ADaPT (Advanced Digital and Professional Training)’s Post

It's the final day of BlackHistoryMonth. A month I have a love-hate relationship with because of my frustration with the pace of change. I'd love to live in a world where there is no Black history—just history—but until then... Let's continue to support each other, investing in Black-owned businesses, opening doors for marginalized professionals, and using whatever clout and platform we have at our disposal to do good - for black, brown and all people. There is no point talking if you can't walk it. Here are some concrete ways you can support Black talent beyond Black History Month: - Mentor Black professionals - Recommend Black colleagues for leadership roles - Amplify Black voices in meetings and discussions - Provide sponsorship, not just mentorship - Create internship and apprenticeship opportunities specifically targeting - Black students and early-career professionals - Ensure diverse interview panels - Implement blind recruitment processes - Support Black entrepreneurs through angel investing - Offer scholarships and educational grants - Provide professional development resources - Include Black-owned businesses in your supply chain - Share Black-owned business directories - Attend and promote events featuring Black entrepreneurs - Create safe and inclusive workplace cultures - Actively listen and address microaggressions - Support Black-led nonprofits and community organizations -Fund Black research and innovation - Offer equitable performance evaluations - Create leadership development programs - Provide language translation and accessibility support for Black immigrant professionals - Commit to pay transparency - Establish employee resource groups - Support Black media and content creators - Invest in Black tech startups - Buy books by black authors - Support black women and the list goes on .... As you can see these initiatives will benefit all of us because real equity, inclusion and transparency impacts us all whether you choose to admit it or not. Real change requires intentional action - not just words. It's not enough to acknowledge—we must actively work to create opportunities, dismantle systemic barriers, and recognize the incredible talent, innovation, and resilience within the Black community. Last year at We Are Novi The Novi Awards next gen leaders panel - Simone Robinson, Dr Khadija Owusu and Genelle Aldred. #BlackHistoryMonth #InclusiveWorkplace #DiversityAndInclusion

Over the span of the past few months, I dedicated time to my capstone project, delving into the new and emerging media. Specifically, I sought to uncover the ways in which such media impacts the mental well-being of young black students. My research involved an in-depth exploration of both quantitative and qualitative data, shedding light on the manner in which students engage with various social media platforms, with a special focus on Instagram. The findings of my research allowed me to present the evolution of Instagram over time, its cognitive effects, and its influence on the ever-evolving landscape of emerging media. I had the opportunity to conduct in-depth interviews with 21 participants to delve into their experiences and behaviors on social media platforms, particularly Instagram. The interviews provided valuable insights into how young black college students engage with the platform, including their interactions, thoughts, emotions, motivations for use, and perceptions of its significance and future utility. This comprehensive inquiry shed light on Instagram's multifaceted impacts on this demographic. I believe it's crucial to conduct more research on the impact of social media and platforms on people's emotions.

As we close out Black History Month (BHM), I am reflecting on the progress corporate America has made in celebrating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, while also recognizing that there is still much work to do.     For systemic change to truly happen, leaders need to step back and assess the systems, processes, and values that drive the current culture. Many #DEI initiatives start from the top with a commitment from leadership, and from there a high-level strategy is developed. But by the time that it reaches the bottom, the interpretation is different. While the intent of this type of top-down approach is noble, without an equally effective bottom-up strategy, DEI initiatives falter.     A bottom-up approach recognizes that change happens one person at a time and creates different strategies and solutions that meet individual employees where they are. At Calix, we work closely with our many Employee Resource Groups, enabling them to be the flag bearers of change. For example, throughout February, our Black Employee Resource Group (BERG) has been hosting events to help educate the entire Calix workforce, including:  - Virtual Black History & Culture Jeopardy   - How to Shift your Money Mindset – an exclusive webinar hosted by a Fidelity Investments rep  - Virtual Soul Food Cooking Class, which included an e-recipe book    And it’s not just during #BHM that we celebrate and support Black culture. Some other great work led by BERG over the past year includes:  - HBCU Scholarship Brochure Building: Calix employees created digital posters highlighting scholarship opportunities for Black students, with the goal of encouraging them to further their education.  - The 1619 Project fireside chat with Professor Dr. Felicia Harris: Dr. Harris shared her insights on the 1619 Project, its significance, its challenges, and its implications for the present and the future of the US, while also answering questions from the audience.    I’m proud of the work we do at Calix to incorporate DEI into the fiber of our culture and look forward to continuing to grow and evolve this work so that all employees feel celebrated and appreciated for the unique perspectives they bring to the table. 

