Kelli Hammersmith

I've been a member of Women's Media Group for over two years now and have found so much value in their events. The one below - coming up later this week - is sure to follow suit. I hope you're able to join in and would love to hear your takeaways if you do! #womeninmedia #hbcumade #hbcualumni #womeninpublishing #publishing #publicrelations #bookpromotion #bookmarketing

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As we usher in the next generation of Black business leaders, it is imperative that we have platforms that reflect our experiences, challenges, triumphs, and aspirations through a fresh and authentic lens.

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Championing Black Fathers: Health, Masculinity, and Legacy We explore the essential role of Black fathers in shaping health perspectives and masculinity, addressing cultural pressures and the prevalence of health issues. Join us for an important discussion on love, survival, and the legacy we leave for future generations. #BlackFathers #Masculinity #HealthAwareness #CulturalImpact #MentalHealth #Fatherhood #Survival #BlackMenHealth #CommunitySupport #LegacyBuilding

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Four years ago today, when we decided to engage in Hold The PRess, we knew that true change in the #PRindustry would require radical #transparency as a first step. When we called on agencies and firms to openly share their #diversity data in the way we specified, it was because we recognized a harsh reality - most weren't even tracking that information, let alone prioritizing the creation of safe, #equitable spaces for Black talent. Frankly, our industry has long been guilty of offering little more than lip service when it comes to supporting Black professionals. This is a reality drawn from the lived experiences of myself and so many of my peers, and the numbers we uncovered only confirmed it. Transparency was necessary because we knew that until agencies, firms and industry organizations were forced to confront the stark realities within their own walls, true progress would remain elusive. The backlash we've seen to efforts like ours in recent years has only underscored the vital importance of this work. Those who seek to undermine it reveal the depth of the challenge we face. But we remain undeterred. We know that creating equitable, inclusive workplaces is not optional - it is an absolute necessity. In the four years since our initial call to action, we've made some progress, but there is still so much more to be done and it has to be done together. If you're interested in being a part of or supporting our efforts, sign up via the interest form here: https://lnkd.in/e5wUdgTp

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Writing your first book is tough. I know. It’s something you put your heart and soul into. You leave it all on the pages, then hope and pray people understand why you’ve dedicated so much time, effort, and even a piece of your soul to share your experiences or perspective with the world. And most of all, you hope they take a chance on you by buying and reading a copy. This post is for another new author who has taken the plunge. Here’s a little about Jacqueline Potter Jones’s new book that I recently preordered, “Through it All: 30 Black Women’s Stories on Navigating Workplace Discrimination”. I hope you’ll join me in supporting her by preordering your copy. The book captures the deeply personal and powerful experiences of thirty Black women who have faced workplace discrimination and how they navigated it. The voices of these women may align with the experiences of many other Black women. Jacqueline felt these women’s voices deserved to be heard, and now you have an opportunity to make it a reality! By supporting the pre-sale campaign, you will contribute to a project to empower Black women, educate allies and corporate leaders, and inspire workplace change. The book will also enlighten and prepare new or recent workforce entrants about experiences they may encounter in the workplace. Click (or copy the link) here to secure your copy today! https://lnkd.in/e9gsDFfu Through it All: 30 Black Women’s Stories on Navigating Workplace Discrimination #newblackauthors #blackauthors #blackauthorsmatter Jacqueline Potter Jones

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🚨 New Article: How Corporate America Can Better Support #BlackWomen via HR Executive 🚨💪🏿Like VP #KamalaHarris, Black women show up every day, breaking barriers despite odds. We see familiar challenges: underappreciated, over-scrutinized, and often unsupported. And it’s time to move from acknowledgment to action: embracing bold frameworks, prioritizing genuine equity, and creating spaces where Black women don’t just exist—they THRIVE. 🌱 Read the full article to learn why centering Black women’s voices isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for progress, as Leanne Mair so aptly outlines in her book, Closing the Gap: How to Include Black Women in Any Gender Equity Strategy. 🔗 : https://lnkd.in/gxQJY-tn #SupportBlackWomen #EquityNow #KamalaHarris #CorporateDEI #InclusiveWorkplaces #DEI #FutureOfWork #TimeForChange #WomenInLeadership #BlackWomenLead #BreakingBarriers #AmiraBarger

