Influenced by her humble beginnings , Thasunda Brown Duckett has always been determined to use her power and business pedigree as a force for good
LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT
THASUNDA BROWN DUCKETT , CEO OF TIAA
Influenced by her humble beginnings , Thasunda Brown Duckett has always been determined to use her power and business pedigree as a force for good
WRITTEN BY : TOM CHAPMAN
Thasunda Brown Duckett is an executive who needs little introduction .
This leadership icon has forged her own path in a business environment where opportunity is far from plentiful for women of colour , especially when it comes to reaching positions of authority .
As one of only two Black female CEOs at the helm of Fortune 500 companies , Duckett is undoubtedly a role model for a new generation of aspiring female leaders , and has gratefully accepted the great responsibility that comes with such great power .
Tenacious and talented Unlike many of her leadership peers , Thasunda Brown Duckett was not in a position to profit from a privileged upbringing .
Born in Rochester , New York , Duckett and family initially moved to neighbouring New Jersey , before settling in Texas . Her mother , a teacher , and father , a warehouse and truck driver , supported their three children to the best of their ability , but it wasn ’ t always easy .
Duckett has spoken in the past about not having a lot when she was a child , making her rise to the top all the more impressive . They managed to get by , however , and an eager-to-learn Duckett later graduated from Sam Houston High School .
14 November 2023