Taylor Smith 🎨’s Post

In undertaking groundbreaking research on Black women leaders' experiences, I've been struck by the lack of explicit Black women's voices across existing publications. →Grouping all minorities under broad labels like BAME/BME obscures unique challenges. →The limited participant numbers also reflect the gross underrepresentation of Black women in senior roles. This inadvertent erasure must be countered by amplifying lived experiences. →That is why at Happiworkers, we built our model from the inside out based on recognizing that all employees need mental health support attuned to their cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds. →A one-size-fits-all approach fails to capture diverse development needs. →My research aims to spotlight the rarely documented narratives of Black women who have ascended to leadership against the odds. Your stories hold invaluable lessons on dismantling barriers. →We can drive actionable change by elucidating the specific organizational factors that impede and empower Black women's advancement. You deserve workplaces where you can thrive as your authentic selves. If you are a senior Black woman leader interested in contributing your perspective, please reach out. Together, we can cultivate more inclusive cultures where everyone's potential is recognized and unleashed.

Elevating Black women to leadership positions is crucial for a thriving, inclusive workplace. Increasing Black female representation in leadership ensures fresh perspectives and innovative ideas but also provides strong role models, mentors, and empowerment for future generations. By promoting Black women to leadership roles, employers take a tangible step towards creating equitable work environments. It's critical to acknowledge that employers hold a key role in bridging the gap by leveraging their expertise to facilitate a skills match for immigrants and newcomers in Canadian jobs. Embracing other tools like facilitating skills matching between immigrants and Canadian jobs can make a significant impact and address the underemployment faced by Black women. What are some other tools employers can use to address the systemic underemployment of immigrant women in the labour market?

From the article: "your Black women employees want to be able to trust that overarching standards and policies will shield them from more egregious harm or trauma." This article is powerful for two reasons: 1) Minda Harts take about her lived experience in corporate America. 2) It lists action steps that organizations can take to support Black women. And we will add another tip for organizations: -Don't be like Minda's supervisor. Stop making excuses for racism and microaggressions. No, that co-worker was not "just having a bad day". Take a read:

✊🏿I am so pleased to see so many black women stand up and fight truth to power. →I am inspired to see so many powerful black women leaders standing up and speaking the truth. The full potential of black women's leadership remains untapped, underutilised, and unrealised across industries.  →For too long, black women have been expected to supply endless resources to those around them while running on empty themselves. Many are insensitive to the unique needs and experiences of black women leaders. →In the context of higher education in the UK, much of the discourse on leadership has focused on gender disparity overall. But there remains a lack of spotlight on the lived experiences of minoritised groups, including black women, in senior roles across universities.  →The Academy continues to be led predominantly by white men, while capable black women leaders face ongoing barriers to reaching the highest levels. This represents a systemic failure to embrace the brilliance of black women and the invaluable perspectives they bring. →I hope we will see more black women shattering concrete ceilings in the Academy and beyond. Their collective power, when realised, will transform industries and society. Black women deserve positions where their voices are amplified, and they can help cultivate more inclusive institutions for all. →The time for change is now. I welcome the opportunity to learn from and make space for the next generation of black women trailblazers. Their leadership will enrich us all.

This Black History Month, we shine a spotlight on the incredible strides made by black women in leadership roles.   Despite being underrepresented, their resilience and accomplishments are breaking through the glass ceiling.   Here are actionable ways we can support and champion black women in leadership:   1️⃣   Advocate for Promotion: Actively champion the promotion of black women to leadership roles. Recognize their skills and leadership capabilities, and support mentorship programs that guide them on their journey. Encouraging organizations to prioritize diversity and inclusion initiatives is key in dismantling systemic barriers.   2️⃣   Create Inclusive Workplaces: Inclusivity is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity. Establish workplace cultures that value diversity, provide equal opportunities, and embrace diverse perspectives. Advocate for fair hiring practices and professional development opportunities. Let's engage in open dialogues and diversity training to address unconscious biases   3️⃣    Challenge Stereotypes: Stereotypes can be limiting. It's time to challenge and debunk them. Highlight the diverse skills and leadership qualities of black women in your network. Use platforms to showcase achievements and change the narrative. By doing so, we contribute to a more inclusive perception of leadership. #ChallengeStereotypes #PositiveRepresentation   This Black History Month, we go beyond acknowledgment and actively contribute to the empowerment of black women in leadership. Advocacy, inclusivity, and challenging stereotypes are not just strategies; they are imperatives for fostering a workplace where black women not only break through the glass ceiling but thrive.  #BlackHistoryMonth #LeadershipMatters

