Grace Yung F.

😒😒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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At what point does cultural pride & support turn into "racial discrimination"? . The Fearless Fund, a venture capital organization created by and in support of businesses owned by Black women, experienced a court ruling this month that suspended its grant program of awarding $20,000 and mentorship opportunities solely to that segment of the population. . 💡 Here's an interesting question raised by this legal battle: Are philanthropic grants a constitutionally protected form of free speech? Or are they contracts subject to the same legal scrutiny as other types of commercial or governmental contracts? The Facts: 😵 Black women receive less than 0.35% of all venture capital funding, which is less than a full percentage point of the billions of dollars that flow through the startup ecosystem. In 2022, only 4% of Black women-owned businesses raised equity funding. (Source: JP Morgan Chase) 😵 Black business owners who apply for funding have a rejection rate that is three times higher than that of White business owners. (Source: Forbes) 😵 61% of Black women self-fund their startup capital, even though only 29% of them live in households with incomes over $75,000, compared to 52% of White men. (Source: AWSM VC) My opinion: F*** 'em. I've earned over $1.2M in revenue with less than 20,000 social media followers, and my tribe has amassed over $8.3M since 2020 with ZERO outside funding. Just proven strategies, million-dollar social media sales systems, and marketing unicorns I like to call Air Assistants™. It's not a surprise, and at the same time it's a shame that this is to be expected in America. I'm here for all the women-owned businesses that are ready for hypergrowth and may not have hundreds of thousands (or even millions) to propel their vision forward. We're coming for our coins 😜 go.airassistant.io/coffee

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Circling back to my previous post exploring what's going on with Black women in the labor market The Jobs Report for April, released last Friday, revealed that the unemployment rate for Black women has dropped to 5.0%. Although this rate is higher than the unemployment rate for Black women in April last year, which was 3.8%, it is still considered low. For comparison, the unemployment rate for Black women was 16.6% in May 2020, which was the peak of the pandemic. It is not surprising to see a decrease in unemployment given that the industries that added jobs are where Black women are typically employed, especially in education and healthcare. Retail, government, and leisure and hospitality added jobs too. While it is good news to see a decrease in the unemployment rate, as I mentioned in my posts, low unemployment does not address disparities in job quality, earnings, or opportunities for advancement. Although the economy may be adding jobs in the industries where Black women work, that does not necessarily mean that Black women are making significant progress. How can we ensure that the decrease in the unemployment rate for Black women is accompanied by improvements in job quality, earnings, and opportunities for advancement?

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Direct mail in 2024? Yes! Direct mail continues to be effective at Dr. Susan Love Fund for Breast Cancer Research and Tower Cancer Research Foundation due to the tangible, personal touch that stands out in the digital age. Direct mail complements digital campaigns, providing a multi-channel approach that reinforces the message and increases engagement. QR codes and personalized URLs can bridge the gap between offline and online giving. But unlike emails, that can be easily overlooked or marked as spam, direct mail creates a physical presence, making it harder to ignore. It can evoke emotional responses through compelling narrative, design and imagery, fostering a greater sense of connection and urgency. Direct mail campaigns can also be highly targeted, reaching specific demographics with tailored appeals. This tangible and personalized approach helps build trust and engagement, leading to higher donation rates and sustained donor relationships. #directmail #fundraising #donors #donations #towercancer

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As Black women assume more leadership positions across industries they are coming under attack in a variety of ways. The goalpost for success and credibility is constantly being moved backward or redefined. Therefore, the way attacks are crafted and deployed is also changing. We are ready to Clapback and Get the Facts.   #SistersLead #SistersVote @SistersLead    https://lnkd.in/eMJGY8dj

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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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"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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The topic that consistently trips up a Board of Directors is covered here by Kerry Diaz and Michael Corley. According to the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, 'CEO transitions are happening frequently and will continue to do so. One third of current CEOs will leave their jobs by 2026. More organizations experienced a CEO transition in 2023 than were expecting one in 2022, so there may be even more transitions – either quick or unplanned – to come.' Kerry and Michael apply their wisdom and insight to help develop a strategic framework to help plan for this important matter.

