Breaking Barriers 🌟 "Nineteen years after founding Akili Dada, Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg is on a new mission: to elevate and empower Black women across the world who have reached senior levels of management. B-WEL's ambition and mission are bigger. The scope is global, and we are doing three things; connecting Black senior female leaders around the world into a community of mutual support." Click the link below to be inspired by Dr. Wanjiru and find out about B-WEL's other two areas of focus. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dUrHUMew #WeAreBWEL #womeninleadership

59%. That's the number of Black Women who want to be top executives, according to Lean In. It also reinforces what we know. Black women leaders are more ambitious than other women at their level. And according to the Lean In data, they are more likely than other women leaders of other races and ethnicities to receive signals that it'll be harder for them to advance. 🙋🏽♀️🙋🏽♀️ Many, myself included, have received and experienced these signals in our career journeys. But through proactive #allyship, #sponsorship and support, we can hopefully make the changes needed to ensure we can rise and thrive. 📣 Leaders 📣 As we near the end of Black History Month and begin celebrating the ways to "Inspire Inclusion" for Women's History Month... ❓How will you ensure you're following through on commitments to promote, support and elevate Black women and women of color? See more below on the insights from Lean In. #inclusion #allyship #leadership

We dropped too many gems to count last week.... And one had to do with this: if you're a non-Black person (especially one in a leadership position) and you think you don't need to hear conversations like this right now because you don't have any Black women on your team... YOUR WORKPLACE PROBABLY NEEDS THIS MORE THAN OTHERS. Catch the replay and share with your team for a #womenshistorymonth discussion that actually centers #intersectionality and #intersectionalfeminism Link to full video in comments

Reflecting on 25 years of advocating for #Black #Leadership. From feeling like an outcast to realizing the impact after my philosophy professor's encouragement. Witnessing my sister face job discrimination based on skin tone and standing up for her. Using my voice for 'plus-sized' women facing similar challenges. Observing qualified Black women, myself included, being unjustly passed over for jobs they were unquestionably qualified for. And the list continues Black leadership empowers us to #advocate for the marginalized. Let's use our voice and power consistently, not just when it's convenient. Change is inevitable when our collective voices unite. #Leadership #Advocacy #ChangeMakers #blackleaders #blackleadership #leadership #executiveleadership

WHEN VALUES MATTER MORE THAN REPRESENTATION I am a firm believer that representation matters, but with a huge caveat. That there has to be an alignment with values. Values matter so much more to me, than just shared heritage or "struggle". I have seen people from underrepresented communities take leadership positions in civic, political and business organisations, and have done one of two things (or both). 1) upheld the status quo of problematic behaviour of said organisations 2) blocked the paths of others by being gatekeepers to leadership paths. The Black leaders who think it's only hard work that gets you places and diminishing the narratives of other Black leaders who don't get a look in. The Asian leaders riding of the model minority bandwagon who play the BAME card until they don't have to anymore The Women leaders who embrace misogyny/mysogynoir more than many men The LGBT+ leaders who are just as disparaging to some members than those who identify as CIS/heterosexual We see it. We know it. And often it takes an outside voice like mine, not restrained by corporate mores, to speak truth to power. To call out that BS when we see it and to remind others they need to do better. I love fellow troublemakers so I was delighted when I came across this speech by Professor Ruha Benjamin delivering a keynote for the Spelman Convocation. Speaking it as it is. Woosah. This is good. A fifteen minute reminder that values are more powerful than just sheer representation. Definitely a sister from another mister. Enjoy bit.ly/RuhaSpelmanTalk

This is completely true when you are on the of a career ladder and you inspire from your leaders

Kamala Harris’s historic role as the first Black and South Asian woman Vice President of the United States marks a transformative moment for Black women and diversity in leadership. Her ascent to one of the highest offices in the country not only symbolizes breaking barriers but also provides a powerful source of inspiration for women of color and advocates of diversity everywhere. For Black women, Harris’s achievement is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of perseverance. It reinforces the belief that with resilience and determination, they can overcome systemic obstacles and reach unprecedented heights. Harris’s representation at the highest level of government challenges long-standing stereotypes and showcases the invaluable contributions that women of colour bring to leadership roles. In terms of diversity, Harris’s role highlights the importance of inclusive representation in leadership. Diverse leadership brings a variety of perspectives and experiences that are crucial for innovative problem-solving and effective governance. Her presence in the White House serves as a reminder of the progress made and the ongoing need to promote diversity at all levels of leadership. Kamala Harris’s journey and accomplishments inspire us to continue striving for a more inclusive and equitable world in our communities and work places. #DiversityInLeadership #RepresentationMatters #WomenInLeadership #InclusiveLeadership #BreakingBarriers #KamalaHarris #Empowerment #Inspiration #EquityAndInclusion #imwithher

Essential to know about Vivian is that she is a Neurodivergent Black woman and a DEI generalist who advocates for all kinds of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Read more 👉 https://lttr.ai/AOQLB #Diversity #Inclusion #Leadership

This chapter is called…THE POWER OF A BLACK WOMAN💗 Black women have long been at the forefront of movements for justice, equity, and change. Their leadership is marked by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to liberation. In embracing their roles as leaders, Black women are redefining what it means to lead with authenticity and purpose. Liberation for Black women is not just about breaking free from external constraints, but also about internal empowerment. It’s about creating spaces where their voices are heard, their contributions valued, and their well-being prioritized. This journey involves reclaiming time for rest and healing, fostering community support, and driving forward with a vision that centers on equity and justice. As Black women continue to lead in various sectors, from corporate boardrooms to grassroots organizations, their unique perspectives and experiences bring invaluable insights and transformative solutions. Their leadership is not only about achieving personal success but also about uplifting others and creating pathways for future generations. The road to liberation and leadership is complex and filled with challenges, but it is also rich with opportunities for growth and impact. By embracing their full selves and advocating for systemic change, Black women leaders are shaping a future where everyone can thrive. I am her, she is me, we are exceptionalism, we are black women✨ #blackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwomenrock #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #womeninbusiness #womeninleadership #badasswomen #bossbabe #mondaymotivation #mondaymood #magicmonday

It isn't enough to talk about diversity; we need to cultivate it. And when we do, that's when we reap the benefits of different skills, knowledge and perspectives 🌈 What does diversity mean to you? Share in the comments below ⬇️ #diversity #DEI #leadership #inclusion #culture