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First African-American Woman to Lead a Major Non-Profit Organization -- Managing Millions in Donations Every Year!

La June Montgomery Tabron

Native Detroiter, La June Montgomery Tabron, has proven that an African American woman who grew up in a family of ten children in inner-city Detroit can make it to president and CEO of a major corporation.

Tabron was named two years ago to become the new president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) in Battle Creek, Michigan, one of the largest private foundations in the United States. When she assumed her new role, she became the first African American president and CEO to lead the foundation in its 84 year history. She made it through hard work and dedication.

Off to a good start

Tabron started at the company when she was only 24 years old. She had all the qualifications, graduating from the University of Michigan with a business degree in business administration, and a master’s degree in business administration from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. It took her 26 years to reach the top. She began her career as a financial controller and was eventually promoted to her most recent position as executive vice president of operations and treasurer. From here, she was then named the company's president and CEO, a position she continues to hold.

Yes, that Kellogg!

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) was founded in 1930 by breakfast cereal pioneer Will Keith Kellogg as an independent, private foundation. The company works with communities to help vulnerable children reach their full potential in school, work and life.

Tabron is an excellent choice to lead such a company, as she expressed, “Growing up in a family of ten children in inner-city Detroit, I know first-hand the day-to-day challenges faced by the families we seek to help."

For more details about her foundation, visit www.wkkf.org