2026 Honorees
Dr. Trisha Bailey
2026 Fellowship Open
National Corporate Leadership Honoree
Dr. Trisha Bailey
Dr. Trisha Bailey is an internationally recognized entrepreneur, philanthropist, and healthcare leader whose journey from humble beginnings to global success has made her one of the most influential Jamaican-born businesswomen in the world. A proud alumna of the University of Connecticut, she is the founder and CEO of Bailey's Pharmacy & Medical Equipment & Supplies, where her mission centers on delivering compassionate care to the elderly, disabled, and underserved communities.
Over the past two decades, Dr. Bailey has built a powerful business portfolio, overseeing 16 thriving companies and a workforce of more than 500 employees, generating hundreds of millions in revenue. Her impact has earned her numerous accolades, including HME Woman of the Year Finalist, recognition as the wealthiest Jamaican-born woman in the world, and the historic distinction of being the first Black individual to have a building named in her honor at the University of Connecticut.
Her extraordinary leadership and service were further recognized when she was awarded Jamaica's prestigious national honor, the Order of Distinction, the country's highest civilian awards. Beyond business, Dr. Bailey is a passionate philanthropist whose generosity has transformed lives through major contributions to education, athletics, and community development. Through her work and influence, she continues to inspire others by proving that with vision, resilience, and purpose, it is possible to create opportunity where none exists.
Richard Dent
2026 Fellowship Open
Legends Honoree
Richard Dent
A native of Atlanta, Richard Dent made his mark on the football history of Tennessee State University before heading to the NFL. Dent was recruited by coaching legend John Merritt and played for TSU from 1979 until 1982.
While at the University, Dent lettered in football every year and received All-American honors twice. He held the quarterback sack career record of 39.5 and set a single-game sack record of 4.5 in 1982. He finished his TSU career with 158 tackles, 39.5 sacks, 6 fumble recoveries and was drafted in the eighth round by the Chicago Bears in 1983.
Dent went on to have one of the most celebrated careers of an NFL defensive lineman. He was known for his dominating play throughout his 14-year professional career. Dent played in every game as a rookie and started in three.
The following year, he became a permanent starter at right end and recorded 17.5 sacks which was the most of any defender in the NFC. Appropriately, he was named to the first of his four Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors as well. During his career, he was named All-NFC five times and played in four Pro Bowls (1985, 1986, 1991 and 1994).
For Dent, the 1984 season was the beginning of a remarkable 10-year period during which he had double digit sacks in eight of the next ten seasons. His NFC leading 17.5 sacks in 1984 was immediately followed up with an NFL best 17. That year the Bears trounced the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. Dent’s Super Bowl performance – three tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles – earned him Most Valuable Player honors. He is only one of five defensive players in Super Bowl history to earn the MVP honor.
Before his retirement in 1997, Dent played one year each for San Francisco, Indianapolis and Philadelphia. Dent’s 137.5 career sacks places him third on the NFL records list and he remains the Bears all-time sacks leader. He was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Today, he operates the “Make a Dent” Foundation and sits on the boards of several civic organizations including the National College Foundation and the Illinois College Hall of Fame. Dent makes his home in Chicago and is a partner of First Communications, a telecommunications company.
James H. Lowry
2026 Fellowship Open
National Change Agent Honoree
James H. Lowry
James H. Lowry, a Senior Advisor at Boston Consulting Group, is a nationally recognized
workforce and supplier diversity expert. He currently leads the firm’s workforce diversity, ethnic marketing, and minority business development consulting efforts. Prior to joining BCG in 2000, Jim founded his own firm, James H. Lowry & Associates, which, in 1978, prepared the first major study on minority business enterprise development for The Department of Commerce. He continues to head his firm while serving as a senior advisor at BCG.
In 2011, Jim co-wrote the book, Minority Business Success: Refocusing on the American Dream. His new book, Change Agent: A Life Dedicated to Creating Wealth for Minorities, is a memoir that demonstrates the power of mentorship and opportunity amid a widening wealth gap. In the past, Jim held various positions with the US Peace Corps including Associate Director in Lima, Peru. He later was the Assistant to the President of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corp. and a Senior Associate for McKinsey & Company in London, New York, Washington, and Chicago. He is an Adjunct Professor at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management of Northwestern University.