Photo Gallery

The BECA Playbook Graduation – Future Leaders C’24

December 6, 2024

December 2024 market yet another milestone as BECA held its 2nd Graduation Ceremony for the BECA Playbook (TBP) C'24 Future Leaders. The graduates armed with powerful marketing and leadership skills from TBP, in addition to powerful bonds of friendship, are set to excel as they continue their journey to the C-suite.

A group of professionals pose for a photo, each holding a glass award. The backdrop features a sign with the text "BECA" and "Black Executive CMO Alliance." The attendees are dressed in formal business attire, with many smiling and looking at the camera. The setting is an event space with a stage, spotlights, and a modern, well-lit interior.

The Setting

Paramount’s NYC headquarters in Times Square – a beautiful venue – served as the perfect scene to host the graduation services.

A large digital screen displays "The Graduation - THE BECA Playbook - Celebrating the Class of 2024" at a formal event. The BECA (Black Executive CMO Alliance) branding is visible. In the foreground, a round table is elegantly set with wine glasses, white napkins, and a floral centerpiece in shades of purple and red. A table number sign reading "2" is placed at the center of the table.

A clear glass award engraved with the name "Cleyana Mayweather" sits atop a book titled The BECA Playbook. The award acknowledges a graduate from the BECA program, with the words "Share, Learn, Elevate, Pay It Forward" inscribed. A bouquet of deep red and purple flowers decorates the table in the background.

A man in a dark suit and blue tie is signing a book with a focused expression. His hands are holding a pen as he writes on an open page. The setting is a formal event, with a table covered in a white cloth and a blurred bouquet of red flowers in the foreground.

A wide-angle view of the BECA graduation event shows multiple round tables set for guests, each adorned with floral centerpieces, glassware, and copies of The BECA Playbook on the seats. A large digital screen in the background displays "The Graduation - THE BECA Playbook - Celebrating the Class of 2024." Warm lighting and professional event decor create an elegant atmosphere.

A round table at a formal event is elegantly set with white tablecloths, silverware, and glassware. A floral centerpiece with red and purple flowers sits in the middle. Each chair has a copy of The BECA Playbook placed on its seat. A table number sign displaying "5" is positioned at the center of the table. The stage is visible in the background.

Mix and Mingle

Future Leaders, BECA Members, sponsors and guests arrived at Paramount HQ in times square, NYC for an afternoon of connection and celebration. From the warm greetings to the shared laughter and meaningful conversations, each snapshot reflects the spirit of unity that defines the BECA family.

A group of people, dressed in business attire, are mingling and chatting at a professional networking event. A man in a navy blue suit and tie stands near a table with drinks, engaging with guests. Other attendees, including women wearing stylish dresses and coats, are seen conversing in small groups. The setting has soft lighting and a decorative curtain backdrop.

A smiling man in a navy blue suit and a woman in a navy blue dress pose together for a photo at a networking event. They stand close to each other, looking directly at the camera. Behind them, a table with large beverage dispensers and other guests mingling can be seen.

Three professionally dressed individuals are engaged in conversation at a networking event. One man in a dark suit and pink shirt is smiling while speaking to another man in glasses and a dark blazer. A woman in a black dress with curly hair holds a drink and listens attentively. The background features event signage with logos, including "Paramount" and "Penguin Random House."

Three women sit at a table engaged in conversation and laughter. The table is decorated with a floral centerpiece, glasses, and event materials. One woman in a black fur vest is smiling, another in a patterned blazer and glasses is sipping a drink, and the third in a black outfit is leaning in attentively. A table sign with the number "10" is visible in the foreground, and a staff member in black attire stands in the background.

Two women pose together, smiling warmly at the camera in front of a "BECA" event backdrop. One woman is wearing a black blazer over a white shirt with a brown sweater, and the other is dressed in a navy blue and green dress with a belt. They have their arms around each other in a friendly gesture.

Two men stand side by side, smiling in front of a backdrop with "BECA" and various sponsor logos, including "Paramount" and "Penguin Random House." One man is wearing a black blazer over a black shirt, while the other is dressed in a blue blazer over a light blue button-up shirt.

A heartfelt moment as a woman in a beige outfit embraces a bald man in a suit. She is smiling with her eyes closed, conveying warmth and happiness. A digital display in the background shows the words "Black Exec" along with a green-lit event design. Another woman in a purple sweater is seen laughing nearby.

Two women smile brightly as they take a selfie together at an event. One woman in a black and white dress holds a smartphone with a pop socket, while the other, dressed in a gray sweater, leans in. The background features other guests, event lighting, and a stage setup.

Five people pose playfully in front of a "BECA" event backdrop, making gestures like raising hands, peace signs, and bunny ears. They are dressed in stylish professional attire, with some wearing blazers and dresses. The group appears joyful, engaging in a fun and energetic moment at the event.

A woman in a beige dress with long sleeves and gold jewelry is standing and engaging with attendees at a round table during a formal event. The guests at the table, dressed in suits and elegant attire, are smiling and laughing. A table sign with the number "9" is visible in the foreground, and other guests and event decor can be seen in the background.

A group of six individuals pose together in front of a "BECA" event backdrop. They are dressed in a mix of professional and stylish casual attire, including blazers, dresses, and a sweater with bright yellow pants. They stand closely together, smiling warmly for the photo on a red carpeted area.

A man and a woman are seated at a table, smiling at the camera. The man is wearing a navy blue blazer over a light-colored button-up shirt, while the woman is wearing a dark blazer and a black turtleneck. A table sign with the number "8" is visible in front of them, along with wine glasses and a floral centerpiece.

