Women To Watch 2025 honoree Tracey Pennywell

Tracey Pennywell is a trailblazing entrepreneur, accomplished author, and dynamic professional speaker with over 25 years of experience in the corporate, nonprofit, and entertainment sectors. As the CEO and founder of multiple successful ventures, including KAN Upskill, HBCU Heroes, and Secure the Bag Tour, Pennywell has dedicated her career to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) while bridging the gap between corporate America and underrepresented talent.

At the helm of KAN Upskill, Pennywell connects corporations with a diverse pool of top-tier talent, ranging from college students to law students and recent grads, for recruitment. Her company also provides essential career preparation through webinars and mentorship programs, ensuring candidates are well-equipped to succeed in the workforce.

As the CEO of HBCU Heroes, a nonprofit co-founded with NBA veteran George Lynch, Pennywell has been instrumental in creating pathways to success for students and graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through strategic DEI initiatives, she empowers global corporations to tap into a rich pool of diverse talent, driving sustainable growth and profitability. Pennywell's work with HBCU Heroes extends to the HBCU Heroes Online Academy, where she leads efforts to provide scholarships, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities that prepare students for successful careers.

Pennywell is a highly sought-after speaker who consults with Fortune 500 companies on recruiting and retaining top-tier diverse talent. She is the driving force behind the Secure the Bag Tour, where she not only organizes but also delivers compelling keynote speeches across college campuses annually. Beyond this, Pennywell's speaking engagements span worldwide audiences including Goodera’s Global Volunteering Summit 2025, nationwide conventions, virtual webinars, and more, reflecting her versatility and broad appeal. She regularly hosts and produces webinars, career fests, and on-site hiring events, effectively connecting employers with talented candidates and fostering mutually beneficial relationships.

Pennywell is also a prolific author, with two influential books under her belt. "Tech Hustle: From Classroom to Boardroom Secure Your Dream & Secure the Bag" serves as a guide for

young professionals navigating the tech industry, while "Hustle Your Way To Financial Freedom: Release Your Inner Shark," co-authored with George Lynch, offers strategies for achieving financial success through bold leadership and innovative income streams.

Throughout her illustrious career, Tracey Pennywell has remained steadfast in her commitment to leveling the playing field for minorities and women. Her unwavering passion for changing lives and empowering others is reflected in her work, her writing, and her relentless pursuit of equity and inclusion in every sphere she touches. She is an alumna of UNC-Chapel Hill.