Tracee Ellis Ross

March 21, 2026

From cementing a legacy of television and film stardom to building a multimillion-dollar brand that celebrates Black beauty, Tracee Ellis Ross has spent her life breaking molds and making space — for herself and for others. In this evening of conversation, she will open up about her career, her passions, and the power of showing up as your whole self. Expect reflections on creativity, courage, and joy — with the signature humor and honesty that have made her a beloved cultural force.

Format: Conversation with Audience Q&A

Tracee Ellis Ross is an award-winning actress, producer, and CEO.

For eight seasons, Ross starred as Dr. Rainbow Johnson in the acclaimed ABC comedy “Black-ish”, which earned Emmy, SAG, Critics Choice, and Golden Globe nominations, as well as NAACP Image Awards and a Peabody Award. She has received a Golden Globe, nine NAACP Image Awards, and a People’s Choice Awards “Fashion Icon Award.” In 2022, she was named a “Disney Legend” for her extraordinary contributions to The Walt Disney Company.

Ross appeared in the Oscar-nominated film “American Fiction”, alongside Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K. Brown, and Issa Rae. Directed by Cord Jefferson, the film won the People’s Choice Award at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and was named one of AFI’s “Movies of the Year”. She also starred in Amazon’s “Candy Cane Lane” with Eddie Murphy—the platform’s most-watched U.S. debut—and appeared in the 2023 thriller “Cold Copy”.

Ross has a multi-year overall deal with ABC Signature under her production company, Joy Mill Entertainment. She is also executive producer and star of “Jodie”, the forthcoming animated spinoff of MTV’s “Daria”.

In 2019, Ross founded PATTERN Beauty, a top-selling hair care brand for curly, coily, and tight-textured hair. PATTERN is the No. 1 BIPOC-owned brand at Ulta Beauty and is available at major retailers across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Through PATTERN, Ross celebrates Black beauty and supports organizations empowering women and people of color.

A champion for equity and joy, Ross delivered viral speeches at Glamour’s Women of the Year Summit and TED, and received the 2023 Webby Special Achievement Award. As ULTA Beauty’s Diversity & Inclusion Advisor, Ross champions initiatives that reframe the narrative around Black women and Black consumers.

She holds honorary doctorates from Spelman College and Brown University, her alma mater.