Michael Samuel Todd

11/01/2026

RESPECT THE SOIL

From Dillard to Spelman: Four Women, Corporate America, and the Legacy of HBCU Leadership

November 1, 2026

As a proud graduate of Dillard University, Class of 1981, and the father of Alaina Arrie Todd Banks, Spelman College Class of 2009, I take extraordinary pride in recognizing four accomplished African American women whose leadership represents the enduring contributions of historically Black colleges and universities.

These women are Dr. Joyce M. Roché, Dillard University Class of 1970; Glenda Goodly McNeal, Dillard University Class of 1982; Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, Spelman College Class of 1984; and Latriece Watkins, Spelman College Class of 1996.

Their accomplishments represent far more than individual professional advancement. Their careers demonstrate how HBCU graduates can influence corporate strategy, institutional governance, economic opportunity, and the development of future generations.

Two Spelman Women Who Led Sam’s Club

Rosalind Brewer became President and Chief Executive Officer of Sam’s Club in 2012, making history as the first African American woman to lead a Walmart operating division.

Her leadership journey extended to Starbucks, where she served as Chief Operating Officer, and Walgreens Boots Alliance, where she became Chief Executive Officer.

Her service also included major corporate boards, including Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Starbucks, and Molson Coors.

Brewer subsequently returned to Spelman College as interim president during 2025–2026, demonstrating that corporate achievement and service to one’s alma mater can reinforce each other.

On February 1, 2026, another Spelman graduate, Latriece Watkins, became President and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S.

Watkins began her Walmart career as an intern in 1997 and advanced through nearly three decades of executive responsibility. She earned her political science degree from Spelman and her law degree from the University of Arkansas.

She also serves on the Board of Directors of Live Nation Entertainment.

I recognize the Walton family’s extraordinary business legacy and the significance of having two Spelman alumnae appointed, at different times, to lead one of Walmart’s major business divisions.

These appointments should encourage a broader examination of how corporations identify, develop, promote, and retain talented graduates of historically Black colleges and universities.

Joyce M. Roché — Dillard University, Class of 1970

Dr. Joyce M. Roché is another remarkable example of executive leadership grounded in an HBCU education.

After graduating from Dillard University, she earned her MBA from Columbia University and built an outstanding career in marketing and corporate management.

At Avon Products, Roché became the company’s first African American female vice president and its first vice president of global marketing.

She subsequently became President and Chief Operating Officer of Carson Products Company and later President and CEO of Girls Incorporated.

Her corporate governance experience included service on the boards of AT&T, Macy’s, Anheuser-Busch, Tupperware Brands, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, and May Department Stores.

These were significant responsibilities involving corporate oversight, executive compensation, financial performance, risk management, and accountability to shareholders and stakeholders.

Of equal importance to me, Joyce Roché served as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Dillard University.

Her willingness to contribute executive experience to the institution that helped prepare her reflects the principle of stewardship.

Her return to Dillard as the October 15, 2026 Founders Day Convocation speaker represented another important connection between institutional history and contemporary achievement.

Glenda Goodly McNeal — Dillard University, Class of 1982

I also wish to recognize Glenda Goodly McNeal, who graduated from Dillard University just one year after I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1981.

McNeal earned her accounting degree from Dillard and subsequently completed an MBA in Finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

She began her professional career with Arthur Andersen, later worked at Salomon Brothers, and joined American Express in 1989.

Through decades of service, she advanced into positions of increasing responsibility involving financial services, global client relationships, strategic partnerships, business development, and corporate leadership.

In February 2024, she became American Express’s first Chief Partner Officer.

As a member of the company’s Executive Committee, she helps direct important relationships across industries that include travel, retail, technology, media, sports, and entertainment.

But her contribution does not end with American Express.

McNeal has held corporate governance positions with United States Steel Corporation, Nordstrom, and RLJ Lodging Trust.

