By Blessing Emediong Uguru, Staff Writer
Black women in America and throughout the New York tri-state area are helping to redefine New York’s society and the future as it is becoming.
As contemporary trailblazers and tomorrow’s trendsetters, thousands of “power women” are leading New York alongside their male counterparts at every level of leadership – politics, government, executive, business, philanthropy, faith, and community. This dynamic shift is clearly having a transformative impact, and these leading women are influencing outcomes as they raise the bar on service, product, and program delivery and societal perceptions.
This year’s Christian Times Power 15 identifies key Black women in business and philanthropy who are making a big difference in the Big Apple. These women are mothers, daughters, and wives, most of whom have calibrated their impelling lives to efficiently master personal and family activities with their vocational and avocational responsibilities as power leaders tackling challenges and stampeding obstacles as they deliver big wins. In most cases, these women have also shattered glass ceilings and are writing tomorrow’s herstory.
Jennifer Jones Austin
Jennifer Jones Austin is a civil rights attorney, social policy advocate, and nonprofit executive who serves as the CEO and Executive Director of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA), a leading anti-poverty organization in New York City. She is a native of Brooklyn and a devoted faith and justice leader. Jones Austin was deeply influenced by her father, Rev. Dr. William Augustus Jones, Jr., a prominent civil rights leader and confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Under her leadership, FPWA supports over 170 human service and faith-based organizations, impacting more than 1.5 million New Yorkers annually. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University, a Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law, and a Master of Science in Management and Policy from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service.
Jones Austin has held several significant public service roles, including Senior Vice President at United Way of New York City and Deputy Commissioner at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services. She chaired the NYC Racial Justice Commission, leading to the adoption of groundbreaking charter amendments embedding racial equity into the city’s governance. Additionally, she serves on Governor Kathy Hochul’s Community Commission on Reparations Remedies.
She is a leukemia survivor and this inspired her to author her memoir, Consider It Pure Joy, which portrays her journey through illness and recovery. Aside from her advocacy, Jones Austin is the first female co-host of WBLS’s “Open Line,” where she discusses pressing community issues. Undoubtedly, her commitment to justice and equity continues to ignite transformative change across New York and the world.
Priscilla Sims Brown
Priscilla Sims Brown is the President and CEO of Amalgamated Bank, the largest B Corp-certified bank in the U.S. and the first publicly traded financial institution to become a public benefit corporation. Since joining the bank in June 2021, Brown has led with a mission-driven approach, focusing on environmental, social, and economic justice.
Under her leadership, Amalgamated has expanded its impact lending – over 60% of its loans and investments support affordable housing, nonprofits, and climate solutions – and introduced initiatives like a third-party pay equity audit and a Climate Impact Debit Mastercard made from renewable materials. Brown has also been a vocal advocate for gun safety, spearheading efforts to establish a merchant category code for firearm retailers to help detect illegal transactions.
Brown brings over 30 years of experience in financial services to her role, having held senior positions at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, AXA Financial, Sun Life Financial, and Lincoln Financial Group. Her career spans banking, insurance, and digital innovation, including serving as CEO of health tech startup Emerge.me. In 2023, she was recognized among the Most Powerful Women in Banking by American Banker. Brown continues to redefine what it means to lead a values-based financial institution.
Dr. Ruth C. Browne
Dr. Ruth C. Browne is the President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), a role she has held since September 2016. Under her leadership, RMH-NY has expanded its mission beyond providing temporary housing for families of patients undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses. Dr.Browne has implemented programs addressing health equity, including nutrition and education initiatives, and has established respite rooms in hospitals across New York City. Her strategic vision has led to significant growth in the organization’s reach and impact, serving thousands of families annually.
Prior to joining RMH-NY, Dr. Browne served as the CEO of the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, where she focused on advancing health and educational equity for culturally diverse populations. She holds a Doctor of Science from Harvard University, along with master’s degrees in Public Health and Public Policy from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University. Dr. Browne is also an Associate Clinical Professor at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and has received numerous accolades for her work, including two Fulbright Scholar Awards and recognition as a 2024 Social Impact Women to Watch.
