LaShonda T.

Friends, this IS wild...like really. Issa jungle out there - full stop. But I want to speak to some feedback I've seen in the comments about resume and career coaches citing the resume as the main issue... Sometimes it IS the resume. If you don't know the hiring manager and you apply to a project manager job with an event planning resume, it's over - case closed. Because what I can tell you is there are 100 other candidates who applied with a project manager resume and who also learned the pain points the company is going through so...bottom line: job search will always be a competitive sport. But more importantly, please let's start saying the quiet part out loud: It's also the relationships and connections. I didn't get my jobs purely from my experience and skills...I can honestly say I just knew the right people at the right time who sponsored or advocated for me. Is that purely merit-based? Nope Has the job market always been that way? Yup Will it always be that way? More than likely. So any quality career coach or job search coach you are working with usually has a relationship building and network leveraging component to their strategy... I REPEAT: Most people likely never got their job purely based on merit. Familiarity, privilege, relationships, sponsorship, connections, affinity bias likely played a role. https://lnkd.in/g9QPaNzH

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As we commemorate Juneteenth, we celebrate the resilience, strength, and enduring spirit of the Black community. On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally received word of their freedom, marking a monumental step towards justice and equality in the United States. However, it’s crucial to remember that this joyous news came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This delay underscores the long road toward true freedom and the systemic negligence that has often hindered progress. Today, Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of timely justice and the ongoing fight against racial inequality. It’s a day to honor the past, recognize the present, and commit to a future where freedom and equity are genuinely realized for all. Let’s use this day to not only celebrate but also to reflect on our collective responsibility to advocate for change and support the Black community in meaningful ways. Happy Juneteenth! #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #BlackHistory #Equality #Inclusion #peoplematter #InspireInclusion

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It's #juneteenth and today we acknowledge the freeing of more than 250,000 remaining enslaved Black people in Texas on June 19, 1865. But there's still work to be done in the form of financial freedom and #reparations. If you want to truly acknowledge Juneteenth today - and moving forward -join The Reparations Race - led by Erin Corine Johnson. Learn how to participate as a: BENEFICIARY - Black/Black-Owned/Black Led Businesses, Projects, Communities and Causes; CONTRIBUTOR - Non-Black people making cash payments to participating beneficiaries (via CashApp, PayPal, Venmo, etc.); SUPPORTER/CONTRIBUTING SUPPORTER - Anyone that would like to sign up to actively spread the word -AND/OR- contribute products and services in lieu of cash donations to participating beneficiaries; SPONSOR - Any and all direct supporters of The Reparations Race Org, the seeding of the organization as a division of Hola Magnolia Identityworks, and this year's pledge: funding and organizing the return of the Juneteenth Global celebration on the ground in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain! See Erin's post below for all details. #juneteenth2024 | #equity | #buyblackjuneteenth June 19, 2024

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WE are not letting our children go through the burdens and stress of money- debt, living paycheck to paycheck, black tax and financial lack! WE are going to get them better educated on managing money and growing it! . . BOOKS available on https://lnkd.in/ecRPS7np . . #finanacialliteracy #finanancialwellbeing #financialwholeness #moneymatters #money #moneymindset #children #intentionalparenting #financialfreedom #debtfree #generationalwealth #wealth #bookstagram #books

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CONFIDENT BLACK WOMEN? The journey of Condoleezza Rice, the former U.S. Secretary of State, is a powerful testament to the importance of Authenticity, Connectedness, and Competence in building true confidence. As covered in my narrative literature review, being authentic means staying true to oneself both internally and externally. When individuals, particularly black women, are unable to do this, their confidence can erode, limiting their growth opportunities (Harris & Davis, 2023; Crawford, 2019). Rice's career exemplifies the impact of maintaining authenticity despite societal pressures as she climbed the political ladder. Connectedness, especially the sense of belonging, plays a critical role in an individual’s confidence. For many black women, social isolation in the workplace can be a significant barrier, preventing them from fully engaging with colleagues and sharing their experiences (Kannan & Veazie, 2023). Rice’s ability to navigate the often isolating corridors of power in Washington demonstrates the importance of fostering strong professional and personal connections. Lastly, competence is deeply affected by the quality of feedback received. Black women frequently face misrepresentation and stereotypical biases, which can undermine their confidence and hinder their professional growth (Yoong, 2022; de Leon & Rosette, 2022). Rice’s experiences remind us of the necessity for constructive and unbiased feedback to ensure that competence is accurately recognised and nurtured. Through her journey, Condoleezza Rice illustrates the crucial elements of authentic confidence, providing a powerful narrative that aligns with contemporary research on the experiences of black women in the workplace. I am currently an MSc student exploring 'Confidence' in black women at work. If you are a black woman and interested in sharing your experiences I am planning some interviews so please get in touch... many thanks... victoriaosemene@gmail.com.

