Dubbed one of the"50 Most Powerful Women in Business"
Janice Bryant Howroyd
Janice Bryant Howroyd is an American entrepreneur, businesswoman, and philanthropist known for being the founder and CEO of The ActOne Group, a global workforce solutions company. Born on September 1, 1952, in Tarboro, North Carolina, Howroyd has achieved remarkable success in business, particularly as a trailblazing African American woman entrepreneur.
Raised in a family that prioritized education and hard work, Howroyd attended North Carolina A&T State University, where she studied English and later pursued a career in teaching. However, her entrepreneurial spirit and keen business acumen led her to explore opportunities beyond the traditional career path.
1978 Howroyd founded The ActOne Group, initially operating from a small office in Beverly Hills, California. Despite facing challenges and skepticism as a woman of color in the predominantly white male-dominated business world, Howroyd persevered and built her company from the ground up.
Under Howroyd's leadership, The ActOne Group has grown into one of the world's largest privately-held, woman-owned workforce solutions companies. The company provides a wide range of services, including temporary staffing, permanent placement, background checks, and consulting services, serving clients across various industries.
Howroyd's entrepreneurial success and commitment to excellence have earned her numerous accolades and recognition throughout her career. She has been named one of the "50 Most Powerful Women in Business" by Black Enterprise magazine and received the "Entrepreneur of the Year" award from Ernst & Young.
Beyond her business achievements, Howroyd is actively involved in philanthropy and community service. She is a strong advocate for education and empowerment initiatives, particularly those focused on supporting women and minorities in the workforce.
Janice Bryant Howroyd's inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur and influential business leader is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women and people of color, striving to succeed in the business world. Her legacy as a trailblazer and philanthropist continues to impact lives and empower individuals to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.