Ayanna Anderson, MPS, MS

This is another important piece worth reading. The Impossible Dilemma of Black Female Leadership: The Tragedy of Nobody Seeing Us Even When Everybody’s Watching By Dr. Shauna D. A. Knox "We are overwhelmingly present in low-wage, inflexible service work, but there is a small contingent of Black women who have somehow transgressed this universal sentencing to unprotected, low-wage oblivion, and have beaten the odds only to find that the reward for their efforts is an impossible dilemma—a choice to drown or to disappear." #leadership

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💡 Tip 3: Continuous and Tailored Professional Development 💼 Representation and relatability are essential in your professional journey. I found myself longing for (and finding) a Black woman mentor during the toughest moments of my financial services career. Despite being an eager learner who absorbs insights from diverse sources, I lacked a peer who truly understood the intricacies of navigating leadership as a Black woman. It's crucial to acknowledge that traditional women leadership programs often fell short in addressing my specific challenges. Let's prioritize tailored development opportunities that resonate with the diverse experiences of all women in leadership. Together, we can foster environments where every voice is heard and every journey is supported. #ProfessionalDevelopment #RepresentationMatters #DiversityinLeadership #blackwomenleaders

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"Unapologetically Leading: The Black Women's Mixtape" is more than a platform, it’s a vibe and a community where we celebrate the stories and journeys of Black women leaders. Through centering their narratives, we aim to inspire connections and uplift voices that are often overlooked or stereotypically defined. "Unapologetically Leading" amplifies Black women by giving them space to take center stage and own their narratives and how they are shown to the world. Why the play on the word mixtape? Because we hope to curate an authentic and transparent look at their experiences, perspectives, and insights, noting that each narrative will be different, similar to the diverse tracks on your favorite album/mixtape. Ultimately, "Unapologetically Leading: The Black Women's Mixtape" isn't just about sharing stories; it's about reclaiming agency, and redefining what it means to lead unapologetically as a Black woman in today's world. If you are interested in sharing your story either through writing a piece or by being interviewed fill out the form below and share it with your network 💜 EDIT: This will close tomorrow at noon. #BlackWomenLeaders #CenteringBlackVoices #RedefiningLeadership #Leadership #Storytelling

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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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the brilliant leader Joyce James is an author of this critical paper - Urgent Need for Black Family Connections and Support for Black Leaders Advancing Change Efforts in Systems An important read:

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This article resonates with me on many levels. I made the decision to walk away from an organization steeped in racism and white fragility. I hope will resonate with many of you and spark a deeper conversation about workplace culture and inclusivity. For some time, I've navigated the complexities of an environment that, while striving for excellence, did not fully embrace the diverse needs of its employees, particularly in the realm of mental health. As a Black woman in the workplace, I've often found myself walking the fine line between authenticity and conforming to a corporate culture that didn't always see the whole me. This has been especially true in dealing with my anxiety and stress—a part of my life that requires understanding and support. I've come to the realization that to do my best work, I need a space that not only acknowledges these parts of who I am but actively works to accommodate and support them. Unfortunately, this organization was not that space it was quite the opposite yet it boasted of being inclusive and equitable. There, the commitment to maintaining the status quo overrode the pressing need to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment. This led to my decision to move on. This is not just about me. It's about all of us and the kind of workplaces we want to be part of. Workplaces that understand that true excellence comes from the collective well-being and diverse contributions of all employees. It's about building environments where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. I now seek opportunities that align with these values—where the well-being of employees is paramount and diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated. I invite you to stay excited and to connect and share your thoughts and experiences. Have you faced similar challenges? How do you envision a truly inclusive workplace? Together, we can learn from each other and advocate for the kind of change that doesn't just challenge the status quo but reshapes it entirely. #Inclusivity #MentalHealthAwareness #DiversityInWorkplace #CareerChange #NewBeginnings

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A VC fund dedicated to funding businesses run by Black women is not discrimination. The reason is that data show businesses run by Black women currently garner a tiny share of funding globally. This is not equitable. Hence, we need funds focused solely on funding underfunded groups in order to move towards equitable funding for all. This is one of the few ways we can end the actual discrimination happening which is against Black women. #racialequity #genderequity #VCbias

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Training starts next week!

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When thinking back to my time as a nonprofit CEO, I recall many sleepless nights wrestling with funding challenges. Conversations often focused on writing grants, annual campaigns, and donor engagement, but the results stayed the same. It wasn’t until we started thinking differently that we saw real change. 🚀Imagine a nonprofit and philanthropic world where innovation drives fund development, creating sustainable impact within our organizations, where new ideas are celebrated, and risks are seen as opportunities.  🌟 In my latest Coaching Innovation Blog, Innovating Fund Development for Greater Impact, discover how embracing innovation can transform your organization's approach to funding. ❓How can nonprofits elevate their fund development strategies to create greater impact? 🧠 Cultivate a Culture of Innovation: Encourage an environment where creativity thrives, and risks are part of the growth journey. 🔍 How can you foster a culture of innovation? Reflect on your organization's openness to new ideas and discuss your risk tolerance and risk threshold. 💡 Innovation Pop-ups: Organize regular brainstorming sessions to bring together diverse perspectives and generate innovative new fund development strategies. When we create a culture of innovation that leverages technology and embraces diverse funding sources, we can transform our organizations and the communities we serve. How have you leveraged innovation to support fund development? 🔗 Check out the full article at www.Jordansydnor.com . 