As Black History Month comes to a close, we at The Fresh Market are thrilled to reflect on the enriching experiences and insightful discussions we've had throughout February, thanks to our dedicated Business Resource Group, BLLAC (Boldly Learning, Leading, & Achieving Collectively). In line with our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and fostering meaningful dialogue, BLLAC spearheaded a series of events and initiatives aimed at honoring the profound contributions of Black individuals to our collective history and society. To culminate this remarkable month, BLLAC organized an inspiring event titled "Lifting Fresh Voices." During this engaging panel discussion, our esteemed team members had the opportunity to share their career journeys, aspirations, and the inspirations that drive them forward. It was a moment to celebrate the diverse voices within our organization and to recognize the unique perspectives that each individual brings to the table. The "Lifting Fresh Voices" panel exemplified our commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and providing a platform for meaningful dialogue. It was a reminder of the importance of listening, learning, and fostering an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to succeed. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the panelists who shared their stories and insights and to everyone who participated in making this event a resounding success. #thefreshmarket #BlackHistoryMonth #Empowerment #DiversityAndInclusion #Teamwork #InclusiveCulture

GREAT OPPORTUNITY!! The Black Ambition Prize competition provides a platform for Black and Hispanic founders across the nation to access growth capital, coaching, and a curated community of innovators and mentors. Eligible applicants consist of Black and Hispanic innovators building early-stage ventures across five distinct categories: - Consumer Products and Services- Healthcare- Media and Entertainment- Technology- AIWHY APPLY?Because it’s time to even the playing field. There’s not just space for more Black and Hispanic leaders in these industries, there’s an overwhelming necessity. Your ideas and innovation, combined with the right support, will tip the scales in a way that permanently changes the landscape in these arenas. We know that building bold ideas and innovative companies requires collaboration and support.Eligible ventures will compete for awards between $15,000 to $1,000,000. https://lnkd.in/esP7sk35

All this month, we have been shining a spotlight on the incredible rising stars in financial services who are breaking barriers and making a difference in the industry, in honor of #BlackHistoryMonth. Our final rising star in this series is our own Jacquelyne Willis! Recently promoted within the Money Management Institute and a strong Gateway supporter, our interview with Jackie below reveals her career journey, thoughts on the significance of this month, and invaluable advice for those just starting out in the industry:   What are some of the experiences and opportunities that you can point to that supported your career growth? My parents were mentors who shaped my life by a combination of excellence, resilience, and opportunities. I’ve often navigated spaces where diversity was not always present, but I had mentors who believed in my potential and guided me through opportunities and challenges. Embracing my unique perspective and skills has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to projects and fostered a sense of accomplishment in my professional growth.   What does Black History Month mean to you?  Black History Month is a poignant reminder of the incredible contributions that Black people have made throughout history. It's a time to celebrate achievements, acknowledge challenges, and amplify voices that have been historically marginalized. For me, it's an opportunity to reflect on the strength and resilience of the Black community, recognizing the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations.    What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry? To those beginning their journey in the industry, I would emphasize the importance of authenticity. Embrace your unique perspective, and don't shy away from showcasing your skills and talents. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support, as their insights can be invaluable. Additionally, be an advocate for yourself and others, fostering an inclusive environment that appreciates diversity.    #FinancialTrailblazers #DiversityInFinance #DEI #EmpowerChange #MMIGateway #RisingLeaders

