Goldman Sachs’ Post

Did you know that only 37.2% of Black-owned businesses are owned by women? February is Black History Month, and we want to encourage you to support Black women entrepreneurs and business owners in your communities or online - you can easily find them using Good Buy's plug-in 😎 Here's to the women who are blazing trails and leading future generations of Black-owned or Black-lead companies!

Celebrating Black Women in Business 🌟 This month is #BlackBusinessMonth. Primarily recognised in the US, it's aim is to celebrate the contributions of black-owned businesses and to promote economic equity, diversity and inclusion. This led us to think more about black-owned businesses here in the UK, and to focus in specifically on black women in business and entrepreneurs. Despite their immense potential, there are clearly barriers getting in the way of their success. According to leading DEI campaigner, Ishreen Bradley: ▶️ Black women in the UK earn significantly less than their white counterparts ▶️ Less than 0.1% of UK-born black women are in the top 1% of earners ▶️ 75% of black women have experienced racism at work ▶️ Businesses led by black women receive a mere 0.2% of total venture capital investment Change is vital inside businesses and across the investment community to enable black women to thrive 🙌 #blackwomen #blackwomeninbusiness #diversity #equity #inclusion

As we close out Women's History Month 2024, we are delighted to share a blog post featuring our founder, Stacie (Smith) Mizzi, and other women of the Divine 9. Mannequin Madness founder, Judi Henderson, wrote a recent blog entitled, "20 Extraordinary Divine 9 Entrepreneurs Who Are Creating Legacies for Other Black Women to Emulate" which highlights the work of Black entrepreneurs, the fastest growing demographic of entrepreneurs. This is quite fitting for this year's Women's History Month theme - "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion." We celebrate the work of fellow women entrepreneurs this month and beyond. https://lnkd.in/gsDPramu

As we end Black History Month and kick off Women's History Month, let's make sure we're celebrating all women. True inclusion and intersectionality means acknowledging the experiences and contributions of women of color, trans women, and other marginalized groups. The wage gap and venture capital funding statistics that are frequently cited focus on the relationship of white women to the wage gap and to venture capital, with an aside about "other women." We must also recognize that there are inequities within inequities. White women are making substantially more than Black women and Hispanic/Latinx women. If we only focus on the achievements of white women or them as allies, then we're not truly celebrating Women's History Month. Women's history is not just about suffrage and the 19th amendment. In fact, the suffragettes were inspired by the abolitionist movement. Black women had to wait until 1965 to even come close to having the right to vote. Let's move beyond the white-centered narratives and celebrate all women in all their forms. As Harriet Tubman once asked, "Ain't I a woman?" Let's make sure that all women are truly celebrated and included during this month and beyond. If we can shift our thinking to our shared and collective history then one day we won't need a Black History Month or a Women's History Month because through natural intersectionality and collective action we can change THESTORY to be our story too. #womenshistorymonth #blackhistorymonth #genderequality

In recognition of Black History month, the WLA reiterates our values of empowerment, community, diversity and collaboration. The financial services industry is made stronger, more sustainable, and more innovative when a more diverse financial advising community is serving the needs of our diverse population. We also want to state unequivocably that progress has been too slow in our industry. We are optimistic when reading Deloitte's seventh edition of the "Missing Pieces" report in June 2023, showing the representation of women and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups on Fortune 500 company boards has reached a record high of 44.7%, up from 38% in 2020. However, progress remains uneven, with minority women holding only 7.8% of board seats. The report highlights that white men still dominate corporate boards with 55.3% of seats, while women of all races and ethnicities collectively hold 30%. Black women saw the largest increase in board seats at 47%. Despite improvements, the report suggests that it would take more than two decades for Fortune 500 boards to reflect the diversity of the overall population at their current pace. The study also notes that the stressors of the past few years, including increased social activism and the COVID-19 pandemic, may have prompted companies to reassess their procedures, leading to greater accountability and transparency in board appointments. We are inspired to continue our collaboration across the industry with advisors, partners, and advocates to pursue innovative and impactful programs to accelerate our collective efforts. The WLA is committed to becoming a bolder voice and to building an empowered and diverse community. We can go further when we join forces to create positive change. https://lnkd.in/eS2AQN-3

