Leona Locke Dotson 29
Finance Manager
Microsoft Corp. Redmond, WA
Locke Dotson manages $1 billion in revenues and creates long- and short-term strategies for current and future product launches and specific marketing initiatives. She expanded Microsoft’s finance-driven tool for field salespeople worldwide to include more products, customer intelligence, and envelop more customers to drive profits. She also structured a model $1 million donation from Microsoft to the National Association of Black Accountants.
Jamail Larkins 26
Founder/CEO
Ascension Aircraft Augusta, GA
Larkins has been flying high since the tender age of 16. In 2006, he started his company with just $5,000. Since then Ascension has taken off, with services such as aircraft leasing, management, acquisition, and brokering. Last year, the revenues of this 2010 BE Next Company of the Year grew to $8.4 million.
Ninon Marapachi 32
Director/Senior Project Manager
Bank of America-Global Wealth & Investment Management New York
Marapachi plays a key role in BofA’s product and portfolio development related to alternative investments. Managing a 10-member team, the Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, native leads the bank’s Hedge Fund Origination. Her unit is charged with sourcing, structuring, negotiating, and managing the Merrill Lynch Hedge Fund $20 billion platform.
Greg Marchand 35
Founder/Managing Director
Gizmos L.L.C. Chicago
Marchand saw a demand for IT products and services in Africa and set up shop in Zambia, where he directly oversees Gizmos’ African division, Gizmos Ltd., providing business solutions to the Sub-Saharan African business community. With nearly $1 million in revenues, Gizmos’ clients include the MTN Group, a multinational mobile telecom company, and UNICEF.