Performance wraps up the organization’s annual week of celebrating Black excellence in business, education, and leadership.
WASHINGTON D.C., October 3, 2024 – The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) is thrilled to announce that Bell Biv DeVoe (BBD) and MC Lyte will serve as the official musical performers at the 2024 Recognition Gala, taking place on October 3, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. The legendary artists’ performance at The ELC Recognition Gala will punctuate The ELC Gala Week, which includes the Mid-Level Manager’s Symposium and Scholars Symposium, a three-day long series of workshops and comprehensive programming geared toward developing the next generation of Black leaders in Corporate America.
Known for their unique fusion of hip hop, R&B, and new jack swing, BBD is celebrated for their long-lasting influence on the music industry. Since forming in 1990, BBD’s debut album, Poison, achieved multi-platinum success, solidifying their place as pioneers in the R&B genre. Over the decades, the trio has remained a cultural icon, continually pushing musical boundaries and performing worldwide.
MC Lyte, legendary for breaking barriers as one of the first prominent female rappers, will also be on hand to deliver one of her electrifying performances, adding to the celebration of Black excellence, culture, and leadership, making the evening an unforgettable experience.
The ELC Gala wraps up a week of enriched programming, including the Mid-Level Managers Symposium and Scholars Symposium, designed to foster professional growth for both rising corporate leaders and future executives. The Mid-Level Managers Symposium attracts over 3000 Black mid-level executives from Fortune 1000 companies, providing leadership development workshops, executive coaching, and networking opportunities to prepare participants for C-suite roles.
Simultaneously, the Scholars Symposium hosts the program’s undergraduate and graduate scholarship students, who are pursuing degrees at HBCUs or in STEM fields, engaging them in leadership training, career development sessions, and mentorship opportunities with top executives from Fortune 500 companies. Both symposia are integral parts of The ELC’s mission to develop a diverse pipeline of future corporate leaders, offering an immersive experience that equips attendees with the tools, connections, and insights to excel in their careers.
This year’s Gala will honor notable leaders who have made outstanding contributions to business and diversity, including Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, who will receive the prestigious ELC Achievement Award for her transformative leadership. Additionally, D. Keith Pigues, CEO of Luminas Strategy, will be honored with the 2024 Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award for his lifetime contributions to advancing Black executives. Ecolab, a global leader in sustainability, will be recognized with the 2024 Corporate Award for their exceptional commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
In a continued effort to support the next generation of leaders, The ELC will award $2.5 million in scholarships to 131 undergraduate and graduate students during the Gala. The scholars represent a diverse group of future leaders, with 62% attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and 80% pursuing careers in STEM fields.
The Gala is proudly sponsored by companies committed to advancing DEI, including Google, The Coca-Cola Company, and Synchrony. This annual celebration underscores The ELC’s mission to uplift Black executives, foster educational success, and promote leadership diversity in corporate America.
For more information, please visit www.elcinfo.com and engage with us on social media using #ELCGALA.
