The Network Journal Honors Vicki R. Brackens at Its 20th Annual 25 Influential Black Women in Business Awards Luncheon

New York, N.Y. — The Network Journal (TNJ), an award-winning business magazine for African-American professionals, corporate executives and business owners, announced its 2018 list of 25 Influential Black Women in Business. “We are honored to once again highlight the careers of 25 women who are corporate and community leaders. Their passion for their work and love for community are models for all women in the United States and abroad. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, this is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of these women in business, health, entertainment and non-profit sectors,” stated TNJ Publisher and CEO Aziz Gueye Adetimirin.

Vicki R. Brackens ChFC is among the honorees profiled in the SPRING 2018 issue of the magazine, and was formally honored during Women’s History Month at the 20th Annual 25 Influential Black Women in Business Awards Luncheon presented by Morgan Stanley, on Friday, March 16, 2018. This signature TNJ event was held at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway New York City, 2018 sponsors include Presenting Sponsor, Morgan Stanley; additional sponsors include AT&T and Bronner Brothers.

The 25 Influential Black Women in Business Class of 2018:

Jan M. Adams
President/CEO
JMA Solutions

Vicki R. Brackens, ChFC
President & Financial Planner
Brackens Financial Solutions Network, LLC

Michele Bryant
Senior Managing Director, Global Chief Procurement Officer
Deloitte Global

Gabrielle Bullock
Director of Global Diversity, Principal
Perkins+Will

Kimberly Y. Chainey
Associate General Counsel, Global M&A, Strategy & Innovation
Avis Budget Group, Inc.

Roxann Thomas Chargois
Co-Owner
JMC Auto Group

Yolanda Conyers
Vice President Global HR and Chief Diversity Officer
Lenovo

Camille Chang Gilmore
VP of HR & Global Chief Diversity Officer
Boston Scientific Corporation

Michelle D. Greene
Vice President , IT Business Partner – Global Functions
Johnson Controls

Genma Stringer Holmes
Owner
Holmes Pest Control

Lesleigh Irish-Underwood
SVP & Chief Marketing Officer
United Way of New York City

Marachel L. Knight
Senior Vice President-Technology Planning & Engineering
AT&T Services, Inc.

Dee C. Marshall
President & CEO
Raise the Bar, LLC

Ghillaine Reid Melbourne
Partner
McGuireWoods LLP

Gail D. Morales
SVP, US Project Efficiency Executive
TD America’s Most Convenient Bank

Trina Parks, MHA, FACHE
Senior Vice President, Corporate Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
RWJ Barnabas Health

Joy Profet
General Manager
ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

Carla Hunter Ramsey
Global Director Corporate Social Responsibility
Global Procurement

Denella Ri’chard
Sr. Director, Trade Communications & Engagement
Holland America Line

Sandra L. Richards
Managing Director
Head of Segment Sales & Engagement Group, Wealth Management
Morgan Stanley

Nneka Rimmer
SVP, Strategy & Global Enablement
McCormick & Company

Nzinga Shaw
Sr. VP of Community & Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Atlanta Hawks & Philips Arena

Tamika Curry Smith
Head of Diversity & Inclusion
Mercedes-Benz USA

Alicia Thompson, APR
Managing Director
Porter Novelli

Cassandra Carter Wheeler
Regional Director
Georgia Power Company

The event attracted a “Who’s Who” of business executives and decision makers from various industries. The program included a networking reception, lunch and awards presentation with Mistress of Ceremonies and multi-Emmy Award-winning journalist, Brenda Blackmon.

About the 25 Influential Black Women in Business Awards

Launched in March 1999, The Network Journal‘s 25 Influential Black Women in Business Awards honors women whose professional achievements have significantly impacted an industry or profession, and who also have made an important contribution to her community. A “TNJ25” honoree typically is a business owner, or a partner, president, CEO, board chair, or other senior-management executive with significant decision-making authority in the corporate, nonprofit (including academia and medicine), or government sector.

About The Network Journal

Founded in 1993, The Network Journal (TNJ) is an award-winning magazine published quarterly. It provides news and commentaries on issues that affect the growth of business and the advancement of professionals in the workplace for an audience of predominantly African-American professionals, corporate executives and small-business owners. Engaging more than 98,325 readers per issue, TNJ is distributed nationwide, with a focus on the New York tri-state area, while its sister daily publication at tnj.com reaches a global audience. For more information, call (212)962-3791, or visit the Web site at www.tnj.com.