Helen Criddle’s Post

🚨 Who’s Missing in Our Schools’ Leadership? 🚨 In The Lost Leadership: The Dangers of Alienating Black Men from Senior Leadership in Urban Public Schools, I confront a hard truth: Black men are largely absent from senior roles in our schools. But this absence isn’t just a statistic — it’s a powerful, heartbreaking reality for students who walk through our doors every day. Imagine a young Black student searching the halls for a leader who understands his world. Someone who’s lived the challenges he faces. Someone he can look to and say, “I can be that.” When Black men aren’t in leadership, that hope becomes harder to find. And the effects ripple out. Fewer mentors, fewer advocates, fewer bridges of trust in schools that need it most. This isn’t just an educational gap; it’s a missed opportunity for growth, empathy, and empowerment. So, I’m calling on our policymakers, school boards, and educational leaders: it’s time to address this. • Create pathways that allow Black men not only to enter the education system but to rise within it. • Offer mentorship and support to cultivate Black male leaders who reflect and inspire our students. • Foster a culture where all leaders are embraced, celebrated, and valued for the unique insights they bring. The loss is real, but the solution is in our hands. Let’s change this together. Because every student deserves to see leaders who reflect their potential and inspire their dreams. Together, we can break barriers and build schools where every student feels seen.

As we wrap up another dynamic week, let's pause and celebrate our journey. To our amazing community of Black professionals and students across Australia Remember the words of Maya Angelou: "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." This resonates deeply with our mission at Black Professionals Australia, where each of us contributes to a collective spirit of innovation, resilience, and growth. 🎓 To Our Students: Your late-night study sessions, research papers, and project deadlines are building the foundation of tomorrow's success. As you balance academics with life, remember: you're not just earning a degree – you're crafting your legacy. The challenges you face today are shaping the leader you'll become tomorrow. 👔 To Our Professionals: Whether you're navigating boardroom discussions, leading teams, or breaking new ground in your field – your visibility matters. Every promotion earned, every project successfully delivered, every mentorship offered creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond your immediate circle. 💭 Food for Thought: "Success is not a solo journey. It's built on the shoulders of those who dared to dream before us and strengthened by those who walk beside us." So, as you head into the weekend, take a moment to reflect: How can you continue to fuel your creativity? How will you inspire and uplift others? Wishing everyone a restorative weekend. Let’s keep pushing forward, together. #BlackExcellence #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #BlackProfessionalsAustralia #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #FridayThoughts #CareerAdvice #StudentSuccess #ProfessionalGrowth #AustralianBusiness

As we approach the end of #BlackHistoryMonth, check out the article in the below link to learn how the Black Leadership Associate Connection Business Resource Group at Bread Financial promotes and advances Black culture during BHM and beyond. #lifeatbreadfinancial

Most Fortune 500 boardrooms look Iike an Ivy League alumni mixer from the 1950s. Across the world's top companies, a mere 19% of board members are from racialized communities. The situation is even more dire for Black directors: 👉🏽 In the UK, just 8% of FTSE 100 directors are Black 👉🏽 In Australia, only 8% of ASX 200 directors are non Anglo-EU centric 👉🏽 In the US, Black Americans hold 7% of Fortune 500 board seats This Juneteenth, I'm challenging myself and other leaders to move beyond lip service, 👉🏽 if you are building a board of directors for your startup or small medium size enterprise, I encourage you to move beyond, performative "diversity theatre." Real change requires sustained effort and bold leadership. 👉🏽if you are not building a board, a place to start is by supporting Black business owners with your funds. I have dropped two links below to help get you started. PS: Give Erin Corine Johnson and the #ReparationsRace a follow all through June to see how you can contribute to closing the racial wealth gap of $1.5 trillion.

As we approach the end of #BlackHistoryMonth, check out the article in the below link to learn how the Black Leadership Associate Connection Business Resource Group at Bread Financial promotes and advances Black culture during BHM and beyond. #lifeatbreadfinancial

As we approach the end of #BlackHistoryMonth, check out the article in the below link to learn how the Black Leadership Associate Connection Business Resource Group at Bread Financial promotes and advances Black culture during BHM and beyond. #lifeatbreadfinancial

As we approach the end of #BlackHistoryMonth, check out the article in the below link to learn how the Black Leadership Associate Connection Business Resource Group at Bread Financial promotes and advances Black culture during BHM and beyond. #lifeatbreadfinancial

As we approach the end of #BlackHistoryMonth, check out the article in the below link to learn how the Black Leadership Associate Connection Business Resource Group at Bread Financial promotes and advances Black culture during BHM and beyond. #lifeatbreadfinancial

As we approach the end of #BlackHistoryMonth, check out the article in the below link to learn how the Black Leadership Associate Connection Business Resource Group at Bread Financial promotes and advances Black culture during BHM and beyond. #lifeatbreadfinancial