Her work has also extended to the American Express Global Business Travel enterprise, the World Travel & Tourism Council, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and educational and civic organizations.

She has served on the Board of Councilors of the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.

One of the most compelling connections between Glenda McNeal and Joyce Roché is their shared service to Dillard University.

In 2014, while Joyce Roché served as Chair of Dillard’s Board of Trustees, Glenda McNeal was listed as First Vice Chair.

Two Dillard alumnae, both successful in corporate America, were helping provide governance leadership to their alma mater.

I regard that connection as especially meaningful.

Higher education is not sustained by academic instruction alone. It requires experienced trustees who understand financial accountability, institutional risk, strategic planning, governance, fundraising, and the responsibilities owed to students, faculty, employees, alumni, and the communities institutions serve.

In March 2025, Dillard University celebrated McNeal’s receipt of the BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Legacy Award.

Her achievements reflect a career built through preparation, professional discipline, financial knowledge, and a sustained commitment to leadership.

Beyond Executive Titles: The Responsibilities of Corporate Boards

These four women also demonstrate that the influence of HBCU graduates reaches beyond executive management.

Corporate board members have important responsibilities in overseeing strategy, management, financial reporting, executive compensation, risk, and governance.

Their work can affect employees, investors, customers, suppliers, and entire communities.

This raises important questions for corporate America and for HBCU leaders.

Are major corporations recruiting HBCU graduates into meaningful executive-development pipelines?

Are talented professionals being prepared for positions in finance, operations, technology, legal affairs, and corporate governance?

Are corporate boards recognizing the expertise that graduates of institutions such as Dillard and Spelman bring to their deliberations?

And are successful alumni encouraged to return to their institutions as mentors, donors, advisors, and trustees?

These questions deserve serious attention from HBCU presidents, boards of trustees, corporate executives, foundations, and policymakers.

A Father’s Reflection to Alaina, Dylan, and Alivia

To my daughter, Alaina Arrie Todd Banks, Spelman College Class of 2009, I offer these stories as reminders of the educational legacy you share with Rosalind Brewer and Latriece Watkins.

Your professional achievements and your commitment to family are equally important chapters of that legacy.

And to my grandchildren, Dylan Michael Banks and Alivia Noelle Banks, I want you to understand why your grandfather believes so deeply in the importance of education and service.

The women recognized in this chapter attended institutions that developed leadership during generations when African Americans faced profound barriers to economic and educational opportunity.

Their stories remind us that preparation matters, character matters, opportunity matters, and the willingness to open doors for others matters.

From Dillard University in New Orleans to Spelman College in Atlanta, these women have helped shape American business, governance, philanthropy, and higher education.

As we recognize their accomplishments, we must also ensure that the institutions that helped prepare them remain financially strong, academically competitive, ethically governed, and accessible to future generations.

That is the larger responsibility of leadership.

That is the legacy I want my family to understand.

That is what it means to RESPECT THE SOIL.

With appreciation and respect,

Michael Samuel Todd, MBA
Dillard University, Class of 1981
Founder, Respect the Soil Advocacy Foundation
Author, Respect the Soil / Development Through My Own Journey

For the manuscript’s historical record, the additional verified sources include Dillard’s Distinguished Alumni register⁠, American Express executive biographies⁠, and the 2026 Joyce Roché Founders Day announcement⁠.

The shared Dillard trusteeship of Roché and McNeal is especially valuable evidence for your continuing examination of HBCU financial stewardship, corporate governance, and alumni leadership.

Learn more about the virtual conference to equip individuals and the Church in preventing sexual harm and fostering trauma-informed care. Louisiana UMCers can register for ...

10/22/2026

Letter to Family and Friends

October 22, 2026

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope this letter finds everyone well. As I reflect on the many experiences, challenges, blessings, and accomplishments that have shaped my life, I felt compelled to share a few personal thoughts and updates with those who have been part of my journey.

