Tara N. Gardner

This information is essential for our young Black kings. @Black Equality Coalition, we intentionally focus on mentoring and coaching in the elementary sector to take preventative measures that will ensure their success through middle and high school. #education #leadership #youthspeaker #teambuilding #mentoring #youthcoach #Community #schools #federalwayschools #Organizations

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Extra extra read all about it! Are you a speaker looking to support Black woven entrepreneurs!? Submit your application to speak at the 2025 Baddies with Business Retreat taking place in Durham, NC. More information below! #BlackFemaleEntrepreneurs #BlackWomen

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As we commemorate Juneteenth, it's essential to highlight the ongoing efforts to drive policy, regional collaboration, and sustainable growth for Black entrepreneurs. At the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that empowers Black business owners to thrive. My latest article explores the significant strides being made and the collaborative efforts that are paving the way for lasting change. Together, we can create a future where equity and opportunity are at the forefront of entrepreneurship. Read more about these impactful initiatives here: https://lnkd.in/e8XAbjr3 #Juneteenth #BlackEntrepreneurs #InclusiveGrowth #Policy #Collaboration #AEOworks

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#BHM Day 19 - I saw Penny share this article yesterday from Chynna Rhooms and it hit hard. So today is a break away from my own posts to draw a spotlight to this. It fits perfectly with the theme of reclaiming narratives. Part of what I’ve been doing each day this month—sharing stories about my friends, family, and colleagues, and yes the odd famous person, is to show that Black history isn’t something separate or other. It’s intertwined with British history, woven into the fabric of the UK in ways that are often overlooked or erased. But equally important is showing that Black culture is not a monolith. It’s unique, diverse, and varied. It’s shaped by a wide range of experiences and identities. This is where the The Unmistakables article from comes in. It raises a critical question: where does Black culture get exploited, and what narrative is being pushed when it is? We’ve all seen examples of how aspects of Black culture—music, fashion, language—are celebrated when it’s convenient, commodified, and used as a trend, but without proper recognition of where it came from or the struggles attached to it. This is exploitation, plain and simple, and it reinforces stereotypes and they can often be harmful, stripping away the depth and diversity of Black experiences. As we reclaim our narratives, it’s vital that we confront these uncomfortable truths. Black culture isn’t just a trend to be consumed—it’s a legacy, a living, breathing history of resilience, creativity, and community. And too often, the narrative that gets pushed is one that diminishes that, reducing it to clichés or commodifying it for profit. I encourage everyone reading this to take the time to read Chynna’s article and reflect on the narratives we’re consuming and perpetuating, whether consciously or not. And if you don’t already, follow Penny and take a look at her daily Black History Month posts—she’s doing incredible work in helping to amplify voices and reclaim these narratives, there is now a ton of brilliant reading suggestions.

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I recently had a productive meeting with Dr. Amanda Bolton to discuss tackling disparities in education affecting Black youth. We explored strategies to: - Identify and address root causes - Establish more safe spaces for youth - Increase youth activities - Foster collaborative efforts with nonprofits and businesses Dr. Bolton's expertise shines in transforming data into compelling narratives. If you need a skilled data storyteller, she's an invaluable resource.I recently had a productive meeting with Dr. Amanda Bolton to discuss tackling disparities in education affecting Black youth. We explored strategies to: - Identify and address root causes - Establish more safe spaces for youth - Increase youth activities - Foster collaborative efforts with nonprofits and businesses Dr. Bolton's expertise shines in transforming data into compelling narratives. If you need a skilled data storyteller, she's an invaluable resource.

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Unveil the transformative power of unexpected endings and the evolution of identity. Journey with me as I redefine what it means to be a black man from Haiti, breaking societal norms and forging a new path to success. Stay tuned for an enlightening episode on #MyUploads! 🌟 #RedefiningIdentity #EmbraceYourStory #BreakingStereotypes

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This is an important step in building minority entrepreneurship in Black and Brown communities.

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Economic development starts with intentional support. 🌿 The 3rd Black Funding Principle calls for a significant increase in capital from philanthropy, social investment, venture capital, and other funds to uplift Black small-to-medium-sized businesses and start-ups. As a donor looking to maximize impact, partnering with a philanthropic advisor can help us embrace this principle and drive economic security in Black communities. 🚀 How can we put this principle into action? Let's actively seek out and invest in Black-owned enterprises and start-ups. By channeling capital towards these businesses, we not only foster economic resilience but also create a foundation for sustained growth. This is a tangible way to bridge the equity gap and support Black entrepreneurs to thrive. 🌍 The call for increased capital aligns with the mission to reshape funding dynamics for lasting impact. We can turn this principle into practice, contributing to the economic security and prosperity of Black communities together. #CommunityDriven #BlackPhilanthropy #TransformativeChange