"Black History is rich in story, overcoming, and accomplishment. Contributions are vast, from the personal to the majority, and we celebrate them all. This year, Zebra Strategies has chosen to highlight Black Women Entrepreneurs. Women who decided what they wanted, either out of need or desire, and rose to the occasion. We tell their stories and remind ourselves that experiences matter, not just for ourselves but to make the walk easier for those who come after us. As a Black Woman Entrepreneur, I take great pride in honoring these women, their drive, courage and commitment. Every day, we share in cultivating the accomplishments that will become Black History. Zebra Strategies salutes these women for striving, surviving, and thriving." -Denene Rodney Follow along to read more about their journeys here: https://lnkd.in/gnip4bxm #zebrastrategies #blackfemaleentrepreneurs #blackhistorymonth2024

How do you determine or measure an equitable organization? It'll be the organization that acommodates the needs of its most vulnerable employees and stakeholders. Imagine if the needs of Black women were centered? Think of how this practice would elevate everyone's experience and capacity. Ericka Hines, JD of Every Level Leadership and her network launched this project to deeply understand and provide data about Black women in the workforce. https://lnkd.in/gkVQNyds

🌟 Better Late Than Never: Reflecting on Black History Month Since I missed the chance to share about the impactful talk I had the privilege of delivering for Black History Month in the UK back in October 2023, I'm excited to leverage the opportunity of Black History Month celebrations unfolding in the US this February. After all, better late than never, right? As we honour Black History Month in the US, I find myself reminiscing about the insightful and inspiring discussions we had during our Black History Month events at BJSS back in October. It was truly a memorable experience delivering a Lunch and Learn session at the Nottingham office under the theme "Celebrating Our Sisters." We took a moment to recognize the incredible contributions of Black women throughout history and in our lives today. It was powerful to witness the names of these remarkable women fill our office walls, each representing a story of resilience, leadership, and empowerment. From pioneering activists and ground-breaking scientists to trailblazing artists and unsung heroes in our communities, the impact of Black women is immeasurable and continues to shape our world in profound ways. During the session, I also shared some personal experiences as a Black female immigrant and discussed actionable steps we can collectively take to support Black women in our societies. Here are a few highlights: 1) Amplify Voices: Listen to and amplify the voices of black women. Encourage and provide platforms for them to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas. Diversity of voices enriches our society. 2) Advocate for Change: Engage in discussions about racial and gender equality. Advocate for policies and practices that promote inclusivity and diversity. Your voice matters in the fight for a more equitable society. 3) Mentorship and Education: Mentor and support young black women pursuing their goals. Empowering the next generation is key to progress. 4) Challenge Bias and Stereotypes: Be vigilant against bias and stereotypes and challenge when you encounter them. Though we celebrate Black history and excellence at different times in different parts of the world, let's remember that the goal is one and the same – to keep advocating for equality and fairness, and to strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. P.S: This post is inspired by Fiyinfolu (Fify) O. ❤️ #blackhistorymonth #celebratingblackexcellence #inclusionanddiversity #blackwomen #empowerment

So often non-black professionals miss the trick by not sharing valuable information or adding to the conversation, sometimes from a place of good intention, not wanting to make any mistakes. Stumble, fiercely and loudly. Representation isn't segregation, anti-racist decolonisation intersects with inclusivity and appropriate representation when we support marginalised voices by adding substance to the white noise, interrupting violent silences by listening and speaking up, signposting our peers to valuable information. Social media is an attention based economy. Pay your respects.

This Black History month, I want to shine a light on Black Women. We are entrepreneurs, we are leaders, and we are changing the workforce! Read for tips about navigating your career, by Black Women for Black Women.