Taisha Crayton

"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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What Is Generational Stories? (Building The Diaspora Connection Through Generational Stories – The Diaspora Storytelling Series) Generational stories refer to narratives that traverse through multiple generations within a family or community, encapsulating the shared experiences, values, and challenges that shape the identity of each successive generation. https://lnkd.in/dEH8FDnf

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Blessed to be in the movement of solidarity economy in Boston, East Cleveland, and NYC. This article is specific to our work in Boston but higlights how collective work and responsibility as well as community wealth building efforts are a cause and not a brand. Leaning into our collective experiences and competencies has birthed something special that honors legacy residents, our leaders past and present while thoughtfully engaging in system change work that aims to build more aligned institutions that are for us by us. "Black Bostonian communities citywide have more than just something to say for themselves: their economies are building institutions that prioritize asset-based community development and are creating the foundations for a local solidarity economy. In so doing, they draw on histories and energies that have grown and percolated from past and present efforts toward sustainable, people-based planning." thanks Nia K. Evans of Boston Ujima Project for your support and leadership and @NPQ for your much needed platform to share transformative efforts. #Boston #systemchange #narrativechange #grassroots #solidarity #transformative https://lnkd.in/gYeaK8yP

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"People shape places, and places in turn shape outcomes for people... How can different types of communities move closer to delivering a better quality of life for all residents? Mapping the gaps can help investors, companies, philanthropies, and public-sector leaders decide where and how to act... What works in a dynamic city with high inequality may not be right for a rural county with a stagnant economy." - via McKinsey & Company . . #housing #realestatedevelopment #cities #placemaking #economicdevelopment

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🇳🇬Topsie VandenBosch, shares 6️⃣ powerful strategies to help Black women leaders silence their inner critic and make confident choices in the face of self-doubt. These tips can benefit anyone facing analysis paralysis! Which one will you try first? https://lnkd.in/gXVwJ-uE #blackexcellence #womenleaders #careerdevelopment #decisionmaking

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What can organizations do to recognize and change their role in perpetuating these unrealistic standards?

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How do you build 44 schools in Sierra Leone? One village school at a time, American generosity, and great local partners! For anyone interested in the global goals, education with a community focus Schools for Salone has the blueprint. #globalimpact #educationconnotwait #SDG4 #goalkeepers https://lnkd.in/d_8Rmrv6

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WOW!!!! Thank you to The Bridgespan Group for penning the article: "Nonprofit Leadership Transitions: Four Ways Funders Can Support Leaders of Color". This article resonates deeply with my experiences as a Black woman leading a national service organization in the arts and culture sector. As more leaders of color move into executive leadership positions, we need funders to step up, show up, and show out to support us. Article highlight that the Philanthropic sector should pay attention to: 1. Lengthen the Funding Runway: Get rid of restrictive funding! Unrestricted funding gives leaders of color the space to innovate. 2. Build Transformational Platforms and Connect Networks: Connect us to networks and RESOURCES. Your support can open doors and pave the way for real change. When I talk to funders I'm looking for: a) alignment in my organization's vision; b) alignment to people/organizations in my network; c) opportunity to not make only a funding ask but a mutual resource ask. I have connected many funders to colleagues who I know could benefit their work and funders have connected me to other leaders who are aligned in my work. 3. Support Peer Exchange and Well-being: Investing in our well-being isn't just a bonus—it's a necessity. 4. Provide Targeted Supports for Transitions: Transition periods can be make or break for organizations. As someone who executed a strategic planning/transition process, having additional support can make all the difference in ensuring our success. Let's move beyond rhetoric and into action. I would love to see more opportunities come towards my colleagues and I as we navigate the arts and culture field (and the nonprofit sector) as leaders. Funders, I'd love to talk to you more about this! https://lnkd.in/e-U7Fzed #ABeautifulEvolution #ArtsandCulture #Nonprofits #Philanthropy #LeadersofColor #TransformativeChange

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Black businesses, including small businesses and contractors, play a vital role in the economy. It's essential to recognize their impact and importance in policy-making discussions. For policymakers and advocates of change, here are six actionable steps to consider. Supporting Black entrepreneurship and innovation benefits not only underinvested communities but all of society. Please read and share this article below if you identify as a changemaker! https://lnkd.in/g_FDBvMr

