Amid Starbucks' recent controversies, the company has deemed an African American woman its next vice chair. 

According to NBC News, Mellody Hobson, president of the nation's largest African American investment firm, Ariel Investments LLC, is stepping up to assume the position when Starbucks CEO Howard Shultz steps down.

Hobson is both a change maker and table shaker. The philanthropist and renowned businesswoman serves as chair of Afterschool Matters, a nonprofit that provides Chicago teens with high-quality out-of-school programs. She also offers weekly financial tips on the Tom Joyner Morning Show and contributes to CBS News regularly.  

Upon assuming her position, it's possible Hobson could enhance the race conversation among company employees. Inc.com references her 2014 TED talk, "Color Blind or Color Brave," in which she discussed the idea that we must talk about racism despite the discomfort the conversation may bring. 

Vanity Fair has quoted the likes of Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's chief operating officer, and Auntie Oprah raving about what an incredible inspiration Hobson is to all who cross her path. Sandberg has given credit to Hobson for serving as some inspiration for her bestselling book Lean In. “She said she wanted to be unapologetically black and unapologetically a woman,” Sandberg said. 

Hobson is one of few African Americans to serve in such a role with a Fortune 500 company.