Suezette Yasmin Robotham, M.S.

This is interesting on two fronts: One- Funds should have the autonomy to support and fund initiatives they believe in, including those that target specific demographics such as Black women business owners. This aligns with the principle of freedom in investment decisions and philanthropic endeavours, allowing VC firms to address particular disparities and support underrepresented groups. The First Amendment protects charitable donations, and VC funds should be free to use their resources to promote diversity and support marginalized communities as part of their mission and values. Two- Programs that exclude individuals based on race, such as the Fearless Fund's Strivers Grant, can be seen as discriminatory and polarizing. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits racial discrimination in contracts, and ensuring equality means that opportunities should not be limited to certain racial groups. Discriminatory practices, even if well-intentioned, can undermine efforts towards inclusivity and equality, creating further divisions. Your thoughts? https://lnkd.in/d57dD2Rd

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Dive into our latest blog post focused on where are the Black women in tech? Would be great to get your feedback.

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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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The intellectual academic free market has demonstrated time and again that these are valid and important perspectives and programs. Fascinating how folks who claim to be against government regulation and for the free market are willing to regulate heavily the exchange of ideas and intervene in the work of private institutions. Interesting how they love the idea of bureaucrats policing research and discourse.

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Black founders are leading the way in reshaping the AI landscape with tailored ChatGPTs for a more personalized experience, addressing the lack of cultural nuance in mainstream AI models. Latimer.AI and ChatBlackGPT are championing answers that resonate with Black and brown communities, while Spark Plug in Canada and innovative African models cater to diverse languages and dialects often overlooked by Western AI. Tamar Huggins emphasizes the importance of owning systems for data integrity in this evolving space. Pocstock's diversity data efforts and visual tagging system are driving inclusivity in imaging by training AI models with culturally accurate data, combating bias issues. The future of AI hinges on personalization, paving the way for enhanced understanding and inclusivity in the digital realm. #AI #DiversityandInclusion #Innovation #Tech #BlackFounders #PersonalizedAI

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We do not live in a merit-based society. We never have. Advancement based on merit alone is impossible in a society that created a 300+ year headstart for one group of people at the expense and detriment of another group. We live in a society that has ALWAYS granted certain people special access, resources, and value based on their relationship to and memembership amongst those in the seat of power. What we are seeing now is that the white-male led power group is attempting to enforce their hegemony by trying to close the doors that they held open for one another for generations. We've got to continue to kick these damn doors in or we will never get anyhere, because the bootstraps are NOT bootstrapping!!!! https://lnkd.in/dEu5hVAt 

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Running a business requires capital. Here are funding opportunities for the least funded, Black Founders. Check out the list and let me know if you want help writing the application or want a 20-minute session to manage the stress of being a founder. I’ve got you!

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My thoughts exactly.

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Wow! Terri Burns, 26 makes history in Venture Capital 💰👏🏽 Over the past few days, I've been discussing #VentureCapital, VCs, and equity as pertains to the lack of representation of Black & LatinX investors. Especially, since I saw several posts on the launch of inVest Ventures on LinkedIn 😢 💙 Perfect timing. Here's an example of VC diversity (age, race, gender) A Black Woman, an underrepresented minority in Venture Capital. #Kudos Terri Burns. Wishing you continued success as the youngest Black female partner! 📈 🎓 I plan to invest time at my #Whartonreunion to re-educate myself and have a more informed perspective, especially when advocating for equity or the lack thereof with tech leaders/allies. P.S. More to come, after I consult and strategize with peers in #finance #venturecapital #tech #equity 🙏🏿 Daniel Smith, MBA, thanks for sharing this story of GV (Google Ventures) & Terri Burns.

