11 Black alumni entrepreneurs turning their passion into purpose
Written by Maia Penzer | Posted February 2025
BU has a long history of graduating entrepreneurs, trailblazers, and changemakers. For Black students, succeeding at a predominantly White institution (PWI) like BU brings unique challenges. Students of color at PWIs report lacking a sense of belonging, lack of representation, feelings of isolation, and experiencing harmful interactions and micro aggressions. Despite the obstacles they have encountered along the way, BU’s Black alumni entrepreneurs never gave up on pursuing their dreams. Now, they’re making their mark across industries, turning their passions into businesses that uplift communities, celebrate culture, and drive meaningful change. Whether they’re empowering Black investors, coaching leaders, breaking barriers to educational access or reimagining storytelling through design, their work reflects a commitment to excellence and community. Meet just a few of the many Black alumni entrepreneurs who are shaping the future—one bold venture at a time.
1. Angela Pitter (ENG’86, MET’93): Founder, LiveWire Collaborative
After she earned two degrees from BU, double-Terrier Angela Pitter built LiveWire Collaborative, a digital marketing agency that helps businesses amplify their digital presence and connect meaningfully with their audience. With services ranging from LinkedIn consulting to social media training, digital marketing consulting, and more, LiveWire provides strategies that align with clients’ goals. If you’re interested in services, LiveWire offers free 20-minute consultations to help businesses kickstart their digital marketing journey.
2. Shannon Finney (STH’96): Founder, Shannon Finney Photography
Shannon Finney has done it all with her business, Shannon Finney Photography—from photographing US presidents and Hollywood stars, to weddings, B’nai Mitzvahs, and family portraits. Whether it’s an intimate family moment or a high-profile event, Finney is passionate about storytelling through stills. She highlights the beauty in both everyday life and once-in-a-lifetime occasions through every photograph.
3. Trevor Rozier-Byrd (LAW’10): Founder & CEO, Stackwell Capital
Trevor Rozier-Byrd is working to close the racial wealth gap by making investing easy and accessible through FinTech. As the founder of Stackwell Capital, a user-friendly investment app, Rozier-Byrd is empowering the Black community with financial tools and guidance. Through his work, Rozier-Byrd aims to help users build generational wealth and financial wisdom.
4. Shameka Coleman (Wheelock’14): Founder, Volunteers Incorporating Black Excellence (VIBE)
While at BU Wheelock, Shameka Coleman learned the importance of community. Now, she’s paying it forward through VIBE, a nonprofit that connects volunteers from the African Diaspora—and allies—to meaningful service opportunities. VIBE creates inclusive spaces for giving back while celebrating Black excellence in action.
5. Dr. John Polk (MED’74, Wheelock’13, SSW’15): Founder, Directions in Coaching
Dr. John Polk has worn many hats—from cardiothoracic surgeon to life coach. After earning three BU degrees, he founded Directions in Coaching, helping professionals and organizations navigate life changes and reach their goals. His unique journey from the operating room to coaching sessions showcases his lifelong commitment to helping others thrive.
6. Isioma Utomi (ENG’07): CEO, Catalyst Experience Solutions
Isioma Utomi is the founder of Catalyst Experience Experience Solutions, a consulting firm that empowers leaders and organizations to achieve their highest potential. Through her business, Utomi advises entrepreneurs and executives on how to work smarter and more effectively to achieve their goals. Staying true to her engineering background and African heritage, she works to amplify the voices of women in the African tech startup space by spearheading events like the Women Who Launch summit at Lagos Startup Week.
7. Ivellisse Morales (COM’12): Founder & CEO, Bombilla
Ivellisse Morales is driven by storytelling with purpose. After graduating from BU, she honed her skills at world-renowned firms and organizations like IDEO, Year Up, Ogilvy, and more. In 2018, Morales launched Bombilla (which means “lightbulb” in Spanish), a branding and design agency focused on social change. Its mission is to reimagine the creative agency world and amplify diverse voices through bold, representative storytelling.
8. Shironda White (Questrom’18): Founder & CEO, Cupcake Therapy
During her time at Questrom, Shironda White honed her business skills—and her sweet tooth. A businesswoman and self-proclaimed “foodie with a lot of allergies,” White founded Cupcake Therapy, a tree nut-free and peanut-free cupcakery. Specializing in made-to-order cupcakes made from high-quality ingredients, Cupcake Therapy offers nut-free, dairy-free and vegan options to ensure that everyone can enjoy a delicious treat.
9. TJ Douglas: Co-Founder, The Urban Grape
In 2010, TJ Douglas opened The Urban Grape with his wife, Hadley, and turned it into one of the largest Black-owned wine retailers in the US. Based in Boston, the store is known for its unique approach to wine selection, making it easier (and more fun) for everyone to find the perfect bottle. For TJ, it’s about more than wine—it’s about building community.
10. Jonathan Allen (LAW’19): Co-Founder & Director of Development, Leadership Brainery
After Jonathan Allen graduated from BU Law, he started Leadership Brainery, a nonprofit organization that works to address inequitable access to master’s and doctoral degrees. Through educational programming, Allen is working to diversify leadership pipelines by helping underrepresented students access grad school opportunities. His goal is to create a future where leaders reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
11. Sydney Simone Gary (SHA’16): Founder, Simone The Label
Sydney Simone Gary’s Simone The Label celebrates beauty, connection, and self-expression through tarnish-free, hypoallergenic jewelry. Gary’s brand focuses on timeless pieces that tell stories, encouraging wearers to embrace elegance while expressing who they are.