Celebrating Black History Month: Leadership, Inclusion, and Community
As Compass Group marks Black History Month, we begin by honoring our people whose work reflects the power of recognition, inclusion, and community impact. This year’s theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” invites us to reflect not only on the past, but on how progress is carried forward through everyday leadership.
To open the month, we are proud to highlight two associates whose contributions were formally recognized this fall — each demonstrating, in different ways, how belonging and service strengthen our people, our culture, and the communities we serve.
Boma Anyaogu, Vice President of People & Culture at Compass One, was recognized with Compass Group’s Inclusion Excellence Award in October for her leadership in advancing inclusion as both a value and a daily practice.
In her role, Boma champions inclusion as a driver of innovation and strong business outcomes. She is known for creating space where every voice is welcomed, respected, and encouraged — resulting in better solutions for associates and clients alike. Her influence extends across sectors and from frontline associates to senior leadership, ensuring that inclusion is not confined to a single team or moment, but felt consistently throughout Compass One.
By “leveraging the best of Compass to fuel excellence,” Boma brings people, perspectives, and ideas together in ways that strengthen culture and performance. For her, the heart of the work is connection — the opportunity to be part of impactful work, to build relationships across the globe, and to bring ideas and opinions to the table where they are encouraged and valued.
She adds, “At Compass One, we value a culture of care, where our associates are encouraged to be curious, be open, and pursue their full potential. Being inclusive means promoting opportunity and access so that our people feel seen, valued, and supported wherever they are on their journey.”
Through her leadership, Boma exemplifies what it means to commemorate progress by actively building environments where belonging drives excellence.
For Keenan Cortez, community impact isn’t a separate responsibility — it’s how he leads. As a Patient Experience Manager with Crothall HealthCare, Mayor of Joplin, Missouri, and a local pastor, Keenan brings the same inclusive and purpose-driven mindset to every role he serves, which captures the spirit of the Compass in the Community Award he received in October.
Since joining Compass in 2018 and stepping into his current position in 2020, Keenan has led efforts to elevate patient experience and environmental services across multiple hospital campuses. His work has strengthened patient satisfaction while reinforcing a culture where safety, cleanliness, and compassion are essential. Known for his calm presence and approachability, Keenan is a reassuring face during patients’ most vulnerable moments and a trusted leader among colleagues.
That same leadership extends far beyond the hospital walls. As mayor, Keenan has championed initiatives that strengthen public safety, expand access to care, and fuel economic growth. His pastoral vocation further reflects a deep commitment to serving people holistically — meeting physical, social, and community needs with care and intention.
Across healthcare, city leadership, and faith-based service, Keenan aligns professional excellence with meaningful community advancement. Put simply, he says, “I love coming to work each day because I get to make a difference. The favorite aspect of my job is being around people.”