Joy Fowler, MBA, CDE®

The Untold Pressure: Black Professionals in a White-Dominated Workplace Discover the untold pressure that black professionals face in white-dominated work environments. Gain insights into the challenges they encounter and the need for organizations to understand and address these issues. #BlackProfessionals #WorkplaceDiversity #InclusionMatters #EquityAtWork #CorporateCulture #MinoritizedVoices #RacialEquality #WorkplaceChallenges #DiversityandInclusion #EmployeeAdvocacy

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Did you know that Black professionals are 81% more likely than white professionals to say their companies are “not at all” or only “slightly” fair. From the Being Black in the United Kingdom report by Coqual, this statistic highlights the stark reality of systemic racism in the workplace. Every professional deserves to feel valued and treated justly. I strive to help businesses create environments where fairness and opportunity are the norms, not exceptions. Read the report here: https://loom.ly/0XBHAu8 #BlackProffesionals #DEI

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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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5 Ways to be an Active Ally to Black People on Juneteenth...👇🏾 ✔️ Attend a FREE, virtual Allies in Action Meetup, tomorrow on Juneteenth to learn how to be an ACTIVE ally (11 am CST). The deadline to sign up is today at 5pm CST. Greg Fontus will be leading the conversation around "Allyship and Strategic Goal Alignment" RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gFWX_zDk ✔️ Elevate Black Voices: Follow, share, and repost the content of dope Black creators, especially those in Texas (donate to and purchase from them as well). Support my allyship work here: https://lnkd.in/gPeSWK6X. Here are a few of my favorite Black Creators on LinkedIn: Ellyse W., Maceo Owens, Rakeda L. Ervin ✔️ Put Your Money where Your Allyship is: Donate to Black Causes, especially those in Texas (1000 Women Strong, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Houston Area Urban League, Blacks In Technology, BIT Houston) ✔️ Promote Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Highlight and support your company's Black ERG (send a note to Black ERG/BRG leads and ask them how you can help). If one doesn't exist, start the conversation about forming one. ✔️Say Happy Juneteenth to Black folks (you can even start today by saying "Happy Early Juneteenth or Happy Juneteenth Eve"). This statement signals you as a (potentially) safe person, it also showcases your solidarity with the Black community. Signed, #YourNeighborhoodHopeDealer #inclusiveexcellence #allyship #juneteenth #Juneteenth2024 #AlliesinAction #WeRiseTogether

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I've been reflecting deeply on the recent update against the Fearless Fund , and I want to share some thoughts that might stir the pot a bit. As a Black woman leader, this decision feels like a step backward in our journey toward equity and inclusion. It's a moment that challenges us to rethink our strategies and redouble our efforts to support Black women entrepreneurs. It's easy to feel disheartened, but let’s reframe this setback as a catalyst for innovation. How do we continue to lift each other up in the face of systemic barriers? How can we, as leaders, foster environments where diversity isn’t just a checkbox but a cornerstone? Leadership isn’t just about guiding others through smooth waters; it's about navigating the storms with resilience and creativity. We must be fearless in our pursuit of change, harnessing our collective power to build new pathways for success. Let’s use this ruling as a rallying cry to amplify our voices and our impact. Support Black women entrepreneurs not because it's trendy, but because it's necessary. Invest in our communities not out of obligation, but out of recognition of our untapped potential. This is more than a legal battle; it’s a reminder that our work is far from over. Together, we can transform obstacles into opportunities and ensure that our legacy of leadership endures. ✌🏾 Coach C #Leadership #BlackWomenLead #FearlessFund #EquityInAction #InnovateForInclusion

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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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Raising Awareness for Black Maternal Health 🖤 As a mother going through two pregnancies, I know firsthand the weight of the disparities in maternal health. As Black Maternal Health Week comes to a close today, I’m raising my voice for all the mothers who’ve faced more than their share of challenges. The Reality is we are three times more likely to suffer from pregnancy-related complications. The fear, the stress, the silent battles - they take a toll on our minds. Seek support from your village, find a therapist, join a support group, and most importantly, continue advocating for yourself to each and every doctor!!! If they don't listen, switch doctors, find a doula, research, research, research. You know your body!! It’s time to shine a light on the mental health struggles that accompany the joy of motherhood for Black women. Resources for Support: Black Mamas Matter Alliance Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance Psychologytoday.com Therapyforblackgirls.com Let’s demand better care, more understanding, and the end of the stigma surrounding our mental health. We deserve to be heard, supported, and treated with dignity. Together, we can change the narrative for Black maternal health. #BMHW24 #BlackMomsMatter #blackmaternalhealthweek #blackmamasmatteralliance

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How do you maximize your network to accomplish your goals? This years cohort for the PAALDF was posed this same question in a recent virtual session. The Urban League of Philadelphia appreciates the active and engaged network and community we are building on and offline. It is because of our network that we can continue to accomplish the good work we do each day as an organization. So how do you maximize your network to accomplish your goals? Thanks TriZen, LLC for facilitating this Leadership Forum and such a powerful session! #AfricanAmericanLeadership #BlackLeaders #NonProfitLeaders #Networking #PhillyLeaders

