5 West Indian Women CEOs & Presidents You Need to Know
written by Tiara Jade
In recent years, the following West Indian executives have been recognized in different fields for being founders, presidents and Chief Executive Officers. Caribbean Collective has had their eyes on five amazing female managers who rank as top executives at their firms. From taking the beauty industry by storm, to medicine and chemicals, these Caribbean boss babes are entrepreneurs and presidents of companies that have made their mark and money in the world.
1. Yve-car Momperousse, CEO and Founder of Kreyol Essence
Yve-car Momperousse is a social impact entrepreneur, institutional strategist and solutions engineer. She founded over 8 non-profits which have led to development in communities in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. She carries an impressive 10+ years of experience in organizational restructuring, business consulting, institutional advancement and new business ventures. Yve-Car’s inspiration behind Kreyol Essence was her own experience in growing and styling her hair. Kreyol Essence’s Haitian Black Castor Oil was also the answer to a growing need in the US and Haiti. The brand brings hair, body and skin products from Haiti by employing the island’s natives and helping to restore the island's natural environment.
2. Pat McGrath, CEO and Founder of Pat McGrath Labs
Pat McGrath is one of the most influential and sought-after makeup artists in the world. For more than two decades, Pat has been creating, launching, and developing luxury cosmetic brands, runway shows, advertising campaigns and editorial spreads. She began her career in the 1990s after being introduced to iconic lensman Steven Meisel. Each season, Pat designs and creates beauty looks for more than 60 ready-to-wear couture shows in Milan, Paris, London and New York. When describing Pat McGrath labs, she says “we are in the golden age of make-up”. McGrath became the Beauty Editor of British Vogue in 2017 following her longtime friend and collaborator Edward Enninful as editor-in-chief.
3. Ann-Marie Cambell, Executive Vice President of Home Depot
Ann-Marie Campbell began her career with The Home Depot in 1985 as a cashier. Today, as the executive vice president, she leads the company’s three U.S. operating divisions of almost 2000 stores and the majority of the company’s nearly 400,000 associates. Ann-Marie’s lessons in retail came from her grandmother in Jamaica who owned a small furniture store with a great reputation. She is also a graduate of Georgia State University. Ann-Marie serves on the boards for Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, Barnes & Noble and Potbelly Corporation. Her impact was recognized by Fortune Magazine who listed her among its top 50 “Most Power Women” in business for 4 consecutive years.
4. Gloria Rajkumar, CEO and President of SIMAC
Gloria Rajkumar founded SIMAC Canada Inc., in 2001 to address the shortfall in the quality and service being provided in the Independent Medical Evaluations industry. Gloria has grown the company from a two-person operation to a multi-award-winning corporation. Gloria immigrated to Canada in 1983. She quickly immersed herself in the world of insurance and used her expertise to ensure her company focused on anticipating the needs of its customers. Gloria was ranked fourth in the Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs across Canada, winning the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award and the RBC Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Gloria has served a provincially appointed term on the Ministry of Labour’s Prevention Council.
5. Indranie Persaud, President of Aurochemicals
Indranie Persaud was born in Guyana and migrated with her husband to the U.S. in 1991. The following year they had their first daughter, Babita. They went on to have two more girls, Darshini and Roshini. Indranie and her husband Deo Persaud started their chemical business, Aurochem, in 1994. The company began with just $300 and has grown into a $15 million (sales) company with 15 employees, manufacturing natural ingredients for the flavor and fragrance industry throughout the U.S., Europe, and Canada. Indranie also helps manage several real estate companies – Baroda Realty LLC, Persaud Group LLC, Persaud Realty LLC, and BDR Group LLC – out of the home office.
These five West Indian executives are just a handful of examples of Caribbean women killing it in all industries. They are a source of inspiration as well as living examples of the achievements that come with hard work and creativity. Having amazing role models like Pat, Indranie, Yve-Car, Ann-Marie and Gloria only makes us wonder what West Indian women of future generations will be able to achieve.