Ayana Parsons

Ayana Parsons is an award-winning inclusive leadership expert, entrepreneur, and global speaker. As a devoted wife, mother, and human potentialist, she empowers others to realize their full potential through personal and professional development. With over two decades of experience as a venture capitalist, organizational consultant, corporate executive, and entrepreneur, Parsons' personal mission is to help close the exposure, access, and opportunity gaps for marginalized and historically disadvantaged communities.

Parsons has held global leadership roles at the World Economic Forum, Korn Ferry, Heidrick and Struggles, Procter and Gamble, and Kimberly-Clark. She is the co-founder of Yardstick Management, the nation's leading Black-owned management consulting firm. In 2021, it was recognized by Inc. magazine as the best consulting firm in America.

Parsons co-founded Fearless Fund, the first venture capital fund for women of color by women of color, which has invested over $40 million in more than 40 small businesses. She also founded AKP Management LLC, a leadership consultancy for purpose-driven leaders and organizations.

Parsons has a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and a Master of Business Administration, both from Florida A&M University. She completed Executive Leadership Programs at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Smith College in Massachusetts, and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.