Thasunda Brown Duckett is one of the most powerful and well-known figures in the financial industry. As an immensely successful Black woman in a historically white, male-dominated space, Duckett is the first of our Women’s History Month profiles on women in finance.
Duckett is the president and CEO of TIAA, a Fortune 100 financial services organization. It is the leading provider in multiple fields. TIAA is worth about $1.4 trillion in assets. Previously, Duckett was the CEO of Chase Consumer Banking, where she launched their “plan to open 400 branches in new markets” across the country, (Case, American Banker).
At TIAA, Duckett has expanded upon her goal to advance financial inclusion for individuals of all statuses. Duckett strives to make her voice heard in order to reach those who need financial help the most. She is making “TIAA more visible, participating in 154 internal and external events to talk about the importance of secure retirement income, leadership, ESG investing, and bringing TIAA customers the full value of the enterprise,” (AB).
Duckett takes a special interest in diversity efforts, making incredible efforts to inspire inclusion in her industry. At TIAA, Duckett’s company “started tracking the diverse suppliers it considers and ultimately hires. Under Duckett’s leadership, TIAA has won a number of awards for corporate inclusion and diversity,” (AB).
“…we’re not yet making the same progress toward closing the racial and gender wealth gaps or the nearly $4 trillion retirement gap,” Duckett said. “We must do more to drive diverse talent pipelines and systematically increase access to opportunities for career advancement— especially for women and people of color—that can increase pay and savings.”
– Thasunda Brown Duckett
Duckett serves on multiple boards, including NIKE, Inc., Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and National Medal of Honor Museum. She sits on the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, among other prestigious organizations. Duckett is also a proud member of many organizations close to her heart, including Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Finally, Duckett’s Otis and Rosie Brown Foundation might be her personal favorite achievement. Named for her parents, the foundation rewards those who empower communities in need.