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Normalize letting Black people, and Black women in particular, succeed or fail as individuals, without burdening them with the reputational fate of millions. In our Waymakers Talent Experience Survey, more than 80% of Black women agreed with the statement: “When I succeed, I feel like I succeed for all people like me. And when I fail, I feel I’ve failed them too.” This responsibility Black women feel for others like them may be a choice, rooted in a sense of care and connectedness, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy. In any organization, when a member of the dominant group fails, we don’t attach that failure to every member of that group, or extrapolate it to mean we should not give members of that group an opportunity to try again. This is just one of many privileges we don’t discuss enough. We must give people the space to learn and grow on their terms, with their own reputations in tow. Thats enough pressure, don’t you think? #wearethewaymakers #betheway #leadership #culture #burdenofresponsibility #insight #equityandinclusion Tara Jaye Frank

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The fight for equity is far from over. As the Co-founder of Chezie, I know firsthand how difficult it is for Black entrepreneurs, especially Black women, to navigate the systemic barriers that exist in securing funding. The recent federal court decision to halt the Fearless Fund’s grant program for Black women entrepreneurs is deeply disheartening. This program was essential in addressing the inequities that so many of us confront daily. It's not just a blow to the Fearless Fund but to all initiatives striving to support marginalized groups in the entrepreneurial space. Black women are among the most entrepreneurial demographics in the U.S., yet we receive less than 1% of venture capital funding. This decision demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of what true equity entails. Equity requires us to acknowledge and address the unique challenges different groups face, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Halting these targeted programs under the pretense of fairness undermines efforts to create a truly equitable economy. Despite our significant contributions and potential, Black women are still being shut out from opportunities that others can more easily access. We must continue to advocate for equity and support programs that aim to correct historical and systemic injustices. Investing in Black women is not only the right thing to do but also a smart economic move that benefits everyone. Let's keep pushing for a fair and inclusive economy. The journey is long, but the work is vital.

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#BlackMaternalHealth is more than just a week for me. And this last week as people posted and advocated, the statistics and figures remain as sobering as ever. Why should you care about Black Maternal Health? Because we blame women of color when for being dismissed by a medical system not created to care for them. We blame women for their deaths. Check out these statistics: 🙆🏽‍♀️ Black women are 3x times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to White women. Studies show that even wealth and education do not protect Black women from dying giving birth in America. 🙆🏽‍♀️ Preterm birth rates are 50% higher among Black women than they are among white or Hispanic women. 🙆🏽‍♀️ Many of the factors that influence poor outcomes for moms and babies are preventable. We know already know how to save women's lives in childbirth. (Source: March of Dimes) While deaths continue to rise, the latest news of Serena Williams and Elaine Welteroth teaming up to tackle the #BlackMaternalHealthCrisis through their newly launched #BirthFUND has filled me with so much joy and hope! I know these two powerhouses are going to save a lot of women's lives. Learn more below. What can you do to raise awareness about giving birth in America as a woman of color?

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Ahead of #Juneteenth2024, another great Word In Black feature about #digital literacy and access in Black communities. #Juneteenth #digitalaccess #digitalequity #BlackAmericans https://lnkd.in/ewMCX5Jv

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As Black women gain recognition in highly visible positions, they are faced with various misconceptions that impact their life. When entering visible positions or running for office, black women have to not only work against racial and gendered misconceptions but also present themselves in a relatable way. The balancing act puts high-levels of stress on black women that do not exist for other candidates. We’ll discuss those misconceptions and ways to fairly evaluate their candidacy. We are ready to Clapback and Get the Facts.    #SistersLead @SistersLead    https://lnkd.in/eMJGY8dj

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Thank you Authority Magazine this fabulous feature. Great interview! I've experienced my share of challenges as a woman in leadership. And magnified challenges as a Black woman in leadership. I am a huge advocate of coaching and mentorship. I'm a leader that has a coach and will keep one. Be sure to like the article on the Authority website. Here I share ways to increase engagement in Women's Leadership. Over the next week, I will break these tips down and share some insight into my journey as a leader. https://lnkd.in/gKUwpq7t #womenleadership #developyourvoice #leadershiptips

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Here's an insightful take on the invisibility of Black women today.

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The 7th annual Black Maternal Health Week, taking place from April 11th-17th and led by the Black Mamas Matters Alliance, focuses on advocating for the experiences of Black mothers and birthing individuals. This campaign is held during National Minority Health Month to align with the International Day for Maternal Health and Rights on April 11th. In the U.S., maternal morbidity and mortality rates are alarmingly high, having doubled over the past decade with the pandemic exacerbating these numbers. In 2021, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times higher than for non-Hispanic White women, according to the CDC. Furthermore, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause, and over 80% of these deaths are preventable. This year's theme, “Our Bodies STILL Belong to Us: Reproductive Justice NOW!” highlights the ongoing issues with widespread restrictions on abortion access and rising cases of criminalization due to pregnancy loss. Many states with the most restrictive abortion bans also have the worst maternal and child health outcomes and lack supportive social welfare and family support programs, particularly for Black women and birthing people. A Path Forward: Now is the time to advocate for comprehensive insurance coverage for maternal and reproductive health, improve access to care, issue equitable care guidelines, and fund research prioritizing Black women and birthing people, as detailed in BMMA’s comprehensive Policy Agenda. Education and support: This virtual Labor Support Training from Sister Song is designed to prepare expectant families with the knowledge and skills necessary for birthing in a variety of settings. Visit BlackMamasMatter.org for a list of local events and resources. Join NNLM in a webinar series on community outreach and pregnancy support. NWC will be advocating for and uplifting Black mothers and birthing people by keeping the theme of Black Maternal Health Week at the forefront of our work beyond April 17th. Standing Together,

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