![Callie smiling, wearing a black blazer](/sites/default/files/styles/az_small/public/2025-02/Groth-Callie.png.webp?itok=7OZsKnpV)
2025 AOY Honoree, Eller College of Management - Class of 2010, 2014
Callie Groth is an entrepreneur and businesswoman with a decade of experience in business model design, technology innovation and personal branding. As the owner and chief executive officer of BlackBar Engineering, she leads the research, design and development of small tactical aerial systems and autonomous ground vehicles for aerospace and defense applications. BlackBar is distinguished as the only certified woman-owned small business in aircraft manufacturing in aerospace and defense and was recognized as an Innovator of the Year by the governor of Arizona in 2018.
Driven by a passion for helping others realize their potential, Callie is dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through sharing her insights and fostering creativity and growth. She serves as an entrepreneur in residence at the University of Arizona’s McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship, frequently guest lectures at the U of A’s Eller College of Management, and presides as president of the University South Foundation, a nonprofit committed to expanding access to higher education for students in Southern Arizona.
Callie earned a bachelor’s degree from the U of A and an MBA from the Eller College of Management.