February 23

Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1744–1812) was a German-Jewish banker who founded the Rothschild banking dynasty. He began his career as a coin dealer and rose to prominence by providing financial services to European nobility. Recognizing the power of information and reliable networks, he established a model of family-run banks across major European cities. His innovative use of letters of credit and government bonds laid the foundation for modern investment banking. Mayer Amschel advised rulers including the Landgrave of Hesse and the British royal family on fiscal matters. His family's financial empire would become one of the most influential banking institutions of the 19th century.

Born in 1850 in Switzerland, César Ritz revolutionized the luxury hotel industry. He began his career apprenticing in hotels across Europe and later managed grand establishments. In 1906, he opened The Ritz Hotel in London, setting new standards for elegance and service. He also established the Hôtel Ritz in Paris, which became a symbol of opulent hospitality. Ritz introduced innovative guest services, including en suite bathrooms and à la carte dining. His visionary approach earned him the title 'King of Hoteliers, Hotelier to Kings.' He left a lasting legacy on modern luxury hospitality. Ritz passed away in 1918, but his name remains synonymous with refinement and excellence.

Jessica Huntley was a Guyanese-born activist who co-founded Bogle-L'Ouverture Publications in London in 1968. Through her press, she provided a platform for Caribbean writers during the Windrush generation, publishing works by Wilson Harris and others. Huntley was a tireless advocate for racial equality, co-founding the Caribbean Artists Movement and campaigning against discrimination in the UK. Her dedication to community empowerment extended to education and cultural initiatives supporting immigrants. Recognized for her contributions, she received the Order of the British Empire in 2002. Huntley's legacy endures through the authors she nurtured and the ongoing impact of her publishing house until her death in 2013.

Michael Dell started Dell Computer in his dorm room at the University of Texas at Austin at age 19. He pioneered the build-to-order PC model, selling directly to consumers and undercutting traditional retailers. Under his leadership, Dell grew into one of the world's largest technology companies, expanding into servers, storage, and IT services. A leader in corporate philanthropy, he and his wife founded the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to improve education and health outcomes. His innovations in supply chain management and customer service have reshaped the personal computer industry.

Daymond John founded the urban apparel brand FUBU in 1992, turning a small cap business into a global fashion phenomenon. A key figure on ABC's 'Shark Tank', he invests in and mentors startups across industries. John's business strategies emphasize creativity, resourcefulness, and community empowerment, themes he explores in his best-selling books 'The Power of Broke' and 'Rise and Grind'. He also launched the FUBU Scholarship Fund to support young entrepreneurs. Recognized for his visionary leadership, John frequently speaks at universities and conferences worldwide.