing variousrenewabletechnologies.
2.FinancialStrengthandMarketLeadership DriveSustainability
Highrevenue,suchasNextEraEnergy’s$26.25 billion,andstrongmarketcapitalizationarekey indicatorsofresilience.Financiallystrongcompanies canadapttoeconomicchangesandinvestin innovation.
3.InnovationasaCatalystforMarketSurvival
CompanieslikeSolarEdgeTechnologies,knownfor theirDC-optimizedinvertersystems,showhow technologicalinnovationboostsmarketshareand survivalchances.Continuousresearchand developmentR&Disessential,ashighlightedby survivalmodels.
4.GlobalPresenceAmplifiesImpact
Operatinginmultipleregions,suchasBrookfield’s presenceinEurope,Asia,andtheAmericas,reduces risksfromlocalregulationsormarketsaturation. Chancesoflongersurvivalareseenforglobally activefirms.
5.SustainabilityPracticesCorrelatewithMarket Relevance
Companieswithstrongsustainabilityefforts,like FirstSolar’srecyclingprogram,achievehigher survivalrates.Theseinitiativessupport environmentalgoalsandbuildlong-termstakeholder trust.
Wanda
French-Brown
Leading Diversity in Law and a Trailblazing Intellectual Property Litigator
WandaFrench-Brownis aprominentfigurein thelegalprofession, especiallyinthefieldofintellectual propertylaw AsaPartneratFox RothschildLLP,shehas establishedherselfbyeffectively combiningherstronglegalexpertise withasteadfastcommitmentto promotingdiversityandinclusionin theindustry.Herimpressivecareer path,advocacyforunderrepresented groups,andsignificantcontributions tothelegalcommunitydemonstrate theprofoundimpactshehasmadeas aleaderandmentor.
AComprehensiveLegal Background
WandaFrench-Brown’sacademic credentialsareasimpressiveasher professionalachievements.She earnedherJurisDoctor(J.D.) degreemagnacumlaudefromSeton HallUniversitySchoolofLaw, demonstratingherexceptional abilitiesinachallengingacademic setting.Additionally,sheholdsan undergraduatedegreeinpharmacy fromRutgersUniversityCollegeof Pharmacy,whichprovidesherwith acomprehensiveperspectiveon boththelegalandscientificaspects
ofpatentlaw.Thisuniquebackground enhancesherpractice,particularlyin intellectualpropertylitigation,wherea solidunderstandingofscienceand technologyisoftenessential.
SincejoiningFoxRothschildLLPin November2022,French-Brownhas significantlycontributedtothefirm's IntellectualPropertyDepartmentwith herextensiveknowledgeinpatent litigation.Herexpertiseisnotlimitedto theoreticalknowledge;shehasdirectly representednumerousclientsincases involvingpotentialpatentinfringement, managingcaseswithsignificant financialimplications,including allegationsofdamagesexceeding$1 billion.Thisworkrequiresnotonly legalinsightbutalsothestrategic abilitytodevelopcomprehensivelegal strategiesthatalignwithclients’ businessobjectives.
ProfessionalAcumeninIntellectual PropertyLaw
WandaFrench-Brownisanexperienced intellectualpropertylitigatorwhose primaryresponsibilityistolead complexlitigationcasesthatrequire carefulplanningandexecution.She workscloselywithclientstoidentify theirspecificstrategicobjectives,which
informsherlegalstrategyandallowsher todevelopcustomizedsolutions.With herdualexpertiseinlawandpharmacy, sheskillfullynavigatesthecomplexities ofpharmaceuticalandbiotechnology cases,particularlythoseinvolving disputesundertheHatch-WaxmanAct andtheBiologicsPriceCompetitionAct.
Wanda’sactiveparticipationin significantintellectualproperty discussionswithinthelegalcommunity establishesherasanauthorityinthis specializedfield.Shehasauthored severalpublicationsthataddress emergingissuesinpatentlaw,offering insightsintotheintricaterelationships betweeninnovationandlegal protections.Furthermore,her engagementasaspeakeratvariouslegal forumsreflectshercommitmentto sharingknowledgeandcreating educationalopportunitiesforherpeers inthelegalindustry.
AdvocacyforDiversityandInclusion
WandaFrench-Brownisnotonlya skilledlitigatorbutalsoapassionate advocateforenhancingdiversitywithin thelegalprofession.Sheunderstandsthe challengesfacedbyunderrepresented groupsinlawandactivelyworksto addressthesedisparitiesthrough mentorshipandpolicyadvocacy.Her effortsarefocusedoncreatingamore inclusiveenvironmentthatallows diversetalenttothrive.
