Los Angeles Lakers’ Post

According to Fast Company, Black women hold only 4% of S&P 500 board seats. Black Women On Boards co-founders Merline Saintil and Robin Washington are working to change that and have already made significant strides. The BWOB Summit NYC was transformational—a day filled with magnetic energy, authentic connections, inspirational gems, elevating insights and mic-drop moments. A few things: ✨Rock star vs rock band—focus on the collective/broader team vs 1 person. 🧲 Be a talent magnet. 🗣️Keep key talent; communicate people’s value to them. 🦸🏾Lean into your superpower.-Christiane Pendarvis ⚡️Silence is power when you’ve already put your voice in the room.-Carla Harris 💡AI will change how people work…disruption doesn’t have to equal displacement. 📝Failure is not a crime; failure to learn from failure is a crime.-Kenneth C. Frazier 🧐Just because you haven’t done the thing yet doesn’t mean that you can’t/won’t learn how to do it. 🤩Don’t be afraid to take a chance on people.-Lloyd Yates May we continually remember that people truly are our greatest asset and govern ourselves accordingly. Optimistically, Yunice P.S. Thank you Jared Morris!!! #BWOBsummit #BWOB #communications #leadership #board #equity #diversity #inclusion #gratitude Lori George, Jill Pemberton, Regina Bynote Jones, Nichole Jordan, Shannon Nash, Esq., CPA, Denise Y., Lakecia Gunter, Breanna Z., Jean Harvey Johnson, Brandi Thomas, Kathryn Charleston ☁️, Leah McGowen-Hare, MSEd, Andrea Francis, Krista Satterthwaite, Crystal Williams, Karla Martin, Rashida Malcolm Bradley, Sheereen Miller-Russell

Why the PRECIOUS Awards Matter When I first started, the idea was simple: to provide visibility and recognition for women of colour. But over time, it became clear that the PRECIOUS Awards were achieving something far greater. Each year, we shine a light on the accomplishments of women who have broken barriers—often in spaces where their achievements might have gone unnoticed. This recognition goes beyond boosting careers. It ignites confidence, opens doors, and creates a ripple effect within communities. This impact has been felt close to home as well. I've made it a tradition to have my nieces attend the Awards since they were young. I wanted them to see women who look like them succeeding and shaping their futures in entrepreneurial and corporate environments. The next day, they’d bring the success stories they'd heard about the women they'd seen back to their friends at school, then to sixth form, and later to university. And the ripple effect continued. For them, the visibility of Black women and women of colour is something they expect to see. When it’s missing, they ask why. I love it when guests bring their children along to the Awards. The ripple effect continues. Join us on November 15th as we celebrate more incredible stories. This isn’t just an awards ceremony—it’s a platform for change. Book your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/eY5X4i5G #PRECIOUSAwards #18PRECIOUSYears #SuccessStories #Legacy #Visibility

The challenges that Black women leaders are facing are not due to a lack of knowledge about the issues. In fact, there is a plethora of information at our fingertips. So why are we still here? Why are we still having to fight so hard for our dignity? Why are we cloaked in power in the form of titles but with little else to show for it? 🥥 Check out this article by Nonprofit Quarterly on the reckonings needed to support Black women at all levels of leadership: https://lnkd.in/dbWi3yZA

Leadership is not just about holding a position—it's about creating impact, breaking barriers, and paving the way for others to follow. I’m excited for the upcoming 2024 LeadHERship Gala , a powerful celebration of Black women who are redefining what it means to lead with purpose and drive social change. Powered by Strategic Solutions Global, This event is more than just an evening of recognition; it’s a movement dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of extraordinary women making a profound difference in their industries and communities. If you’re passionate about advancing women’s leadership, supporting social impact, and being part of transformative change, I invite you to read, like, and share this press release with your network & community. Together, let’s spread the word and rally around this important cause—because Women Lead…EVERY DAY, EVERYWHERE, in EVERY INDUSTRY! Together, let’s inspire the next generation of LeadHERs. 📅 Mark your calendars for November 3, 2024, and join us in celebrating the future of leadership. 👇🏿Readthe full press release, get involved & share with those individuals who can help us spread the word! #LeadHERshipGala #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #BlackWomenLeaders #SocialImpact #PurposeDrivenLeadership #ThoughtLeadership

Merline Saintil and Robin Washington have no shortage of experiences, success and opportunities between them. Merline, a software engineer turned Silicon Valley COO and investor, has taken 6 companies through IPOs not to mention sitting on several Fortune 500 boards. Robin, a leading Corporate CFO, sits on some of the most well known Fortune 100 boards. There is no doubt of their success in breaking barriers and glass ceilings, and now through their organization Black Women On Boards (BWOB) they are paying it forward by honoring the women who went before them while bringing the next generation along. With a focus on sponsorship, coaching and mentoring BWOB aims to remove the invisible obstacles that Black female executives face when pursuing board seats. Since their inception, they have successfully placed dozens of members onto boards while maintaining a sharp focus on investing in the next generation of executives coming up behind them.  But their work doesn’t stop with BWOB. Through their film ‘Onboard’, Merline and Robin chronicle the rise of Black women on America’s corporate boards. This film is not only a testament to their commitment to fostering diversity in the corporate boardroom but celebrates the achievements of women breaking barriers and serves as a call to action, sparking important conversations about talent that often goes unnoticed. Around the world, we see examples of women rising up to serve and advocate on behalf of the betterment of their community. Merline and Robin’s work is another great example of how a committed individual can really move the needle on important issues. Learn more about BWOB and the 'Onboard' film here: www.bwob.io 