🔍 Where Are the Receipts? Black Women in Leadership Demand Accountability Black women leaders are asking the tough questions: Where are the receipts? It's time for organisations to deliver more than empty promises on racial equity. Being clear you want to address the underrepresentation of Black women is just the start. You must have a concrete plan and hold yourself accountable. Yet, on racial equity, many organisations lose clarity and commitment. Unlike other goals, it becomes "fluffy and rainbows" with no real action. This must change. Racial equity initiatives require the same rigour as any priority - clear goals, KPIs, robust plans, resources, and expertise—no more lip service. Show the data and impact. Prove that your hiring practices are unbiased. Nurture and retain diverse talent. Platitudes must give way to transparency and accountability. Black women have wisdom to share - if leaders are ready to truly listen.

In a world where diversity and inclusion are increasingly in the spotlight, it’s imperative to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Black women leaders who are leaving an indelible mark on corporate America. As champions of progress, Diversity Woman Magazine created the Elite 100 to honor these trailblazers during Black History Month – a cohort of exceptional Black women who are reshaping the landscape of corporate leadership.

🔷Black Leaders Awareness Day   🔷At Sisua we promote and encourage career growth equality throughout our business.    🔷Take a look at some of today's top black business leaders, powering our world forward, across many different global industries. https://lnkd.in/eR__4h5S   #thesisuadiffernence #ourpeople #blackleaders #blackleadersawarenessday #equality #diversity #managementconsultants #projectmanagement #programmemangement 

#SpotlightSaturday: Celebrating the Unseen Support Networks Empowering Black Women in Personal Assistance Space.🎉 As we shine a light on the remarkable achievements of black women in the dynamic world of personal assistance, let's not forget to acknowledge the unwavering support systems and mentors who have paved their way to success. Today, I am honored to highlight these heroes whose guidance, encouragement, and camaraderie continue to uplift our community. Black women in personal assistance are breaking barriers and redefining excellence through their dedication, resilience, and innovative approaches to client management. However, it is crucial to recognize the vital role played by supportive networks that foster growth, provide resources, and champion equality within this industry. From professional organizations like the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), which offer networking opportunities, career development programs, and leadership training, to informal groups such as mentorship circles and online communities, these platforms serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for aspiring black female PAs. Moreover, the importance of family, friends, and colleagues cannot be overstated. These individuals often act as soundboards, offering emotional support, constructive feedback, and valuable insights into navigating challenges unique to black women in the workplace. Let us pay tribute to the pioneers who broke through barriers and created opportunities for later generations, such as Mary Winston Jackson, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and countless others. Recognizing the value of cooperation, connection, and respect for one another, we can build an inclusive atmosphere where everyone's opinions are respected, heard, and celebrated. Let us unite to elevate the experiences of black women seeking personal assistance, honor their accomplishments, and recognize the transformative influence they offer. Ultimately, when one person succeeds, we all do too! #blackwomeninleadership #personalassistantexcellence #supportnetworksmatter #losangeles #saturdayspotlight #success #collaboration #socialsaturdaysquad

This National Black Business Month, let's acknowledge and address the barriers faced by Black women in the workforce. A more equitable workplace is a more successful workplace. Recommended reading: How Exceptional Black Women Lead: Unlocking the Secrets to Creating Phenomenal Success in Career and in Life by Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever "To be a black woman is to exist in a constant state of navigation. In facing the dual challenges of both race and gender in a cultural context that privileges all that you are not, you must learn how to overcome both internal and external challenges.” In addition to statistical data about black female leadership in America, this book presents tips and advice from 70 black women who’ve thrived as leaders and want to share their techniques for success.