Keia Clarke
Keia Clarke is the Chief Executive Officer of the New York Liberty, a position she has held since 2020. In this role, she oversees all business operations of the WNBA franchise, including strategic planning, revenue generation, and fan engagement. Clarke has been instrumental in elevating the Liberty’s profile, notably orchestrating the team’s relocation to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, which significantly increased attendance and visibility. Under her leadership, the Liberty secured a landmark broadcast partnership with the YES Network, marking the first time WNBA games were aired on the channel. Her tenure has coincided with the team’s resurgence, culminating in a WNBA championship in 2024, and has positioned the Liberty as a cultural force within New York City.
Clarke’s journey in sports management began after earning a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Canisius College, where she was a four-year member of the women’s basketball team. She furthered her education with a Master’s in Sports Business from New York University and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 2022. Before ascending to CEO, Clarke held various roles within the Liberty organization, including Chief Operating Officer, Vice President for Team Business Development, and Director of Marketing. Her early career included positions at the NBA/WNBA league office, Golf Digest Magazine, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Beyond her executive duties, Clarke serves on the boards of the Sports Innovation Lab and The Ladies of Hope Ministries, reflecting her commitment to community engagement and the advancement of women in sports.
Thasunda Brown Duckett
Thasunda Brown Duckett is the President and CEO of TIAA, a leading provider of retirement and financial services for academic, research, medical, and governmental workers. Appointed in May 2021, she became the fourth Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company.
Born in Rochester, New York, Duckett’s family moved to Texas during her youth. She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from the University of Houston and an MBA from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. Duckett oversees TIAA’s organization, managing $1 trillion in assets, serving nearly five million clients across more than 15,000 institutions. Her leadership focuses on addressing retirement insecurity, particularly among women and communities of color, by promoting financial inclusion and advocating for in-plan annuities in retirement plans.
Before joining TIAA, Duckett held executive roles at JPMorgan Chase, including CEO of Chase Consumer Banking, where she led a network of over 50,000 employees and managed $600 billion in deposits. She also spearheaded the Advancing Black Pathways initiative aimed at promoting economic success among Black Americans. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Duckett serves on the boards of several organizations, including Nike, Inc., Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, and Sesame Workshop. She founded the Otis and Rosie Brown Foundation to honor her parents’ legacy for their unwavering support to the community. In 2023, Duckett was ranked 16th on Fortune’s list of Most Powerful Women.
Hope Knight
Hope Knight is the President, CEO, and Commissioner of Empire State Development (ESD), New York State’s chief economic development agency. Nominated by Governor Kathy Hochul in October 2021 and confirmed by the New York State Senate in May 2022, Knight has prioritized inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Under her leadership, ESD launched the Office of Strategic Workforce Development to better align workforce training with industry needs. She has also championed initiatives supporting small businesses and expanding opportunities for minority- and women-owned enterprises. Remarkably, Knight played a key role in facilitating Micron Technology’s $100 billion investment in Central New York, marking a historic milestone in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.
Before leading ESD, Knight was President and CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, where she spearheaded community revitalization and sustainable real estate projects in Southeast Queens. Her previous roles include Chief Operating Officer of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, managing over $150 million in investments and leveraging more than $1 billion in private capital, and Vice President positions at Morgan Stanley in both the U.S. and Japan. Knight began her career at Accenture and in New York City government. She holds a BA from Marymount Manhattan College and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Dr. Patricia Ramsey
Dr. Patricia Ramsey is the sixth president of Medgar Evers College, a senior college of the City University of New York (CUNY), located in Brooklyn. Appointed in March 2021 and officially assumed office on May 1, 2021, she made history as the first woman and the first scientist to lead the institution. As a distinguished biologist and academic leader, Dr. Ramsey brings over three decades of experience in higher education to her role, including leadership positions at several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Her academic credentials include a B.S. in Biology Education from Norfolk State University, an M.S. in Botany from Howard University, an M.A. in Biology from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. in Biology from Georgetown University.
