A tour-de-force
Kendra Bulluck-Major is a tour de force who identifies her most valuable role as a mother to her two sons. Driven by duty and a desire to nurture, she transforms her maternal instincts and professional know-how into a powerful force for good in the community, creating an ecosystem of empowerment. Bulluck-Major believes collective strength is the key to lasting success. This philosophical stance permeates every aspect of her work, from revitalizing cultural institutions to providing resources for aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Breaking barriers
Bulluck-Major’s work spans real estate, insurance, civic service and sports. Furthermore, as a prominent football event leader, she has carved out a place for herself in an underrepresented industry for women. Bulluck-Major asserts, “I can be just as competitive and determined as my male counterparts,” adding that she brings “a nurturing nature to make people feel valued and respected.” She doesn’t replicate male-dominated models but infuses her work with traditionally feminine qualities that enhance collaboration and create a more inclusive environment.
Authenticity and growth value
Bulluck-Major shaped her entrepreneurial perspective early, learning authenticity is the foundation of adaptability and resilience. She affirms that it’s about honesty not about what one doesn’t know. Rather than exert control, Bulluck-Major adopts a cooperative approach, learning alongside her employees and engaging clients through corporate and problem-solving methods. Her recognition that it’s “not always about what you know” challenges the conventional notion that expertise is the sole determinant of success.
Reviving a cultural legacy
One of Bulluck-Major’s mountain-moving achievements was the revival of the “Orange Blossom Classic” (OBC), a legendary football game celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Inspired by her father’s pride in the original OBC, she was determined to revive the event. The path to restoring the OBC was not a crystal staircase to the Hard Rock Stadium skybox, but a steep incline that she climbed.
“The greatest obstacle was timing,” Bulluck-Major recalled. “With so many stakeholders involved, everyone’s goals had to align.” It took ten years of perseverance, strategy and relationship-building to manifest her vision.
Once hailed as the “Black National Championship” during segregation, the OBC was more than just a football game—it was a cultural cornerstone. It provided a platform for HBCUs to showcase their talent and promote a sense of community. Under Bulluck-Major’s leadership today, the OBC honors its storied past while embracing the future with this year’s theme: “Built on History, Fueled by Pride.”
Beyond nostalgia, the event serves a crucial purpose: raising scholarship funds for HBCU students. This support is life-changing for recipients like Willayja Williams, a Florida A&M University (FAMU) student. “The scholarship has allowed me to focus on my education without worrying about finances,” she shared, a tangible impact of Bulluck-Major’s work.
By revitalizing the OBC, Bulluck-Major has preserved a critical piece of African American history by reinstalling a powerful platform for future generations.
Elevate Now and The Elevation Experience
Bulluck-Major created Elevate Now (EN) and “The Elevation Experience” (TEE) to disrupt systemic red tape for women entrepreneurs. She ensures others don’t face the same struggles she once did by offering the resources she lacked. More than just offering guidance, Bulluck-Major’s building a community where women can learn, share and support each other’s success.
Through her efforts, she’s not just giving knowledge; she’s democratizing the playing field. “It’s easier to reach your goals when the information you need is made available to you; these programs exist so others don’t have to do the hard work I did,” she said.
Bridging educational gaps
As the Executive Director of Sisters for Abundant Living, Inc. (SFAL), Bulluck-Major connects students and families to educational resources, introducing them to HBCU culture and potential donors and providing youth with the tools to thrive in the working world. This work is vital, particularly for students from underserved communities who may lack the information and resources needed to succeed in higher education.
Furthermore, “exposing these students to HBCU culture allows them to see themselves in these institutions,” Bulluck-Major said. Her efforts to supply students with what they need will enable them to become more successful and have access to various means.
A blueprint for leadership and success
Bulluck-Major recognizes that a strong team, supportive family and dedicated business partners link to her success. Balancing her many roles is no easy task, but her leadership philosophy remains simple: set high expectations, provide support and build a space for growth. “As a mother, I lead firmly but with grace, understanding that people make mistakes and need room to grow.”
Bulluck-Major’s advice to aspiring leaders? “Remove the fear of networking. There is great value in being in rooms with people more knowledgeable than yourself. Glean from them.” That access to information is necessary for creating more equitable opportunities for others, as she has done.
The legacy of Kendra Bulluck-Major
Bulluck-Major has crafted a legacy of authenticity, purpose and impact through her sports, business and education work. A quintessential multi-hyphenate, she is a leader, trailblazer, mentor and changemaker. Whether breaking barriers in male-dominated industries, reviving historic events or uplifting others through teaching and mentorship, Bulluck-Major continues to refine her purpose, shaping a future where success is personal and communal.