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🌟 Take Risks & Build Bridges 🌟 In the spirit of growth and connection, send that risky text, connect with the Executives of your dream company, and invite a stranger to coffee. Because who knows what incredible opportunities lie on the other side of those invitations? I believe in the importance of creating visibility for those who may not have the same access or opportunities. After all, humans need humans, and it's up to those with a platform to lift others up and create pathways for success. Build bridges, extend hands, and open doors for each other. Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive network where everyone has the chance to thrive. #Networking #BuildingBridges #CreatingOpportunities #Gratitude #Inclusivity

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Today I had the honor of being on a panel entitled - Embracing Culture: The Strength and the Challenge at the SHRM #ExecNetwork experience at the #SHRM24 Conference. My fellow panelists were: John Ferguson, SHRM-CP, PHR of NASCAR DeRetta Cole Rhodes, PhD of Atlanta Braves Beth Goldstein served as our amazing moderator! As the Global Head of Belonging, I recognize that culture is the bedrock of our identity—it influences every facet of our organization. Yet, the journey through cultural landscapes is not without its complexities. In our session, we will confronted the "culture paradox," examining its influence on leadership, collaboration, and personal growth. We explored strategies for enhancing employee engagement, refining team dynamics, and fostering a culture that is both positive and inclusive. Participants hopefully departed with a strategic blueprint to harness the distinctive power of our organization's culture. If you were in our session please comment below on your own takeaways! #Belonging = #Inclusion * (#Diversity + #Equity) ^ #Accessibility

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In the relentless pursuit of professional excellence, it's easy to forget the importance of stepping back and recharging. I was vividly reminded of this last weekend when I took some well-deserved PTO to explore the stunning Black Hills with a group of fellow veterans. We spent the weekend playing golf, enjoying the serene landscapes, and reconnecting through our shared experiences. Here’s why I am a strong advocate for using your PTO: 1. Immediate Rejuvenation: The break last weekend allowed me to completely disconnect from work-related stress, helping me return to my duties feeling refreshed and energized. 2. Inspire Creativity: Being in a new environment, especially one as inspiring as the Black Hills, and engaging in enjoyable activities like golf, sparked new ideas and perspectives that I'm excited to bring into my work. 3. Enhanced Productivity: I've noticed a significant boost in my productivity this week, proving that a well-rested mind is more efficient and effective. Embracing PTO can profoundly impact both your personal wellbeing and professional performance. I encourage everyone to plan their next escape—what does yours look like? #TimeOff #ProfessionalGrowth #VeteranConnections

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OUR TEN BENEFITS OF THE FAVOR OF GOD 1: SUPERNATURAL INCREASE & PROMOTION, GENESIS: 39:21... 2: RESTORATION OF EVERYTHING THE ENEMY HAS STOLEN FROM YOU, EXODUS: 3:21... 3: HONOR, EVEN IN THE MIDST OF YOUR ENEMY, EXODUS: 11:3... 4: INCREASE OF ASSETS & REAL ESTATE, DEUTERONOMY: 33:23... 5:GREAT VICTORIES IN THE MIDST OF THE ODDS STACKED AGAINST YOU, JOSHUA: 11:20... 6: RECOGNITION, EVEN WHEN IT SEEMS LEAST LIKELY, 1 SAMUEL: 16:22.... 7: PROMINENCE & PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT, ESTHER: 8:17..... 8: PETITIONS GRANTED, EVEN BY Ungodly PEOPLE, ESTHER: 5:8... 9: POLICIES, RULES, REGULATIONS & LAWS CHANGED IN YOUR FAVOR, ESTHER 8:5... 10: BATTLES WON THAT YOU WON'T HAVE TO FIGHT, PSALMS: 44:3 #godfidence #scandalousfaith

