C. Diane Howell, Ph.D.
CEO Black Expo LTD
Publisher, Black Business Listings
Oakland, CA
C. Diane Howell, Ph.D. is devoted to promoting African American economic development. As a graduate student, Howell worked with the Bay Area Association of Black Psychologists, where she recognized the need to increase visibility of the Black psychologists and published a newsletter called Black Perspectives, which was distributed to Black professionals throughout the area. She went on to found the Black Business Listings (BBL) in 1989 to promote African American businesses.
Throughout the last 16 years, Howell has sponsored monthly networking breakfasts to encourage networking among African Americans in business. She is a popular speaker advocating the self-empowerment of the African American community. Howell served as local coordinator for the Black Expo for the 5 years it was held in Oakland, but when Black Expo USA took Oakland off its national schedule ten years ago, Howell decided to take on the full responsibility for producing Black Expo.
Under Howell's leadership, she has grown the Black Expo into a multifaceted program with something for everyone. The Expo features a College Day program for youth and parents; a Health Pavilion where attendees learn how to live healthier more productive lives; an ever expanding Home Buyers Fair, a Job Showcase and a Tech Fair. In addition, the Black Expo features live entertainment, local artists and the weekend culminates with the Gospel Showcase where gospel choirs and artists from throughout Northern California come to perform. The Black Expo also honors businesses for their excellence in business, particularly in relation to the African American community. The proceeds from the gala go to the non-profit SEEDS (Self-Empowerment through Education Entrepreneurship and DreamS) which was founded by Howell in 1997. SEEDS has given out over $40,000 in scholarships since its inception.
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