Yartish Bullock, MBA, MA

Despite the DEI myths being circulated, investing in women of color is the best economic decision an organization can make. Your ROI is golden and the innovation, creativity and energy that comes with a significant increase in your bottom line is unmatched. Goldman Sachs is getting it right and other organizations in the corporate and nonprofit space should take note. #diversityequityandinclusion #leadership #nonprofits #economy #corporatesocialresponsibility

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Today, as we celebrate Juneteenth, I'm reminded of its significant stature in our history—𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆. It marks the day when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved African Americans in Texas, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This delay tragically prolonged the denial of freedom and justice, underscoring the importance of transparent and timely information.   To me, Juneteenth serves as a painful and profound reminder of the essential pillars of education, empowerment and ethical engagement – to learn from the past and pave a way for a more equitable, just, connected and prosperous future. Luminaries like Opal Lee (an activist, educator and the “grandmother of Juneteenth"), whose relentless resolve led to Juneteenth being recognized as a national holiday, illustrate how we can preserve that history while progressing and persevering through ongoing challenges of equity, empathy, awareness and access.   I remain committed to using my platform to express the perspectives, experiences and ambitions of diverse and underserved communities. And to honor #Juneteenth, I encourage you to educate yourself and your networks about our shared history and its significant impact on the current state and future possibilities of our country. If you're looking for somewhere to start, check out this informative article: https://lnkd.in/eXqyf-TM

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𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐩: 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬, 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡, 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 🎬 I'm thrilled to announce the 𝐤𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐟𝐟 of our groundbreaking series, "𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐩," on 𝐍𝐁𝐂6 𝐌𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐢! 📺 This episodic health series is dedicated to shedding light on the critical issue of healthcare disparities within the African American community compared to their white counterparts. 🌍 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 Our kickoff segment features a robust panel discussion with Black physicians from various medical specialties. These inspiring doctors will share their journeys to becoming medical professionals, the unique challenges they face as Black doctors in the healthcare system, and how they overcome daily instances of racism and doubt. 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 The segment will also explore a groundbreaking data study that reveals a critical link between Black physicians in Black communities and longer lifespans for Black patients. This data underscores the importance of representation and cultural competency in healthcare. 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 Our featured doctors are passionate advocates for health equity. They're grateful for this platform to share their personal experiences and ignite a conversation about closing the gap in healthcare outcomes for Black Americans. 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬! Don't miss this critical series premiering on 𝐌𝐚𝐲 1 𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐁𝐂6 𝐌𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐢. Let's bridge the divide and create a healthcare system that serves everyone equally. #ClosingTheGap #HealthEquity #BlackDoctors

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Today is #SmallBlackBusinessSaturday! 🛍️ Let’s come together to celebrate and support Black entrepreneurs who play a vital role in our communities and economy. By shopping small, we’re not just making purchases — we’re investing in dreams, families, and futures. 💡 How to support today: • Shop at a local Black-owned business. • Share your favorite businesses with your network. • Post photos and tag them to spread the word. Together, we can make a big impact. Let’s show love to the businesses that make our communities thrive! #NCBWSupportsSmallBusinesses #NCBWSBS24 #SupportBlackBusinesses #ShopLocal #EconomicEmpowerment

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This article is a must read.

✨ "Your voice is your instrument in the symphony of the world. If we don’t have your sound, we’re missing a piece of the music." ✨ Your voice needs visibility. Check out this conversation with the dynamic Nicole F. Smith, MEd. #podcastguest

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The first-ever Women in Data Summit kicked off yesterday in Naivasha, drawing participants from various sectors, including National and County Governments, Civil Society, Academia, and Development Partners. The event aims to address gender gaps across different fields. In a keynote address delivered on her behalf, Hon. Harriette Chiggai, the President’s Advisor on Women Rights, highlighted the underrepresentation of women in data-related activities. She emphasized that this lack of inclusion impacts policy development, resource allocation, and overall wellbeing. Hon. Chiggai stressed the government's efforts to strengthen data collection, analysis, and dissemination, noting investments in training and capacity building for data collectors and analysts. She called for targeted surveys to address gender disparities and encouraged the use of gender-disaggregated data to guide policy and decision-making. Touching on the rise in Intimate Partner Violence and Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, she pointed out the need for real-time data to inform responses and track trends. Hon. Chiggai also advocated for culturally sensitive language, safe spaces for women to share their experiences, and greater representation of women in data collection. Today being the last day of the summit, we will continue to focus on gender data in key sectors such as health, finance, education, land ownership, and Gender-Based Violence, with the goal of driving more effective, gender-focused policies. #WomenInDataKE #GenderDataKE

