Diversity MBA Media Recognizes the Top 100 Under 50 in Corporate America: Reimagining the Pipeline for C-Suite Executives of the Future

CHICAGO – Over the past year corporate America has been in the spotlight regarding its diversity and inclusion track record. Despite decades of efforts to increase the number of Black CEOs and C-suite executives, today there are only five Black CEOs heading Fortune 500 companies, and this number is only up from four in the in the past four years.

Forced to respond to the social unrest prompted by an international pandemic, racist atrocities and tense election, many organizations have had to take a hard look at their practices especially when it comes to hiring, advancement and pay. Some American companies have pledged to address diversity , equity and inclusion and correct pay disparities. So, what does progress and the future look like for corporate America? Diversity MBA, a national leadership organization integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion with talent management, is offering their insights.

On September 22nd and 23rd 2021, the Diversity MBA is hosting its 15th Annual National Business Leaders Virtual Conference & Awards Gala, entitled “Reimagine the Future: Lean into Possibilities”. During the conference the organization will recognize the Top 100 under 50 Executive and Emerging leaders in corporate America and organizations. These companies nominated their “high potential” employees, senior managers, directors, et.al.

When Pam McElvane, who has been a leader in the diversity and inclusion space for nearly three decades, launched the conference and awards presentation in 2006, her vision was to recognize the “unsung heroes” in Corporate America, the “high potential” employees behind the scenes who quietly get the job done internally and externally in the communities served by the corporations. Now, McElvane her vision has broadened to acknowledge how far corporate America has come in celebrating diverse talent and to envision how to create further progress in the future.

“In response to the events of the past year, organizations and companies have shifted their focus significantly to not only retain their existing talent but to build out their management pipeline for women and people of color. When looking at equity in the marketplace it is important to ensure that there is infrastructure in place to make organizations are securing advancement for women and people of color within their systems and practices. We want to recognize all those organizations and leaders who are actively pursuing of the building equitable and diverse business practices,” said McElvane, CEO of P & L Holding Co., which includes Diversity MBA.

There is a benefit, McElvane said, for both the employee and the company who participates in the annual recognition event. “At least 60 percent of those who receive our recognition have been promoted within their organizations, “said McElvane, who tracks the progress of the award recipients.

As for the companies that have positioned their executive and emerging leaders, they also benefit for recognizing their diverse talent. “It is truly a strategy,” McElvane said. “Some companies use this as a leadership development platform. Of course, there is a risk that other corporations will desire to tap into this recognized talent. These high potential employees are loyal and value the recognition opportunity they receive at DiversityMBA. The companies leverage this one-time experience to show value and increase retention.” However, DiversityMBA strives to build a community and pipeline of leaders.

The Top 100 under 50 emerging and executive leaders are selected from a broad spectrum of companies with both a domestic and global reach. Diversity MBA selects 100 from a pool of several hundred nominees. The award is uniquely special because candidates must have an advanced degree or certification, and the honoree can only receive the recognition once and must be age 50 or younger.
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For additional information about the awards presentation, conference and DiversityMBA, visit the website: www.diversitymbamagazine.com. See below the full list of Executive and Emerging Leaders in alpha order:

CONGRATULATIONS 2021 EXECUTIVE LEADERS

CONGRATULATIONS 2021 EMERGING LEADERS