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Thoughtful Stewardship Motivates Other Donors As seasoned fundraisers will attest, many major donors will, upon making a gift commitment, say they want no recognition and a surprising number say they would prefer to remain anonymous. I don't know how many say that because it's how they feel or because they think that is what they should say. It doesn't really matter. My standard response was "We need your example." Example is important in philanthropy and fundraising. I wanted to afford my donors recognition because I knew it would be inspiring and motivating to others - if we told their story in the right way. All too often we squander the opportunity of example. We announce the amount someone has given and make some banal statements about the transformative effect it will have but rarely do we follow up and demonstrate the actual transformational impact years down the road. Even sadder, we don't do enough to publicize why the donor gave or highlight the values that underpinned and motivated their giving. Yet, the story of why one donor gave can be highly motivating to other current and potential donors. We seem to forget that many of us spend our lives trying to become better people. We seek to liberate our big and altruistic side from our small, selfish and self-protective side. We don't always know how to do that but we try. It's why we look to the examples of others, why we look for people we can admire and emulate. It's not how much someone gave but why. When we hear about someone giving because they want to spare others from the loss or pain visited on them or their loved ones, we revisit our pain and loss and ask ourselves if we have done enough to spare others. When we hear about someone giving to return what they think was a good done for them years ago, we go back to our past and ourselves if we have paid due credit to those who were most helpful in our formative years. When we hear someone giving because they felt fortune smiled on them, we think more about our good fortune and how we might share it. The more we seize on the power of example through effective storytelling, we help others reflect and say to themselves: That's who I want to be like. That's how I could give more meaning to my life. That's how I can become a better person. It's not the size of the gift we celebrate, it's the examples of how people turn to philanthropy to forgive, to convert struggle and loss to purpose, to remember and honor those that shaped their lives, to chip away at injustices visited on them, to provide others opportunities they never had, and to bequeath more to the future than they inherited from the past. We need these examples and these stories. We want to be in the presence of people striving to do good with their lives. We look for ways to be better people. The more thoughtfully we steward and share each donor's story, the more we widen the philanthropic path.

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The recent federal appeals court ruling suspending the Fearless Fund's grant program for Black women business owners is a major setback in the effort to create a more equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Venture funds and grant programs targeting underrepresented founders, like the one established by the Fearless Fund, play a critical role in addressing the persistent racial and gender gaps in access to capital. Despite the immense talent and potential of Black women entrepreneurs, they remain the least funded demographic in the venture capital landscape: - Black women receive less than 1% of total venture capital funding, despite being the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S. (ProjectDiane 2020) - The median funding raised by Black women founders is $0, compared to about $2.5 million for white men. (ProjectDiane 2020) - For every $1 million in venture funding raised, women-led startups have raised less than $5,000 on average since 2009. For Black women, that drops to just $250. (Goldman Sachs) - Only 93 Black women have raised $1 million or more in venture capital, compared to 1,661 white men who have achieved the same milestone. (ProjectDiane 2022) These stark disparities are rooted in systemic barriers, racial bias, and lack of access to networks that Black women face when pursuing funding. Targeted programs like the Fearless Fund's grants aim to help level the playing field and unlock the massive untapped potential of this entrepreneurial demographic. The economic benefits of empowering Black women founders extend far beyond individual businesses. Closing the racial entrepreneurship gap could add $300 billion to the U.S. economy and create 1.1 million new businesses (Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity). And businesses led by women of color deliver a higher median revenue than those led by white women and men of color. (ProjectDiane 2022) The Fearless Fund ruling is a troubling development that threatens to stall vital progress. If we are to build a more dynamic, innovative and equitable economy, venture funds focused on overlooked founders must be allowed to continue their critical work. The data makes the case clear - empowering Black women entrepreneurs is not just a moral imperative, but an economic necessity. The fight for their equal access to capital must continue. #BlackWomenFounders #EquitableVentureFunding #ClosingTheRacialWealthGap

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Here we go again... Remember that: - Black women are the most FOUNDED and LEAST FUNDED segment of the US population - 2% of venture capital funding goes to U.S. female-only founder teams. https://lnkd.in/eAjSVZp5. - 2020 was 4 years ago and now we are here. Support your Black-owned businesses and Black business organizations today and every day.