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Along with elation of the announcement that Bloomberg Philanthropies is donating $600M to HBCU medical schools and what that will mean towards increasing positive health outcomes in the Black community last week, a few other thoughts arose: - We need equal investments in health education so those future Black doctors can better serve their communities. Health systems and providers currently struggle with getting this demographic in their office for preventative wellness visits, follow-up appointments after emergency care, and routine exams due to extreme medical distrust. I'm afraid their presence alone won't immediately build trust or shift those behaviors but health education in safe spaces outside of the medical system, along with investment in other social determinants of health, will increase the marker. - Centering development of patient self-trust will be another effective approach in ensuring Black patients get the health outcomes they need in the near future regardless of who their provider is. We work on strengthening self-advocacy in black girls breathing® by having community members practice: honoring how they feel and their bodies feel, being inquisitive when things feel "off" and not ignoring their bodies' signals for extended periods before they seek help, and feel more confident communicating their truth to someone with a perceived higher authority (asking questions if they don't understand, pushing for a second opinion when they are still unsure). Still exciting progress but as those of us who are on the ground, we know there's still more work to be done to create the equitable future we envision. #healthequity

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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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“New connections are the spark that can ignite personal growth, collaboration, and limitless possibilities.” -The Master Connector 🌱 About six months ago, I received an unexpected invitation to be an honorary guest at a TEDx event in Atlanta. 🔗 The invite came from someone I had connected with through networking—proof that even brief encounters can lead to meaningful opportunities. 💡 When I arrived, I didn’t just sit back; I made it a point to engage with organizers, speakers, and attendees. 🚀 One conversation led to an exciting offer to collaborate on a future event, opening doors I hadn’t anticipated. 🎯 It’s moments like these that show how the right connection can shift your trajectory in ways you never imagined. 💬 On stage, I emphasize that being intentional with new connections often leads to opportunities disguised as chance. 👥 You never know which interaction will be the one that sets something incredible in motion—if you’re open to it. 🌍 Whether in a room full of strangers or familiar faces, each person you meet carries the potential to transform your journey. Please join me and my co-host Rob Genovesi for the next Master Connector Show on Wednesday 10/30 at 1pm EST. The topic is ”Life Lessons Through Unexpected Connections” with Dave Moravec. Click the link the below 👇🏻 to register so you don’t miss it!

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An exciting media alert from @NBC Daily News and Simone Alicia Election season can bring on a lot of stress, but Dr. Simone Alicia, The Self-Esteem Doctor, has shared a few simple, effective techniques with NBC Daily News to help you find calm in the chaos. 🌿 Watch here - https://lnkd.in/g35WBv6x 1. Flip Your Mindset: When election anxiety sets in, try shifting your focus from potential outcomes to actions within your control. This mental inversion can help empower you and reduce feelings of helplessness. 2. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): EFT, also known as tapping, uses acupressure points to ease stress and clear your mind. Simply tap on points around your body to start feeling lighter. 3. Hum for Harmony: As you tap, adding a gentle hum can create soothing vibrations that help balance your emotions and release tension. These simple techniques can bring a sense of calm and balance, helping you navigate election season with more ease. Take a deep breath—you’ve got this!  #StressRelief #ElectionAnxiety #MentalHealth #DrSimoneAlicia #EFT #nbc #pr #publicity #publicist #womeninbusiness #womeninspiringwomen #election

