Sharon Hurley Hall (she/her)

Sent from My iPhone: Insights for Black Professional Women from Baby Reindeer Richard Gadd's Baby Reindeer delves into themes of identity and societal perceptions through the character Gemma. The portrayal of Gemma as the “crazy” and irrational white woman reflects stereotypes often unfairly applied to Black women in the media. These harmful narratives impact how Black women are viewed in professional settings, potentially hindering their advancement opportunities. In the tech industry, where Black women are already underrepresented, challenging these stereotypes is vital. Success involves combating biases and creating environments that prioritize professionalism over unfounded perceptions. Black women in tech can lead this change by showcasing their skills, leadership, and resilience consistently. Gemma's isolation underscores the value of a supportive network. For Black women in tech, cultivating strong support systems is crucial. Mentorship and sponsorship, both within and outside the organization, offer guidance, opportunities, and a sense of community, helping navigate challenges and counteracting societal stereotypes. Lastly, when writing emails, please ensure your spelling and grammar are impeccable before hitting the send button. Snet fmor mai eyephone. #BlackProfessionalWomen #StereotypeSmashers #CareerSuccess #DiversityInTech #ResilienceInAdversity #BabyReindeer #OvercomingBias #SupportiveNetworks #netflix

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Struggling to Find New Post Ideas?  (Swipe to See the 5 Simplest Ideas) That’s how it started… We've known each other for a while,  and last week, we decided to  collaborate on a post! Together, we brainstormed a topic  and came up with an outline Afterwards, Khadija Mahin 🦋 wrote the content   and I tried my best to design it (since I’m a writer) Hope you guys will find it helpful! 🐰Are you most productive before noon or after dinner? (Early Bird or Night Owl) #rasikhawrites #contentcreation #linkedin

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How do you handle the issue of inclusive pronouns in your writing? This is a crucial question for content writers, scholars, business persons, and editors. The singular "they" has been proposed as a solution. What is the singular they? This is the idea of using "they" as a singular pronoun for situations where gender identities are: -unknown -not important -nonbinary, -or needs to be hidden Use of singular they means instead of saying: "Everyone loves his dog," you say "Everyone loves their dog" Before, a simple "he or she" instead of "he" would suffice. However, our understanding of gender and inclusivity has evolved past such usage. To be fair, one could say there is precedent for it. "You" has been used as both a singular and plural pronoun for centuries. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the same can be said of the singular "they". On their website, they claim: [It can be traced] . . . back to 1375, where it appears in the medieval romance William and the Werewolf. . . . Its use of singular they to refer to an unnamed person seems very modern: 'Each man hurried . . . till "they" drew near . . . where William and his darling were lying together.’ Source: The Oxford English Dictionary: A brief history of singular 'they'. So what about you? Where do you stand on the use of the singular they in your writing? #AcademicWriting #ContentWriting #SingularThey #Inclusion #EditingServices - - -  Hey. I'm Mel. A professional academic editor, who's edited well over a million words! 🤯 I help academic get their manuscripts ready for publication and help businesses rank on Google. 🙏 To learn more about the work I do, check out my website in my profile and my blogs on LinkedIn Articles. Good luck with your research writing! 🤞

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A couple of weeks ago I published an op-ed (https://lnkd.in/ecCkt6Wi) on theGrio recapping my experiences as a young, Black girl who had no idea that a technology career was within my reach and a young, Black woman inside the technology workforce who had no idea how to navigate my path forward or use my voice for positive change. I urged the reader to consider why diversity and inclusion in technology is better for all of us and how they can support making equity in technology for Black women a reality. You can find the article here: https://lnkd.in/ecCkt6Wi Not long after writing the article, the news of Women Who Code suddenly and unexpectedly shutting down came across my desk (https://lnkd.in/es28V-4M). It felt like a defeat for all of us, and this unexpected hit to my armor made me wonder "is it worth it?". Is my advocacy, my fight, my passion, my walk, my urging, my efforts, my challenges, my hardships, my time and my tears ... is all of this worth it - when at the end of the day, people are going to continue to give lip service to acknowledge the need for Black women and girls to enter the tech field, without putting weight and funding behind those words. The answer is yes - undoubtedly and emphatically, yes. So what do I do when the challenges against HYPE's work seem too difficult to bear? I lean in and press forward towards the mark I've been called to. I've been called to the purpose of empowering girls of color to THRIVE as leaders in tech, despite the circumstances. I still believe that technology is stronger when Black women and girls are included, and I won't stop until I see the equitable representation of us in tech. #gethype #education #exploration #empowerment #leanin #cantstopwontstop

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So, you want to be a writer? The first thing that you might consider doing is start to write regularly. The Organised Writer #writing #book #review https://lnkd.in/e5s7xpVR

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Working on a novel? Feeling stuck? This is a great opportunity to get unstuck! #author #authoradvice #fictionwriter #fictionwriting #novel #novelist #writing #writingtips #writingworkshop

