New York, NY, July 8, 2024 — BlackHawk Data announced today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Maryann Pagano, Chief Executive Officer, as a 2024 Inclusive Channel Leader. In its second year, the list recognizes executives from vendor, distributor, and solution provider organizations who are dedicated to making a positive impact across the IT channel through inclusive leadership.
The CRN 2024 Inclusive Channel Leaders honorees are passionate about advancing equity and diversity within their organizations, the channel, and across the greater technology industry. With this recognition, CRN highlights these executives for their desire to foster inclusion and belonging.
Maryann Pagano, the CEO of BlackHawk Data, leads the company with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Under her leadership, BlackHawk Data has been recognized as a successful Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE). The company excels in supporting the professional growth of other diverse businesses through mentoring programs, academic initiatives, and workshops. By actively promoting economic and social responsibility, BlackHawk Data fosters business development and growth within diverse communities, creating an environment where innovation thrives through diversity. Pagano emphasizes the critical role of diversity in driving innovation and economic growth. BlackHawk Data actively works to eliminate barriers for diverse Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBEs), helping them succeed and grow. The company provides essential support to these businesses, aiding them in developing necessary skills and contacts. Acknowledging the unique challenges faced by diverse owners in the IT sector, Pagano is dedicated to fostering ambition and excellence. BlackHawk Data prioritizes working with diverse and small businesses in all areas, from services to hiring, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone is welcome regardless of sex, gender identity, religion, or color. Pagano believes in choosing community support over pure profit, cultivating a business environment that values and promotes diversity.
“We are proud to recognize this year’s honorees for their commitment to inclusivity across the channel. With their transparent leadership, they help create welcoming environments where employees can bring their best selves to work to help their business succeed,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content, and Executive Editor, CRN, The Channel Company. “Congratulations to these leaders for their deep dedication to bringing greater equity to the channel. We look forward to learning from their inclusive leadership and seeing what they achieve next.”
Maryann Pagano's leadership philosophy centers on resilience and determination. She believes it's crucial to never get discouraged or give up, regardless of the obstacles faced; instead, these challenges should be used to build strength. Pagano emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and one's passion, asserting that success requires patience and persistence. She encourages viewing any 'no' as 'not yet' and embracing failure as a lesson learned. Recognizing the inevitable presence of doubters and critics, Pagano advises not to let them hinder progress, as each individual holds the key to their own success. She underscores the value of surrounding oneself with supportive people and continually seeking opportunities for growth and learning. If you find yourself as the smartest person in the room, Pagano suggests finding another room to continue learning. For her, authenticity in business relationships is paramount, and empowering your team to be authentic is equally important.
The 2024 Inclusive Channel Leaders list will be featured in the August issue of CRN Magazine, with online coverage starting July 8 at www.CRN.com/Inclusive-Leaders.
About The Channel Company
The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers, and end-users. Backed by more than 40 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com
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