Valeria Howard Cunningham named to USBC’s 2026 Power 50 Women of Influence

Valeria Howard Cunningham, president and CEO of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, has been selected for the U.S. Black Chambers’ 2026 Power 50 Women of Influence list. The honor recognizes her role in growing BPIR’s reach while preserving Black Western heritage, and the awards luncheon is set for July 13 in Washington, D.C.

Why it matters: - The recognition puts Valeria Howard Cunningham and the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo on a national stage tied to Black business leadership and cultural preservation. - The honor underscores BPIR’s role as both a touring rodeo and a platform for elevating Black cowboys and cowgirls. - The award also highlights the business and cultural value of preserving Black Western heritage.

What happened: - U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. named Valeria Howard Cunningham a 2026 Power 50 Woman of Influence. - Cunningham serves as president and CEO of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. - USBC announced the honorees in its annual Power 50 Women of Influence program. - The 2026 honorees will be celebrated Monday, July 13, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C. - The luncheon is scheduled for 1150 22nd Street NW.

The details: - USBC describes the Power 50 Women of Influence initiative as a recognition for women driving economic growth, social progress and generational impact. - This year’s theme is “Women Who Lead the Movement.” - Cunningham said she was deeply honored and credited the legacy of BPIR and generations of Black cowboys and cowgirls for shaping the work. - Cunningham has led BPIR through national growth and international recognition since taking ownership in 2015. - BPIR has expanded its cultural reach through global exhibitions, major entertainment collaborations and the first nationally televised African American rodeo broadcast. - BPIR is the nation’s premier African American touring rodeo association. - BPIR was founded in 1984 by Lu Vason to celebrate and preserve the legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls and their contributions to the American West. - BPIR tours major U.S. cities each year. - BPIR says it is the only African American touring rodeo association in the world owned and operated by a Black woman. - More information, tickets and table purchases are available here.

Between the lines: - The selection reflects growing recognition of cultural institutions that combine heritage preservation with modern audience reach. - USBC is using the Power 50 platform to spotlight leaders across business, media, finance, technology, public service and philanthropy. - Cunningham’s inclusion signals that BPIR’s influence now extends beyond sports entertainment into broader conversations about Black entrepreneurship and representation.

What's next: - The 2026 Power 50 Women of Influence luncheon will bring together executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers and other leaders in Washington. - Cunningham’s recognition is likely to add more visibility to BPIR’s upcoming touring and cultural programming. - USBC will continue to spotlight women leaders whose work is shaping business, culture and community.

The bottom line: - Valeria Howard Cunningham’s honor reinforces BPIR’s growing national profile and its role in preserving Black Western heritage while expanding its audience.