As the executive managing editor of BLACK ENTERPRISE, Alisa Gumbs plays a critical role in the planning and execution of content across the company’s print, digital, and events platforms. In addition to developing content strategy and managing section editors, she is responsible for the timely production of each issue, including editing articles; determining editorial schedules and freelance budgets; and coordinating the production, art, and copy departments. She’s also involved in the planning of events agendas and digital campaigns, and currently serves as the lifestyle editor. Gumbs joined BLACK ENTERPRISE in August 2003 as a copy editor and later spent a year as the copy chief before being promoted to managing editor in 2007. Earlier in her career, she was a senior copy editor and regional feature correspondent at PR Newswire, editing breaking business announcements and counseling clients on the development of feature news releases. Throughout her time at BLACK ENTERPRISE, Gumbs has researched, reported, and written for the website and magazine, including cover stories in November 2011 on the business of foodies such as Marcus Samuelsson, in December 2010 on the social media savvy of blogger Gabi Fresh, and in September 2006 on the entrepreneurial pursuits of former models such as Tyra Banks and Iman. She has also been published in The Village Voice. Gumbs is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.

Bozoma Saint John is the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix, the world’s leading streaming entertainment service with 183 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages.

At the beginning of her career, Boz got her start in marketing at Spike Lee’s advertising agency, Spike DDB. She then went on to manage brands within the PepsiCo beverages portfolio, before becoming Head of Music and Entertainment Marketing at the CPG giant; followed by Head of Global Consumer Marketing at Apple Music & iTunes; then went on to serve as Chief Brand Officer at Uber; before taking on the CMO role for Endeavor (including WME, IMG, UFC, Miss Universe, 160over90 etc).

Boz’s career has been marked by induction into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Achievement (2014), Billboard’s Women in Music Hall of Fame (2018), as well as recognition on The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Power 100 list (2018) and on Forbes’ World’s Most Influential CMOs list (2018). Boz has also been featured on the cover of Adweek as “one of the most exciting personalities in advertising” and on lists ranging from Fast Company’s and Ad Age’s Most Creative People to Ebony’s 100 Powerful Executives, Black Enterprise’s Most Powerful Women in Business and Fortune’s Most Influential CMOs. During the 2020 Spring semester, Professor Frances Frei of Harvard Business School used Boz’s successful marketing career as a case study in her MBA class, “Leading Difference.” Boz appeared as a guest lecturer for the Harvard MBA students, delving deep into the tactical and pivotal marketing moves she made throughout her career, which she now credits as intrinsic to her success. Most recently, Boz launched a podcast alongside award-winning journalist Katie Couric, “Back to Biz with Katie and Boz,” which explores the ways thought leaders, CEOs and innovators are responding to the societal shifts that have been ushered in by the coronavirus pandemic. Boz’s philanthropic efforts include representing Pencils of Promise as a Global Ambassador to Ghana and serving on the boards of Girls Who Code and Vital Voices.

Reggie has nationwide responsibility for an enterprise sales organization tasked with generating growth in Salesforce’s largest global accounts in North America.

He’s a published author – “The Blue Print – The Keys to making BIG Money in Professional Sales” and lives in ATL. Prior to starting his professional, Reggie played professional football in the Canadian Football League after graduating from Morehouse College.  He met his beautiful wife of 20 years at a grocery store and they have two awesome kids (Kennedy – 14 & Chase – 12).

Seanté Baker is a Regional Vice President of Sales at Salesforce based in New York City, but working remotely on the west coast right now. She currently manages a team of 8 Account Executives and assists them with career growth, personal development, partnership with customers, and ultimately winning business in their assigned territories. In her 6 years at Salesforce, Seanté has been a consistent top performer both as an individual contributor and as a leader by remaining highly inquisitive, focusing on solving problems, and dedicating her time to helping and encouraging others. Seanté believes that the key to being a successful salesperson is focusing on growing a little bit each day, listening to customers, and creating a process that works for you. An athlete at heart, Seanté grew up playing a myriad of sports in her hometown of San Jose, CA and then at UC Davis in college. She still enjoys a good workout, temperatures over 75 degrees, and a nice day at the beach with friends, family, and her new puppy.

Earl G. Graves Jr. (Butch) is President & CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE. He joined the company in 1988 after earning his M.B.A. from Harvard University. During his tenure at BLACK ENTERPRISE he has served in many positions, including VP of Advertising & Marketing, and Chief Operating Officer. In 2006 he was promoted to his current position.

Under Butch’s guidance BLACK ENTERPRISE has grown from a single-title publication into a robust multimedia company. Today, the company delivers content across five platforms, including magazine publishing; two nationally syndicated television shows; professional development events; digital and social media.

In 2000, he co-founded the Black Enterprise/Greenwich Street Corporate Growth Fund – A unique private equity firm seeking to finance the growth of established minority-owned or
– managed businesses across various industries. Mr. Graves is also an active Partner in S & C Robinson, LLC – an Airport Concessions Enterprise formed in 2016.

Butch received his B.A. in economics from Yale University in 1984, distinguishing himself both academically and athletically. As a four-year starter and Captain of the Yale basketball team, he graduated as the school’s all-time leading scorer and the second leading scorer in Ivy League history. He was drafted in the third round by the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers in 1984, and enjoyed a brief professional basketball career with the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers.

In 2002 Butch was inducted into the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Hall of Achievement. In 2006 he was awarded the Jack Avrett Volunteer Spirit Award from the Boy Scouts of America, and in 2009 he was honored with the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award.

Butch serves on the board of directors of AutoZone, Bermuda Tourism Authority, and is a Trustee for The Committee For Economic Development. In addition to serving on numerous non-profit Boards, Mr. Graves is a strong national advocate for the importance of education and athletics, and served as an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) head basketball coach for more than 15 years.