A little over a year ago, I shared a post about leaning into my vision for my life, tapping into my inner power and finding joy beyond my comfort zone. I hinted at “working on something new” in the social impact space. Now, that vision is coming to life and I’m so thrilled to start sharing more. As we recently celebrated National Black Business Month, it’s crucial to remember that supporting Black-owned businesses is not just a one-month commitment - it’s something we must champion year-round. The disparities they face are persistent and demand our ongoing effort. Black Americans make up 14% of the U.S. population, but hold less than 3% of the nation’s wealth. This staggering gap is rooted in historical barriers and limited access to capital, networks and resources. By empowering Black-owned businesses to succeed, we can help close this gap - creating jobs, boosting local economies and driving overall economic prosperity. The obstacles are real: securing growth funding, accessing mentorship and building strong networks are challenges that continue to hold many Black-owned businesses back. I’m excited to share that I’m working on a new venture specifically designed to tackle these challenges. Our goal is to prepare Black-owned businesses for growth capital and connect them with the mentors and resources they need to thrive. And for investors, we’re offering access to vetted opportunities, a powerful professional network and engaging virtual and in-person events. If you’re passionate about supporting Black-owned businesses or seeking meaningful investment opportunities, let’s connect. Together, we can drive real change and build a more equitable business landscape.

How do you bring your authentic self to work?

Resilience is often the backbone of success, and I recently had the privilege of hearing firsthand the journeys of two remarkable leaders in tech who embody this spirit. Yonas Beshawred, founder and former CEO of StackShare, built a tech stack intelligence platform and community that empowers over one million developers and CTOs to make data-driven technology decisions. With a mission to enhance productivity, StackShare connects developers to trusted insights from peers and leading companies. Yonas’s path, though impressive, was anything but easy—filled with product pivots, rejections, and stretches of couch-surfing before the platform was acquired by SOSSA. On a parallel journey, Ziggy Abdisubhan, a former software engineer turned consumer-focused product manager, has built a career dedicated to improving lives through technology. At Twitch, she developed tools that encouraged new viewers to join the platform, partnered with top creators to build monetization channels for streamers, and coded for large-scale applications like UFC.com. Ziggy’s dedication extends beyond her career; she’s passionate about uplifting Black communities through initiatives like the Black Guild at Twitch and the Black Management Association at Kellogg while also working to preserve her family’s endangered culture and language. Hearing their stories was a reminder of how essential it is for communities to support each other’s growth. Thanks to Habesha Networks for facilitating this inspiring conversation—showcasing the incredible resilience and talent within the Habesha community. At Yaltopia BPO, we’re committed to these same values. We don’t just support startups and growing businesses worldwide—we’re dedicated to providing career-building roles no matter where you're from. If you’re someone who shares these values of resilience, community, and creating global impact, I’d love to connect. Together, let’s continue building bridges for the next generation of talent and shaping a more inclusive, opportunity-filled future.

Juneteenth is a symbol of freedom and progress. As the first Black executive leaders in the history of this organization, we not only reflect progress, but we’re committed to making more progress possible. Progress is a choice. We chose Advantage Solutions because we both fundamentally believe in what this organization does and has the power to do. Put simply: We have the power to get food and personal care items into homes from coast to coast. And that power does not discriminate. We live in every community we serve, and we recognize what we provide is essential. We chose Advantage because we saw an organization that is intentional about leading with purpose, prioritizes inclusion, puts people first and is unequivocable about belonging and impact. Alongside 70,000 teammates, we share our talents and intersectional perspectives to connect people, win hearts and fill carts — leading purposefully to enrich lives along the way. We chose Advantage because this company employs teammates of all backgrounds and experiences, and we provide a path for each to grow in a way that helps them achieve their personal and professional dreams. We care about what people do -- and importantly – we care about what we can help them become. We remain dedicated to this important work. We’re making bigger investments to evolve our employee experience and create a more equitable workplace where people know they’re safe, they belong and they can grow. We measure our success by what everyone achieves together. With a workplace that reflects the marketplace, we know we can serve all of our communities better -- with tenacity, drive and our whole hearts. On this Juneteenth, let’s all choose to pave the path of progress together with relentless resolve and relentless humanity. Winning Together Always, Kelli Hammersmith, Chief Communications Officer Pamela Morris-Thornton, Chief Human Resources Officer Learn more about Juneteenth here: https://lnkd.in/g_QFGgfW