French-Brownisparticularlydedicated tomentoringfemaleattorneysandlaw studentsfromdiverseandLGBTQIA+ backgrounds.Hermentorshipstyle revolvesaroundunderstandingthe specificneedsandcareeraspirationsof thosesheguides.Shesharesher personalexperiencesandthelessons learnedthroughouthercareerto empoweryoungprofessionalsasthey navigateahistoricallychallenging industry
Hercommitmenttodiversityisalsoreflectedinher involvementwithvariousorganizationsaimedat promotinginclusioninthelegalfield,showcasing herleadership.AsaboardmemberofLambdaLegal, anationalorganizationdedicatedtoprotectingand advancingthecivilrightsofLGBTQIA+ individuals,sheadvocatesfortherightsof marginalizedcommunities.Additionally,asthe secretaryoftheboardfortheGardenStateWomen’s GolfAssociation,shepromoteswomen’s participationinsports,furtherextendingher advocacyfordiversityacrossdifferentfields.
InfluencingPolicyChanges
WandaFrench-Brown’sinfluenceextendsbeyond individualmentorship;sheplaysavitalrolein advocatingforsystemicchangeswithinthelegal profession.Sheactivelyengagesindiscussions surroundingpolicyreformsthatpromotediversity, focusingonsubstantiallegalpracticesand institutionalstructures.Forexample,French-Brown participatesineventsorganizedbyvariouslegal advocacygroups,wheresheaddressesthechallenges facedbydiverseprofessionalsinlawandshares practicalstrategiestoovercometheseobstacles.
Inherquestforlastingchange,French-Brown championsinitiativesdesignedtoincrease representationatalllevelsofthelegalprofession. Shehighlightstheimportanceofpipelineprograms thatencourageunderrepresentedstudentstopursue legalcareersfromanearlyage.Bycollaborating withlawschoolsandbarassociations,shesupports effortsthatprovidescholarships,internships,and mentorshipopportunitiesspecificallyforminority studentsinlaw
RecognitionandAccolades
WandaFrench-Brown’scontributionstodiversity andinclusioninthelegalfieldhavebeenwidely recognized.Shehasreceivednumerousawardsfor herleadershipandadvocacyefforts.Forinstance, Crain’sNewYorkBusinessnamedhera“Notable WomaninLaw,”highlightingherinfluencewithin thelegalprofession.Additionally,Savoymagazine recognizedherasoneofthemostinfluentialBlack lawyersinthecountry,whichunderscoresher significantimpactonboththelegalcommunityand societyatlarge.
Beyondherprofessionalaccolades,FrenchBrowniscelebratedbyherpeersasarolemodel foraspiringlawyers.Herdedicationtoherwork andhercommitmenttomentoringyoung attorneysdemonstratethepossibilitiesthatarise whenprofessionalsstrivetoupliftothersasthey advanceintheircareers.
BuildingStrongNetworks
AnotherkeyaspectofFrench-Brown’s professionalexpertiseisherabilitytobuildand leveragestrategicnetworks.Throughouther career,shehasemphasizedtheimportanceof creatingconnectionswithinthelegalcommunity thatcanleadtocollaborationandsupport.She activelyparticipatesinindustryconferences, panels,andlegalworkshops,wheresheshares herinsightsandfostersrelationshipsamonglegal professionalsfromdiversebackgrounds.
Herroleinorganizingeventssuchas“ACandid Conversation:OpportunitiesandChallengesfor BlackQueerLawyers”highlightsherproactive approachtoencouragingdialogueandaddressing representationchallengesinlegalworkplaces. Throughtheseinitiatives,shepromotesopen discussionsaboutdiversityandthenecessityfor supportiveworkenvironmentsthatprioritize inclusivity
AVisionfortheFuture
WandaFrench-Brownenvisionsalegal professionthatgoesbeyondherpersonal achievements.Sheaimstocreateanenvironment whereeverylegalprofessional,regardlessof theirbackground,canaccessopportunitiesand pathwaystosuccess.Herdedicationtoadvocacy, mentorship,andpolicyreformhighlightsher awarenessofthesystemicbarrierspresentinthe legalfield,aswellashercommitmentto dismantlingthosebarriers.
AsshecontinuesherworkatFoxRothschild, French-Brownseekstoinspirethenext generationoflawyerstoexcelintheirfields whilealsoactivelyworkingtowardsamore equitableprofession.Shedreamsofafuture wherediversityisnotjustagoalbutacelebrated realityinalllegalenvironments.
Why Businesses need a Talent Acquisition Specialist
Atalentacquisitionspecialistis aprofessionaldedicatedto identifying,attracting,and hiringthebesttalentnecessarytomeet thestaffingneedsofanorganization. Theydonotpracticeconventional recruitmentbecausetheywork strategicallyinlong-termworkforce planning,talentpipelines,employer branding,andculturallyalignedhires.
