Meet the Game-Changers: 5 Modern Icons Redefining Their Industries

Are you ready to discover the inspiring stories of modern changemakers reshaping industries and challenging norms? From tech mogul Seventri Wilson to music icon Alicia Keys, these Black female trailblazers defy expectations, advocate for inclusivity and drive meaningful change in their respective fields. Learn about their journeys and impactful contributions below and celebrate their stories this Women’s History Month.

Seventri Wilson: Entrepreneur and Author

Wilson founded Solid Ground Innovations (SGI) in 2009, which aims to uplift charitable organizations and individuals by innovating ways to foster change in their communities. SGI quickly grew and allowed Wilson to start other nonprofit platforms like Resilia, aiming to foster inclusion and equal opportunity for any entity from individuals to whole cities. In 2022, Wilson became one of the top-funded Black woman founders in tech, despite a large lack of funding for other Black founders in the same year. Wilson stands steadfast against the typical image of a tech founder: she has no cofounders, no coding experience and is based largely in Louisiana. She has proven herself as a business mogul and social innovator, defying norms and reshaping the landscape of philanthropy and technology. Her journey and relentless drive exemplify the power of determination and vision.

Alicia Keys: Singer and Songwriter

Alicia Keys is a transformative force in the music industry, known for her soulful melodies and advocacy. Her music addresses social issues and promotes empowerment for women of color. A classically trained pianist, she began composing songs at only 12 years old. At 15, she was signed to Columbia Records, but after disputes with the label, she released her debut album, Songs in A Minor, with J Records in 2021. After skyrocketing to success in the 2000s, Keys didn’t stop there. Alongside a robust music career, she has launched her own beauty brand and partnered with the NFL to launch a fund supporting Black businesses and real estate ventures. In 2024, she’s bringing her highly anticipated, sold-out musical Hell’s Kitchen to Broadway. Keys continues to uplift marginalized voices, using her platform to inspire change and foster unity in diversity.

Nicole Lynn: Sports Agent

Nicole Lynn is breaking barriers as a sports agent, paving the way for women of color in male-dominated industries. Lynn is the first Black woman to represent an NFL draft pick and is currently the president of football operations at Klutch Sports Group. She got her law degree from the University of Oklahoma—during her time in school, she interned at the NFL Players Association, where she learned her true passion for managing sports talent. Lynn’s clients include Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots’ Bailey Zappe. Through her trailblazing success and mentorship, she inspires others to pursue their dreams fearlessly, championing diversity and inclusion in traditionally exclusive realms.

Pat McGrath: Makeup Artist

Called the “most influential makeup” artist by VOGUE magazine, Pat McGrath is responsible for many makeup trends, iconic runway looks and, of course, the Pat McGrath Labs makeup empire. She launched PatMcGrath Labs in 2015 and by 2019, it had grown to a $1 billion company. McGrath has no formal training but quickly became renowned for her innovative work as beauty director at i-D magazine. She is currently the beauty editor-at-large at British Vogue. Before McGrath entered the beauty scene in the 1990s, the beauty industry was painfully lacking in diversity. Women like her have been at the forefront of progress in this evolving industry. Through her boundary-pushing artistry, she’s redefined beauty standards that make for a more diverse and creative industry culture.

Gabrielle Union: Actress and Author

Gabrielle Union‘s influence on the acting industry is significant. Her compelling performances, outspoken activism and icon status have made Hollywood reckon with its issues about representation and equity. Union quickly rose to fame after her memorable role in the hit 2000 movie Bring It On. Alongside having a decadeslong acting career, Union is the author of three books, including her best-selling 2017 memoir, We’re Going to Need More Wine. Union has always championed honesty, revealing the most difficult circumstances in her life. She encourages others to be their true selves and attributes her authenticity as one of the major reasons behind her massive success.

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