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Self-Confidence: The Black Social Entrepreneur's Secret Weapon For Black social entrepreneurs in the UK, self-confidence is more than just a desirable quality – it's a crucial tool for navigating an environment stacked against them. Why is “self-belief” so critical for success: Combating the Legacy of Systemic Discrimination: The history of racial bias in the UK, from discriminatory lending practices to limited access to networks, can be a heavy burden. Black entrepreneurs often face skepticism from investors and encounter hurdles within the business establishment. Self-confidence equips them to challenge these biases head-on. Silencing the Voice of Imposter Syndrome: The feeling of being an imposter – of not truly belonging or deserving of success – is a significant challenge, especially for Black professionals navigating predominantly white spaces. This can lead to self-doubt and hinder decision-making. However, self-confident social entrepreneurs are able to recognise these feelings for what they are – internalised biases – and push forward. Seeing successful Black entrepreneurs and surrounding themselves with supportive communities further bolsters their confidence and reminds them that they do belong in the business world. Taking Calculated Risks, Not Reckless Gambles: While a healthy appetite for risk is essential for any entrepreneur,Black entrepreneurs often face limited financial resources and a lack of inherited wealth to fall back on. Self-confidence allows them to take calculated risks, not reckless gambles. They can thoroughly assess the potential pitfalls of a venture, develop strong business plans that mitigate risks, and leverage their resourcefulness to overcome financial obstacles. This measured approach increases their chances of success without putting their entire future on the line. Building Networks and Finding Allies: Building strong networks is crucial for any entrepreneur, but Black entrepreneurs often lack access to the established networks that can provide vital advice, mentorship, and potential investment opportunities. Self-confidence allows them to step outside their comfort zone, network strategically, and connect with potential partners and investors. They can leverage their skills and unique perspectives to build relationships that benefit both them and their social enterprise. The Ripple Effect of Self-Confidence: Ultimately, self-confidence allows Black social entrepreneurs to not only overcome these challenges but also redefine success on their own terms. Their success stories can inspire the next generation, dismantling stereotypes and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable business landscape in the UK. As more Black social entrepreneurs succeed, this self confidence becomes contagious, fostering a supportive community and creating a powerful ripple effect that benefits the entire Black British community.

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🌻 Black Innovation Alliance really considers so much of our wellbeing experience while at #SustainabilitySummit2024. From group yoga and built-in time for us to also keep existing meetings and co-working commitments while attending. Finally!! A space that gets me, gets us, all of us, BlackGirlMagic.Market. ❤️ As we are designing tech innovation, there is also room for human spirit upgrades and innovations! Thank you!!! My offering to our brilliantcommunity: A centering community tool that compliments any equitable economic aims. This can support those leading non-profit organizations that may also distribute funds to entreneurs that are experiencing inequities. The CBOR can be a great shared agreement example https://lnkd.in/efefnP9w

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In today's Ellevate Network's Mobilize Women 👩🏾Summit 2024 on the topic of Harnessing Women's Economic Power, the recent ruling (https://lnkd.in/gPbiq5wP) against the Fearless Fund was discussed. Championing The Fearless Fund and the Legacy of Generational Wealth The recent court ruling regarding the Fearless Fund is more than just a legal setback; it's a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality in the entrepreneurial landscape. The Fearless Fund has been a beacon of hope and support for minority women-owned businesses, providing capital and the promise of generational wealth and security. Generational wealth is not merely about financial prosperity; it's about creating a legacy that transcends time, offering stability and opportunities for future generations. The Fearless Fund's commitment to fostering this wealth among African American women entrepreneurs is a testament to their vision of a more equitable future. Despite the challenges, the importance of organizations like the Fearless Fund cannot be overstated. They are the architects of a future where generational wealth is accessible to all, ensuring that the next generation inherits a foundation of financial security and empowerment. As we stand in support of the Fearless Fund, let's reaffirm our commitment to building a world where every entrepreneur has the chance to create a lasting legacy. Let's continue to fight for a society where generational wealth is not a privilege but a right for all. #GenerationalWealth #FinancialSecurity #WomenInBusiness #LegacyBuilding

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What Is Generational Stories? (Building The Diaspora Connection Through Generational Stories – The Diaspora Storytelling Series) Generational stories refer to narratives that traverse through multiple generations within a family or community, encapsulating the shared experiences, values, and challenges that shape the identity of each successive generation. https://lnkd.in/dEH8FDnf

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The ugly truth is I don't know a Black woman who hasn't had to stand her ground and set boundaries! Often alone. But many times we go on as if everything is ok. So we have exceptions rather than changing the rules of the game so we can all thrive. Seeing this in such plain sight 🔦 I would love my LinkedIn network and beyond to be introspective and start to take actionable accountability: - look how Black women you know are being treated differently; make it visible - how are you then personally helping to support they are not pushed into limited spaces - how are you actively going to them with opportunities - how are you actively ensuring they are included and not excluded because of a system barrier that creates inequity - how are you speaking up? I know of many cases where it was see no evil 🐍, hear no evil👺 Feeling sad, angry, or outraged is one thing, but action and personal accountability are another! #exclusion #inclusion #accountability #systematicchange #racismisaliveandwell #dei #boundaries

