The Greater Washington area has a long history of influential business leaders powering the growth of our region and the strength of their communities. On November 20, the Washington Business Hall of Fame will welcome four such leaders to receive our region’s signature lifetime business achievement award. The Hall of Fame brings these visionaries (the best in business) to the table with the next generation of leaders (the next in business), through an experience that connects and inspires us all.
The 2024 Hall of Fame Laureates are no strangers to media coverage. If you live in the Washington region, chances are you’ve seen their names in headlines for years. What you may not have witnessed is these trailblazers telling their stories in their own words. That’s what this series brings you – the insights, lessons and life advice that these Laureates have to offer based on a lifetime of success.
Washington’s best in business:
ROSIE ALLEN-HERRING
From leveraging the wisdom of her mentors to fostering community growth in our region, Rosie Allen-Herring has focused on elevating voices and demonstrating that meaningful work can transcend challenges.
Read the full Q&A to get to know Rosie – a leader in community impact and one of this year’s Laureates.
ROSIE ALLEN-HERRING
President &
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Did you have a mentor over the course of your career? If so, who was it, and how did they impact your career trajectory?
Rosie Allen-Herring: I've been fortunate to have several mentors and role models throughout my career, many of whom are still part of my “kitchen cabinet” today. These remarkable women have taught me about finding and using my voice confidently, affirming that my efforts are meaningful. They have supported me behind closed doors, creating safe spaces to discuss and challenge ideas. They've pushed me more than most realize. For example, one dear friend and mentor allowed me to stand on her shoulders during a time in my career when I thought keeping my head down and doing the work would allow me to excel. She encouraged me to vocalize what I wanted and ask for it! She also taught me how to reciprocate that type of support and the importance of not only using my voice, but elevating the voices of others and making sure people are seen and heard. The guidance of my mentors and role models went above being kind—their guidance fostered my personal growth and resilience.
“She encouraged me to vocalize what I wanted and ask for it! She also taught me how to reciprocate that type of support and the importance of not only using my voice, but elevating the voices of others and making sure people are seen and heard.”
What is the hardest job you have ever done? What made it so difficult?
Rosie Allen-Herring: My current role as President and CEO of United Way of the National Capital Area is perhaps the most challenging because it encompasses a wide span of control and responsibility across multiple areas. It's not just about the title; it's about the immense responsibility of guiding the careers of others and supporting the families that depend on them. The community relies on the work we do at United Way NCA. While it can be demanding, I know I am not doing the work alone. As a convener of community and corporate partners, it's fulfilling to see the pieces of the puzzle come together and witness your United Way NCA's positive impact on our community. Our goal is to help communities, partners and individuals find their light and inspire others. Challenging, yes, but the reward lies in getting the work done.
What is one thing you want the Greater Washington business community to know about your company?
Rosie Allen-Herring: It’s important for others to understand that while United Way is a 130-year-old institution, we are not asset-rich. We start each year with a zero-based budget. This means we have to raise millions of dollars yearly to support our work. I would love for the Washington business community to support your United Way by investing in our programmatic work and understanding that their contributions are vital to our mission. Support helps us continue the life-changing work we do daily, directly and with partners like Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, for our ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) neighbors. ALICE represents more than 500,000 low- and moderate-income households in our region that earn above the Federal Poverty Line but not enough to make ends meet with the high costs of living.
If you could choose one person to have dinner with, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Rosie Allen-Herring: I would love to meet and have dinner with my maternal great-grandmother, the original "Rosie." She is the leader of the pack of a long line of Rosies in my family. Named after her father's mother, my mother passed the name down to me, and I, in turn, to my oldest daughter as a middle name. I often wonder about the lives of these women—what it was like for them during the eras in which they lived. From being slaves to young wives to surrogate mothers and corporate professionals, each Rosie lent something of her life to the next generation. I carry forward a spirit of community and care from my great-grandmother Rosie. I would love to hear her stories, understand her motivations, and compare our hopes and dreams. Lastly, I'd be curious to know what she would think of her legacy as it passes through me. I stand proud just thinking about our ancestors from a time in American history that is not always fondly remembered.
“I carry forward a spirit of community and care from my great-grandmother Rosie. I would love to hear her stories, understand her motivations, and compare our hopes and dreams. Lastly, I’d be curious to know what she would think of her legacy as it passes through me. I stand proud just thinking about our ancestors from a time in American history that is not always fondly remembered.”
The global pandemic has caused young people to reconsider the connection between their education and the uncertain future. What should students be doing today to help prepare them for a successful tomorrow?
Rosie Allen-Herring: The pandemic was a major change agent for young people, opening up journeys in directions they likely never would have considered. It's crucial for young people to take a hard look at how things have changed, especially in the last five years. They should compare their pre-pandemic steps to the pivots they had to make to reach their current positions. They need to ask themselves what they want to give today that will shape a desirable tomorrow. They should continue to work toward expanding their worldview, developing a sense of global existence and mobility, ready to adapt to change swiftly. This lesson in managing change is something we can all learn from, regardless of age.
“It’s crucial for young people to take a hard look at how things have changed, especially in the last five years. They should compare their pre-pandemic steps to the pivots they had to make to reach their current positions. They need to ask themselves what they want to give today that will shape a desirable tomorrow.”
If you had to pitch a new business concept today, what would it be and why?
Rosie Allen-Herring: I would focus on creating a concentrated effort to ensure minorities have access to all aspects of the corporate realm, from entry-level positions to the boardroom. While many mentorship and fellowship programs exist, we need a concerted focus on minority representation throughout the corporate spectrum. Bringing more diverse minds to the table enhances creativity and problem-solving. As a society and a country, we must prepare all our young minds to sustain our position as a leading nation. We also need to be competitive with other world economies.
You’re invited to support Rosie Allen-Herring’s induction into the Washington Business Hall of Fame. All proceeds benefit Junior Achievement of Greater Washington’s work to prepare local students to be ready for the future.