Theirpresencecreatesanimpactinthe organizationbybringinginthemost skilledandculturallyfitindividuals,thus shapingtheorganizationforsuccess.
Thisarticlewillgiveyouin-depth insightsaboutwhatatalentacquisition specialistactuallyis.
Whatistheroleofaspecialistintalent acquisition?
Theroleofatalentacquisitionspecialist inorganizationsinvolvesrecruitment assistanceinorganizations,identifying, engaging,andattractingtoptalentfor externalorinternalhire.
However,apartfromfillingcurrent vacancies,itcentersondevelopinga sustainabletalentpipelineforthe prospectivefutureneedsofthe organization.
Here’swhattheydo:
1.RecruitmentStrategyDevelopment
TalentAcquisitionSpecialistsplanand implementrecruitmentstrategies customizedtomeettheobjectives.This requiresanextensiveanalysisof workforcetrendsandmanagerial involvementinspeculativehiringto identifynewentrypoints.
2.SourceandAttractCandidates
Inaddition,theycarryoutatargeted searchforqualifiedcandidatesinan applicanttrackingsystem(ATS),job board,andsocialmedia.Accordingto LinkedInstatistics,72percentof recruitersagreethattheperceptionand imageofanemployergreatlyinfluence howgrosstalentisattracted.
3.ScreeningandEvaluatingPotential Employees
Suchpracticeevaluatesresumesand interviewsto determineapplicants’ attributesbasedontheirrespective abilitiesandexperiences,aswellas culturalalignment.Withthisapproach, effectivescreeningcanensurethehiring ofnecessarypeoplewithnowastingof time.
4.CooperativeEnterprise JoiningAcrossTeams
Departmentmanagers,marketing, andhumanresourcescollaborate withtalentacquisition professionals.Employment practicescanbeimprovedby applyingdata-driveninsightsand changinghiringstrategies accordingtocompanyvalues.
Whatsetsapartatalent acquisitionspecialistfroma recruiter?
Althoughhiringisattheheartof bothpositions,arecruiteranda talentacquisitionspecialistdiffer significantly:
1.Workscope
Verymucharecruiter concentratesonfillingjob openingsfromshort-notice sourcesandquicklyhires candidatestofillthem.However, theTalentAcquisitionSpecialist usesamuchbroader,strategic approachtobuildinglong-term pipelinesandmatchinghiring strategieswiththeorganization's goals.
2.EmployerBranding
Arecruiterisfocusedmoreonfillingroleswith candidatesourcing,oftentotallyuninvolvedin employerbranding.TalentAcquisitionSpecialistsare theoneswhowouldproactivelyworkonshowcasing thecompany’scultureandreputationtoattractthosetop talents.
3.ReportsandAnalytics
Recruiterswillhavesomeveryshort-termusagetools, suchasjobboardsandcandidatedatabases.Talent Acquisitionspecialistsusedata-basedinsightsto evaluateworkforcetrends,predictfutureneeds,and revisestrategies.
4.Collaboration
Recruitersalwaysteamupwiththehiringmanagerfor short-termdemand.TalksofTalentAcquisition Specialistswillinvolveseveralfunctionalareas,suchas HRandtheleadershipteamsponsorsandmarketingto ensurethetalentacquisitionstrategyisalignedwiththe organization’sgrowthplans.
TheImportanceofEmployingaTalentAcquisition Specialist
1.SpottingtheIdealCandidate:Expertsknowhowto filteroutandlurecandidateswhosebehaviorrelatesto thecultureandlong-termobjectivesofthecompany.
2.Streamliningrecruitmentprocesses:Theyadopt strategiesthatallowtimeandresourcesavingsinthe processofrecruitingandimprovinghiringresults.
3.Enhancingemployerbranding:Talentacquisition expertscreateirresistibleemployerbrandsthatattract toptalent.
4.BuildingTalentPipelines:Developingrelationships withfuturecandidatesandensuringasmoothflowof potentialqualifiedindividualsforfuturepositions.
StaceyandZappos:ASuccessStory
WhenZapposfoundittoughtofillthepipelinewith culture-fitcandidates,themanagementcriedintothe earsofStaceyZapartheall-timesuccessfultalent acquisitionguru,todesignanewrecruitmentscheme.
StaceyZaparcreatedarevolutionary,highly innovativeprogramwithZapposcalledthe“Zappos Insider”program.Thechangeinthisparticularcase ismovingfromthetraditionalwayofpostingjobsto anentirelycandidate-centric,relationship-driven recruitment.
