10. Lisa W. Pickrum
Lisa W. Pickrum, Executive VP & COO, RLJ Cos. L.L.C. In her capacity as Executive VP and COO of RLJ Cos., a diversified holding company with portfolio companies in financial services, hospitality, real estate, gaming, media, and entertainment, Pickrum handles the company's legal matters, strategic partnerships, and new business developments. She led the formation of RLJ Hedge Fund of Funds, an asset management company in partnership with Deutsche Bank's Deutsche Asset Management unit that could potentially become the largest black-owned asset management company. Pickrum has a BA from Vassar College and a law degree from Stanford Law School, as well as a degree in finance and entrepreneurial management from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. She also serves on the board of directors for Rollover Systems and CW Wellspring Entertainment. In an interview with Black Enterprise Magazine, who named her one of the 50 Most Powerful African American Women.