Keiana Barrett Appointed CEO of Business Leadership Council, Signaling Strong Commitment to Minority-Owned Businesses

The Business Leadership Council (BLC) has announced Keiana Barrett as its new Chief Executive Officer, a move that highlights the organization's ongoing commitment to supporting minority-owned businesses and leadership development. Barrett, with her extensive background in communication and leadership roles, including positions with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the Congressional Black Caucus, is poised to lead the BLC into its next chapter of growth and influence.

Founded in 2010 by Frank Clark and James Reynolds, the BLC has grown to represent over 120 business leaders from more than 25 industries, including 65 CEOs of African American businesses. Barrett's appointment is seen as a strategic step towards furthering the organization's mission of transforming inclusion from a principle into actionable business strategies that drive entrepreneurial success.

Barrett expressed her dedication to the BLC's foundational goals, stating her firsthand recognition of the power of Black enterprise and her commitment to advancing the founders' vision. Her leadership is expected to enhance the BLC's role in mentoring emerging business professionals and advocating for policies that benefit Chicago's African American community.

Charles Smith, Executive Board Chairman of the BLC, emphasized the importance of the organization's work in creating opportunities for African American professionals in the corporate sector. Barrett's leadership is anticipated to strengthen these efforts, fostering business growth and leadership development within the community. This appointment not only marks a significant milestone for the BLC but also signals a broader commitment to diversity and inclusion in the business world.