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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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Unpopular opinion: I think integration was one of the worst things that happened to the Black community. 400+ years of slavery and we’re still living in a modern version of Jim Crow. We are not wanted. They do not want us to thrive in their environments and yet whenever we build our own things so we can support ourselves, they kill that too (Tulsa, Rosewood, Oscarville, Seneca Village, etc.) So what does it say about an environment that won’t accept you and won’t let you go? Where do we go from here? It’s giving pearls before swine every time we enter a glass cliff situation and I’m tired of wondering where we would be if we weren’t continuously wasting our best talents on trying to prove we belong in a system that clearly is not built for us to survive (much less thrive). There will never be a voluntary wealth transfer. Yes, I know that hurts to read, but honest question — what incentive does a ruling class that was built by (and has never atoned for) theft, slavery, brute force, and intentional inequality have for making this equitable? Who desires diminishing their money and power, especially when it serves to keep a status of domination? The system is not designed to let us build that wealth within their systems either. So where do we go from here? It breaks my heart every single time I see a sister or brother achieve a level of success only to see the follow up story of how they’re no longer part of that company due to a glass cliff situation. I just wrote about my own experiences in this type of situation where you’re either brought in to fail, or not given the tools needed to support your work and then dismissed. Aren’t you tired? We deserve safety, success, and power too.

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I have participated in many discussions on how Black people show up at work and what it is about being authentic in the workplace. Being authentic in the workplace can be challenging, especially for #Black people. The following practical tips and strategies are applicable to embracing authenticity while also maintaining professionalism and navigating #workplace dynamics effectively. It is important to address the Toxic Workplace. Employers need to create an environment to ensure safety and security for everyone. The toxic workplace is a pervasive issue that negatively impact the well-being of employees. HR needs to recognise toxic environments and instantly respond with strategies for a toxic-free space, with provision for self-care and a safe place. Leaders need to create an environment where employees attain levels of career advancement and personal or professional growth. Organisations should explore ways in which everyone can leverage their unique perspectives to thrive while staying true to their values and identity. Ensuring that the work environment is safe, will also aid to coordinate responsibilities within the organisation. There is a strong need to factor in actionable steps to promote #diversity, #equity, and #inclusion by initiating processes that implement anti-discrimination policies, provide diversity training, and foster open communication channels. Please click the link below to read the full article 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾 Black Women In HR - BWHR

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🚨 Important Read: The Fearless Fund, a resource for Black entrepreneurs, has been barred from providing funding due to recent changes. This development is alarming and highlights the need for us to stay proactive in supporting #minorityownedbusinesses. Full article below https://lnkd.in/gUuPGSCn

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🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 My dissertation research has been published! 🎉 Check out "Empowering Voices: Exploring the Career Trajectories of Women of Color HR Professionals Amid Disruptive Change" at https://buff.ly/4cLqLBT 📚 This study delves into strategies for enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in organizational leadership, focusing on supporting women of color in the workplace. 🚀 Despite their immense potential, women of color often faced significant barriers to leadership roles. Through qualitative interviews and data analysis, I uncovered the systemic challenges these professionals encountered and proposed actionable solutions. 💼 My findings emphasized the importance of targeted initiatives like mentorship programs and flexible work arrangements to address the unique hurdles faced by women of color. 🌈 Join me in advancing equity and empowerment in the workplace! 💪 #DiversityAndInclusion #WomenLeaders #Empowerment

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Black Women in the workplace: Are you asking for what you need? Lauren Wesley Wilson's new book "What Do You Need?" tackles unspoken rules and empowers Black women to take charge of their careers. Read Lauren's advice: https://lnkd.in/gffpumBi #blackexcellence #careergrowth #womensleadership

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Every moment you stay unhappy with where you are is a moment of happiness you forfeit and a moment you won’t get back. Stop settling and start fighting. What you’ve always experienced doesn’t have to be what you continue to experience. There is another way, a better way. I would love to share it with you. Here’s a training that will get you started on the journey of joy. Let's talk -  isimemen.com/start #blackwomenmatter #blackintech #blackwomenmatter #blackwomenintech

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A really excellent read. One of the top books I’ve read in the last couple of years. ‘‘It is a white person’s obligation to address white supremacy and unlearn it so that they don’t continue to uphold the legacy of segregation and violence towards non white people’’. The challenge is significant but also internal, if we take the time to educate ourselves on BIPOC issues in our own field of expertise, the global impact of breaking down systemic issues can be achieved. It begins with us all individually. A whole new perspective on what allyship really means - it’s a never ending journey of learning and unlearning.

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Do you know amazing black leaders who are building strong companies? The Advancing Black Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ABLE) Accelerator is now accepting applications. I've had the honor of serving as a mentor to some of the past cohort and highly recommend this program as a way to refine your skills as an entrepreneur, connect to investors, and meet advisors and mentors who can help you scale your business. African Diaspora Network Link to apply in the comments. #blackleadership #blackentrepreneurship #africandiaspora

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Wow! Accurate. It's the emotional labor. That piece. It's exhausting. How do we continue to advocate while managing our mental, emotional, and physical energy? It's not easy and there are ways to protect ourselves. Part of the work that I do in this space encompasses energy and well-being. Make sure you have solid habits in place to protect and generate the energy you need to move in this world. #highperformancehabits #highperformance #Inclusion #DEI #cantstopwontstop #advocacy

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