Desiree G. Rogers, CEO of cosmetics company Black Opal LLC and former White House social secretary, has been announced as the keynote speaker at Harvard Business School’s Class Day. The event is scheduled for May 22, the day before the University-wide grand opening ceremony.
Rogers, who graduated from Wellesley College and Harvard Business School, served as White House social secretary during the Obama administration, where she worked to open the White House to a wider audience. During her tenure in the Obama administration, she played a key role in the planning and execution of official social events. After leaving the White House, she became CEO of the Johnson Publishing Company, overseeing publications such as Ebony and Jet. Currently, in addition to her role in Black Opal, Rogers serves on multiple boards and is involved with various charities.
Through her experiences at Harvard Business School and her work as a business leader, Rogers has developed expertise in communications, diversity and women’s issues. She believes in the importance of businesses making a positive impact on the lives of their consumers and has learned to balance work and personal well-being while dedicating herself to uplifting and empowering other women along the way. Her message will likely resonate with graduates as they prepare to enter the business world themselves.
