6. Veronica Shelton of Oak Theory
Oak Theory, co-founded by Veronica Shelton and her business partner Hannah Ryu, is a creative studio specializing in user experience and user interface (UX/UI) design. UX/UI refers to how apps, websites, and digital tools look, feel, and function — from the flow of the screens to their ease of use.
The studio has grown into a seven-figure business serving clients such as Google, Vanderbilt, and Columbia. Shelton, a neurodivergent Black woman with experience at powerhouse brands including Disney and Sephora, brings expertise in solving complex problems with technology and leading with vision. Her leadership reflects not only her technical skill but also her lived perspective, shaping Oak Theory’s approach to inclusive, forward-thinking design.
While co-founder Ryu contributes a human-centered design philosophy, Shelton’s presence as a Black woman in the top 0.1% of women of color leading in tech underscores the significance of Oak Theory’s success. Through their editorial platform Under the Oak, Shelton continues to shape conversations about technology, leadership, and authenticity in ways that expand both access and impact.
The Legacy in Motion
Black women in business are not waiting to be discovered. We are here, building companies that solve problems, create community, and change industries from the inside out. The six women featured in this list are proof that innovation is not abstract. It has names, faces, and measurable impact. Each has chosen to take ownership of her work, her story, and her legacy — and in doing so, she clears space for others to do the same.
Black Business Month may be ending, but the work continues. These founders remind us that our businesses are central to our economy. When we recognize that, and when we support it, we’re investing in the future.
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Great Job Thiy Parks & the Team @ MadameNoire Source link for sharing this story.
