W&L and VMI Welcome Keynote Speaker for Women’s History Month  Michele Thornton Ghee, the CEO of 1145 Holdings, the holding company of EBONY and Jet, will give a public lecture at W&L on March 21 at 5:30 p.m. in Northen Auditorium. 

By W&L News Office
March 13, 2022

Washington and Lee University’s Office of Inclusion and Engagement, in partnership with the Virginia Military Institute’s (VMI) Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, will honor Women’s History Month by co-hosting a public lecture with Michele Thornton Ghee, the CEO of 1145 Holdings, the holding company of the iconic brands EBONY and Jet, on March 21 at 5:30 p.m. in Northen Auditorium on W&L’s campus. 

The lecture is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required to attend. 

Ghee has worked for some of the most influential companies worldwide, including WME, CNN, A&E, The History Channel and BET Networks. 

“We are honored to have Michele Ghee visit campus,” said Tammy Futrell, dean for diversity, inclusion and student engagement at W&L. “Ghee’s career is a living testament to the strength that women, and particularly women of color, bring into a leadership role. Her work and success inspire me, and I know it will encourage our students. We are thrilled to have her share her insights with our community.”  

Ghee has received several honors and awards: Multichannel News 2019 Wonder Woman, Working Mother of the Year Award Class of 2018, The ADCOLOR Change Agent Award and The American Advertising Federation Mosaic Role Model of the Year Award. 

“The Virginia Military Institute is excited to partner with Washington and Lee University to bring Michele Ghee to both our institutions for a keynote and reception during Women’s History Month,” said Jamica Nadina Love, chief diversity officer at VMI. “Ghee’s transformational leadership has been instrumental in the success of some of the most influential brands in the world, and I am excited she will be able to speak to our students about the fundamentals of leadership for powerful women in the workplace.”  

Ghee has authored three books, including “Stratechic: Life and Career Winning Strategies for Women,” “Stratechic 2.0: Her Plan, Her Power” and “Her Purpose and Success on Your Terms.” Ghee graduated college at 31 and was later honored with an honorary doctorate of humane letters from her alma mater, Golden Gate University. 

Following the speaking event at W&L, Ghee will be at VMI’s Marshall Hall for a reception and book signing. 

Masking is optional in indoor performance spaces on W&L’s campus.