Michelle Braun’s Post

Thursday Thoughts … Imagine you’re in a room where camaraderie and partnership fill the air, a place you’re invited to because of your proximity to similarity, yet your distinct differences relegate you to the sidelines. As a Black woman in the realm of inclusion, diversity, and equity, this scenario isn’t just hypothetical; it’s a lived reality. Your bold attempts to contribute and connect often mask the inherent feeling of invisibility amidst the crowd. This experience, both personal and professional, underscores the nuances of being deeply entrenched in this vital work. Answering the call to action in such a space requires Herculean strength, staying the course demands unwavering perseverance, and embracing radical self-care becomes not just important, but essential. This journey is about more than creating space for others; it’s about navigating the complexities of advocating for visibility, voice, and value in environments that frequently overlook the unique contributions of Black women. This narrative isn’t solely about the challenges faced but also about the resilience and determination it takes to lead with purpose and passion in fostering truly inclusive, diverse, and equitable spaces. Let’s redefine presence at the table, ensuring that every voice, especially those historically marginalized, is not only heard but also celebrated. #InclusionMatters #DiversityInLeadership #EquityInAction #RadicalSelfCare #BlackWomenLead

Hey Ladies, let's talk about breaking barriers and thriving as black women in business! 🌟 Here are 5 🔑key steps to overcome obstacles and pave your own path to success: 𝟭. 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙨: Surround yourself with a tribe that understands your journey and can offer support, guidance, and inspiration along the way. 𝟮. 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙮: Be a vocal🗣️ advocate for change within your organization. Champion initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a more supportive and inclusive workplace for all. 𝟯. 𝙎𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩: Build a strong 💪 support system of allies and mentors who believe in your potential and can offer valuable insights and advice as you navigate your career journey. 𝟰. 𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝: Your perspective as a black woman is a valuable asset. Embrace your unique experiences, insights, and talents, and use them to drive innovation and positive change in your organization. 𝟱. 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂; 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they also present opportunities for growth and learning. Stay resilient, learn from your experiences, and keep pushing forward with determination and grace. Ladies!! let's shatter barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in business. 💪🏾✨ We Got This!! #BlackExcellence #WomenInBusiness #DiversityandInclusion

This article and the research referenced raises critical points. The only thing I would add Is the expectation of Black women doing care work in the workplace. It is well documented that this care work is critical to business success, yet black women are not rewarded for doing it, and others are not seen as less competent for not doing it.

This is a quick MUST read article!

From start to finish, this article nails the commonplace experience of Black women in the workplace with such jarring specificity that it will make you cry. So, accept this as a TW for Black women presently in an intentional space of protecting your peace. But, if you want to feel seen and reassured that you are not alone, read it, even if you have to do so bit by bit. Most importantly, for those who manage or work alongside Black women, read this article in its entirety, revisit it from time to time and interrogate your thinking. I implore you to ask yourself, how the contents of the article changes you convictionally, psychologically, and behaviorally. And, don’t stop there, but govern yourself accordingly.

Are you a Black woman in Academic, Legal, Medical, or Business/Administrative fields? ✨ I invite you to participate in a study that explores how Black women strategically construct and negotiate their professional identities through their hair—a powerful symbol of identity, culture, and politics. ✨ As the United States moves closer to the possibility of its first Black woman president, understanding the workplace experiences of Black women is more crucial than ever. 🎉 I am excited to share my dissertation project, which aims to uncover the strategies Black women employ to navigate organizational norms and expectations that are often shaped by dominant racial and gendered ideologies. 🎉 By sharing your story, you’ll help shape inclusive workplace policies and pave the way for future generations of Black women leaders, from the courtroom to the Oval Office. 🏛️ 🚨 Take a brief survey to see if you qualify to participate in the interview! 🚨 🔗https://lnkd.in/gctgHsRd If you know any Black women who might be interested, please share this post or tag them in the comments. 💬 Feel free to reach out with any questions! #BlackWomenInTheWorkplace #DiversityAndInclusion #WorkplaceEquity #EmpoweringBlackWomen #BlackWomenScholars #BlackWomenInLaw #BlackWomenInMedicine #BlackWomenInBusiness #BlackWomenProfessionals

6 harsh realities of being the only Black woman in the team… 1. Battling the stereotypes of the angry or aggressive Black woman. 2. Difficulty visualising a higher career path due to lack of representation. 3. Feelings of isolation because no one truly understands your experience. 4. Often feeling like you're under a microscope and needing to perform perfectly. 5. Having to deal with the paradox of hypervisibility and invisibility at the same time. 6. Facing defensiveness or dismissal when speaking up about racism in the workplace. The intersection of race and gender mean that Black women are facing unique complexities and challenges every day. So how can organisations support Black women in the workplace? 1. Address systemic and institutional racism by actively working to identify and eliminate biases in policies, practices, and cultures. 2. Colleagues and leaders need to actively listen and educate themselves about the experiences of Black women without placing the burden of explanation on them. 3. Hold leaders accountable for creating and maintaining an inclusive culture through measurable goals and regular reporting. 4. Establishing strong sponsorship programs which actually help Black women navigate their careers and feel supported. 5. Create safe and supportive environments where Black women can share their experiences and challenges without fear of retribution are crucial. Listen...Black women are over tired and misogynoir is real! It’s time to move beyond words and take meaningful action to ensure a truly inclusive workplace. A place where Black women feel valued, supported, safe and empowered to succeed. And represented across ALL levels of the organisation So that being the only one becomes a thing of the past. Nic ✌🏾 #blacklivesmatter #blackwomenmatter #timeforaction ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ Hi, I’m Nicola & I help ambitious introverted Black women become confident badass managers who lead their teams with ease✨💪🏾 💃🏾 DM me to talk about difficult teams, protecting your peace & anything Managing-While-Black related.🗓 2 Spaces are available for 1:1 coaching starting in July.

Powerful insight and practical advice - thank you!

Powerful, especially on Juneteenth!

📣 I'm still looking for white women leaders who want to learn how to champion Black women and people of color! The Accomplices in Action series is for you, and we have a session TOMORROW at 9:00 am CDT If you haven’t, register now. https://lnkd.in/eXjrwyfS These conversations are filled with candor and vulnerability. You will transform, grow, and build your self-awareness so you can navigate this world unapologetically risking your power and privilege for the benefit of others. Accomplices in Action helps you deepen your analysis and identify paths to action. This series will help you become a better citizen, friend, neighbor, parent, and leader as we enter into a new era of inclusion. Come to discover your power and learn how to use it! The skills and knowledge you gain from this series will empower you to make a real difference in your workplace, your community and beyond.