When Thasunda Brown Duckett stepped into the role of president and CEO of TIAA, she wasn’t simply taking the helm of a financial institution—she was stepping into a national calling. Her leadership has consistently focused on expanding access, strengthening financial confidence, and ensuring that everyday people can retire with dignity. Now, she has been named to American Banker’s “Most Powerful Women in Finance” list—an acknowledgment of her bold leadership and her determination to make wealth-building attainable for every working American. Changing How America Retires When TIAA launched an IRA product designed to broaden access to lifetime income, the stock market was having one of its most volatile days. Investors were rattled, headlines were uncertain—but to Duckett, the moment only validated the importance of guaranteed income. “Guaranteed income isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” she said, emphasizing that Americans deserve stability that isn’t dependent on market turbulence or economic swings. Her message is clear: security shouldn’t depend on timing—it should be built into the system. Expanding Access to Lifetime Income Duckett has led TIAA through major expansions, including entering the corporate 401(k) space—moving beyond its traditional base of nonprofit and university employees, and opening doors for millions more workers. With nearly half of Americans at risk of running out of money in retirement, she has called retirement security “a national imperative,” pushing the conversation from policy circles into living rooms, workplaces, and communities that often feel unprepared for the future. Public policy is responding. Nearly 20 states have introduced legislation to expand access to retirement plans, while national lawmakers consider automatic re-enrollment for workers who fall out of savings. Under Duckett’s leadership, TIAA is positioned not just to participate in these changes, but to drive them. Innovation With Purpose Duckett’s commitment to access extends to technology and partnerships. TIAA has invested in Vestwell, partnered with major recordkeepers, and launched a proprietary generative AI platform—TIAA GAIT—to empower its teams with faster insights and stronger decision-making tools. She isn’t just modernizing systems—she’s modernizing people. Through training initiatives like the Guild Network, thousands of employees are building new skills in technology and business processes, preparing the organization for a future shaped by AI. For Duckett, innovation isn’t about disruption—it’s about dignity, confidence, and opportunity. Leadership Beyond Wall Street Duckett recently joined a group of investors purchasing a minority stake in the WNBA’s New York Liberty—extending her influence into sports, culture, and representation. As a former student athlete, she believes athletics build leadership and community—not just championships. Her philanthropic work through the Otis and Rosie Brown Foundation continues this mission, celebrating everyday excellence and supporting families, students, and communities with access to education and opportunity. “Extraordinary is everywhere,” she says, “especially among those who create opportunities for others.” Lessons Emerging Leaders Can Learn 1. Access is power. Duckett’s leadership proves that expanding access expands possibility. 2. Dignity belongs in financial discussions. People deserve systems that support their future—not fear about it. 3. Innovation must include inclusion. Technology should lift people, not replace them. 4. Leadership is service. Real leaders build pathways so others can rise. A Leader Changing the Narrative Thasunda Brown Duckett is not simply leading an institution—she is reshaping how our nation prepares for the future. Her work reminds us that financial empowerment is not only about wealth; it’s about dignity, equity, and the chance to live a full life long after work ends. Her recognition is well deserved—but the true win is what it means for generations who will retire stronger because she decided to lead with vision, courage, and purpose. And that is the kind of leadership that transforms lives.

When Keith Lee stepped onto the Hollywood Palladium stage to accept TikTok’s first-ever U.S. Creator of the Year Award , it wasn’t about fame. It was about proof. Proof that when everyday people use platforms with purpose, they can change the economic future of entire neighborhoods. PULL-QUOTE “I never in a million years thought I’d be standing on this stage.” — Keith Lee Lee, known for his quiet humility and honest food reviews, has unintentionally become one of the most influential advocates for independently owned restaurants across the country. His videos don’t shout. They don’t perform. They simply tell the truth — and people listen. Lines grow. Registers ring. Doors stay open. PLATFORM + PURPOSE Lee’s rise didn’t just give him attention. It gave him responsibility. He describes TikTok not as a stage, but as a gateway : to elevate hidden gems to restore hope to small business owners to remind the internet that community matters PULL-QUOTE “TikTok gave me a platform to show small businesses around the country.” — Keith Lee Even in the middle of the applause, Lee admitted something deeply human: PULL-QUOTE “It’s hard to do something for myself, because I always put other people first — but this is for me.” Beside him was his wife, Ronni — the person who first encouraged him to start posting reviews. One simple nudge became the spark that changed lives. 🔎 SIDEBAR: Why This Matters for Our Communities Keith Lee’s journey mirrors the heart of our work: ➡ Visibility creates opportunity ➡ Digital storytelling drives economic mobility ➡ Trust is a growth strategy ➡ Compassion can be an engine for commerce This is enterprise with a conscience — and it works. A NEW ERA OF INFLUENCE The TikTok Awards — themed “New Era, New Icons” — highlighted creators using influence to shape culture, business, and connection. Honorees included: Jeremiah Brown — Rising Star, expanding conversations around books & community Mariah Rose — MVP of the Year, bringing fresh voice to sports storytelling Singer Ciara headlined the evening, celebrating the creators reshaping the way culture travels. And in true alignment with Lee’s mission, host LaLa Anthony announced a $50,000 donation to Feeding America — linking recognition to real-world impact. 💡 SIDEBAR: Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Take From Keith Lee ✔ Be honest. People trust authenticity. ✔ Focus on service — not spotlight. ✔ Use your platform to lift others. ✔ Let your values shape your visibility. You don’t need millions of followers to make a difference. You need integrity — and consistency. BIGGER THAN AN AWARD Keith Lee’s success isn’t a celebrity headline. It’s a blueprint. His work shows us: ordinary people can become economic catalysts purpose travels farther than popularity when community wins, everybody wins He didn’t build influence for attention. He built impact by paying attention. And that is exactly the future we believe in — one where tech, storytelling, and heart come together to create opportunity “When we use our voice to uplift others, everybody rises.”