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There's 1 bad habit that's sabotaging your progress. (We're all guilty of it 😬) We're obsessed with knowledge acquisition, not knowledge application. 👉 But it should be the other way around. We're so good at immersing ourselves in educational content and telling ourselves: - "One more course, and then I'll start..." - "One more video, and then I'll start..." - "One more book, and then I'll start..." However, in reality, we're never 100% ready. So, here's my challenge for you this week: ❌ Instead of: Learn → Learn → Learn → Learn (and not get anywhere) ✅ Try: Learn → Do → Learn → Do (and move closer to your goal) It's the only way to start seeing results. And if there's any way I can make the "doing" part easier for you regarding LinkedIn, copywriting, or public speaking, please let me know! P.S. What's 1 thing you've wanted to do but have been postponing?

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😒😒We have so far to go… I can’t wrap my head around this… at all. I got the opportunity to be part of a discussion with the Fearless Fund during SXSW and the fight that they have been made to fight for successfully doing what the start up world has claimed to want for several years is 🤯. Over the past 5-7 years there has been a huge push for DEI and making entrepreneurship attainable for underrepresented founders. I have been an “underrepresented founder” participant in several different programs that 🎯this specific space and I am grateful for the ones that have been beneficial in growing TRS. But let’s cut the 🐂. More often than not these programs are run by large predominantly white male led organizations that are exploiting the same people they claimed to be helping. Programs that are many times way more about the optics and after being accepted their is very little to no value for the participants, however the orgs get the metrics and 💵 to show how much they are focusing on “DEI and “under represented” even profiting off these founder stories or closing large deals because of them with no trickle down to the founders and no concern for if it’s helping or harming. I could keep going but u get the point. These orgs have been praised for years for the BS “programs” they created to further line their OWN pockets. **There are also good legit programs I’m not saying they are all bad- many have helped us- but the fact still remains many haven’t- But when Fearless Fund actually creates a program that does all these things we’ve been claiming to want for years now- (with little to no movement in the actual success of these underrepresented founders). Now it’s an issue and you can’t do that. Sounds to me like the diversity was just never actually wanted. Sounds to me like the old white men got scared when they saw a legit pathway for companies and founders far better then them to get a chance to compete with them as robust vc backed companies. Now DEI is unfair? Unconstitutional?! But there’s nothing wrong with the fact that less than 1% of VC funding goes to black founders and 0.39% went to women of color founders in 2022. And let’s not forget black women founders on average provide better investment returns than white women or man led companies. Anyways I post this ask how can we help? What can we be doing to stand up and say we aren’t going to accept this. To stand with fearless fund and support them? I’m sure their are orgs and people already doing this- I’d love to know how I can help! Funding is unfair it’s part of the game - maybe not unfair but it’s not the best ideas are the ones that get the funding they need- that’s just what it is and always has been- but it’s unconstitutional to have a $20,000 grant for black women? Clearly any real movement towards leveling the playing field scares the shit out of those that have always held the wealth and power- Like i said in the beginning we have so far to go.

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Bias fuels dysfunctional behavior and ravages mental health. How do we create new systems that enable all to succeed? My conversation with Steven Hassan, PhD explores this topic and more! Link in bio to listen to our episode of The Influence Continuum. #sexism #racism #gaslighting #subterfuge #sabotage

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In our current Changing Platforms podcast episode, Haley Dawn Roth unpacks essential teen coaching strategies. She addresses navigating change, handling social pressures, academic challenges, and personal development. Praised by Minase Negash in Ethiopia, her advice has been a beacon of practical tips and positive feedback for our audience: “It was an awesome insight from your guest, Haley Dawn, on teens and their mental health. She has elaborated in detail on how to approach teens and support those who may need our help. Definitely, every teen is special and needs a specific approach, but Haley has clearly put the attributes to consider when we communicate. As she mentioned, we all passed through our teen years differently from our predecessors because what’s available in our time differs. My time was different because tons of television productions were available, and a lifestyle of Westerners was overwhelming our attitude. The current generation is being uniformly molded because of the digital phenomenon, and the emerging AI and its tools being availed in thousands will change the spectrum like never seen before. This will result in unexpected consequences, good or bad. The lesser teens’ exposure to physical connection, the more difficult it will be for everyone to handle their mental health status. I say more has to be done to encourage teens to go out of their screens and meet up real people in person and absorb priceless life experiences. This is a huge agenda, but thanks to Haley’s amazing presentation and your spot-on approach, we have learned a crucial lesson. Thank you for bringing this very important timely information to us, Alka.” ~ Minase K Negash Take a listen and let us know your thoughts. Available now on Spotify, link in bio or click the following link: https://lnkd.in/dwwDpKyG #mentalhealthawareness #teenmentalhealth #teencoaching #parentingteens #healthyteens #happyteens #innerteen #flywithhaleydawn #healthyself #teenwellbeing #parentwellbeing #compassiondriven #adolescentdevelopment  #alkabromiley #podcast #changingplatforms #changingplatformspodcast #spotifyforpodcasters

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