As Women’s History Month comes to an end, I hope you continue celebrating women in your life or women who inspire you.

With that regard, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Janice Bryant Howroyd, the first African-American-woman to own a billion-dollar company in the United States.

Bryant Howroyd is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Act-1 Group, a global leader providing customized, cutting-edge solutions in the human resources industry.

Founded 1978, The Act-1 Group is a multi-billion dollar (USD), award winning, international talent and technology enterprise with multiple divisions that service unique areas of employment and provide talent management solutions. It is the largest privately held, woman, and minority owned workforce management company in the U.S. and currently operates in 19 countries worldwide.

“All I had was a brain, a phone and a phonebook,” asserted Bryant Howroyd, as “she did not have the technology that she employs today to help immediate success as well as strategic success” when she founded her business. She is truly an inspiration!

Favorite Quotes by Bryant Howroyd

• “Discipline is not a dirty word. There is far more freedom and opportunity for creativity and success in enjoying discipline. Years ago someone I very much respect told me the reason they were successful is that they embraced doing what other people resent or are reluctant to do.”
• “Many people are determined and have the true grit attitude to run their own businesses, but that is not enough. At a certain point you must design your business and have a long-term plan.”
• “Never compromise who you are personally to become who you wish to be professionally.”
• “Empowering people is a blessing and responsibility.”