As the executive director of the renowned Orange Blossom Classic, Kendra Bulluck-Major stands out as a trailblazer and a black, female entrepreneur in the athletics field. She understands the importance of support when building an enterprise or organization. In 2018, she advanced her mission of helping youth by obtaining the rights to the highly attended Orange Blossom Classic. Remarkably, Kendra is one of the few women to own the exclusive rights to a major sports property and the first woman to own an HBCU sport property. In addition to her role as Executive Director of the Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic, Kendra Bulluck-Major is a serial entrepreneur and proud mother. Balancing her professional commitments with family life, she is passionate about empowering women to achieve personal growth. Through her Elevate Now Journal, she invites women to embark on a journey of elevation through proper goal-setting and reflection.
Over the past 12-18 months, Kendra has continued her legacy as a prominent black woman in sports leadership, significantly impacting the next generation. Through her efforts, the Orange Blossom Classic has raised over $400,000 in scholarship funds, actively contributing to making higher education accessible and equitable for prospective HBCU students. This supports the mission of academic excellence and opportunity.
Additionally, Kendra’s leadership has been instrumental in marking a historic milestone for the OBC this year. For the first time, the event featured North Carolina Central and Alabama State, the first teams from outside Florida to compete. This top-tier matchup, potentially a precursor to a Championship level encounter in the Celebration Bowl, signifies a new era for the Classic and sets a high standard as a season opener. Kendra’s visionary leadership continues to elevate the OBC, making it a crucial platform for showcasing athletic talent and fostering community engagement.
Kendra’s passion for the Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) is deeply rooted in her father’s stories and love for FAMU, highlighting the event’s cultural and community significance during key historical moments. These personal narratives inspired her to revive the OBC as more than a sporting event, but as a community unifier and a celebration of HBCU spirit. Her dedication ensures that this legacy continues, not only for her children but for the entire community.
From her upbringing immersed in HBCU culture to becoming a serial entrepreneur and now the Executive Director of the OBC, Kendra’s journey showcases her strategic vision and leadership. She has transformed the OBC into a platform that highlights athletic excellence while fostering community engagement and economic development, positioning it as a central fixture in the cultural landscape.
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Kendra and the OBC’s influence extends far beyond the game itself. Events like the Battle of the Bands and Fan Fest create a festival atmosphere that celebrates HBCU culture and community pride. The economic and social impact on Miami Gardens is substantial, attracting alumni, students, and fans nationwide, fostering a profound sense of pride and belonging, all under the strong influence and leadership of Kendra.
Kendra’s participation in forums such as the Black Sports Business Symposium highlights the critical role of women in sports leadership. She shares insights on the challenges and successes of managing sports properties as a woman, discussing funding, startup hurdles, and the importance of support networks in the sports industry. Her experiences and achievements underscore the vital role women play in leading and innovating within the sports sector.
Kendra Bulluck-Major’s dedication, vision, and impact make her a pivotal figure in sports leadership and community building. “Believe, Execute, Elevate Now.” Kendra’s journal and other products are designed to inspire inner strength, sharpen personal convictions, and encourage women to elevate their consciousness. The journal is available for purchase at ElevateNowwithKendra.com