Since taking the helm during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Ramsey has prioritized student success, community engagement, and institutional resilience. Within her first six weeks, she secured a $20 million grant – the largest in the college’s history – to fund initiatives like Cultivating Holistic Academic Mindsets to Promote Student Success (CHAMPSS) and the Brooklyn Recovery Corps, which offer scholarships and paid internships to students. Under her leadership, Medgar Evers College has also partnered with other CUNY institutions to establish a healthcare hub in Central and South Brooklyn aimed at addressing health disparities and workforce development.
Dr. Ramsey’s tenure reflects a deep commitment to equity, academic excellence, and the empowerment of underserved communities. In 2023, she was recognized among the “Top 10 Most Influential Women Leaders Transforming Education.” Her mission towards academic excellence will continue to thrive as she centers her focus on attaining success and impossibilities.
Arva Rice
Arva Rice is the President and CEO of the New York Urban League (NYUL), a position she has held since 2009, making her the second woman to lead the organization in its century-long history. Under her leadership, NYUL has expanded its mission to empower African Americans and other underserved communities across New York City through education, employment, and civil rights advocacy. Rice’s initiatives have focused on youth development, economic empowerment, and social justice, reinforcing NYUL’s role as a pivotal institution in addressing systemic inequalities.
Before her tenure at NYUL, Rice held several key positions in the nonprofit sector, including executive director roles at Project Enterprise and Public Allies New York. Her work has consistently centered on community development and support for marginalized populations.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Rice serves as a Commissioner for the NYC Equal Employment Practices Commission and is actively involved with organizations such as the Women’s Forum and The Links Incorporated. A graduate of Northwestern University, she resides in Harlem and continues to be a prominent advocate for equity and inclusion in New York City.
Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree
Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree is a Newark native, born to Rev. Dr. Malachi D. Rountree and the late Mrs. Louise Scott-Rountree. Her early exposure to faith and community service laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to public service. She pursued theological studies at the New York Theological Seminary, earning a degree in Religious Studies and Christian Education. Her career in public service includes roles under several Newark mayors, culminating in her historic appointment as the city’s first female Manager of Clergy Affairs, where she coordinated efforts among over 500 faith leaders to enhance community well-being.
In 2022, Rev. Scott-Rountree was elected as a Council Member At-Large for the City of Newark, reflecting her deep-rooted dedication to civic engagement. Her community involvement extends to various organizations, including the Commission on the Status of Women and the Newark Homeless Commission. She also initiated a nightly prayer call during the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering unity and spiritual support among residents. Beyond her public roles, she is actively involved in her church, serving in multiple leadership capacities. Rev. Scott-Rountree is a proud mother and grandmother, continually striving to uplift and serve her community.
Sherri Shepherd
Sherri Shepherd, born on April 22, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois, is a multifaceted American entertainer renowned for her work as an actress, comedian, podcaster, author, and television host. She gained prominence as a co-host on ABC’s The View from 2007 to 2014, earning a Daytime Emmy Award in 2009. In September 2022, Shepherd launched her own daytime talk show, Sherri, showcasing her engaging personality and comedic flair.
Beyond her television career, Shepherd has made significant contributions to film and theater, with roles in productions like Precious, Ride Along 2, and a Broadway appearance in Cinderella. She is also a best-selling author, with works including Permission Slips: Every Woman’s Guide to Giving Herself a Break. Her personal journey from a challenging upbringing in Chicago to Hollywood success has been marked by resilience and a commitment to advocacy, particularly for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Jessica Taylor
Jessica Taylor is a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs and serves as the National Director of the firm’s “One Million Black Women” initiative. Since joining Goldman Sachs in 2014, Taylor has been instrumental in spearheading programs that bridge the gap between corporate strategy and community impact. She began her tenure with the “10,000 Small Businesses” initiative, focusing on empowering small business owners with the education and tools needed for growth. In June 2023, she transitioned to lead the “One Million Black Women” initiative, a $10 billion investment commitment launched in March 2021 aimed at advancing economic opportunities for Black women in the United States by 2030.
Under Taylor’s leadership, the “One Million Black Women” initiative has made significant strides in achieving its mission of impacting the lives of women. The initiative’s “Black in Business” program, developed in partnership with New York University’s Stern School of Business, offers Black women entrepreneurs access to business education, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Taylor emphasizes that investing in Black women is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one, with the potential to create 1.7 million jobs and grow the U.S. economy by $450 billion.
