1. Morgan DeBaun Is Building a Media Empire for the Next Generation
Morgan DeBaun isn’t just running a media company—she’s creating a movement. As the founder and CEO of Blavity Inc., she’s built a platform that speaks directly to Black millennials and Gen Z, covering everything from politics to pop culture. She saw early on that mainstream media wasn’t telling the stories that mattered most to her community, so she took matters into her own hands. Blavity started as a small website in 2014 and has since expanded into a media powerhouse with multiple brands, including AfroTech, 21Ninety, and Travel Noire. DeBaun’s vision is clear: she wants to empower Black entrepreneurs, storytellers, and tech innovators by giving them the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. Her work has helped elevate Black voices in digital media, proving that representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about ownership says Fortune.
What makes DeBaun even more impressive is that she’s managed to grow Blavity without compromising its mission. She’s turned down deals that didn’t align with her values and has stayed focused on building a business that prioritizes community over clicks. Beyond media, she’s also dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs through her WorkSmart program, where she shares business strategies and mentorship. She’s one of those leaders who isn’t always in the spotlight, but her influence is undeniable. If you’ve ever read an article on Blavity, attended an AfroTech conference, or followed Black travel influencers on social media, you’ve felt the impact of her work. DeBaun isn’t just reshaping the future of Black media—she’s redefining what success looks like for a new generation of business leaders.
2. Ime Archibong Is Quietly Shaping the Future of Social Technology
You might not know Ime Archibong’s name, but if you use social media, you’ve definitely felt his influence. As a longtime executive at Meta (formerly Facebook), he’s been behind some of the company’s most important efforts to make technology more accessible and meaningful explains CNBC. Archibong has spent years working on projects that connect communities, including initiatives focused on expanding internet access in underserved areas. His work is about more than just keeping people online—it’s about making sure technology serves the people who need it most. He’s been a major advocate for Black and underrepresented entrepreneurs in tech, pushing for more investment in diverse startups and ensuring that innovation isn’t just happening in Silicon Valley.
Archibong’s approach is refreshingly understated. He’s not the type to chase headlines, but his work speaks for itself. He understands that the future of technology depends on who has a seat at the table, and he’s dedicated to making sure more Black innovators are included in that conversation. His leadership at Meta has helped shape everything from artificial intelligence to social good initiatives, all with the goal of making digital spaces more inclusive. In a world where tech leaders are often larger-than-life figures, Archibong’s quiet determination stands out. He’s proving that real change doesn’t always come from the loudest voices—it comes from those who are willing to do the work behind the scenes.
3. Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett Is Revolutionizing Vaccine Science
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett isn’t just a scientist—she’s a game-changer. As one of the lead researchers behind the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, she played a crucial role in one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs of our time. Her expertise in immunology and infectious diseases helped fast-track a vaccine that saved millions of lives adds the New York Times. Corbett has spent years studying coronaviruses, long before most people had even heard of them. When the pandemic hit, she was ready, using her research to help develop a vaccine in record time. But beyond her scientific achievements, she’s also been a vocal advocate for vaccine education, particularly in Black communities that have historically been underserved and overlooked by the medical system.
Corbett’s impact goes far beyond the pandemic. She’s working to ensure that the next generation of scientists, especially Black women, have a path into STEM fields. She knows firsthand how important representation is, and she’s using her platform to inspire others. Whether she’s speaking at conferences, mentoring young scientists, or pushing for more diversity in medical research, she’s making sure that the future of healthcare is more inclusive. Corbett’s brilliance and dedication are reshaping how we think about public health and vaccine science. She’s living proof that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about the people who drive it forward.
4. Lauren Underwood Is Fighting for Health Equity
Lauren Underwood is reshaping the future of healthcare, one policy at a time. As the youngest Black woman ever elected to Congress, she has made health equity her top priority. Underwood, a registered nurse by training, has a deep understanding of the challenges that communities of color face when it comes to healthcare. Her work in Congress has focused on expanding access to affordable healthcare, improving maternal health outcomes, and addressing disparities in medical treatment. In 2018, she made history when she helped pass the Affordable Care Act’s expansion in Illinois, ensuring more people could access life-saving services. Underwood’s advocacy is grounded in her personal experience and professional background, giving her a unique perspective on the pressing issues that affect marginalized communities says NBC 5 Chicago.
What sets Underwood apart is her ability to tackle systemic problems with a combination of compassion and expertise. She’s a fierce advocate for maternal health, especially for Black women who face significantly higher maternal mortality rates than their white counterparts. She introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, which seeks to address the root causes of this disparity and ensure that all women, regardless of race or income, have access to the care they need before, during, and after pregnancy. Underwood’s commitment to health equity is a driving force behind her legislative work, and she’s proving that real change comes from a mix of knowledge, empathy, and relentless determination. By fighting for policies that prioritize the health of Black communities, she’s helping to shape a future where healthcare truly serves everyone.