Glenda McNeal has been promoted at American Express, and she’s making history in the process. According to a news release, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Dillard University alumna has been named chief partner officer. What’s more, she becomes the first to take on the title, which follows the expansion of the company’s Strategic Partnership portfolio. McNeal will be responsible for managing American Express’ global sponsorships in travel, retail, tech, and media. “Partnerships have proven to be critically important to the growth of our company, bringing additional value to the products and experiences that continue to engage our customers and drive the generational relevance of American Express Membership. I look forward to continuing to work with the Amex team and an expanded group of partners to innovate as we move forward,” McNeal said in a press release. Stephen J. Squeri, chairman and CEO of American Express also shared a press statement. “Glenda has an...

A local woman is on a mission to empower children through this Baltimore youth STEM program. As a STEM leader, entrepreneur, and overall nonprofit visionary, Lawson was inspired to launch The Be. Org. Its mission is centered around changing the lives of Baltimore-area children of color through a rich curriculum that is focused on social-emotional learning, self-development, and STEM enrichment. Empowering Baltimore’s Youth “There was a young lady, she was a family friend and she was struggling with the transition to middle school. And, she wanted to be an actress. So I asked her, ‘What are you doing to perfect your craft?’ You know, ‘What are you doing to achieve your goals,’ and she ended up saying no one from Baltimore ever makes it,” Lawson recalled, telling AfroTech the inspiration behind starting The Be. Org. “So my heart was broken. Just for her to feel so defeated, just by mostly the circumstances of her environment. Baltimore is a hard city. And so, for her to give up on her...