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LLMs Can Be Used to Foster Inclusive Outcomes! It was an incredible journey to have been a part of this study featured in Management Today, which addresses the persistent challenges and #underrepresentation of #Black #female #leaders in the #corporateworld. Our research, eloquently chronicled by the genius Jane Simms, reveals a disheartening reality: the hurdles Black women face in climbing the corporate ladder are strikingly similar to those from 200 years ago. Despite the passage of time, these professionals continue to work harder and take more career-focused #risks than their peers to achieve breakthroughs. I am grateful for the collaboration with an incredible team, including Spyros Angelopoulos, Dr. Immaculate (Mac) Dadiso Motsi-Omoijiade, Alexander Kharlamov, and Nataliya Tkachenko, PhD, who brought invaluable insights to this study. Special thanks to Jane Simms and Management Today for recognizing the significance of this issue and giving it the platform it deserves, a stark contrast to our experience with other outlets, like The Conversation Australia + NZ, whose editor cited "lack of time" and refused to publicise this research... Well, we never give up and we always find the time as these issues are important and very real! 💡 #Leadership #Diversity #Inclusion #BlackFemaleLeaders #Equality #Change 📣 We are grateful to everyone who got back to us and shared their experiences of #discrimination and #stereotyping in the workplace but let’s keep the momentum going! What #inclusion topics do you think need more visibility? How can we better support #underrepresented voices in #leadership across industries? Please, share your insights with our team and let’s work together to amplify voices that are too often overlooked.

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Black men, the power of sharing our knowledge is immense and transformative. When we openly share our experiences, insights, and wisdom with one another, we create a strong, interconnected community that uplifts and empowers each individual. This collective exchange of knowledge breaks down barriers, dispels misconceptions, and fosters an environment of mutual growth and support. By passing on what we know, we not only help each other overcome challenges but also inspire future generations to reach their fullest potential. In this way, our shared knowledge becomes a powerful tool for progress, unity, and lasting change. ______________ Visit my website: https://richardacross.com Check out my books and journals + more! ______________ POSITIVELY SHAPING THE FUTURE™ #1millionblackmalestudents #motivation #inspiration #education #mentoring #HBCUsMatter #LeadingWithIntegrity #TheBlackMaleImpact #Blackexcellence #ChallengeCharacterAssasination #PersonalDevelopment #ChosenOne #Psychology #leadingchange #CulturalTransformation #Knowledge #MillionaireMindset #BlackBoys #changethenarrative #EmotionalIntelligence #PositiveImpact #Book2024 #DrRichardACross #PositiveInfluence #BestVersionOfYourself

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Media coverage of campus clashes misses a critical backstory ... the tireless efforts of organizations like BridgeUSA, Braver Angels, Constructive Dialogue Institute, Interfaith America , Institute for Citizens & Scholars and others to create space for civil dialogue and civic learning on America's college campuses. Thank you to these orgs, and their funders, for helping administrators, faculty, and students to navigate difficult times. Manu's editorial in Philanthropy Today is behind a paywall, so I'll quote him here: "Once we at BridgeUSA looked past the temperamental extremists, we found that, honestly, most students — what I would call the 'temperamental moderates' — are ideologically diverse, want to freely debate the difficult issues of our time, and disagree productively. "Time and time again, young people have demonstrated a unique capacity to influence culture through activism. My experience has shown me that students can turn pluralism and dialogue into exciting and revolutionary ideas that have the same cultural resonance as issue-based activism. "If we want to prevent the next firestorm on campus and strengthen higher education, it’s time to support student-led bridging efforts across the country. If we don’t do it for campus culture, let’s do it for the sake of our democracy, which rests on the notion that we thrive because of our differences." Manu Meel John Wood, Jr. April Lawson Audra Watson Caroline Mehl Jonathan Haidt Thomas Schnaubelt Grande Lum

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Judges ruling against anonymous plaintiffs suing a company aimed at helping its own raises eyebrows. The data suggests those suing may be the ones in need of assistance. Black women supporting black women is crucial. “The panel also ruled that the plaintiffs, who were not identified by name” Anonymous bullies suing a company aimed at helping its own because data shows they are the ones who need help Black women helping black women. Remember, Black Wall Street was built because racists told us we could not have what they have and get it ourselves. So we went and built our own. And then the racists burned it down anyway. They many not be able to come in and burn it down in the same physical manner, but by abusing the power of law, the ideal is the same. History shows how systemic racism has tried to hinder progress, but resilience prevails. #BlackWomenSupportingBlackWomen #Resilience #Justice #SocialTalk #Faculty #Professor #afroamerican #CRT #americanhistory #ushistory #banned #criticalracetheory #Blackpeople #Black #blackhistory #historylovers #DoddsEducates #dei #diversitymatters #UnitedStates #USA #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Polialertcom #segregation #intergration #Education #FearlessFund

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Reflecting on #Juneteenth: The collapse of a major #HBCU donation highlights structural inequities in philanthropy. Explore the systemic challenges and necessary changes to ensure equitable support for #HBCUs in our latest article on Inside Philanthropy. 🔍 Ade A. Reports: Examination of a significant HBCU donation collapse Structural inequities in philanthropic support for HBCUs Recommendations for systemic change Join the conversation! How can philanthropy better support HBCUs and address structural inequities? Tagging FLORIDA AGRICULTURE AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY Florida A&M University Accounting, Finance and Business Law Gregory Gerami New York State Office of Cannabis Management #FAMU #GregoryGerami #Philanthropy #StructuralEquity #EducationalSupport #PhilanthropyInequity #DonationCollapse #StructuralBias #EquitablePhilanthropy #MinorityServingInstitutions #TransparentGiving #InclusiveSupport #SystemicChange #AccountablePhilanthropy #Philanthropy