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My friend and colleague Jeff Caporizzo, a cancer survivor, will join an amazing panel of public health leaders from FDA, CDC, and NIH to share their insights on how audience-driven communications strategies can change the public’s awareness and behaviors towards cancer. Don’t miss this upcoming ICF webinar about the role communications can play in supporting positive public health outcomes. #cancerprevention #cancercommunications #CDC #FDA #NIH https://lnkd.in/e7te6Hh7

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I struggled to articulate my reaction(s) to the stark findings of the 'One Step Forward, Two Steps Black' report by Opinium. Should I focus on the icy shock of my first read or the burning frustration of seeing the same issues time and time again. 📢 Nearly 70% of Black and mixed-race comms professionals have considered leaving the profession, a number that has exploded since 2020 (7%). And why?! It’s the usual issues – salary and progression, lack of representation and micro-aggressions. But why is getting worse?! We’ve seen the slow climbdown from those that once shouted about inclusion and representation, but these figures show something even more forcefully regressive. 📢 When only 29% can see themselves becoming the most senior comms professional in their company (again down from 49% in 2022), I have to start shouting! We cannot be what we cannot see and because of that folks don’t see it for themselves. Initial rant over but there’s more coming - the full report from UK Black Comms Network and PRWeek UK will be out later this week. https://lnkd.in/eHBMWWTa

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I joined NY1 to talk about the importance of Black voters. Specifically Black men. And what Vice President Harris can do to bring more Black voters into the fold. Watch the full interview: https://lnkd.in/ghTF8DsX

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Reflecting on "The Playlist" and My Path Ahead in Music Tech Recently, I watched Netflix's "The Playlist," a series about the birth of Spotify, inspired by the sweeping transformations in the music industry. As an Black female founder in the music tech space, I couldn't help but resonate deeply with the narrative, yet also reflect on how different my journey has been from those portrayed on screen. In the series, and indeed in much of the industry, we see an overwhelming focus on profits and control, often at the expense of the artists who create the music we love. It strikes a chord with me that the people who often benefit most financially from music are those who market and distribute it, rather than the artists who create it. As a startup founder, my journey has been filled with significant challenges. Unlike the seamless funding experiences often depicted in tech narratives, I've had to develop a strong platform, a detailed business plan, and a substantial user base just to get initial meetings. This experience stands in marked contrast to the more readily available opportunities seen elsewhere in the tech industry. Relationships and networking play a crucial role, yet gaining access to the right networks as an Black woman has required relentless perseverance and advocacy not just for my business but for the community of artists we serve. It's more than about creating a platform; it's about altering an ecosystem that too often undervalues its most vital contributors. As I build my company, my goal remains unwavering: to empower artists to understand not just the value of their music, but how to safeguard their creations and their legacy. We're here not just to innovate but to advocate, ensuring that the artists' voices aren't just heard, but are also respected and compensated fairly. To my fellow entrepreneurs, artists, and dreamers in the tech and music industries: let's continue to challenge the status quo, build inclusively, and support one another. Our creations have the power to inspire change and drive progress, and together, we can ensure a future where every artist can thrive from their art. #MusicTech #StartupLife #Innovation #DiversityInTech #ArtistsRights #ThePlaylist #Entrepreneurship #MuSample

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🗣️ Goldman Sachs Expands Its Program For #BlackWomen #Entrepreneurs + POCIT #goodstuff "Goldman Sachs is standing firm in its commitment to support Black women through its One Million Black Women initiative as it expands its #BlackinBusiness program, according to The Guardian. Launched in 2021, the One Million Black Women initiative pledges $10 billion in #investments and $100 million in #philanthropic #funding over a decade to address #racial and #genderinequality. Doubling Down On Black In Business Program This fall, Goldman Sachs is expanding its Black in Business #education program, doubling the number of entrepreneuers it accepts. The Black in Business program, which targets early-stage Black #women entrepreneurs, provides free #businesseducation to those running their businesses for at least a year. So far, 750 entrepreneurs have benefited from this initiative, and by the end of the year, an additional 300 entrepreneurs will join the program." - ... #blackbusiness #women #womenentrepreneurs #womeninbusiness #economy #businessmatters #venturecapital #businessimpact #blackcommunity #businessschool #hbcu #economicimpact #jobcreation

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