ESSENCE

The women who make things happen have arrived.  We're celebrating the visionaries, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of business at the 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Business celebration. Today, the spotlight belongs to the women making their mark. #ESSENCEBWIB26

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Anifa Mvuemba didn't wait for fashion to make room for her. She created her own lane. For nearly 15 years, the self-taught designer and founder of Hanifa has challenged industry conventions, building an independent luxury fashion brand without outside investors. From her groundbreaking 3D virtual runway presentation in 2020 to growing a loyal community of women who believe in her vision, Anifa has shown what happens when creativity meets entrepreneurship. And as she enters a new chapter, she's reminding us that building a legacy also means knowing when to pause, reflect, and make room for yourself. It is our honor to recognize Anifa Mvuemba with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award at our 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Business celebration, presented by L’Oréal Groupe. Read more about her story at #ESSENCEBWIB26

Black culture has always moved the needle. Ayiko Broyard has spent her career making sure brands understand its value. As Executive Vice President and Head of Account Management at Walton Isaacson, Ayiko has spent nearly two decades helping major brands connect with Black consumers through campaigns rooted in culture, community, and authenticity. From her early work with Lexus to the brand's collaboration with Marvel's Black Panther, she's helped demonstrate that understanding Black audiences isn't just good marketing. It's good business. Her career reflects the importance of having Black women behind the strategies, conversations, and decisions that shape how our culture is represented. We were overjoyed to honor Ayiko Broyard with the Cultural Impact Award at our 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Business celebration, presented by L’Oréal Groupe. Read more about her journey at #ESSENCEBWIB26

Sarah Curtis Henry is making sure we're represented in the rooms where decisions are made. With nearly two decades of experience, she now serves as General Manager of Armani Beauty and Valentino Beauty at L’Oréal Luxe USA, helping lead two globally recognized beauty brands. Her career is a reminder that representation goes beyond the campaigns we see. It's about having a voice in the decisions that shape the industry. We were proud to recognize Sarah Curtis Henry with the Executive of the Year Award at our 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Business celebration, presented by L’Oréal Groupe. Read more about her journey at

Sometimes the biggest bet is on yourself. When the two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, Tamron Hall, walked away from NBC, she wasn't just thinking about her next chapter. She was thinking about the young Black women watching and what her decision might mean for their futures. Since then, she's built a nationally syndicated talk show, expanded into publishing, and continued to create opportunities on her own terms. Her journey is a testament to the power of reinvention, creative independence, and knowing your worth. And it's why we were proud to honor Tamron Hall as one of our 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Business honorees. Read more about her journey at

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LISTEN. Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul brought Queen Bey to the 5th Quarter at TSU Homecoming against Southern University. And this is exactly why the 5th Quarter is a show of its own! ESSENCE pulled up to TSU Homecoming to celebrate the university’s rich legacy as it approaches 100 years of excellence, culture, and tradition.

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