(BPRW) U.S. Black Chambers Announces 2026 Power 50 “Women of Influence” Honoree Class Presented by American Airlines

(Blck PR Wire) WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) today announced the distinguished honorees for its 2026 Power 50 “Women of Influence” Class presented by American Airlines, recognizing extraordinary women whose leadership, innovation, and impact are shaping industries and communities across the nation and around the world. This year’s theme is celebrating “Women Who Lead the Movement”.

Film icon Cheryl Boone Isaacs has been named the 2026 Global Trailblazer of the Year. Boone Isaacs made history as the first Black president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and currently serves as Founding Director and Professor of Practice at The Sidney Poitier New American Film School at Arizona State University.

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) has been selected as the 2026 Woman of the Year in recognition of her bold leadership, advocacy, and commitment to equity and justice.

“The Power 50 Women of Influence represent excellence in every sense of the word,” said Ron Busby Sr., President and CEO of U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. “This year’s honorees are visionary leaders, barrier breakers, and change agents who continue to redefine what is possible. Cheryl Boone Isaacs and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett exemplify courage, integrity, and impact, and we are honored to celebrate their extraordinary contributions alongside this remarkable class.”

The 2026 Power 50 “Women of Influence” Honoree Class includes:

• Aaliyah Haqq, Chief Operating Officer, Academy for Advancing Excellence
• Agnes Moss, Founder & CEO, National Black Movie Association
• Alexis Snipe-Campbell, CEO
• Amanda Baker-Lane, Global Head of Customer Inclusion, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios
• Angela Dingle, President & CEO, Women Impacting Public Policy
• Angela Rye, Award-Winning Host, Social Justice Advocate & Lawyer
• Arnicia Arrington, EVP, People Operations & Culture, Ebony & Jet
• Audrey Boone Tillman, Sr. EVP & General Counsel, Aflac
• Audrey Johnson, Executive Director, Maryland Office of Social Equity
• Beth Powell, Pilot, American Airlines
• Brandi Harvey, Host, Vault Empowers Talks
• Carla Hall, Award-Winning Chef & Emmy Award-Winning TV Host
• Christal Watson, Mayor of Kansas City
• Crystal Foote, Founder & CEO, Digital Culture Group
• DeDe McGuire, Radio Host, “DeDe in the Morning”
• Karrie G. Dixon, Chancellor, North Carolina Central University
• Lois Johnson Brown, CEO, United Security Financial
• ShantaQuilett Carter-Williams, Comedian & Women’s Health Influencer
• Erica Miles, Senior Strategy and Planning Consultant, Wells Fargo
• Felecia Hatcher, CEO, Black Ambition Opportunity Fund
• Gina Paige, President & Co-Founder, African Ancestry
• Issa Rae, Founder & CEO, HOORAE Media
• Jaia Thomas, Founder, Diverse Representation
• Jennifer Montague, President & COO, Columbia Gas of Virginia
• Kalahn Taylor Clark, Vice President, Social Impact, Merck
• Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles
• Karen Slade, Vice President, KJLH-FM Los Angeles
• Kyra Hardwick, CEO, The Kyra Company
• Lauren Maillian, Founder & CEO, LMB Group
• Lena Waithe, Founder, Hillman Grad
• Linda Wilson, Executive Director, Fund II Fund Foundation
• Lisha Bell, Head of Economic Opportunity, PayPal
• Marie C. Johns, CEO, PPC Leftwitch; Chairwoman, City First Bank of D.C.
• Melanie Campbell, President & CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
• Melody Spann-Cooper, Chair & CEO, Midway Broadcasting
• Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO, Ariel Investments
• Michele Ballantyne, President & COO, RIAA
• Nicole Austin-Hillery, President & CEO, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
• Orlena Nwokah Blanchard, CEO, Seven Elements Group
• Pat McGrath, Founder & CEO, Pat McGrath Labs
• Rae Robinson, Managing Director, SKDK
• Racquel Oden, U.S. Head of International Wealth and Private Banking, HSBC
• Shavon Bradley, President & CEO, National Coalition of Negro Women
• Ruth Carter, Oscar-Winning Costume Designer
• Samantha Selolwane, Head of Promotions, RCA Records
• Sara Lomax Reese, President & CEO, WURD Radio
• Serena Williams, CEO, Serena Ventures & Nine Two Six
• Shani Hosten, Vice President, AARP
• Shonda Rhimes, Founder & CEO, Shondaland
• Shellye Archambeau, Verizon Board Director; Former MetricStream CEO
• Sonja Wells, Chief Lending Officer, City First Bank
• Stephanie Fredric, CEO, FGW Productions
• Sylvia Weddington, CEO, Weddington Relocation Management
• Taliah Waajid, Founder & CEO, Taliah Waajid Brands
• Tara DeVeaux, CEO, Burrell Communications Group
• Tara Duncan, President, Onyx Collective
• Tiffany Jenkins, SVP, WSP
• Tressa Smallwood, Founder & CEO, MegaMind Media
• Valeria Cunningham, CEO, Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo
• Wanda Durant, President & CEO, Durant Family Charitable Foundation

The USBC Power 50 “Women of Influence” initiative celebrates women leaders who are driving economic growth, advancing social progress, and building generational impact across various business verticals, entertainment, film, media, finance, public service, and philanthropy.

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. will host its annual sold-out Power 50 Women of Influence Luncheon on Thursday, March 19, at the USBC Innovation Campus, honoring the 2026 class of trailblazing women leaders. Event partners include presenting partner American Airlines and empowerment partner Columbia Gas of Virginia. Partnership and gifting opportunities are available through USBC Media at info@usbcnetwork.com. 

Visit www.usbcwomenofpower.com to view the 2026 class, purchase tables and tickets, and get more information.