Gabrielle Union Receives Variety’s Entrepreneur Impact Award
Gabrielle Union was celebrated on September 25 at the Variety Entertainment and Technology Summit in Los Angeles. She received the first-ever Entrepreneur Impact Award for her achievements in business and her dedication to underserved communities.
On stage, Union revealed the principle that has guided her entrepreneurial journey. She called it “the power of the pivot.” She explained that when something does not feel right, she shifts directions without fear. “When it’s not working or it doesn’t sit right in my soul, I’m losing sleep. It’s wrong. I have to pivot, and there’s no shame in my game,” Union said.
Her words highlighted both resilience and the willingness to try again, qualities she believes are essential for success in both business and life.
Building Proudly for Families of Color
Union earned the honor in large part due to Proudly, the sustainable baby care line she co-founded with her husband, Dwyane Wade. The company was inspired by their daughter, Kaavia James, and created to meet the needs of infants of color.
The brand launched in partnership with JCPenney, marking the retailer’s first major step into baby apparel. Proudly is hypoallergenic and designed with inclusivity at its core. For Union, the line represents more than a business. It is a mission to make families feel seen and supported in everyday life.
She told the audience that uplifting the most vulnerable has always been central to her work. “All I wanted to do was to help and ensure I covered the most vulnerable while centering the needs, wants, desires, and fears of folks who have been historically marginalized,” she explained.
Expanding Her Role as Entrepreneur and Investor
Beyond Proudly, Union has launched and invested in several ventures across beauty, fashion, and food. She founded Flawless by Gabrielle Union, a natural hair care line. She also co-founded Bitsy’s snacks, launched a fashion line with New York & Company, and works as an angel investor supporting new businesses.
Through each effort, Union has shown a focus on sustainable growth and inclusive products. She has used her platform to support ideas that not only succeed financially but also serve communities often overlooked by mainstream markets. Her recognition with the Entrepreneur Impact Award highlights the impact of these commitments.
Using Her Voice to Influence Change
Union’s journey as an entrepreneur is deeply connected to her acting career and public influence. With major roles in films like Bring It On and Deliver Us from Eva, she has long understood the reach of her voice.
She recalled a defining moment during the 2003 Bad Boys II press tour. “While I had that microphone in my hand, I knew I could speak truth to power and make real change. That was the first time I was like, ‘Wow, people are listening to me… So I should say something of substance that helps more than just me,’” Union said.
By combining her career in the arts with her entrepreneurial drive, Union continues to show how visibility, truth, and business innovation can work together to uplift others.
