NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, philanthropist Michael Milken, SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman, and Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar among honorees
ATLANTA, Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Operation HOPE, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping low- and moderate-income Americans thrive in an ever-changing economy, today announced its annual ‘Chairman’s Award’ recipients. Each year, the awards are presented to top public and private sector leaders in recognition of their work advancing economic opportunity for all Americans and their contributions to furthering Operation HOPE’s mission.
“On behalf of Operation HOPE, I am proud and honored to recognize these incredible leaders, all of whom are passionately committed to positive change in the world,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Operation HOPE. “It has been my privilege to work with, and get to know, each of these individuals and to witness first-hand their efforts to make life better for all Americans. We are a stronger global community because of their contributions.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, philanthropist Michael Milken, SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman, and Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar among honorees
This year’s Chairman’s Award recipients are:
Hon. Wally Adeyemo, U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury
In recognition of his commitment to advancing an economy that works for everyone, and longstanding efforts to preserve and promote the legacy of the Freedman’s Bank.
Sarah Friar, Chief Executive Officer, Nextdoor In recognition of her support for the work of Operation HOPE, and advocacy on behalf of empowering women as small business owners, entrepreneurs, and executives.
Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the NFLIn recognition of his role in quarterbacking diversity, equity, and inclusion and inspiring change in the NFL and across America.
Hon. Isabel Guzman, Administrator, U.S. Small Business AdministrationIn recognition of her dedication to ensuring that every American can pursue their small business dreams and contribute to the success of the world’s most dynamic economy.
Tobi Lütke, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Shopify In recognition of his leadership in helping launch the One Million Black Businesses Initiative (1MBB) and his work leveling the power of e-commerce entrepreneurship in the world.
Roland Martin, Award-winning Journalist, Founder of Black Star NetworkIn recognition of his using his public platforms to give voice to the underrepresented, and for being a passionate advocate for social justice and Silver Rights, through an economic lens.
Michael Milken, Chairman, The Milken Institute In recognition of his work to revolutionize inclusive finance, credit, and capital, for being a pioneer in providing access to capital for minority and women-owned businesses, and his dedication to advancing cures and treatments to improve the health and well-being of all.
Bill Rogers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, TruistIn honor of his purpose-driven leadership and outstanding commitment to the work of Operation HOPE, grounded in principles of driving financial inclusion for all.
Dan Schulman, President, PayPalIn recognition of his philanthropic leadership, particularly in response to racial injustices, to improve the financial well-being of individuals, small business owners, and under-served communities.
About Operation HOPE, Inc.Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to “Silver Rights” with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its award-winning community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed nearly $4 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. Operation HOPE recently received Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Award for driving entrepreneurship as well as its tenth consecutive 4-star charity rating for fiscal management and commitment to transparency and accountability from the prestigious non-profit evaluator, Charity Navigator. For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Join the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Operation HOPE Contact: Lalohni Campbell, Per/Se Media
(404) 593-7145
SOURCE Operation HOPE, Inc.