A bald man in a black blazer and black shirt is leaning forward, shaking hands with a seated guest at a round event table. Other guests, including a man in a navy blue suit and another in a gray suit, are engaged in conversation. The background features a busy event hall with attendees, waitstaff, and table decor.

Two men in suits are engaged in a serious conversation at a formal event. One man, wearing glasses and a black blazer, gestures with his hand while speaking, while the other, in a dark suit with a pink shirt, listens attentively. The background includes event tables, floral arrangements, and professional lighting.

A woman in a beige dress with long sleeves and gold jewelry shakes hands with another woman seated at a round table, who is smiling. Another woman in a black dress stands nearby, smiling as she observes the interaction. The background includes a decorated table with drinks, floral arrangements, and other event attendees.

Welcome Reception

A woman in a beige dress with long sleeves and gold jewelry is addressing a group of attendees at a formal event. She holds a notebook and gestures while speaking, engaging the diverse group of women in front of her, who are dressed in a mix of professional and stylish attire. Some attendees are smiling, while others hold notebooks, papers, or cameras. The background includes event tables, a large screen, and photographers capturing the moment.

A woman in a white coat smiles while talking to another woman dressed in black at a BECA event. A man in a light gray sweater stands beside her, listening to the conversation. The background features a "BECA" branded backdrop and other guests engaged in discussions.

A woman in a black dress with glasses is engaged in conversation with another woman wearing a black and white dress at a formal event. Other attendees are seen in the background, mingling and networking around round tables decorated with floral centerpieces. A table sign with the number "5" is visible in the foreground.

Pre-Graduation Program

A bald man in a plaid blazer over a black turtleneck sweater stands at a clear podium, gesturing with both hands while speaking. He has a focused expression, and the background consists of a white wall and a microphone stand.

A woman in a stylish gray sweater adorned with embellishments, a white collared shirt, and bright yellow pants stands behind a podium, speaking at a BECA event. The backdrop prominently displays "BECA" and "Black Executive CMO Alliance," indicating the event’s branding.

woman in a teal blouse with long braided hair stands behind a clear podium, delivering a speech. She holds a pair of glasses in one hand and speaks into a microphone, with a confident expression. A dark event backdrop is partially visible behind her.

A woman in a black blazer sits at a table, covering her face with her hands while laughing. Other guests around her are engaged in conversation, and a floral centerpiece is visible in the background.

A woman with long, curly hair in a black blazer and red skirt stands behind a clear podium, looking down and smiling. She is speaking at a formal event, with a "BECA" branded backdrop behind her.

A woman in a black outfit with a decorative sash stands among a group of attendees who are clapping and applauding. The background features a large "BECA | Black Executive CMO Alliance" sign, and guests are standing and celebrating at an elegantly set table.

A young man in a suit and tie is seated at a round event table, laughing and engaging in conversation. He is surrounded by other attendees, some of whom are smiling. A table sign with the number "9" is visible in the background along with elegant event decor.

A woman in a beige dress with long sleeves and gold jewelry stands behind a clear podium, delivering a speech. She gestures while speaking, with a focused expression. The background includes professional lighting and a stage setup.

A bald man in a dark suit with a pink shirt sits at a round event table, smiling and appearing amused. The table is adorned with a floral centerpiece, and other attendees are seen in the background enjoying the event.

Mistress of Ceremonies: Michelle Miller CBS

A woman in a black and white patterned dress walks across the stage holding a "BECA" branded sign. She appears poised and confident as attendees in the background react.

A woman in a black and white patterned dress stands behind a clear podium, speaking into a microphone. She gestures with one hand while maintaining a poised and confident expression.

The same woman playfully poses on the red carpet in front of a "BECA" branded backdrop, smiling and lifting one foot in the air with arms extended in a dynamic stance.

Summa Cum Laude Graduate: Turkessa Simmons – Graduate of the C’24, Turkessa Simmons, shared joyful words reflecting on her and her peers’ success through their completion of The BECA Playbook.

A woman in a checkered blazer with red accents speaks at a clear podium with the "BECA Black Executive CMO Alliance" banner in the background.

The same woman at the podium glances towards the audience with a serious expression, with bright stage lighting illuminating her.

The same woman in the checkered blazer stands at the podium, smiling and gesturing towards the audience.

Graduation Ceremony

BECA Member, Rudy Wilson (Former President, Global Consumer Brands, SC Johnson), imparted sage words of wisdom to ignite and celebrate graduates of the C’24 as they navigate their way to the C-Suite.

A large screen displays a keynote message introducing Rudy Wilson, identified as a Board Director & Former President of Global Consumer Brands at SJ Johnson. A portrait of him is shown on the left side of the screen, while the real Rudy Wilson, wearing a navy blazer, is walking onto the stage smiling. Audience members are visible in the foreground, looking towards the stage.

A man in a navy blue blazer and a woman in a patterned dress embrace in front of a BECA-branded backdrop, smiling warmly as they greet each other.

The same speaker in front of the BECA backdrop laughs while standing next to a lectern, wearing a navy blue blazer and white t-shirt.

The C’24 Future Leaders Cross the Stage

The Future Leaders of the C’24 proudly crossed the stage to receive their well-deserved graduation plaques. Jerri DeVard along with BECA Founding Members Chris Foster and Gail Peterson, donned robes for the graduation ceremony. Each photo captures the spirit of accomplishment, marking the culmination of 2-years dedicated to completing The BECA Playbook.