Mellody Hobson went from intern to one of the world’s most powerful women
Mellody Hobson is a well-known US businesswoman, investor, and director of Ariel Investments. Through her example, she has achieved the American dream. Born into poverty, she has achieved financial success and social recognition.
Born in 1969, Mellody’s mother raised six children independently, and the family regularly struggled financially. Hobson noted that her mother could not manage money sensibly, leading to repeated evictions. The hardships of her childhood forced Mellody to pursue a career in financial management.
She realised early on that getting a good education was the way out of poverty. Hobson studied hard and was able to pay her way into a prestigious university. At Princeton, she studied politics and international relations. Mellody also interned at several investment firms.
The start of career
After graduating in 1991, she landed a job at Ariel Investments. Mellody showed a fantastic ability to work. She went out of her way to impress management with her skills. In just 9 years, Hobson reached the position of president of the company. In 2019, she assumed the co-CEO position, which she still holds today.
Mellody’s entire career has been with one company — Ariel. The company manages assets through its funds. It is worth noting that the head of the firm, John Rogers Jr., is the first black founder of an investment firm in the United States. By 2024, Ariel’s assets under management had reached USD 15 billion.
Other interests
In addition to her role as CEO, Mellody has other interests. Despite a childhood in poverty, she has become successful, but her fate could have been different. As a result, Hobson is an active supporter of financial literacy and education projects. Mellody has long been involved in educational activities related to these issues. She has appeared as an expert on various television programmes and newspapers, including:
– ABC’s Good Morning America;
– CBS News;
– Black Enterprise.
She has also participated in profile events. Mellody has also served on the boards of major US companies such as:
– Starbucks;
– JPMorgan;
– DreamWorks;
– Estée Lauder.
Hobson has been active in some non-profit organisations, including charities and educational foundations. Mellody has lived in Chicago since birth and loves the city. She is actively involved in developing the metropolis and improving conditions for its people. For her services, Hobson has received the highest award from the state of Illinois. She is also the first African-American woman to chair the Economic Club of Chicago.
