Women of colour in high society:Mellody Hobson

Mellody Hobson is an African-American philanthropist, businesswoman, and intellectual leader.

Mellody exudes a grace and graciousness that is unmistakable. She possesses a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, heard, and understood. People's defenses are quickly lowered around her; she's the type of woman who brightens whatever room she enters. This quality, I feel, has played an important role in her ascension up the social ladder. Because of her well-spoken, cosmopolitan, and exceptionally bright demeanor, successful people draw toward her.

Profile: Career

Mellody began working as an intern at Ariel Investments, a Chicago financial firm that oversees nearly $13 billion in assets, shortly after graduating from Princeton. She progressed through the ranks of the company to become its senior vice president and director of marketing. She rose through the ranks to become the company's president in 2000.

It's also one of the country's largest African-American-owned money management and mutual fund firms. For many years, she was a regular contributor to Good Morning America's financial portions. Estée Lauder, Starbucks (where she chairs the audit and compliance committee), and DreamWorks Animation all have her on their boards (where she chairs the entire board). She also serves on the boards of far too many charitable organizations to mention.

She is ranked #94 on Forbes' list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women as of 2020.

Passion: Public speaking

Mellody uses her voice to motivate and inspire those who want to be successful in their careers and personal life. She does this by speaking at private business conferences and summits.

Marriage to George Lucas

Mellody, who was 45 at the time, married George Lucas, a 70-year-old director she met at a conference, in June 2013. mits.

 Walton, George Lucas Jr. is a film director, producer, screenwriter, and entrepreneur from the United States. Lucas is most known for co-founding Lucasfilm, LucasArts, and Industrial Light & Magic, as well as developing the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. Before selling Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Company in 2012, he served as its chairman.