Commencement Speaker: Anne Sempowski Ward

Anne Sempowski Ward is a corporate board director, investor, former CEO, and philanthropist. She has led some of the world’s most beloved brands, such as Coca-Cola, Ebony, and Clairol. Her success in building passion brands among diverse consumers and customers has distinguished her as a thought leader and sought-after advisor. She is recognized as a well-rounded and transformational leader who guides people, brands, and organizations through major growth and cultural change. She also has a strong passion for helping talented women and leaders of color realize their visions of success in both career and life.

As a strong advocate for women in sports, Anne is an owner of the WNBA Chicago Sky and two USL franchises. She has also continued her corporate career and is chairwoman of CURiO Brands, a private equity-backed portfolio of beauty, wellness and home fragrance brands (Capri Blue, Thymes and Otherland). This role builds on her tremendous success as CEO for 12 years, where the company quadrupled in size under her leadership and a woman-led team. Anne is also an independent director on the boards of SPS Commerce, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, and TLB (The Lip Bar) and serves on the Duke University Fuqua School of Business Board of Visitors and the University of St. Thomas Board of Trustees. 

A mechanical engineer who took an unconventional path to becoming a C-suite executive, Anne is a proud native of Detroit and currently resides in Minneapolis with her family.