Mellody Hobson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mellody Hobson
|
|
|---|---|
Hobson in 2007
|
|
| Born | April 3, 1969 |
| Education | Princeton University (BA) |
| Occupation | Businesswoman |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 1 |
Mellody Louise Hobson Lucas (née Hobson; born April 3, 1969) is a successful American businesswoman. She is the president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, a company that helps people manage their money. She also used to be the chair of Starbucks, a very well-known coffee company.
Mellody Hobson has achieved many important things. She was the first African-American woman to lead The Economic Club of Chicago. In 2021, she became the first Black woman to chair a company listed on the S&P 500, which includes 500 of the largest companies in the U.S. She was one of the most important corporate leaders in the United States. In 2020, Forbes magazine listed her as one of the "World's 100 Most Powerful Women."
Contents
Early Life and Education
Mellody Hobson grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She was the youngest of six children in her family. She went to St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago and graduated in 1987.
After high school, she attended Princeton University, a famous college. She graduated from Princeton in 1991. While at Princeton, she was a member of the Cottage Club.
Career Highlights
Soon after finishing college, Mellody Hobson started working at Ariel Investments. This company helps people invest their money. She began as an intern and quickly moved up.
She became a senior vice president and then the director of marketing. In 2000, she became the president of the company. Ariel Investments is one of the largest money management companies in the U.S. owned by African Americans.
Mellody Hobson also shared her financial knowledge on TV. She was a regular guest on shows like Good Morning America and CBS This Morning. She helped explain money matters to many people.
She has served on the boards of many important organizations. These include JPMorgan Chase & Co. and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. She was also on the board of Starbucks Corporation and The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
In 2009, Mellody Hobson created and hosted a TV show on ABC called Unbroke: What You Need to Know About Money. The show featured celebrities like the Jonas Brothers and Samuel L. Jackson. It taught viewers about managing their finances.
In 2017, she became the first African-American woman to lead the Economic Club of Chicago. This is a group where business leaders discuss important economic issues. In August 2017, she also guest hosted the "Money Issue" episode of CBS Sunday Morning.
In June 2018, Mellody Hobson was named vice-chair of Starbucks Corporation. She later became the chair of the board in 2020. She stepped down as chair in September 2024 but continued to be a lead independent director.
In 2022, Mellody Hobson joined a group of investors who bought the Denver Broncos. This is a professional American football team.
Giving Back to the Community
Mellody Hobson is also known for her generous giving. In October 2020, she and her family foundation made a large gift to Princeton University. This gift helped create a new residential college at the university.
In 2024, Mellody Hobson and her husband, George Lucas, helped fund the restoration of a film. They provided money to restore Ghatashraddha, a movie by Girish Kasaravalli. The Film Heritage Foundation completed this restoration.
Awards and Recognition
Mellody Hobson has received many awards for her work and leadership. In August 2017, she was recognized by the City of Birmingham for her charity work. She helped with a program called Birmingham's Bright Leaders of Tomorrow.
In 2018, she was honored by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. She received the Order of Lincoln, which is the highest award given by the State of Illinois.
Personal Life
Mellody Hobson met film director and producer George Lucas in 2005 at a business conference. They started dating in 2006. In January 2013, they announced their engagement.
Mellody Hobson and George Lucas were married on June 22, 2013. Their wedding took place at Lucas' Skywalker Ranch. They have one daughter, who was born in August 2013.
See also
In Spanish: Mellody Hobson para niños
