The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and its Board of Directors recently hosted the second-ever CEO Impact Awards event in Washington, D.C. to honor the influence and actions of an outstanding role model to the Black collegiate community. The event raised more than $400,000 to support deserving students and is part of the ongoing Impact Now campaign. The event honored Toni Townes-Whitley, chief executive officer at SAIC and TMCF board member, for her dedication to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Townes-Whitley is also one of two Black women currently serving as CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
“I’m here really in the time of my life, having the job of my life, and enjoying myself tremendously with a company that mirrors some of the same values that I find with Thurgood Marshall College Fund,” Townes-Whitley said.
She encouraged students in attendance to start living their legacy now.
“Every decision you make – who you hang out with, what you choose to put online, what you choose to talk about publicly, how you choose to dress, what you choose to stand for – is part of your legacy,” Townes-Whitley said. “There will be a day when you stand at a podium like this and you want to feel good about those decisions.” Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF, commended Townes-Whitley for her influence on the organization and contributions to HBCU students.
“She won’t tell you what to do, but she’ll give you something to think about doing and you know that if she’s taking the time to share that thought with you, you better implement it,” Dr. Williams said. “I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt, TMCF has soared higher than we’ve ever been because of her.” Dr. N. Joyce Payne, founder of TMCF, took a moment to recognize and thank the sponsors of the event.
“We applaud you for this partnership, because you understand that it’s not simply about writing a diversity and inclusion statement that sounds beautiful. It’s really about making it happen,” Dr. Payne said. Racquel Oden, chair of the TMCF Board of Directors, welcomed guests and thanked host committee chair Jim Clifton, chairman of Gallup, for raising more than $400,000 for deserving students. The honorable Alma Adams, also provided remarks about the importance of funding HBCUs.
“I am a proud HBCU graduate. North Carolina A&T State University gave me the opportunity to study and to learn,” Adams said. “I know the value of our schools and I remain committed to this cause because of my own experience. I dedicate much of my service in Congress to ensuring that our HBCUs have the resources that they need to not only survive but to thrive.” Reverend William H. Lamar IV, pastor of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, provided the invocation. A commemorative virtual program from the event is available for viewing online.
