Alumna of the Year
Awarded to a graduate who has achieved distinction through exceptional contributions to our international, national, state or community welfare.
Thasunda Brown Duckett
MBA '01
Thasunda Brown Duckett (MBA '01) is the CEO of Fortune 100 financial powerhouse, TIAA, a leading provider of secure retirements and outcome-focused investment solutions to millions of people working in higher education, health care and other mission-driven organizations.
Prior to joining TIAA, Duckett served as CEO of Chase Consumer Banking, CEO of Chase Auto Finance, National Retail Sales Executive for Chase Mortgage Banking and Director of Emerging Markets at Fannie Mae. She has been recognized widely as a leading executive in the financial industry. She was ranked among the top 10 women on Fortune’s 2021 Most Powerful Women list and was included on the 2021 Forbes list of the World’s Most Powerful Women. She also recently received the Executive Leadership Council’s prestigious Achievement Award and was recognized by EBONY Media on their 2021 Power 100 list.
In honor of her parents and to recognize and reward people who use ordinary means to empower and uplift their community in extraordinary ways, Duckett founded the Otis and Rosie Brown Foundation in 2013. The Foundation advances the belief that all have the duty to extend a hand to help lift up our fellow man. Throughout her life and career, Duckett has been a passionate advocate for closing achievement gaps in wealth creation, educational outcomes and career success, serving in numerous volunteer roles throughout her career that support minorities and enhance their professional growth.
