Honoring Leadership, Innovation, and Gender Equality
Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy to Keynote International Women’s Day Celebration
The Alabama A&M University Office of Multicultural Affairs will host the 3rd Annual International Women’s Day Celebration on Friday, March 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Ernest L. Knight Center. The 2025 theme, ‘Accelerate Action’ for gender equality, emphasizes the importance of decisive leadership and strategic advancement in closing gender gaps.
Delivering the keynote address and a powerful Call to Action is Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy, an esteemed leader in academia and university administration. Dubroy is the Chief Operating Officer of Breakthrough T1D, and newly retired Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Howard University, where she oversaw facilities, IT, campus safety, enrollment management, environmental health and safety, and university strategy.
Under her leadership, Howard University launched transformative initiatives, including a $758 million construction and real estate acquisition project, an extensive IT overhaul, and the modernization of its steam plant.
Before her tenure at Howard, Dubroy made history as the President of Shaw University, where she reversed six consecutive years of enrollment declines and closed a critical $4 million fundraising gap. Her visionary leadership earned her the title of 2017 CEO of the Year in North Carolina’s Triangle region.
A distinguished chemist and entrepreneur, Dubroy’s career began at BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, where she rose to the roles of Global Technology Analyst and Chemical Procurement Manager. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Tea and Honey Blends, a natural hair care company, and she co-owned Element Beauty Bar in Raleigh.
An alumna of Shaw University, North Carolina State University (Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry), and Rutgers University (MBA), Dubroy has been widely recognized for her contributions to academia and business. She was named one of Washington Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business and, in 2024, made history as the first Black woman to chair the board of directors for the National Association of College and University Business Officers.
Born in Mandeville, Jamaica, Dubroy’s journey exemplifies excellence, innovation, and a commitment to educational and economic empowerment.
In addition to Dubroy’s keynote, the event will feature performances by the Alima Dance Company and the presentation of the Women of Excellence Awards, honoring outstanding women at Alabama A&M and within the local community. Guests are encouraged to wear any combination of purple, green, or white – the colors symbolizing International Women’s Day.
This inspiring event is open to the public, celebrating women’s achievements and driving forward the conversation on gender equality.
You must register to attend this event by Wednesday, March 5.