Donna Walker-Kuhne
Donna Walker-Kuhne is the founder and president of Walker International Communications Group, a boutique marketing and audience development consulting agency. She has been instrumental in raising over $23 million in earned income by promoting the arts to diverse audiences. Her firm specializes in multicultural marketing, group sales, multicultural press, and promotional events, serving a wide range of clients, including Broadway productions and nonprofit cultural organizations. Walker-Kuhne’s expertise attracts global recognition and in-demand service requests, leading her to conduct lectures and workshops in countries such as Australia, Germany, Russia, South Africa, and Croatia, focusing on community engagement and audience development strategies.
In addition to her consultancy work, Walker-Kuhne serves as Senior Advisor for Community Engagement at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, where she develops initiatives to deepen relationships with diverse communities through partnerships and special events. She is also an adjunct professor at New York University and Columbia University, teaching courses on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the arts. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with over 50 awards, including the 2019 League of Professional Theatre Women Rachel Crothers Leadership Award.
Walker-Kuhne is the author of “Invitation to the Party: Building Bridges to Arts, Culture and Community,” and her most recent book, “Champions for the Arts: Lessons and Successful Strategies for Building Anti-Racist Arts Organizations.”
Valerie White
Valerie White serves as the Senior Executive Director of LISC New York, where she leads strategic initiatives to promote racial and economic equity across the state. Since joining LISC in April 2020, she has overseen the deployment of over $3.1 billion in investments aimed at fostering affordable housing, economic development, health equity, and workforce opportunities in underserved communities. Under her leadership, LISC NY has expanded its role as a key player in shaping policies and programs that address systemic disparities, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With more than 30 years of experience spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, White’s prior roles include executive vice president at Empire State Development and executive director of the New York State Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development. She also held positions as vice president at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation and managing director at Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings, where she led the municipal finance, structured securities, and housing finance analytics division.
Beyond her professional endeavors, White contributes to various advisory boards, including the Fordham Urban Law Center and the New York City Mayor’s Minority and Women Business Enterprises Advisory Council. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor from Fordham University, as well as a Master of Science and a Certificate in Organization Development from The New School.
L. Joy Williams
L. Joy Williams is a prominent political strategist, educator, and civil rights advocate who currently serves as the President of the Brooklyn NAACP and is recognized as a key leader within the New York State NAACP. She is known as a woman who vigorously fights for justice and civic power. Ms. Williams is the founder of Sunday Civics, a platform and podcast that specifically helps adult citizens gain proper understanding and involvement in the political system. Her displayed act of great dedication to her work has helped build a reputation for delivering impactful speeches, training sessions and workshops that table important discussion on policy reforms, racial equity, and civic engagement, enlightening, empowering, and motivating her audiences all over the country and beyond.
In her role with the NAACP, L. Joy Williams has been focused on shaping policy initiatives and advocacy strategies aimed at combating systemic racism and advancing social justice across New York State. Also, her ability to translate complex political systems into actionable knowledge has made her a sought-after voice in both grassroots organizing and national political conversations. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of leaders committed to civic action and transformative change.
Melba Wilson
Melba Wilson, “born, bred, and buttered in Harlem,” is a restaurateur, author and television personality renowned for her commitment to comfort food and community. She began her culinary journey at Sylvia’s Restaurant, founded by her aunt Sylvia Woods, where she gained invaluable experience in the food industry. In 2005, Wilson opened Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem, which quickly became a premier destination for soul food, attracting both locals and celebrities. Her dedication to quality and community service has earned her numerous accolades, including a semi-finalist nomination for the 2025 James Beard Awards in the Outstanding Hospitality category.
Wilson has expanded her brand with locations at Wollman Rink in Central Park, Newark’s Prudential Center, and New York City’s Grand Central Station. She is also the author of “Melba’s American Comfort: 100 Recipes From My Heart to Your Kitchen” and has appeared on various television programs, including Food Network’s Throwdown! with Bobby Flay, where her chicken and waffles dish triumphed over Flay’s. As president of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, Wilson advocates for minority- and women-owned businesses, reflecting her deep commitment to uplifting her community through food and service.