Bozoma Saint John champions Black women in business

In recent years, the landscape of startup funding in the United States has shown a troubling trend, particularly for Black founders. As of 2024, the share of startup funding for companies led by Black founders reached its lowest point in several years, starkly contrasting with the slight increase in overall funding. This decline in support has disproportionately affected Black women entrepreneurs, who face not only a lack of funding but also systemic bias from venture capitalists. Many investors carry presuppositions about the knowledge and capabilities of Black female founders, which adds an additional layer of challenge in securing investment. Bozoma Saint John emerges as a significant figure in this narrative. She has held high-profile executive positions at major companies such as Uber, Apple, and Netflix. Known for her dynamic leadership and marketing prowess, Saint John has made it a priority to center Black women and women of color within her endeavors. Despite her lack of formal business school education, she has achieved remarkable recognition, including being named Billboard’s Female Executive of the Year and Forbes’ Most Influential CMOs. These accolades highlight not only her professionalism but also her intention to disrupt the status quo in the tech industry and beyond. Through her startup, Eve by Boz, she aims to create intentional and inclusive products for underrepresented communities. Saint John's vision extends beyond mere business success; she is dedicated to creating a lasting legacy that empowers and uplifts Black women. Her approach has been to engage in thoughtful questioning about traditional practices within industries, exemplified by her inquiry into the use of white lace in vendor offerings, demonstrating her commitment to authenticity and representation. The impact of her work serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs facing similar challenges. By breaking barriers and reshaping perceptions, Saint John is paving the way for future generations of women of color in business. Her efforts illustrate the potential for systemic change when companies embrace diversity and inclusivity as core principles of their operations.