First, I want to acknowledge the medical professionals who assisted me during an important period of my life. I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Morison in 2019 and Dr. James in 2018 following discussions with the medical team at Anchor Hospital in October 2018. Those conversations occurred during a time when I was evaluating both my physical and emotional well-being while navigating a variety of personal and professional challenges.

Life has a way of presenting unexpected circumstances that test our resilience. Thankfully, throughout those experiences, I have been fortunate to receive guidance, support, and encouragement from friends, family members, and professionals who genuinely cared about my well-being.

I would also like to respectfully ask that anyone wishing to discuss matters concerning me provide advance notice whenever possible. Open communication and understanding are valuable, especially when addressing matters involving family, health, or personal circumstances.

Over the years, I have worked with and supported numerous nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping individuals overcome adversity, trauma, and unexpected life changes. Service to others has always been an important part of my life, and I remain grateful for the opportunities I have had to contribute.

One area of particular pride is my long association with United Way of Southeast Louisiana. I am honored to have received several recognitions for my service, including:

Recognition and appreciation for years of service as Finance Committee Chairman and Board Treasurer (2017)
Recognition for service as Chair of the Finance & Operations Committee and Board Treasurer (2019)
United Way of Southeast Louisiana's 100th Anniversary Recognition for dedicated Board service from 2015 through 2024
These honors represent not only personal accomplishments but also meaningful opportunities to serve our community and support important causes.

Beyond my professional and community service activities, I have also enjoyed moments of success in recreational pursuits. Among those memorable achievements are:

Closest to the Hole Award, Westbank ARC Golf Tournament (2008)
First Place, First Flight, Annual Joseph Bertucci Golf Tournament, Southeast Louisiana Building Trades, Pontchartrain Park (April 25, 2015)
Professionally, my career has included both rewarding opportunities and difficult transitions. Following my departure from Bethune-Cookman University in 2018, where I served as Vice President of Business & Finance, Chief Financial Officer, and Vice President of Physical Plant and Auxiliary Enterprises, I quickly resumed my professional career by joining Billes Architects, Inc. as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer later that same year.

One of the most significant events of my professional life occurred during the closure of First NBC Bank on April 28, 2017. Having served in leadership roles within the banking industry, including positions at First NBC Bank and Dryades Savings & Loan, FSB, I possessed a unique understanding of the regulatory process surrounding bank closures. Although the event created uncertainty for many employees and customers, my experience and preparation allowed me to navigate the transition successfully.

Those experiences reinforced an important lesson: adversity is often temporary, but perseverance and preparation can create lasting opportunities.

Perhaps one of my greatest joys today is witnessing the success of my children. I am extremely proud of my son, Lawrence Williams Todd, who has established himself as a respected executive at a remarkably young age. Watching him build his career has been one of life's most rewarding experiences.

I would also like to recognize my longtime friend, Dr. Dwayne Thomas. Our friendship has endured for many years, and I was deeply honored when he selected me to serve as Best Man in his second wedding. Dwayne is also the Godfather of my daughter, Alaina, making our families especially close.

His wedding in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, remains one of my favorite memories. The beautiful beach setting, the ocean backdrop, and the fellowship shared among family and friends created an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.

Life's journey has taught me the importance of family, friendship, resilience, and faith. As I reflect upon my path since leaving my hometown of McIntyre, Georgia, in August 1977, I recognize how profoundly my parents influenced my values and character.

My parents, James Samuel Todd and Arrie Todd, built a strong marriage and established a foundation of faith, discipline, and perseverance for our family. Their example continues to inspire me today. I often find myself wondering about the story of how they first met and eventually became husband and wife. Like many family stories passed down through generations, those memories deserve to be preserved and shared.

As the years have passed, I have experienced professional success, personal setbacks, triumphs, disappointments, growth, and healing. Through it all, I remain grateful for every lesson learned and every relationship formed along the way.