Just Breaking Barriers and Building Legacies On A Thursday I’m deeply honored to be featured in the article "At A Crisis Point" in the Washington Business Journal today. This recognition holds even more significance in light of the challenges many of us face in the nonprofit sector. As Black women, we navigate leadership roles amidst heightened scrutiny, under-resourced organizations, glass ceilings,  and an often unsupportive ecosystem. Microaggressions, excessive reporting demands, and pay inequities continue to weigh heavily on us. Yet, we lead, we rise, and we innovate with excellence—often at the expense of our own well-being. It’s exhausting! But this moment is not just about acknowledgment—it's about action. Like my fellow leaders in the Washington Area Women’s Foundation’s "Thrive as They Lead" report, I believe it's time to address the systemic inequities head-on. Black women leaders deserve the resources, support, and recognition that allow us to not just survive but thrive. I channeled young Alana Brown in this article and one thing I wish I had known earlier in my career is pay advocacy….. “ how to negotiate a salary and put in a contract for myself as an Executive Director”. This is why we must invest in programs that support leadership development, mentorship, advocacy, and most importantly, our mental and physical health. Nonprofit organizations, funders, and boards have a critical role in creating sustainable, inclusive environments for Black women leaders. As the founder of A Cultured Business, my mission is to empower rising nonprofit leaders in our communities. By providing culturally specific support to Black women and women of color, I aim to help them bridge the gaps we’ve experienced for too long—ensuring they’re not just given the title, but the tools, knowledge, and networks to succeed. The work is not done. Together, we can shift the narrative and change the future of leadership for Black women in nonprofits. Let’s keep the conversation going! If this resonates with you, share this post and help me amplify the voices of Black women in leadership. Together, we can raise awareness and create the change we want to see. Tag others who are passionate about this mission, and let’s work collectively to ensure every leader has the support they need to thrive. #QOTD What’s one thing you wish you would have known earlier on in your career or executive director journey as a Black woman in leadership?  Read the full article. Link in the comments 👇🏾 #NonprofitLeadership #BlackWomenLead #ThriveAsTheyLead #LeadershipDevelopment #washingtonbusinessjournal

Join Building Movement Project and Bri Carpenter, our amazing Director of Employee Experience and Culture, for this upcoming webinar on why DEI still matters!

🌟 Call for Speakers & A Moderator: 2025 Pearls of Wisdom Program The Black Funders Network of the Bay Area (BFN) is announcing the 2025 Pearls of Wisdom program, our annual celebration of Women’s History Month. Next year, we’ll highlight the personal and professional journeys of Black women driving racial equity in philanthropy. 🗓 Event Details: Date: March 2025 (Exact date TBD, based on speaker availability) Location: Virtual (Zoom) Theme: Black Women Advancing Racial Equity in Philanthropy 🎤 We’re seeking: 1️⃣ Black Women Panelists (Seeking Two People) - Based in the Bay Area - Folks with insights and lived experiences navigating and advancing racial equity in philanthropy. 2️⃣ A Panel/Program Moderator (Seeking One Person) Preferably, a current BFN member who is passionate about this topic. 💡 Why Participate? - Share your journey and inspire others in the philanthropic sector. - Collaborate with peers dedicated to equity and resilience. - Contribute to BFN's signature program that uplifts and celebrates Black women leaders and their stories. 💫 Desired Outcomes: Participants will: 1. Learn about the impact of systemic racism on health, well-being, and leadership journeys. 2. Explore the importance of supportive communities in fostering resilience and renewal. 3. Be inspired by personal narratives and practical insights to shape their professional and personal growth. 📩 Interested? Email BFN at [email protected] with your: 1. Name, role, and organization 2. Brief bio and your connection to the theme 3. (For Moderators) Details about your facilitation experience 4. One question you would like to answer OR one topic you would like to propose for the discussion If interested, please contact us by Friday, January 3rd, 2025 at 5:00 PM (PST). We're looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks! #racialequity #philanthropy #blackfundersnetwork #blackwomen #celebrateblackwomen #womenshistory

A very insightful and relatable perspective. The load is quite heavy.

So much of this article and the report, itself, resonates deeply. Both for myself and with so many other Black women leaders I speak with. As I'm making my way through the full report, "Thrive as They Lead" (link to full report in the comments below), each theme and the recommendations are things I've been dreaming about and wishing to see implemented here in BC. While there are quite a few of us Black women leaders here in BC, we're also unable to properly connect and find community, we're stretched incredibly thin, burnt out, exhausted, holding far too many roles and responsibilities, holding additional mentorship expectations, and also dealing with additional expectations, barriers, hostilities, and burdens that our white counterparts don't hold. We're also constantly facing the tiresome narrative that there are no Black people here in BC, which hampers the ability to maintain momentum and focus, and hampers the ability to secure necessary resources to focus on Black women's leadership needs. It has never been more challenging to lead and I'm concerned about how many women leaders are leaving (or been pushed out from) their senior/executive leadership roles and are increasingly joining what I've been calling, "The Never Again Club". It means we're losing incredible talent, and it also means it will be that much harder for the next generation of Black leaders. They will, likely, be pushed into leadership roles too soon and with wholly inadequate structures, supports, or compensation, and reporting to ill-prepared/inexperienced Boards. If and when they stumble, the fault and resulting trauma will land squarely on their exhausted shoulders. As one friend mentioned to me, she distinctly felt the moment when she turned from "pet to threat" in the eyes of her organization's executive leadership....for doing the work that her expertise (including her Blackness, frankly!) was recruited for. I wish I had the time and space to pore through this report (and similar ones) and to formally engage with leadership colleagues for the Vancouver, Lower Mainland, and BC context; and in order to address these issues here in BC. The need is great, the demand is great. And I'm hoping that the will to meaningfully address these issues is there, too!