John W. Rogers, Jr., Founder, Chairman, Co-CEO & Chief Investment Officer, Ariel Investments

John’s passion for investing began at age 12 when his father started buying him stocks as Christmas and birthday gifts. His interest in equities grew while in college and over the two-and-a-half years after graduation he worked as a stockbroker at William Blair & Company. In 1983, John founded Ariel to invest in undervalued small-and medium-sized companies. While our research capabilities have since expanded, his patient approach still anchors the firm today.

He received an AB in economics from Princeton University, where he was also captain of the varsity basketball team. John is active civically and professionally based on his belief that these engagements make him a better leader and a better investor. Beyond Ariel, he is a member of the board of directors of NIKE, The New York Times Company, Ryan Specialty Group Holdings and the Obama Foundation, and was a board member of McDonald’s for over 20 years. John also serves as Vice Chair of the board of trustees of The University of Chicago.

“I am honored to be recognized with the Trailblazers Award by the Women’s Business Collaborative. Ariel was founded in 1983 as a company where diversity is not aspirational, it’s foundational. Our culture was built on the conviction that diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes. I accept this recognition with gratitude to the many civil rights activists who served as trailblazers before me.”