Most importantly, I remain grateful for family. We may not always agree, and we may face periods of challenge or misunderstanding, but family remains one of life's greatest blessings. I cherish each of you and appreciate the role you have played in my journey.

As I continue documenting the experiences that have shaped my life, I look forward to sharing additional stories, lessons, and reflections in the future.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Michael Samuel Todd
McIntyre, Georgia Native
Executive Leader | Community Volunteer | Proud Father | Family Man | Friend

THE MICHAEL SAMUEL TODD NEWSLETTER

Supporting Global Education, Leadership, and Opportunity Across the African Diaspora

Fall Edition

A MESSAGE FROM MICHAEL SAMUEL TODD

Dear Family, Friends, Colleagues, and Supporters,

I am pleased to share an exciting update regarding my continued involvement with the African Diaspora Consortium (ADC) and several initiatives that are helping expand educational, cultural, and economic opportunities throughout the African Diaspora.

As Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ADC, I am honored to contribute my professional expertise in support of an organization whose vision and mission I deeply believe in.

It is important to note that my service, along with that of our senior administrative staff, planning committee members, volunteers, and Board of Directors, is entirely voluntary. We are united not by compensation, but by our shared commitment to advancing opportunities for people of African descent around the world.

PHOTO GALLERY FEATURE

1st Annual African Diaspora Consortium Gala

I invite you to enjoy the high-resolution photographs from the inaugural African Diaspora Consortium Gala held at the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

View the Photo Gallery:

ADC Gala Photo Collection

The evening celebrated leadership, scholarship, culture, service, and the growing global impact of the African Diaspora Consortium.

OUR VISION

"Student Exchange Across the Diaspora"

At the heart of ADC's mission is the belief that educational partnerships can strengthen connections among people of African descent throughout the world.

The Consortium seeks to:

Expand educational opportunities
Promote cultural understanding
Foster economic development
Create artistic and scholarly collaborations
Build meaningful global relationships
Our work is designed to positively impact educational, economic, and artistic outcomes across communities throughout the African Diaspora.

STRATEGIC UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS

ADC is proud to engage with distinguished institutions of higher education, including:

Teachers College, Columbia University
University of Notre Dame
Tuskegee University
Additional academic institutions throughout the United States and abroad
These partnerships help advance the Consortium's commitment to global learning and student engagement.

INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT

From Bermuda to Ireland

In 2016, I had the privilege of traveling to Bermuda to participate in the International Colloquium on Black Males in Education, an important gathering dedicated to improving educational outcomes and leadership opportunities.

The conference continues to grow internationally, and its seventh annual gathering will be held in Dublin, Ireland.

ADC Founder, President, and CEO Dr. Kassie Freeman has long encouraged strategic global engagement as a means of strengthening educational partnerships and expanding opportunities for students throughout the Diaspora.

EXPANDING THE GLOBAL STUDENT EXCHANGE NETWORK

Under the leadership of The Honorable Paula Cox, former Premier of Bermuda and Chairwoman of ADC, along with CEO Dr. Kassie Freeman, discussions have begun regarding the inclusion of Bermuda College in ADC's expanding international student exchange efforts.

This exciting development represents another step toward creating meaningful educational pathways that connect students, institutions, and communities across multiple continents.

LOOKING AHEAD

2nd Annual African Diaspora Consortium Gala

Planning is currently underway for the Second Annual African Diaspora Consortium Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

While preparations are still in the early stages, organizers are exploring a theme that will commemorate the:

"400 Years of African Descendants' Contributions in America"

The celebration will recognize the resilience, achievements, leadership, culture, and enduring contributions of African descendants whose influence has helped shape the United States and the broader global community.

The event is expected to bring together educators, business leaders, policymakers, students, artists, and community advocates from around the world.

A PERSONAL NOTE

I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside an extraordinary group of leaders, volunteers, educators, and supporters who believe in the mission of the African Diaspora Consortium.

The work ahead is ambitious, but the vision is clear: to create lasting educational opportunities, strengthen global connections, and help empower future generations throughout the African Diaspora.

