Desiree Rogers

EXCLUSIVE
  • CEO and Co-Owner, Black Opal Beauty and Fashion Fair Cosmetics
  • Former CEO, Johnson Publishing
  • Former White House Social Secretary & Special Assistant to President Obama
  • CEO with Experience in Marketing, Re-Branding & Consumer Connection

An influential business leader, Desiree Rogers has helped major organizations reinvent business models and reach new and more diverse audiences with tangible results. The first black CEO and Co-Owner of Black Opal Beauty and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, and a former CEO of Johnson Publishing Company, Rogers is heralded for her uncanny business acumen and innovative approach to marketing and brand development. Beyond her experience in the private sector, Rogers was appointed by President Obama as White House Social Secretary, re-positioning the White House as the “People’s House” and implementing innovative events.

Named to the "50 Most Influential People in the Multicultural Market" by WWD, "Top 25 Women to Watch" by Crain's Chicago Business, and "Top 50 Most Powerful African American Business Women" by Black Enterprise, Rogers offers insights on everything from how to make marketing work in a digital and global age, to how to talk about race and foster a positive, inclusive work environment. Sought-out to speak at TED, Rogers has the unique ability to connect with her audience, energize and inspire teams, and illuminate new strategic pathways and operational approaches.

"If you are afraid, there is no way to be open. Reach beyond, take a chance, be respectful, and always think of what you can do for others." - Desirée Rogers, TEDx Speech, 2016

 



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Past Hosts Include:
  • Lev, A Cognizant Company
  • Equal Hope
  • Chicago Ideas
  • Society for Human Resource Management
  • SC Johnson Company
  • Mshale, The African Community Newspaper
Rave Reviews About Desiree Rogers as a Speaker
Things went well! As was expected Desiree was a hit. Very gracious and accommodating to the guests who were happy to be in the same room with her. It was our pleasure to have her and would like to thank you for your help in getting her here.

Desiree Rogers at TEDxParker - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Desiree Rogers
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Making Marketing Work: Cultivating Customers in a Digital and Global Age

Customers drive every business, so what is the best way to connect with them in today’s digitized and globalized marketplace? Drawing on her experiences in hospitality, cosmetics and publishing and her work as a White House Social Secretary for President Barack Obama, DESIREE ROGERS reveals how to d ...

Customers drive every business, so what is the best way to connect with them in today’s digitized and globalized marketplace? Drawing on her experiences in hospitality, cosmetics and publishing and her work as a White House Social Secretary for President Barack Obama, DESIREE ROGERS reveals how to devise marketing strategies that really work. From how to understand demographics and solicit input from your customer base, to how to infuse your business with passion, purpose and vision, Desiree reveals what it takes to hatch a marketing plan that exceeds goals and motivates your business’ team behind a mission.  

How Do We Talk About Race? Confronting Bias and Finding Your Voice

While many organizations, institutions and businesses strive to promote diversity, addressing issues of race—both professionally and personally—remains complicated, uncomfortable, and difficult. DESIREE ROGERS makes it easy. In this keynote, she reflects on both her experiences as a black woman maki ...

While many organizations, institutions and businesses strive to promote diversity, addressing issues of race—both professionally and personally—remains complicated, uncomfortable, and difficult. DESIREE ROGERS makes it easy.

In this keynote, she reflects on both her experiences as a black woman making her way up the ladder in male and white-dominated industries, and as a CEO tasked with overseeing a diverse team, to reveal what it takes for us to get comfortable with race.

From pushing individuals to confront their own biases, to providing actionable takeaways on how to address exclusion in all its forms, Desiree provides a refreshingly straightforward perspective on race in today’s world and how to feel powerful in your own skin.

Fostering a Positive Work Environment

In a 21st century workplace, openness and communication are key. Gone are the days of siloed cubicles and unilateral decision-making. Instead, diversity in collaboration, innovation, and ideas are the elements that separate truly exceptional businesses and organizations from the pack. Drawing on her ...

In a 21st century workplace, openness and communication are key. Gone are the days of siloed cubicles and unilateral decision-making. Instead, diversity in collaboration, innovation, and ideas are the elements that separate truly exceptional businesses and organizations from the pack.

Drawing on her experience as a CEO overseeing diverse teams, DESIREE ROGERS reveals how to foster a truly collaborative and open work environment where team members are empowered to tackle tough issues.

Providing instantly implementable tools and strategies, Desiree shares tactics for creating a workspace where everyone feels they have a seat at the table and voice in the conversation, so businesses can ultimately create a team that thrives.

What Does It Take To Be A Woman Today?

How do we talk about womanhood? Terms like “work-life balance,” “lean in” and “resiliency” quickly become buzzwords, ways in which to navigate womanhood, but what do they really mean? In this refreshingly honest and open talk, Desiree reflects on her personal experiences as a breast cancer survivor ...

How do we talk about womanhood?

Terms like “work-life balance,” “lean in” and “resiliency” quickly become buzzwords, ways in which to navigate womanhood, but what do they really mean?

In this refreshingly honest and open talk, Desiree reflects on her personal experiences as a breast cancer survivor as a way to talk about being a woman today.

Sharing powerful (and humorous) anecdotes and lessons, DESIREE ROGERS distills what is truly important in life to paint a picture of personal reinvention.