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As a first-generation college student and a Black woman in HR, I have come to appreciate the indispensable role of equity within the DEI framework. Equity is not an optional addition; it forms the fundamental cornerstone. While inclusion and diversity initiatives are crucial, they fall short without equity. Our aim should be to guarantee that everyone not only has a place at the table but also an equal chance to voice their thoughts, make contributions, and thrive. Omitting equity from DEI undermines the strides we aim to take. In light of SHRM’s decision to embrace "I&D" instead of "IE&D," I must express my firm opposition. While SHRM's dedication to inclusion is praiseworthy, the sidelining of equity is regressive. Equity ensures a level playing field for all and the necessary resources for success. For marginalized communities, it involves acknowledging the distinct challenges and barriers they encounter and actively working to eradicate them. Let's be unequivocal: our commitment to inclusion and diversity must be resolute, but it must never come at the expense of equity. Without equity, we cannot genuinely attain the inclusive environments we aspire to create. Let's persist in advocating for comprehensive DEI frameworks that prioritize equity and guarantee that every voice is heard and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

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Discover the perks of having a mentor as a Black woman professional. From personalized career advice to networking opportunities, mentorship can empower you to thrive. Join the journey! 💪👩🏾‍💼 #Mentorship #BlackWomenProfessionals

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Becoming a Successful Black Woman in the Workplace: Tips for Managing Up Read more https://lttr.ai/AGbhz #ManagingUp #5KeyStrategies #DriveResults #ProvenTrackRecord #BuildStrongRelationships #BlackWomenLeaders

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It's important to remember that our purpose is not limited to a specific role or situation. We have the ability to bring our purpose to every aspect of our lives, whether in our careers or in our personal relationships. Even if we feel like our current role doesn't fully align with our purpose, we can still make a meaningful impact and find fulfillment if we carry our purpose with us. Trust the journey and continue to live your purpose in everything you do. #management #ceo #leadership #marketing #humanresources #director

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Small ways you can celebrate Juneteenth Day - - Take some time to learn the history of today. - Support Black-owned businesses. - Read books by Black authors. - Teach your children about the importance of today. I’m sure there’s lots more. I’m no expert and am on a learning journey myself, but I will strive to do my best to learn and love. #juneteenth #learnandgrow #educate

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Juneteenth is a symbol of freedom and progress. As the first Black executive leaders in the history of this organization, we not only reflect progress, but we’re committed to making more progress possible. Progress is a choice. We chose Advantage Solutions because we both fundamentally believe in what this organization does and has the power to do. Put simply: We have the power to get food and personal care items into homes from coast to coast. And that power does not discriminate. We live in every community we serve, and we recognize what we provide is essential. We chose Advantage because we saw an organization that is intentional about leading with purpose, prioritizes inclusion, puts people first and is unequivocable about belonging and impact. Alongside 70,000 teammates, we share our talents and intersectional perspectives to connect people, win hearts and fill carts — leading purposefully to enrich lives along the way. We chose Advantage because this company employs teammates of all backgrounds and experiences, and we provide a path for each to grow in a way that helps them achieve their personal and professional dreams. We care about what people do -- and importantly – we care about what we can help them become. We remain dedicated to this important work. We’re making bigger investments to evolve our employee experience and create a more equitable workplace where people know they’re safe, they belong and they can grow. We measure our success by what everyone achieves together. With a workplace that reflects the marketplace, we know we can serve all of our communities better -- with tenacity, drive and our whole hearts. On this Juneteenth, let’s all choose to pave the path of progress together with relentless resolve and relentless humanity. Winning Together Always, Kelli Hammersmith, Chief Communications Officer Pamela Morris-Thornton, Chief Human Resources Officer Learn more about Juneteenth here: https://lnkd.in/g_QFGgfW

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