Registered nurse-turned-celebrated CEO epitomizes the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Hampton University announced today that Monique Rodriguez, founder of Mielle Organics, will deliver the keynote address at the 81st Annual Opening Convocation at Hampton University on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 10:45 a.m. in the Convocation Center. This momentous event, which signals the beginning of the 2024 academic year, is open to the public.
A dynamic entrepreneur and visionary, Rodriguez is widely recognized for transforming the beauty industry with Mielle, a multimillion-dollar haircare brand known for high-quality products catering to textured hair. Launched in 2014 from her home, Mielle rapidly evolved into a global sensation, achieving a $100 million valuation and becoming a leader among Black-owned haircare companies.
“Monique Rodriguez’s story is an inspiring testament to the transformative impact of entrepreneurship,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. “Her journey is not just a personal triumph but a reflection of the growing presence of Black women in entrepreneurship. Her experience as a business leader and trailblazer in the beauty industry reflects the values of innovation, resilience, and purposeful leadership we aim to instill in our students.”
According to Forbes, Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States, starting businesses at a rate of 4.5 times the national average. Despite this growth, Black female founders often face unique challenges, including access to capital and investment. Studies show that Black women-led startups receive less than 1% of venture capital funding, yet they continue to build thriving businesses.
In 2023, Rodriguez made the bold decision to sell Mielle to P&G Beauty, a move that would allow her to scale the brand’s reach while staying true to its mission. “I founded Mielle to fill a void in the beauty industry, and selling it was about expanding the opportunities for growth and giving more women of color access to the products they deserve,” Rodriguez explained. “It was never just about building a business—it was about creating something that would last and continue to inspire.”
The sale of Mielle is part of a growing trend among successful Black entrepreneurs. Many founders are leveraging acquisitions to grow their companies’ impact while ensuring that their missions remain intact. For Rodriguez, this decision was also about creating a legacy and opening doors for future generations of Black female entrepreneurs to thrive.
In her keynote address, Rodriguez is expected to share these and other insights on leadership, navigating the entrepreneurial journey, and the importance of staying true to your purpose. Her appearance is highly anticipated by students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Hampton University community.
Rodriguez’s commitment to empowering women of color through both business and philanthropy aligns with Hampton University’s mission of equipping students to become leaders and change makers in their respective fields. Her participation in this year’s convocation underscores the university’s dedication to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit across its academic programs.
Opening Convocation is a time-honored tradition at Hampton University, serving as both a formal welcome to the incoming class and a celebration of the institution’s legacy of academic excellence.
About Hampton University
Hampton University, a dynamic historically Black institution with a legacy of excellence in education, research, and community service, provides a nurturing and empowering environment for students to thrive academically and personally. Founded in 1868, Hampton emphasizes a scientific and professional curriculum with a strong liberal arts undergirding, offering a broad range of technical, liberal arts and graduate degree programs. With a commitment to inclusion and innovation, Hampton continues to be a beacon of educational leadership in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Named to Money Magazine’s “Best Colleges in America” and Coastal Virginia’s “Best Private College,” HU is a tightly-knit community of learners and educators representing 49 states and 35 territories and nations. With a commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship, Hampton University prepares students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Visit www.hamptonu.edu.
About Mielle
Founded in 2014 by CEO Monique Rodriguez, Mielle, is a popular Black-founded, woman-led global beauty brand that is rooted in natural ingredients. With a heavy emphasis on incorporating healthier ingredients as its “root to results,” Mielle Organics’ collection of beauty products is designed for Black women. Their products can be found in more than 100,000 stores across the U.S. in retailers such as Ulta Beauty, Sally Beauty, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart.
For media inquiries, please contact James Parker in the Office of University Relations, at james.parker@hamptonu.edu or 757.718.2949.
