Class of 2023
Denise Jordan
Born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts and a proud product of the city’s public school system, Denise Jordan grew up in a home where activism and community service were part of the family routine. That upbringing has led to a life-long dedication to public service, and at every stage of her career, Ms. Jordan has consistently and passionately promoted the rights and improved the lives of her fellow community members.
For over 20 years, she worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Worker’s Compensation Manager, Sexual Harassment Officer, and Assistant Affirmative Action Officer; ending her tenure with the State as a Civil Rights Officer for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
In 2008, she became the City of Springfield’s first Black Chief of Staff and the longest person to occupy that position, serving for over 10 years with our friend, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.
In 2018, she was selected to serve as the Executive Director of the Springfield Housing Authority, the third-largest public housing authority in the state of Massachusetts.
That same year, Ms. Jordan was named BusinessWest’s 2018 Women of Impact and then, was selected as American International College’s 2019 Commencement Speaker, where she was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of her community contributions at the state and national levels.
Currently, she serves on Governor Healy’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment, the Board of Trustees at Baystate Health, and the Board of Trustees at American International College.
In addition, she is the Tri-State Social Action Coordinator for the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, an organization of college educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community.
Denise Jordan is chair of the MGM Springfield Community Advisory Committee, a founding member of the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, and a member of the Bay Path University Business Leadership Advisory Board.
In recognition for her unwavering dedication to the people of Springfield, the fervor she brings to strengthening her community, and the inspiration she supplies to all of us, Bay Path University is honored to induct Denise Jordan into our 21st Century Women Business Leaders Hall of Fame.
Tunde Oyeneyin
A Texas native of Nigerian descent, Tunde Oyeneyin began her career as a professional makeup artist and brand educator for some of the most sought-after beauty lines in the world. As a child and into her adult years, she struggled with body image and self-esteem.
Discovering fitness led to a greater form of self-love, and for over 15 years, she channeled her own lessons into “gifting people with confidence” as a makeup artist. She eventually realized her true calling was to motivate people to become the best version of themselves.
After starting out as a cycling instructor in Los Angeles, Ms. Oyeneyin landed a coveted spot on Peloton’s superstar instructor team. She trains up to 20,000 live riders on any given day through her motivational and unifying classes.
Tunde Oyeneyin’s personality and magnetism shine through in her Peloton classes, and her unique ability to connect with people is evident in her Instagram Live Series, SPEAK. SPEAK spotlights stories and voices of those who have thrived in the face of adversity. Her guests have included Venus Williams, Common, Cynthia Erivo, Mel Robbins, and Allyson Felix.
As a leader in Facebook’s “We The Culture” program, Ms. Oyeneyin elevates Black voices, and she has also hosted her own Facebook Audio Live Show, “The Roots.”
She has recently been featured for her powerful work on The TODAY SHOW, Access Live, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Vogue, SHAPE, O Magazine, and more.
Her New York Times best-selling book, Speak, was released in May 2022. Speak is an empowering, inspiring memoir that tells the story of transforming grief, setbacks, and flaws into growth, self-confidence, and triumph.
It is our honor to induct Tunde Oyeneyin into Bay Path University’s 21st Century Women Business Leaders Hall of Fame.