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Black Women receive less than 1% of VC funding, yet a program designed to help them is discriminatory?? People need to be reminded that if things were actually fair and equitable, there wouldn’t be a need for D&I initiatives in the first place! The thesis behind any fund, any program, or any effort created to help underrepresented founders, especially Black Women, isn’t about doing charity work - it’s about challenging a system that wouldn’t change otherwise. It’s about helping the underfunded get capital so their businesses can survive. It’s about making sure the overlooked get seen. It’s about giving the underserved access so they have a fighting chance. The work is as necessary as it is critical. To those that continue to try to enact change in the face of adversity, thank you, you’re appreciated. For those that understand the gravity of this decision, we need you to speak up and support! For those that don’t get what the big deal is, it’s time to wake up before it’s too late. #howdidwegethere

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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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The BOLD Mastermind, an intimate space for Black Women Executives to brainstorm and serve as thought partners to one another, is well underway. We recently completed the first quarter of the 12-month experience, culminating with a phenomenal speaker, Ariel Belgrave Harris, CEO of Gym Hooky, who shared her unique perspective on wellness in her presentation, "Pause on Purpose."  Did you know there are five different kinds of rest? No spoilers here, but if you haven't heard Ariel's keynote, you should. Her topic aligns nicely with my thoughts on the emotional and mental toll leading through change can take on a leader. As we lead, we aren't just responsible for our own feelings; we must also be aware of and support the feelings of those we lead. When considering the impact of organizational change, our first thoughts go to those directly affected, as it can be life changing. However, there is another side to the story. The leaders who execute the process and deliver the message are also affected. I've never met a leader who wasn't torn apart by having to deliver news about changes in someone's employment status. It takes a lot out of you. Then there are the people left behind, who may experience feelings of survivor guilt, loss of a co-worker, and questions about changing roles. The leader must navigate their own emotions while simultaneously supporting their team through the transition. It’s a topic worth discussing. I'm hosting a ROUNDTABLE EXPERIENCE FOR BLACK WOMEN EXECUTIVES who have had this experience, are preparing for organizational change, or find themselves currently in the midst of an organizational change. We won't discuss the specifics of the change but will talk about ways to lead through it. Part one of the Roundtable will focus on strategies and tips for effectively leading teams through change. In Part two, we'll discuss resilience and well-being with a panel of three Black women executives in senior-level roles as they share tips for leading through change without sacrificing your well-being. Stay tuned for more details about the takeaways and information about our panelists. In the meantime, don't wait – reserve your seat now. It's going to be an incredible experience! USE THE LINK IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW TO REGISTER AND LEARN MORE.  

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Join us in the Zone👊🏿 We are so excited to announce that the BlackNorth Initiative, Black Founders Network, Nobellum, Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, Federation of Black Canadians, Black Opportunity Fund, DMZ, Tribe Network, and African Impact Initiative are uniting to form the Black Innovation Zone - featured at this year’s Collision Conf 2024! 🎉This collective is dedicated to increasing access and visibility, by amplifying the voices and innovations of Black founders, investors and professionals across Canada and beyond.🙌🏿 The Black Innovation Zone is more than just a collective; it's a movement aimed at empowering Black entrepreneurs, investors and professionals by providing them with the platform they need to showcase their talents on an international stage. Our goal is to foster professional development, community building, and to serve as a beacon for those navigating the challenges faced by Black founders in the tech industry and other sectors. Join us at our booth (E167) during Collision week, and stay tuned for exciting updates about the events, opportunities and activations we will be curating for Black innovators. We’re here to promote cross-cultural collaborations and inclusivity within the global business ecosystem. It's time to share the stories and innovations of Black founders at Collision. 🎉Here's to building a legacy and creating a road map for future Black innovators in Canada and around the globe! 🌍 Help us shape the Black Innovation Zone experience, by filling out our programming survey in the link below. With your feedback, we can continue to build for the community, with the community. 💪🏿 https://lnkd.in/gkUXq4nt #BlackInnovationZone #Collison2024 #TechConference #BlackEntrepreneurs #ProfessionalDevelopment #Community

