In a recent interview at CultureCon, American Express executive Glenda McNeal garnered attention not just for her career achievements but also for mispronouncing actress Issa Rae’s name. The incident has sparked debates on McNeal’s ethnicity. Here is everything about her parents and husband.
Glenda McNeal, a seasoned executive at American Express, has had a remarkable career spanning nearly three decades with the company. As the President of Enterprise Strategic Partnerships, McNeal plays a pivotal role in defining American Express’s partnership strategy and spearheading key initiatives and negotiations with the company’s strategic partners in various sectors, including travel, e-commerce, technology, and retail. Her responsibilities encompass providing strategic guidance on partnership opportunities, ensuring access to key relationships, and focusing on revenue growth, differentiated value creation, and enhanced customer engagement.
Prior to her current role, McNeal served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Global Client Group and Strategic Partnerships, where she oversaw a portfolio of American Express’s largest global partners across diverse industries. In 2009, she led the establishment and launch of the Global Client Group, transforming the traditional local account management approach into an integrated relationship platform for the company’s global merchants.
Having started her career at American Express in 1989, McNeal has held various roles of increasing responsibility, spanning business development, strategy, sales, client management, and marketing. She played a pivotal role in steering the company’s innovative growth strategy into industries that traditionally did not accept credit cards, such as quick-service restaurants, healthcare, government, insurance, telecommunications, charities, and rent.
Beyond her professional endeavors at American Express, McNeal boasts significant board experience. Currently, she serves on the corporate boards of Nordstrom, Inc. and RLJ Lodging Trust, and she is a board member of Global Business Travel, a joint venture of American Express. McNeal is also a board member of the World Travel & Tourism Council and the Montclair Film Festival. Her previous board roles include U.S. Steel Corporation, Vente-Privee US, PepsiCo Multicultural Advisory Board, and various not-for-profit organizations. She is also a member of the Executive Leadership Council.
McNeal’s educational background is equally impressive, as she holds degrees from Dillard University and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining American Express, she gained valuable experience working at Arthur Andersen & Company and Salomon Brothers.
However, McNeal’s recent appearance at CultureCon stirred controversy when she mispronounced Issa Rae’s name at the beginning of their conversation. The incident, captured in a viral video clip, led to discussions about McNeal’s ethnicity, with some internet users emphasizing that she is indeed Black.
Issa Rae, known for her work as an actress and producer, has previously expressed her preference for the correct pronunciation of her name, which is “Ee-suh” rather than “Ih-suh.” Despite the initial awkwardness, McNeal responded to the situation by stating, “It’s okay to be vulnerable and don’t get it right all the time. That’s my life. Embrace it, girl. Embrace it.”
The incident has ignited conversations online about the importance of correct pronunciation in respecting cultural identities and has put a spotlight on McNeal’s role as an African American executive in the corporate world.
As of now, we could not collect any information about her parents but there are some information about her late husband “Phillip McNeal”.
Who is Glenda McNeal’s husband ‘Phillip McNeal’?
Phillip McNeal, the late husband of Glenda McNeal, left a lasting legacy marked by his dedication to family, his connection to labor history, and his unwavering integrity.
It is with heavy hearts that we remember Phillip McNeal, the beloved late husband of Glenda McNeal, who passed away on May 27, 2014, at the age of 71. Phillip’s life was a testament to resilience, deep-rooted principles, and an unwavering commitment to his convictions.
Born on December 6, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, Phillip was the only child of the late Senator Theodore McNeal and his wife Virgie. His name, Phillip, carried a profound significance, drawing inspiration from two prominent figures in the American labor movement, A. Philip Randolph and Milton Webster.
Phillip’s father, Senator Theodore McNeal, played a pivotal role in collaborating with these influential leaders to establish the International Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters—a significant labor union, particularly for black workers during that era. The union’s impact was substantial, and Phillip held a deep admiration for his father, who went on to become Missouri’s first African-American state senator.
In a poignant turn of events earlier this year, Phillip received the devastating news of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He faced this formidable battle with the same unwavering qualities that had defined his character throughout his life: integrity, clarity, and an indomitable spirit. Despite his optimistic outlook and remarkable courage, Phillip passed away at home on May 27, just prior to celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary with his devoted wife, Glenda.
Phillip McNeal was more than just an extraordinary individual; he was a beacon of brilliance, a source of humor, and an exemplar of unwavering loyalty. He remained steadfast in his commitment to his values and beliefs. His clear sense of self, purpose, and direction in life embodied the timeless wisdom of William Shakespeare’s words, “To thine own self be true.”
As we remember Phillip McNeal, we celebrate a life well-lived—a life that left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him and a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate.