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In the face of declining donor retention and giving, building a culture of philanthropy is more important than ever. Check out this compelling article from Emily Gonzales on the how and why of building a culture of philanthropy at your organization.

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The Bro Code Show - Wellness Episode w/ Mentees of Y M 4 C “If you could write a letter to your ten year old self, what would it say?” Wellness starts from the inside out. Allowing a space of grace while accepting accountability. Wellness in young Black males is crucial for their overall development and resilience. Mentorship provides valuable guidance, support, and positive role modeling, helping them navigate challenges, build confidence, and prioritize self-care. By fostering strong mentorship relationships, we can empower young Black males to prioritize their well-being and thrive in all aspects of life. I am super proud of C. Stuckey. Keep shining bro. Remember, Greatness is your portion! Tap into this courageous conversation and SO MANY MORE on our YouTube & Spotify platforms: YouTube: https://lnkd.in/g7tTvkDv Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gwGPmPgj #BroCodeShow #WellnessJourney #MentorshipMatters #YoungBlackMales #SelfCare #LetterToMyself #InnerWellness #Resilience #CourageousConversation #GreatnessWithin

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The #diversity of our country is something to be #proud of as it is a source of endless #opportunities, which should not be overlooked – especially in sectors like #technology. On Monday, I attended an insightful conversation presented by the Cercle canadien de Montréal highlighting the important missed opportunity we face as a country given the financing gap when it comes to unrepresented communities. It was a refreshing conversation where Wils Theagene, B.Eng,Msc, Annick Charbonneau and Jean Vincent talked about their important work and provided tangible examples of actions that can be taken by the investment ecosystem to bridge the #fundinggap. This made me reflect on the op-ed Isaac Dream Maker Olowolafe and I wrote earlier this year on that subject. TheFutureEconomy.ca approached us to provide insight on what could be improved to better support #Blackentrepreneurs in Canada. We pulled out results from Senator Colin Deacon and L'Hon./Hon. Amina GERBA, M.B.A., C.Q.🇨🇦 ’s studies and shared our lived experience in the space - having raised the first institutionally backed Black-led #VentureCapital fund in Canada and having been focused on investing in Black-led tech companies for the past three years. One of the experiences that was striking to us was the number of talented #BlackEntrepreneurs we met, giants in their industries, who were welcomed and celebrated at social and visible functions while still getting denied when it came to significant long-standing partnerships (i.e. #funding). We have seen progress but dismantling entrenched systems requires a long-term vision, sustained commitment, and concerted efforts from financial institutions, philanthropic organizations, government bodies, corporations, and individual investors. There is still a long way to go but we're excited to be part of the solution. https://bit.ly/3JvAH5c BKR Capital #TechStartups #DiversityAndProfit #RepresentationMatters 

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In an era of heightened awareness around systemic inequalities, it's crucial for organizations to elevate their CSR efforts. Initiatives supporting Black-owned businesses can drive economic growth, dismantle barriers, and promote diversity. Despite making up over 4% of Canada's population, Black Canadians face significant economic challenges, with only 2.1% of businesses being Black-owned. Through supplier diversity programs, mentorship, and access to capital, CSR can empower Black entrepreneurs. Read more on Forbes: https://lnkd.in/ey7kygcS #CSR #BlackEntrepreneurs #EconomicGrowth #DiversityAndInclusion #SupportBlackBusinesses

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The road to success as a Black woman entrepreneur is paved with both triumphs and trials. This article explores the unique challenges faced and offers strategies to cultivate the resilience needed to thrive. ✨ https://lnkd.in/gY_3P5n8 #blackwomenentrepreneurs #resilience #businessownership #womenempowerment

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