Thank you for your continued support and interest in this important work.

With gratitude,

Michael Samuel Todd
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
African Diaspora Consortium

"Building Bridges Through Education, Culture, and Opportunity Across the Diaspora."

Now, enjoyed these high-resolution pictures http://arthouseimages.com/clients/adc/ of the 1st Annual Gala of African Diaspora Consortium (ADC)

Please let me know if you run into any trouble downloading and reviewing the pictures.

————————————————————————Dear Amanda, Dr. Freeman and Michael,

I have the online gallery ready for you to view and share if you’d like. Please see the link below:

http://arthouseimages.com/clients/adc/

I will have these images and the rest of them delivered to you as high-resolution JPGs in the next few days. In the meantime I hope you enjoy the slideshow.

Thank you and I’ll speak to you soon,

Ilir Bajraktari

www.arthouseimages.com

www.ilirb.com

Please let me know if you run into any trouble.

Best

Michael S. Todd

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

African Diaspora Consortium (ADC)

E: [email protected]

C: (504) 220-2065 (cellular)

P: (504) 507-8266 (office)

“Few will have the greatness to blend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.”

Robert F. Kennedy

Begin forwarded message:

From: ilir bajraktari
Date: April 19, 2018 at 7:40:00 PM CDT
To: Amanda Jones
Cc: Kassie Freeman , "Michael S. Todd"
Subject: JPGs from arthouse images

Hi Amanda! Thank you so much for such kind words! I really didn’t have to do much - just point the camera at all the beautiful people around me.

Dr. Freeman, thank you as well for being so gracious! I’m overwhelmed by your kindness.
Although I agree with Amanda that you would’ve easily made it as a model, I, and I assume all of society, are very thankful that you chose to do something so noble with your time on this planet.

Michael, I should let you know that I got the check today. I really appreciate your promptness and professionalism.

Now, for the good news: I have the high-resolution images ready. You may download them from the link below:

www.arthouseimages.com/clients/adc_jpg.zip

Please let me know if you run into any trouble with the link. Also, please note that the link expires in 3 weeks.

I had a great time working with you all. I really hope our paths will cross again in the future.
Thank you so much!
ilir

----------------
Ilir Bajraktari
www.arthouseimages.com
www.ilirb.com
617.599.8540

Begin forwarded message:

From: Herbie Hancock Musics
Date: June 29, 2025 at 9:13:11 PM CDT
To: Michael Samuel Todd , "Michael S. Todd"
Subject: Fwd: African Diaspora Consortium


Regards

Michael S. Todd
Billes Architects
Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer
5208 Magazine Street, Suite 151
New Orleans, LA 70115

E: [email protected]
Website: www.billesarchitects.com
C: (504) 881-5360
C: (504) 220-2065

“Few will have the greatness to blend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” Robert F. Kennedy

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Michael S. Todd"
Date: January 6, 2019 at 6:15:21 PM CST
To: Bherita Ruanda Hall, Alaina Arrie Todd-Banks, Lawrence William Todd, Adrian Yvette Williams Todd, Connie Elaine Todd-Johnson,Tammy Machelle Todd Willingham, Teresa Louise Todd, Yvonne Horn Shinholster Hughes

Subject: African Diaspora Consortium

To the Family

First, I am re-sharing with information on the organization, African Diaspora Consortium. I pray with this communication you can better appreciation and understand the work I do which impact the global world in which we live,

Secondly, what a thoughtful and touching greeting card for the holidays...”May gratitude be the soil in which we grow and expand”. I will pen this comment....Onward and Upward in 2019 and Beyond!