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Speaker News
<p>Desiree Rogers is the first black CEO at Black Opal Beauty</p>

Desiree Rogers is the first black CEO at Black Opal Beauty

Influential business leader and former White House official DESIREE ROGERS has become the first black CEO of Black Opal Beauty, an iconic, global beauty company that specializes in products for women of color. A historic acquisition, Desiree's new position made headlines such as: "After 25 Years, Black Opal Is Now a Black-Owned Beauty Brand" (Allure), "Rogers takes helm of new cosmetics company" (Chicago Business), and "Slay! Black Opal Beauty Is Finally Black-Owned" (HelloBeautiful). A renowned business executive-- Rogers served as CEO of Johnson Publishing and Fashion Fair Cosmetics and has been named the "50 Most Influential People in the Multicultural Market" by WWD as well as "Top 50 Most Powerful African American Business Women" by Black Enterprise-- Rogers is heralded for her innovative and inclusive leadership that has helped turn brands around and attracted new customers. In her refreshing, engaging speeches she offers insights on everything from how to make marketing work in a digital and global age, to how to talk about race and foster a positive, inclusive work environment. Sought-out to speak at TED, Rogers has the unique ability to connect with her audience, energize and inspire teams, and illuminate new strategic pathways and operational approaches. She receives rave reviews such as: "Desiree nailed it! Her presentation was spot on and resonated very well with our audience. Following close of her presentation, Desiree participated in a “meet and greet” session for about an hour at the Exhibit Hall opening. She was engaging, delightful and gave ample time with everyone." (Society for Human Resource Management)

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Biography

With over 25 years’ experience building brands in a variety of industries, Desiree Rogers is an influential, results-oriented business leader. Through her keen business acumen and unique background, she has reinvented business models and changed the growth trajectory of multiple organizations. Her leadership strategy focuses on identifying opportunities, building strong teams, and driving results. Her strong interpersonal, collaborative, and diplomatic skills have resulted in successful accomplishments in business, civic leadership, and philanthropy. She is a high-profile speaker, frequently quoted in local and national media.

Rogers is currently the CEO and co-owner of Black Opal and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, and a former CEO of Johnson Publishing Company. She recently launched One Brown Girl, LLC., a corporation that invests in minority-owned businesses. 

 "I like to analyze every situation through a new set of lenses, thinking of ways to bridge the gap between today and what is possible." - Desirée Rogers

Throughout her career, Rogers has led major organizations with critical impact on their economic viability as they built new foundations for future performance and increased responsiveness to a wide range of audiences. As CEO of Johnson Publishing Company, she assessed growth prospects for the company's three divisions: Media (Ebony and Jet magazines), the Johnson Archives, and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, the world’s largest prestige cosmetics company for women of color.  Under her leadership, she positioned the company for capital investment and the sale of its media division. She stabilized Fashion Fair Cosmetics as a standalone company with a modernized strategic retail and digital presence in the United States and expanded its international footprint. "We are well positioned to continue my father's legacy and move this business forward in the future…" stated Linda Johnson Rice, Chairman of Johnson Publishing.

Appointed by President Obama as White House Social Secretary, Rogers repositioned the White House as the “People’s House,” implementing innovative events at a level exceeding the previous Administration by 25%. Prior to that, Rogers spearheaded the development of the social networking strategy for the Allstate Corporation, helping to reinvent digital customer engagement for the company.

As President of Peoples Energy, Rogers transitioned Peoples Gas from a traditional 'under the radar' entity to a responsive, customer-centric organization and secured the first-rate increase in 12 years. In addition, she successfully improved the operational efficiency for Peoples Gas achieving a 74% increase in customer product and service sales. Rogers also transformed the $1.6B Illinois Lottery from being the 'old kid in town' into a popular revenue producer that revolutionized instant ticket games doubling sales through marketing partnerships to $600 million. This innovative strategy became a 'best practice' model for lotteries worldwide.

"If you are afraid, there is no way to be open. Reach beyond, take a chance, be respectful, and always think of what you can do for others." - Desirée Rogers, TEDx Speech, 2016

Rogers is often recruited to provide a fresh business perspective. She has a distinct ability to transcend traditional methods to redefine operational approaches, create new strategic pathways, energize and inspire teams, and accelerate business success. Her unwavering loyalty and drive, in concert with her ability to listen, work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, build consensus, and make hard business decisions is why she is referred to as a top influential business leader. Rogers is widely credited for her ability to identify and motivate talent, selflessly helping to build and grow the careers of those around her.

Acknowledged as a bold visionary, Rogers has been the leader of many 'firsts' including the development of the first social networking strategy for Allstate, the first  female and African American president of the two natural gas utilities of Peoples Energy in Chicago managing over 2,000 employees, the first African American Social Secretary appointed by President Obama, the first 'non-family' lead, CEO, of the 70 year-old Johnson Publishing Company family business, the first person at the Illinois Lottery to build a partnership with retailers through instant ticket telemarketing, developed the first robust Ebony magazine digital platform, secured the first multi-year contract with the James Beard Awards for Choose Chicago, and created a strategic, multi-cultural plan for the White House introducing the first performance of HAMILTON during the White House Poetry Slam.

Rogers is known as an exceptional communicator and a committed community advocate. She continues to serve on several corporate boards including MDC Partners and Inspired Entertainment. Rogers earned a master of business administration from Harvard University and a bachelor of arts in Political Science from Wellesley College. She attended the Center for International and Comparative Programs in Geneva, Switzerland in international politics, business and marketing. She also attended the Harvard Kennedy School Women and Power Program, a curriculum designed for senior women executives.