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An honest question for Black people. What is your idea of beauty? Does your idea of beauty derive from the ideas of white supremacy? Take a moment to reflect on these questions and comment below. #DiversityMatters #BlackLivesMatters #BlackandProud #DiversityInclusion #DEI #DEBIA

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Happy National Black Business Month! This August, let's uplift and empower our communities by supporting Black Chambers of Commerce. Here are five reasons why: 1️⃣ Economic Empowerment: Black Chambers of Commerce provide resources and opportunities that help Black-owned businesses thrive, fostering economic growth and reducing wealth disparities. 2️⃣ Community Development: By supporting Black businesses, we strengthen local economies, create jobs, and build vibrant, sustainable communities. 3️⃣ Networking Opportunities: These chambers connect entrepreneurs with business leaders, mentors, and potential clients, fostering invaluable relationships that encourage growth and innovation. 4️⃣ Advocacy: Black Chambers of Commerce advocate for policies and initiatives that promote equality and address the unique challenges faced by Black businesses. 5️⃣ Representation: Supporting these chambers helps ensure that Black voices and perspectives are represented in business communities, leading to more diverse and inclusive economies. This National Black Business Month, let's stand together and support our local Black Chambers of Commerce! 🌍 #NationalBlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackBusiness #EconomicEmpowerment #CommunityDevelopment Tag your Black Chamber of Commerce in the comments

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Join Us for Black Women's Equal Pay Day 2024 with Jacqueline V. Twillie Dear Resilient Leaders! Why is Black Women's Equal Pay Day important? Did you know that in 2023, Black women lost a staggering $42.7 billion in wages compared to white men? This is a stark reminder of the systemic barriers and job segregation that continue to affect Black women's earning potential. On average, Black women earn only 69 cents for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic white men for full-time, year-round work. These disparities are driven by various factors, from educational barriers and caregiving responsibilities to pervasive discrimination in hiring and promotions. July 9, 2024 Jacqueline V. Twillie, the founder of ZeroGap.co, a best-selling author, a master negotiator, and a pay equity advocate, will be the guest speaker for ZeroGap.co's LinkedIn Live event in awareness of Black Women's Equal Pay Day 2024. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 9th, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM because this is an event you won't want to miss! Systemic Changes Are Essential At ZeroGap.co, we believe that systematic changes are crucial to eliminate the need for Black Women's Equal Pay Day. We need policies that address job segregation, provide supportive services like child care, improve job quality, and ensure paid family and medical leave. Strengthening enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and promoting inclusive workplace cultures are also key to closing the wage gap. Empowering Individuals with Negotiation Strategies While we work towards these systemic changes, we're also committed to empowering individuals. Jacqueline V. Twillie, with her extensive experience and the L.A.T.T.E. Method, will share valuable negotiation strategies to ensure no one leaves money on the table. By equipping Black women with the skills to negotiate effectively, we can make significant strides in achieving pay equity. Tune In Live Remember, there will be no recording of this event, so make sure to tune in live on LinkedIn to gain insights from Jacqueline and join the conversation on how we can work together to achieve equal pay. Join us in advocating for change and empowering each other with the tools to negotiate our worth. Let's make Black Women's Equal Pay Day a turning point towards true pay equity! #ResilientLeaders #BlackWomensEqualPayDay #NegotiationSkills #PayEquity #ZeroGap #DearResilientLeader Event Details: Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2024 Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Platform: LinkedIn Live Speaker: Jacqueline V. Twillie Join the live event here and let's work together to ensure everyone gets the pay they deserve.