As you are not aware and Kassie and the entire Senior Executive Team (I am part of the Executive Team - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2014-2019) from the conference call with Kassie that we are in the infant planning stage to host few major events in 2019 to celebrate the first documented arrival of African Americans to the colony of Virginia in 1619 (Jamestown, VA). In 2019, will mark the 400th years Anniversary of the historic arrival in the United States. As we forge head into 2019, Kassie and I will definitely touch base will you during the first or second week in January as I personally would like to have your invaluable input on our planning for the three (3) major events in the infant stages for now.

Separately, We are blessed to work with some of the highest ranked scholars, administrators, practitioners, and universities nationally and internationally so intended outcomes and measures have been at the forefront of everything we do. We have a clear indication of where we are headed, and we are assessing as we go. I am attaching a couple of documents that more specifically define our founding, mission, and values, highlights teachers' and students’ assessment of their engagement and excitement with our AP Seminar with African Diaspora—which we have every right to be excited about given that it is the first African Diaspora content offered through the College Board and no doubt to secondary students. We had an assessment plan that we followed throughout this year, so we are clear about the gaps and successes. Also, for your eyes only, as it is in draft form, and we do not share our original prospectus that outlined a compelling case as to why our work would be needed. It has even grown from where we began, but you can see that we have had an eye toward health disparities since our inception. You can also see that we outline the necessity of assessment.

We are well on the way with two of our original plans—first to ensure shared knowledge across the African Diaspora because you cannot address much if African descendants worldwide continue to lack knowledge about similarities and differences—and that is a role that our AP Seminar along with the arts helps us to address because the arts helped in communication and community uplift across countries; and next, our globalization student exchange where students and artists from different countries study together is set to be launched in 2019.

Thank in advance to reading the information I am sharing with you for the first time. Should you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me and or our founders of this amazing organization, Kassie Freeman.

As you begin to know my personal and professional journey from the young man who travel from McIntyre, GA to New Orleans in August 1977, you should know I was given a mandate to not fail as my siblings would be looking up to me for their opportunities to enter campus colleges in the next academic school year and beyond since Connie would be the ast potential sibling to enter college (1986 - 1990 - Dillard University) - for the next years thereafter I was placed in the position to lead by examples…I hope i have succeed is showing you all how to trumpet during the good time and the past time - “Watch the Jefferson’s, Billy Cosby’s Show, Fat Albert, and Prince of BelAir” you will see that I believe i done extremely well. Beyond the walls of the red brick house on Highway 57 - Your Son & Brother is constantly working to leave a legacy that can be transferable while I am alive. While at Fair Dillard , the environment was easy to settle into because I was surrounded by fellow classmates from Wilkinson County High School - Sam Davis, Jr. , Billy Prossor, Billy Prossor’s Sister, Miss Dillard - Class of 1977, and other Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity Brothers who were the Leaders on the Campus of Dillard University. This was the purpose KEY which allowed me to open the many academic buildings without being afraid to enter classrooms. In conclusion, I always love a great conversation, especially about my experience and the work we are doing at African Diaspora Consortium (ADC).

Best

Michael S. Todd

African Diaspora Consortium

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

E: [email protected]

C: (504) 494-9430

C: (770) 241-7662



“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” Proverbs 23:v7

www.arthouseimages.com/clients/adc_jpg.zip

Please let me know if you run into any trouble with the above link.

From: African Diaspora Consortium
Date: June 4, 2018 at 5:02:51 PM CDT
To:
Subject: Video Recap of ADC's Inaugural Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center, NYC
Reply-To: African Diaspora Consortium


We are excited to share a brief recap of the

Inaugural ADC Gala

at Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York City!

Enjoy, Share & Stay Tuned

for a recap of our 2017-2018 year full of
impacting positively the educational, economic,
and artistic outcomes and opportunities of
Black populations across the African Diaspora.


Copyright © 2018 African Diaspora Consortium (ADC), All rights reserved.
Thank you for subscribing to the African Diaspora Consortium Listserv!

Our mailing address is:
African Diaspora Consortium (ADC)
5208 Magazine Street
Suite 151
New Orleans, LA 70115

Add us to your address book

Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by MailChip