In 2021, Thasunda Brown Duckett made history by becoming CEO of TIAA, a financial services giant that manages over $1 trillion in assets. With that appointment, she became just the second Black woman in history to lead a Fortune 100 company.
But what makes Thasunda’s journey remarkable isn’t just the title. It’s how she got there—with grit, intention, and a lifelong commitment to service and equity.
Thasunda was born in Rochester, New York, and raised in Texas. Her father was a truck driver, and her mother worked in education. Growing up in a working-class household, financial stability was not a given, and she often witnessed the struggles that came with it.
Despite these challenges, she excelled academically and pursued a degree in finance at the University of Houston. She later earned her MBA from Baylor University, setting the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking career in finance.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder with Purpose
In 1996, Thasunda began her professional career at Fannie Mae, where she led affordable lending initiatives aimed at helping communities of color access homeownership. This early work would foreshadow her lifelong dedication to closing wealth gaps in underserved populations.
By 2004, she joined JPMorgan Chase and quickly rose through the ranks. She first led home lending in the Northeast, then managed national sales strategy, and later became CEO of Chase Auto Finance. In 2016, she reached a major milestone when she was named CEO of Chase Consumer Banking.
In that role, she oversaw more than $600 billion in deposits, over 5,000 branches, 16,000 ATMs, and a workforce of 50,000 employees.
“So how do I achieve work-life balance? I don’t believe it’s possible. Instead, I live my life like a diversified portfolio. I write down everything that matters to me, and I allocate my time. That step is important to me, because nothing happens unless it’s tracked.”
Remarkably, she achieved all of this while raising four children—a feat that underscores her exceptional ability to lead both professionally and personally.
Thasunda has often reflected on the dual identity of being both a mother and a corporate leader. She embraces both roles fully, bringing empathy, discipline, and clarity into the boardroom—qualities she credits, in part, to motherhood.
Taking the Helm at TIAA
In 2021, Thasunda was appointed CEO of TIAA, an institution that, despite its low public profile, plays a massive role in American retirement. TIAA primarily serves over five million public sector employees — teachers, academics, and government workers — helping them plan for and sustain financial security in retirement.
Leading a trillion-dollar organization might sound daunting, but the mission of TIAA resonated deeply with Thasunda’s personal experiences. She understood firsthand how fragile financial stability can be and how life-changing it is to retire with dignity.
For her, this wasn’t just business — it was purpose-driven work.
Giving Back as She Climbs
Throughout her rise, Thasunda has remained deeply connected to her community. In 2013, she launched the Otis & Rosie Brown Foundation—named after her parents—to support educational and community-based projects in Arlington, Texas.
“Think about everything that really matters to you and aligns to who you are. As with the financial markets, you may have some ups and downs, and that’s okay. We expect volatility in most portfolios. You may have to spend more time on certain parts of your life at times than others, but over time you can outperform.”
Today, she serves on the boards of Nike, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, and several other organizations focused on equity, leadership, and education. Her influence extends far beyond corporate finance—she’s a powerful advocate for underserved communities, especially Black and Brown families.
Five Leadership Lessons from Thasunda Brown Duckett
Lead With Purpose, Not Prestige
Thasunda’s career has always been rooted in impact, not titles. Whether it was expanding access to affordable housing or managing retirement savings for public servants, she has consistently prioritized mission over status.Let Your Roots Ground You
No matter how high she has climbed, Thasunda remains grounded in her upbringing. Her experiences growing up in a working-class household continue to inform her leadership style, giving her the empathy and perspective to connect authentically with the people she serves.Overcome Imposter Syndrome by Showing Up Anyway
Thasunda has faced moments where she didn’t see anyone else in the room who looked like her. Rather than letting that deter her, she stayed in the room, made space, and created pathways for others to follow.Lead Like a Mother—Because You Are One
Thasunda does not separate her identity as a mother from her role as a leader. She draws on the lessons of parenting—like patience, prioritization, and compassion—to guide her approach in the boardroom.Give Back as You Rise
Thasunda believes that success comes with the responsibility to uplift others. Through her foundation and board service, she is committed to opening doors and creating opportunities for future generations.
Jenny’s Takeaway
Thasunda Brown Duckett’s story reminds us that leadership doesn’t have to fit the traditional mold. She leads with intention, compassion, and courage—and shows that it’s possible to rise to the very top while staying true to your values.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that success is not just about personal achievement, but about how many people you bring along with you.
So here’s your challenge: As you rise in your own career, who are you bringing with you?