Editor’s Note: The David Eccles School of Business is celebrating Black History Month by sharing the successes of Black business leaders who have made big impacts in the business world.
Brenda J. Lauderback currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for Denny’s, Inc., the largest family dining restaurant with more than $2 billion in annual sales. Lauderback began her career at Gimbels department store, rising to the role of merchandise buyer at Dayton-Hudson (now known as Target) in Minneapolis. She became the first African-American woman to hold the position of Vice President and General Manager for the shoe, cosmetic, intimate apparel, and accessory departments. After, she moved to the U.S. Shoe Corporation, becoming President of the wholesale and manufacturing divisions after being acquired by Nine West Group, LLC. She also currently serves on the Boards of Sleep Number and Wolverine World Wide Corporations.
Lauderback has received many awards, including the alumni achievement award from her alma mater Robert Morris University, the National Association of Corporate Director’s Top 100 Directors, National Restaurant News’ Power List of “Most Influential People in Foodservice” and the Ford Foundation’s Pinto Project Award.
Anna Terry is a Marketing and Information Systems student at the David Eccles School of Business. She currently serves as an intern for the Marketing + Communications team.