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CRAINSNEWYORK.COM | OCTOBER 21, 2024

As one enters the Big Apple through the Midtown Tunnel, the words “E Pluribus Unum” — “Out of many, one” — greet every visitor. This storied phrase well encapsulates the spirit of a city where diversity and unity increasingly coexist.

But challenges persist, especially in business. A 2023 Pew Research Center study found that nearly 3 in 10 Black workers believe their employers pay too little attention to diversity, equity and inclusion. And roughly half of Black workers feel that their race makes it harder for them to succeed professionally.

The 100 honorees on our list of 2024 Notable Black Leaders undoubtedly know both sides of this coin. In honoring them, Crain’s celebrates Black New Yorkers’ success and advancement, spanning industries from law and finance to nonprofits and the arts. Read on to learn more about these pacesetters and their remarkable achievements.

Leslie Brun

Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Ariel Alternatives

Scope of work: Leslie Brun is founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Ariel Alternatives, the private equity subsidiary of Ariel Investments. Ariel Alternatives secured the commitments of leading Fortune 500 limited partners and co-investors, such as Walmart and Salesforce, for its first fund, Project Black.

Biggest career win: Under Brun’s leadership, the Ariel Alternatives team closed Project Black in February 2023 with $1.45 billion in commitments.

Other contributions: Brun serves as lead director of Broadridge Financial Solutions and serves on the board of directors of Corning. He is also an advisor in Bank of America’s enterprise executive development program and serves as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.