As part of our celebration of Black History Month, take a look back when Janice Bryant Howroyd, the founder and chief executive officer of The ActOne Group, presided over the awards gala that took place on Nov. 21. This article was originally published on Nov. 17. Also visit the CSUSB Black History Month website to participate in our events all month long.

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Mistress of Ceremonies Janice Bryant Howroyd, the founder and chief executive officer of The ActOne Group, presided over the 2020 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards that took place on Nov. 21.

With the theme “Despite all odds – the Spirit of the Entrepreneur will prevail!” the entire 2020 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards show may be viewed on the Cal State San Bernardino YouTube channel  or at the link below.

Howroyd is currently No. 39 on Forbes list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women. In 2014, Howroyd was recognized by Black Enterprise as the first black woman to own and operate a billion‐dollar company.

In 2014, Howroyd was recognized by Black Enterprise as the first black woman to own and operate a billion‐dollar company. She was BET’s first-ever BET Honors Entrepreneur of the Year and has received Black Enterprise’s Business of the Year award. In 2013, she was appointed a USA Ambassador of Energy at the White House.

She operates by the mantra, “Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally.”

“Janice’s quality of character as an individual, ownership mindset and driving success as an entrepreneur certainly aligns and elevates all that the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards aims to honor and celebrate! Janice most definitely graces the stage with her effervescent spirit of entrepreneurship!” said Mike Stull, founder and executive producer of the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-SDLO5MR6KM?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0">Watch 2020 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards gala video YouTube Video</a>