Dr Deluz was the first woman elected to the McDonald's Philadelphia Regional Board of Directors and the first African American woman elected to the National Ronald McDonald's Children Charities Board of Directors. At the time, Dr. Deluz and her late husband were considered "Pioneers." Over the lifetime of the franchises, they employed nearly 3,000 people, growing the business to $5 million dollars in annual revenues, contributing substantially to the economic vitality of the City of Wilmington and the State of Delaware.

Dr DeLuz inherited her sense of entrepreneurship and community from her father who owned a corner neighborhood store. Her motto: "You can't just take from the community, you must give something black," underlies her success.

As the President and CEO of DeLuz Management, she continues her entrepreneurial endeavors as reflected in the creation of the Darden Entrepreneurial Summit, which she Co-Chairs in partnership with the University of Delaware. The Darden Entrepreneurial Summits are designed to give an orientation to underserved young people in college to the business opportunities in the Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism industries.

Her honors and awards include: The Girls Inc. of Delaware, "She Knows Where She's Going Award;" included in the "Hall of Fame of Delaware Women; and recently recognized by Lincoln University at the 150th Anniversary Gala and presented with the "Leadership Excellence Award." In 1990, Dr. Deluz was inducted into the University of Delaware's Wall of Fame.

Twelve Rules For Success

For more information on Delaware Emerging Technology Center's Secrets of Success Series, please visit: http://www.delawareetc.org or http://www.dedo.delaware.gov/Entrepreneurs.shtml. For more information on Dr. Lozelle J. DeLuz, PhD., or DeLuz Management visit: http://www.dscc.com/Management-Services/Deluz-Management-Company,-Inc.

Pictured Above: Dr Lozelle J. DeLuz, PhD. (right) and her daughter, Patricia Bennett