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The gap between Black and White annual household incomes is about $29,000 yearly (Joint Economic Committee). This racial gap in income demands that the Black community be intentional about their economic empowerment to create generational wealth for the next generation. Our recommended book for the week provides strategies for identifying avenues through which black wealth is lost and how it can be retained and invested. About the Book This book is written under specific conditions that you should be aware of. First, it’s not a “how to get rich” book for individuals looking to maximize their 401(k) or invest in the stock market. I have other material for these purposes. Secondly, it’s not a book for all people of all backgrounds. I wrote this book for BLACK PEOPLE because we have a job. Our job is to reverse hundreds of years of discrimination and exploitation and the appropriation of trillions in black wealth that continues to evade our community. This book is also designed to lay out a framework to understand how trillions in black wealth are lost yearly due to poor cultural habits and family structure. The black family is, inherently, a multi-million-dollar institution. About the Author Boyce D. Watkins (born June 20, 1971) is an American[1] author, political analyst, social influencer, and ex-academic. In addition to publishing scholarly articles on finance and investing, Watkins is an advocate for education, economic empowerment, and social justice and has made regular appearances in various national media outlets, including CNN, Good Morning America, MSNBC, Fox News, BET He has a PhD from Ohio State University. #economicempowerment #blackempowerment #generationalwealth #equality #companyculture #employeeengagement #leadership #humanresources #employeewellness #workculture #hr #workplacewellbeing #employeeexperience

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As a Black female CEO, managing mental well-being is not just a personal priority—it's a crucial aspect of effective leadership. Navigating the intersectional challenges we face in leading organizations requires a nuanced understanding of both our own needs and those of our teams. The unique pressures of being a Black woman in leadership often mean confronting stereotypes, combating systemic biases, and balancing multiple roles. These challenges can significantly impact our mental health, making it essential to prioritize self-care and mental well-being. For me, this means setting boundaries, seeking support, and cultivating spaces where open conversations about mental health are encouraged. It's about fostering an environment where every team member feels valued, heard, and supported. We must advocate for ourselves and our well-being, recognizing that our mental health directly influences our ability to lead effectively. This advocacy extends beyond personal care to institutional change, ensuring that our organizations implement equitable practices that support the mental health of all employees, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Leading with a focus on mental well-being is not only beneficial for individual health but also strengthens our organizations. It promotes resilience, fosters innovation, and builds a culture of compassion and inclusivity. As leaders, we must ask ourselves: 🟣 How are we creating spaces that prioritize mental well-being in our workplaces? 🟣 What steps are we taking to ensure open and supportive conversations about mental health? 🟣 How can we better advocate for the mental health needs of marginalized employees? 🟣 What institutional changes can we implement to support the mental well-being of our teams? MA Consultancy Ltd has partnered with the groundbreaking Happiworkers to help organisations ask these very questions. Let's reflect on these questions and take actionable steps to support mental well-being, break barriers, and create equitable and thriving workplaces.

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This article from Black Enterprise Magazine came at the right time! As the former Executive Director and now CEO of End Rape On Campus (EROC), I've had the privilege of working with various leadership coaches. Today, my needs as a leader have evolved, and I'm at a critical juncture in my journey of rebuilding EROC and honoring its legacy. Before any executive leadership coaches reach out to me, please note: I’ll reach out as I do my preliminary research. I know what I want and need, and I’m intentional about finding the right fit. Here’s a snippet of what I’m looking for: - A Black Executive Leadership Coach: My career journey has been shaped by having had at least 12 white supervisors, 95% of whom were women-identified. Only one has consistently supported and mentored me, exemplifying true allyship. I seek a Black Executive Leadership Coach who understands the challenges I’ve faced and has successfully navigated similar experiences. Their insights on how they found their strength, will, and motivation will be invaluable as I chart my path forward. - Coaching Style: I need a coach with an authentic, supportive, and direct approach. Someone who isn’t afraid to ask tough questions, respectfully challenge me, and guide me towards an authentic and appropriate direction. - Current Goal: My vision is ambitious: to lead EROC through a $1 Million+ transformation. I need a coach who can help translate my ideas and drafts into a strategic and realistic pathway. I aim to ensure EROC’s sustainability and empower future staff to carry forward its mission with drive and motivation. - Investment: While I deeply desire to invest in myself or have my organization support me, it’s not feasible at this moment. However, this is a need I am committed to fulfilling. QUESTION: I'm curious to learn from YOU, reader, who have had/currently have an executive leadership coach, what you have found to be rewarding in your journey? Thank you for your attention to my post and support as I embark on this exciting chapter. Sheena Collier | Enna Jimenez | Sabrina Saunders Mosby | Sabrina Hersi Issa | Diane Randolph Jones, MS, MFA | Fakisha Fabre | Bentina Terry | Sharisse Kimbro | Tiffany Dufu | Lynn Perry Wooten | Kimberly Bryant

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