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If you’re a business leader, you need to know about the unprecedented Fearless Fund ruling. In a landmark decision this week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit has blocked the Fearless Fund's grant program to support Black women entrepreneurs, ruling it to violate the Civil Rights Act. This ruling not only affects the Fearless Fund but also sends ripples through the entire landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies across corporate America. Everything from supplier diversity to gender equity programs and funding to support inclusion are in jeopardy with this ruling. For more information on: - the context of the ruling - strategies for sustainability in the current climate - ways to re-evaluate and strengthen inclusion strategies check out the article in the comments of this post and leave your thoughts or any questions. Keep leading & keep thriving ❤️📈 #inclusion #leadership #dei #fearlessfund #venturecapital #entrepreneurship

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Are you ready for new episodes of the Black Business Matter podcast? After a short break, we're back with fresh energy and powerful stories to share. Join us as we celebrate this incredible milestone and reignite the conversation. Don’t miss out—tune in and be part of the movement! Listen Via >https://lnkd.in/gGzX5cqp< #BlackBusinessesMatter #NewEpisodes #EntrepreneurStories #SupportBlackBusiness #BusinessJourney #Empowerment #Celebrate #BusinessGrowth

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Thank you Sharon Hargro Porter, Ed.D. for your contribution to education, media, journalism, and through this article, the conversation around mental and emotional well-being! I want to #highlight this powerful message from the article as I know there is someone who needs to read it today! "In the pursuit of truth, don’t forget to prioritize your mental well-being. Take breaks, seek support, and remember that your health matters as much as the story.” Journalism is about shedding light on darkness, but don’t let it consume you. Your mental health is not a story to be sacrificed; it’s essential for your resilience and effectiveness. Your work is vital, but so is your mental health. Take the time to check in with yourself and reach out for help when needed. You are not alone." Dr. Sharon- Keep shining your light, you are making an impact!

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✨ The Black Women Marketers Achievement Awards are now open for nominations! ✨ We want to celebrate and honor you! For years, we’ve watched amazing women like you lead some of the most profound rebrands, work on impactful and innovative projects, and move inclusivity initiatives forward. Award Categories for Nomination: 🏆 Breakthrough Marketer 🏆 A marketer who has been in the industry for less than 3 years and does amazing work. Breakthrough marketers are solidifying their position in the industry as a credible and reliable resource. 🏆 Little Miss Viral 🏆 A marketer who continuously sets the bar in marketing. She goes viral by sharing resources, opinions, concepts, trends, and/or insights about the industry. 🏆 Hidden Gem 🏆 A marketer who glides under the radar with her contributions to the marketing industry. Whether mainly offline or simply behind the scenes, she doesn’t get nearly enough recognition for the amazing work in her portfolio. 🏆 Entrepreneur of the Year 🏆 An agency owner who is building and sustaining a successful marketing agency. Whether managing a large or small team, this award recognizes the impressionable impact of this agency with their clients. 🏆 Corporate Star 🏆 One of the industry’s best and brightest marketers in a corporate role or position. This marketer has a proven track record of success in organizational contributions, excellence, and responsibility. 🏆 CMO of the Year 🏆 A Chief Marketing Officer who has taken the marketing industry by storm with out-of-the-box thinking. They are an important and integral part of their organization’s success. 🏆 Lifetime Achievement 🏆 An industry icon! They have influenced, consulted, and contributed countless hours to marketers, clients, and marketing campaigns for over 7 years. To view rules for nomination and full descriptions, visit https://lnkd.in/egiyBDRf or click the link in our bio. 📅 Deadline to nominate is November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. Please share this opportunity with your networks, communities, another marketer, and any organization that supports marketers. #AchievementAwards #BlackWomenMarketers

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In December, presented anticipated trends for 2024 for communications leaders. One area which has proven to be on the rise is employee activism. Although I am a fan of Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, I may not agree with all of his points in this CNN interview. He does make several important recommendations leaders should consider when dealing with employee activists while creating safe and important spaces for diverse perspectives and conversations in the workplace. Take a read: https://lnkd.in/gx87q6dr