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Just to frame up this story clearer, only 1%-3% of all Venture Capital goes to women & people of color. I’m just sayin. This fund should not be hindered. Wanna good story? “Movie Pass/Movie Crash”. Watch it. Two black entrepreneurs found it, grow it to profitability, two old white men take it over and kick them out, then run the whole thing into the ground in SPECTACULAR fashion. Oh…they’re currently on trial for securities fraud😂 Spoiler!: the original black founders bought Movie Pass from the junk heap of Bankrupcy court, dusted it off, turned it profitable again! And it’s a huge win-win-win for studios, theater owners, consumers. Data analytics for studios, increased concessions for theaters, cheaper prices for consumers https://lnkd.in/gtXutkDX

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Four years ago, we launched a new series on VentureFizz called Black in Tech. This series profiles Black professions in the tech industry across all different job functions. In support of #juneteenth, please take a moment to read some of their profiles here: https://lnkd.in/ez-Nckx By sharing these inspirational stories of Black professionals, we want to celebrate their contributions in tech, while also encouraging others to get involved in the tech industry. #diversitymatters

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Who is holding space for you? Yesterday, I hosted the kick-off call for the I Belong Support Network. Thirteen brilliant Black women joined, excited and eager for the support they need as they transition to their next levels. In less than an hour, we uncovered a common thread among them: They love helping and supporting others. I bet that's you, too. I bet it brings you joy to guide someone through a situation. It's what Black women do! We also uncovered something else: It's time for them to refill their own cups. 👉🏾As "onlys," wives, business owners, ministers, educators, coaches, and friends, your cup can run empty. You give so much... and to keep giving, 🚨You need someone to hold space for YOU. Maybe it's a mentor. Perhaps it's a coach. It could be a therapist or a group of friends. Somebody needs to hold space for you ❤️ I'm inviting you to consider two opportunities: ☝🏾First, join me every Monday - Friday at 8:00 AM EST for "I Belong Morning Devotions," a 30-minute LinkedIn Audio Event series I lead. This is a space for you to be vulnerable, transparent, and to start your day with encouragement. These devotions are grounded in spiritual principles and offer practical applications as women (and sometimes men) from all walks of life share their challenges and triumphs. ✌🏾Second, join the waitlist for the "I Belong Support Network." This is a global network focused on SUPPORTING you as you move to and through your next level. You'll receive support through executive and peer coaching, strategies to implement, and activities to uncover more of your brilliance. Think of it as a think-tank of brilliant Black women doing the work it takes to operate as their best selves and at their next level. 👉🏾Visit the comments to sign up to either or both. You can also always email me at info@lisamedleyec.com. #executivecoaching #leadershipdevelopment #womenempowerment #ibelong

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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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To this we say - if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Sadly, the future landscape of funding for Black entrepreneurs shows no signs of improving. In fact, according to a recent piece by AFROTECH, it's getting worse. "According to insights from Crunchbase, Black-founded startups pulled in a mere $705 million in venture funding in 2023, barely scratching the surface (0.5%) of the colossal $140.4 billion #VC pot feeding all U.S.-based #startups last year. For the first time since 2016, this drop is below the billion-dollar mark, though still higher than that year’s total of $582 million raised by Black-founded startups. This is particularly striking considering that 13.6% of the U.S. population identifies as Black or African-American, per the United States Census Bureau." And, if the recent successes in the higher courts of the case against the Fearless Fund, brought last year by the American Alliance for Equal Rights, a group led by Edward Blum, who also led the charge to overturn Affirmative Action tells us anything, interest in leveling the playing field in general is clearly still subject to "fragility." Harder still, according to an outlook published by Wellington Management, distributions from VC funds overall dropped a staggering 84% from 2021 to 2023, further growing dry powder inventory and extending the allocation drought. Competition for fundraising will continue to be a trending theme among all emerging companies in 2024.   It's up to us as a community to see and build our way out of and beyond this. We cannot rely on anything but our own proven will to thrive against all odds. But we must do it together. If we intend to thrive as a community we must work as a community. Join our movement today! #BlackBusinessesMatter #VentureCapitalInequality #LevelThePlayingField #EntrepreneurshipEquity #FundingDisparities #BlackStartupStruggles #CommunityEmpowerment #InclusiveEconomy #BuildingBlackWealth #SupportBlackEntrepreneurs

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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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