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The Black Men Coalition Foundation (BMCF) is poised to make a transformative impact on the community by addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. Expanding Educational and Professional Opportunities: BMCF’s partnership with the eCornell Certificate Program offers free access to Ivy League-level courses, providing community members with high-quality education. This initiative equips individuals with valuable skills and qualifications, making them more competitive in the job market. With enhanced education, participants can pursue higher-paying jobs and achieve long-term economic stability. Improving Employment Prospects: BMCF offers targeted employment training workshops that focus on essential job skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, and digital literacy. These practical skills directly enhance participants' ability to secure stable and meaningful employment, helping to reduce economic disparities and contribute to community prosperity. Offering Personalized Mentorship and Career Support: BMCF’s mentorship programs provide tailored guidance and career counseling, helping individuals navigate their professional journeys and build strong networks. This support boosts confidence, leads to better career decisions, and enhances job satisfaction among participants. Youth Development and Financial Literacy: Through youth sports programs and financial literacy courses, BMCF promotes the holistic development of young individuals. Sports programs encourage teamwork and physical fitness, while financial literacy courses equip youth with crucial financial management skills. These initiatives lay a solid foundation for future success, encouraging responsible financial behavior and personal growth. Building Strong Community Networks: BMCF collaborates with local businesses and organizations to create job placement opportunities and build a supportive community network. These partnerships ensure participants have access to meaningful employment and continuous support, fostering social cohesion and mutual support within the community. Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: BMCF’s focus on serving low- and moderate-income communities, women, and people of color helps to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. By addressing the unique challenges these groups face, BMCF works to level the playing field and ensure equal opportunities for success, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society. Achieving Measurable Positive Outcomes: BMCF is committed to setting clear goals and tracking progress to ensure the effectiveness of its programs. This approach ensures that resources are used efficiently and that the impact of the initiatives is maximized. Positive outcomes include higher educational attainment, increased employment rates, improved financial literacy, and stronger community bonds.

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"Unapologetically Leading: The Black Women's Mixtape" is more than a platform, it’s a vibe and a community where we celebrate the stories and journeys of Black women leaders. Through centering their narratives, we aim to inspire connections and uplift voices that are often overlooked or stereotypically defined. "Unapologetically Leading" amplifies Black women by giving them space to take center stage and own their narratives and how they are shown to the world. Why the play on the word mixtape? Because we hope to curate an authentic and transparent look at their experiences, perspectives, and insights, noting that each narrative will be different, similar to the diverse tracks on your favorite album/mixtape. Ultimately, "Unapologetically Leading: The Black Women's Mixtape" isn't just about sharing stories; it's about reclaiming agency, and redefining what it means to lead unapologetically as a Black woman in today's world. If you are interested in sharing your story either through writing a piece or by being interviewed fill out the form below and share it with your network 💜 EDIT: This will close tomorrow at noon. #BlackWomenLeaders #CenteringBlackVoices #RedefiningLeadership #Leadership #Storytelling

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The recent Candid and ABFE. A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities report underscores the urgent need for support for Black-led nonprofits. Here are two key reasons to register for our Grant Writing Master Course: 1. Empower Your Organization Learn to craft compelling grant proposals that effectively communicate your mission and demonstrate impact, enabling you to secure essential funding for your initiatives. 2. Expert Guidance and Networking Gain insights from experienced grant writers, connect with like-minded organizations, and build a supportive network to enhance your funding opportunities. Join our Grant Writing Master Course to equip yourself with the skills to support and uplift Black-led nonprofits. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gK-Sbq_z

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Ahead of #Juneteenth2024, another great Word In Black feature about #digital literacy and access in Black communities. #Juneteenth #digitalaccess #digitalequity #BlackAmericans https://lnkd.in/ewMCX5Jv

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🌟 **Celebrating Juneteenth: A Day of Freedom and Reflection** 🌟 Today, we honor Juneteenth, a pivotal day in history marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. At The JPI Group, a woman minority-owned firm, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values. 🔹 **Honoring History:** We pay tribute to those who fought for freedom and justice. 🔹 **Commitment to Change:** We are dedicated to creating opportunities and advocating for equality. 🔹 **Empowering Future Leaders:** We invest in programs that support education and career development. On this Juneteenth, let's remember that true freedom and equality come from understanding, empathy, and action. Together, we can build a future where everyone thrives. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #Diversity #Inclusion #TheJPIGroup

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Happy Juneteenth✊🏼 The fight for liberation is never an easy one, and in many ways there is still a lot of work to be done. Throughout history, black contributions to infrastructure and technology are often overlooked or minimized. I admit it, I have a very big soft spot for NSBE. I believe my African ancestors would be proud of the legacy of NSBE across the globe as one of the largest student governed organizations. For 50 years, NSBE has been empowering our best and brightest, is a safe community, nurtures talent, and opens the door to incredible opportunities professionally. Although my career has developed beyond the scope of engineering, as an entrepreneur, my experience as a NSBE campus leader is the blueprint for how my company prioritizes and builds with underserved and marginalized communities and creators today. Technology has the power to both liberate and enslave the mind. In honor of Juneteenth, and in the name of liberation how will you navigate this new digital landscape? #juneteenth #liberation #techequity

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Nonprofits face unique challenges in securing the funding they need to support their missions and serve their communities. Fundraising is critical for advancing your mission and maximizing your impact. Discover strategies to tackle common fundraising obstacles like: 🔹 Limited Resources 🔹 Lacking Donor Engagement 🔹 Evaluating Program Effectiveness 🔹 Executing a Strategic Plan 🔹 And more! Read Handbook Now: https://hubs.la/Q02GPtYX0

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A few days late sharing this, but as you likely already know, Ashley Panelli and I have the privilege of being the first Black women to lead 9to5. While it's an exciting shift to Black leadership and a shared leadership model, it is not without challenges. Specifically, we wrote this article to highlight the challenge of the under-funding of Black-led organizations. It's a call to action for funders to make deep mulit-year investments in Black leadership and not simply lip service.

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Freedom to Learn #MicDrop Moment: Sylvia Cyrus, Executive Director of The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), shares activation tips to mobilize communities because “this is not just happening in Florida, it’s happening across the nation…if it’s not us who, if it’s not now, when?” https://lnkd.in/e8N7rsa8  #FreedomToLearn #FreedomSummer2024 

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The Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action is reshaping DEI and economic justice for Black women. Shila Nieves Burney of Zane Venture Fund joins us to unpack the implications for venture capital. Don’t miss this episode! #SistersLead #ClapbackAndGetTheFacts #BlackWomenLead #ZaneVentureFund

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