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Introducing Dream Text Media: Your Black-Owned, Women-Owned Marketing Agency At Dream Text Media, we are more than just a marketing agency; we are your partners in growth and success. As a proudly Black-owned and women-owned business, we bring a unique perspective and dedication to helping your brand thrive. Our Services: Marketing Strategy: Our expert team will craft a customized marketing strategy tailored to your business goals. We offer one-on-one sessions to teach you how to implement this strategy effectively. Choose from our 12-week or 6-month packages for ongoing support and guidance. Content Creation: Engaging content is key to capturing your audience’s attention. We specialize in creating high-quality content that resonates with your target market and enhances your brand’s presence. Social Media Management: Let us handle your social media platforms to ensure consistent, impactful engagement with your audience. From content planning to posting and analytics, we’ve got you covered. Logo Design: Our pre-designed logos are perfect for businesses looking for a professional and polished look. Currently, we have an exclusive series of logos designed specifically for cannabis shops and brands. Internal/External Communications: If you need ongoing support for your company’s communications, we offer a flat monthly rate to ensure your message is consistently clear and effective. At Dream Text Media, we believe in empowering our clients through collaboration and education. However, we don’t work with just any brand or company. Our criteria are simple: we partner with brands that are impacting humanity or the earth in an intentionally positive way. If your mission aligns with ours, we’d love to work with you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! Dream Text Media – Authentic Visual Storytelling for Impactful Brands. #vintage #MarketingAgency #BlackOwnedBusiness #WomenOwnedBusiness #MarketingStrategy #ContentCreation #SocialMediaManagement #LogoDesign #CommunicationsSupport #VisualStorytelling #Branding #AuthenticMarketing #PositiveImpact #DreamTextMedia #hiring #needamarketer #needasocialmediamanager #hireblackmarketers

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Introducing When We Gather Consulting! When We Gather Consulting is a pro-Black, women-led organization dedicated to ensuring that Black women feel whole and powerful. We know that Womanist leadership is not only possible—it’s essential. We prioritize the needs, experiences, and ancestral knowledge of women of color because we acknowledge that we are inherently valuable, and our liberation is a necessary step toward the collective freedom of all. When We Gather Consulting supports the co-creation of identity-affirming and culturally sustaining workplace systems. Whenever we gather to create freedom spaces, our collective power is enough to cultivate and nurture innovative responses to address the challenges of systemic oppression within organizations. We invite you to connect with us and share within your networks, as we work to build inclusive and equitable environments where Black women can truly thrive. #HealingCenteredLeadership #BlackWomenLead #WhenWeGather

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Lawdy, I am in good company with Black Leaders Worldwide™ & #EliR and Rashad Davis, MBA, M.ED. !! #blackfeministarchivefounder #blackfeministanthropologist #blackfeministconsultant #blackfeministauthor #blackfeministtraveler #transformationalleader My #brandmantra: #changehearts #changeminds #changebehaviors #achievetransformation—I will update to include: #changepoliciesandprocedures!!

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Contrary to the rhetoric and stereotypes, many Black men recognize the importance of securing a quality education (i.e. Black Men in Higher Education) and are striving for excellence and accepting nothing less. The news story below confirms why we must tell our own stories so that the truth can be revealed. https://lnkd.in/eGSm3hER

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It’s time to shift the narrative. Black women are too often viewed through the limited lens of being a "DEI hire," which overlooks their vast leadership potential and capabilities. This article by Chief entitled, "Black Women Are More Than a 'DEI Hire' and It’s Past Time to Make Space for Them as Leaders" highlights the need to go beyond tokenism and genuinely empower Black women to step into leadership roles across all industries. Black women bring invaluable perspectives and innovative thinking—key qualities for navigating today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Yet, they continue to face significant challenges, from being underestimated to being passed over for leadership roles. Inclusion in diversity initiatives isn’t enough; we must actively create space for Black women in decision-making roles where they can effect real change. This involves not just acknowledging their contributions but also advocating for equitable access to leadership development, mentorship, and career advancement. https://lnkd.in/eyhu_aCF #Leadership #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #BlackWomenInLeadership #DEI

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