KeyChangesMadebyStacey:
1.NomoreJobAdvertisements
Stacey’sintroductiontotheZapposInsiderProgram replaced“jobpostings”withaninitiativethatinvites participationandengagementbetweenprospective candidatesandthecompanyevenwhenajobisnot available.
2.EmployerBrandingatItsBest
Theuniquecultureitofferswithinthecompanyis harnessedthroughwords,real-lifestories,andsocial media,henceattractingmorelike-mindedpeople withthecompany
3.EmpoweringRecruiters
Recruiterswereabletospendlesstimemanaging administrativeworkandmoretimeongenuine relationshipbuilding,therebyenhancingculturefit andrelationshipbuilding.
Results:
1.HigherQualityofHires:
Zapposcreatedaculturethateveryhiresharedwith thenewcompanyvaluestobeevenmoreimportant forthecultureeveryemployeewasaccustomedto withafamouscustomerfocus.
ZapposInsiderProgramisanexcellentsourcefor candidateswhoqualifybeforehandandbestsuitthe corporation’sethos-sympathy-kindlong-termterms towardstaffintegration.
2.FastandEfficientHiring
Theremovalofadvertisedpositionshasseriouslycut downthetimespentsiftingthroughunwanted applications.
Insteadofprocessingresumesthroughtheweb, recruitersspendallthattimeengagingprequalified candidates—fromatoz.
3.ProactiveTalentPipelineviatheZappos
InsiderProgram,theproactiveinitiative,had developedanexcellentpoolofveryinterested passivecandidatesreadytoseizejobopenings astheybecomeavailable.
Hence,Zapposwassavedfromthelastminutescramblingtofillpositions,thus enormouslyspeedingupthetimeittakesto hireforopenroles.
Keytakeaway
StaceyZapar’sexperiencewithZappos provesthepotentiallygame-changingvalue ofanaccomplishedtalentacquisition professionalwhofocusesonrelationships, culturefit,andinnovativestrategiesforan organizationthatwantstowininhigh-volume hiringinamannerconsistentwithitsgoals.
Whatprobablefuturearetalent acquisitionspecialistslookingtowardin 2025?
TalentAcquisitionSpecialistswillbecome morerenownedthroughthecompetitivelabor market.Anormalpayrangewheretalent acquisitionspecialistsarefoundisUSD 65,000–$90,000.
Thecommondependenceliesintheindustry andlevelofexperience.Mostofthe professionalsalariesfalltowardsthehigher endofthisscale,asusuallyseeninthetech andhealthcareindustries.
Manyspecialistsintalentacquisitiongrow theircareersinthefieldsoftalentacquisition managers,consultants,orevenheadsoftalent acquisition.
Whatarethemeasuresessentialfor becomingatalentacquisitionspecialist?
Theseapproacheswillhelpyoudevelopthe skillsyouneed,acquirerelevantexperience, andsetyourselfupforsuccessinthe professionifyouwanttoworkasatalent acquisitionspecialist.
1.GettheRequiredEducation
Mosttalentacquisitionspecialistshaveabachelor’s degreeinhumanresources,businessadministration, psychology,oranotherrelevantfield.Astrong foundationineducationwillleadtoearlierknowledge oforganizationalbehavior,recruitmentstrategies,and workforceplanning.
2.GainRelevantExperience
Entry-levelpositionsthatastudentmaystartwith wouldbestrivingtoprovetheirworthasHRassistants, recruiters,orsomeadministrativepositionswithinHR. Allthiswillgivehands-onexperienceofrecruitment andusageoftherequiredinterestsandskillsfortalent acquisition.
3.CommunicateWellandDevelopYourAnalytical Skills
Talentacquisitionrequiresaperson’sstrongpowerof communicationandexcellentanalyticalskills, includingcrunchingnumberstoimprovehiring strategiestopredictfutureworkforceneeds.
4.LearnRecruitmentTechnologyandTools
GainknowledgeaboutATS,HumanResource ManagementSoftware,suchasLinkedInRecruiter,and othertools,whicharefundamentalsforastreamlining processorsourcingthebesttalentsintheorganization.
5.GetCertification
ItcanbeprofessionalcertificationssuchasSHRM CertifiedProfessional(SHRM-CP)orTalent AcquisitionSpecialtyCredential.Thiswillalsoadda lottoyourtalentprofileandmarketabilityinthe industry.
6.
StayIn
TouchwithTrends
Therecruitmentsceneisinnovative.Itkeepscomingup withnewrecruitmentpractices,tools,andtrendsinthe workforce.Beintheloopandstayrelevantinthiseverchangingmodernworld.
Bytakingtheseactions,youcanbuildalltheabilities andskillsthatshouldensureyoursuccessasatalent acquisitionspecialist.
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