Notable BIPOC Executives 2021

At a time when conversations about racial diversity and inclusion have finally been pushed to the forefront, it’s important to recognize the depth of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) leadership in Minnesota. Twin Cities Business received an overwhelming number of nominations for this category, a testament to the talent and dedication of BIPOC professionals around the state. The 32 Notable BIPOC Executives featured here aren’t just leaders in the workplace either: they’re also front-runners in their communities and beyond.

Methodology: The individuals featured did not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from nomination materials. This list is not comprehensive. It includes only people who were nominated and accepted after editorial review. To qualify for this list, individuals must self-identify as BIPOC, be serving in a C-suite or senior-level role in Minnesota, have at least five years of experience in their current industry, and have shown the ability to create significant, positive, and measurable results in their field.

To nominate other best-in-class executives in there fields, click here.

Cecilia Stanton Adams

Cecilia Stanton Adams

CEO, Stanton Adams Diversity Institute
Prior to starting her Crystal-based consulting firm Stanton Adams Diversity Institute this year, Cecilia Stanton Adams served as Allianz Life’s chief diversity and inclusion officer from 2019 until May 2021.
Shahir Ahmed

Shahir Ahmed

Senior program director, Neighborhood Development Center
Shahir Ahmed has been a business trainer with St. Paul-based NDC for 13 years, but in 2016, he joined NDC full time to lead its training and technical assistance departments.
Kinfe Argaw

Kinfe Argaw

Credit manager, Community Reinvestment Fund USA
Since joining Minneapolis-based CRF three years ago, Kinfe Argaw has boosted the organization’s small-business lending impact by deploying more capital to BIPOC-owned enterprises; he has approved more than 180 loans
Kavita Baball

Kavita Baball

Head of digital strategy and technology innovation officer, Best Buy
Kavita Baball is responsible for driving the technology that supports Richfield-based Best Buy’s growth. She joined the company in 2019, with more than 20 years of experience in strategy, technology, and developing and leading enterprise-wide
Cydni Bickerstaff

Cydni Bickerstaff

Vice president of operations, Greater MSP
Cydni Bickerstaff leads the economic development partnership’s operations team. Its ambitious vision for the Twin Cities region: Lead the world in inclusive economic growth by welcoming all, empowering talent, and
Tawanna Black

Tawanna Black

Founder and CEO, Center for Economic Inclusion
In 2017, Tawanna Black launched the St. Paul-based Center for Economic Inclusion. The first organization of its kind in the nation, it is dedicated to creating inclusive regional economies by
Brett Carter

Brett Carter

Executive vice president and chief customer and innovation officer, Xcel Energy
At Minneapolis-based Xcel, Brett Carter oversees a broad division that is driving customer engagement and organizational innovation; he leads teams focused on marketing, customer service, IT, and brand strategy. Through
Michael Garrett

Michael Garrett

Senior vice president, human resources and inclusion, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
Michael Garrett, who joined the Minneapolis Fed in 1988, was named to his current position in 2017. His work includes guiding development of employee resource networks for Black employees and
Amelia Hardy

Amelia Hardy

Vice president of strategic initiatives for inclusion and diversity, Best Buy
Amelia Hardy is responsible for driving strategy to create an inclusive culture for Best Buy employees. In the past year, she has launched initiatives to increase engagement, representation, and retention of diverse
Kendall Harrell

Kendall Harrell

Vice president, people and culture, Caribou Coffee
Since joining Brooklyn Center-based Caribou in early 2018, Kendall Harrell has led the company’s human resources, learning and development, and loss prevention functions. Focusing on culture and performance, he and
Derrick Hollings

Derrick Hollings

Senior vice president and CFO, Hennepin Healthcare
Derrick Hollings, who has served in his current role since 2016, has been a tireless advocate for the Minneapolis-based health system as a care provider to underserved and underrepresented people.
Mark Irvin

Mark Irvin

Chief inclusion, diversity, and talent officer, Best Buy
Before taking on his current role in 2020, Mark Irvin served as Best Buy’s senior vice president of supply chain, overseeing the company’s distribution centers. Currently, he is responsible for
Laverne McCartney Knighton

Laverne McCartney Knighton

Area development director, United Negro College Fund
Based in the Twin Cities, Laverne McCartney Knighton oversees fundraising, scholarship program development, and external relations to benefit UNCF’s 37-member private, historically Black colleges and universities in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska,
Marc Majors

Marc Majors

Director, employment and training programs (ETP) division, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Marc Majors joined DEED in 2018 as deputy director of its ETP division; he was named ETP’s director in December 2019. During his time at DEED, the ETP division has
Perla Mayo

Perla Mayo

Director of lending, Neighborhood Development Center
Perla Mayo, who joined NDC 15 years ago as its Latino program coordinator, now oversees the St. Paul-based community development nonprofit’s lending portfolio. She supports NDC’s loan officers as they
Reuben Moore

Reuben Moore

President and executive officer, Minnesota Community Care
As the top executive at St. Paul-based MCC, Reuben Moore is well positioned to address the biggest challenges in health care: affordability, equity, and industry diversity. His health system serves
Sianneh Mulbah

Sianneh Mulbah

Chief people officer, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx
During her decade with the Wolves and Lynx, including three years as chief people officer, Sianneh Mulbah has transformed the organization’s culture. Employee satisfaction has risen from 13 percent five
Vikesh Nemani

Vikesh Nemani

Head of U.S. wealth management strategy, RBC Wealth Management–U.S.
Based in Minneapolis, Vikesh Nemani leads the development of RBC Wealth Management’s business strategy and helps the firm optimize its strategic and economic performance. He also is a strong advocate