Symetra’s Post

Did you know that black students drop out of their STEM majors at a rate of almost 50%? This tragic statistic is what this organisation, Black Sisters in STEM, seeks to reconstruct. Our vision here at Black SiS is to create and nurture an inclusive community and environment where Black women receive the support they need to be inspired, mentored, and empowered, fostering success in their STEM-based careers.✨ Through our initiatives, including transformative technical workshops, insightful personal development seminars, and valuable financial growth opportunities, alongside other enriching sessions, the futures of Black women would be accelerated to unprecedented heights with their potential unleashed like never before.🌟 As we seek to make 2024 an even greater year with different shades of success, we call upon everyone bent on supporting Black women to give to our vision and propel the lives of Black women.  🚀 🎯 Donate today to be a catalyst for change: https://lnkd.in/dWpU-67V On the African Continent: https://lnkd.in/dxH5g4pw

Day 2 of Black Relevance Month! 🚨LACK OF REPRESENTATION IS STILL A THING IN 2024!🚨 Do you know Dr. Carolyn Finney? Well, after a five year backpacking journey in the great outdoors through Africa and Asia, she was inspired to make it her mission to engage more Black people in these spaces. She leaned into understanding why we are so underrepresented by receiving her doctorate to address the inequalities and lack of diversity within environmental organizations and institutions.✊🏽✊🏽 Foundational Fun fact: my little sister, Zenovia Stephens and her husband are the founders of blackadventurecrew which has a mission to do the very thing Dr. Finney’s life mission continues to be. (Check them out) ✊🏽✊🏽 Folks, the lack of representation remains ever present in every aspect of our society. As of February 2023, Twenty-two states have ever elected at least one Black woman to Congress, and 29 have elected at least one woman of color. The first Black woman in Congress, Democratic Rep. Shirley Chisholm of New York, was elected in 1968 and of the 57 Black women ever to serve in Congress, 55 have served in the House, either as voting members (52) or as nonvoting members from the District of Columbia (1) or the U.S. Virgin Islands (2). This MUST change! Not just nationally but under representation should not be accepted in our State Legislature offices as well. Getting me into office is more than just a seat to take. It is the next step to ensuring representation is at the forefront. Please consider donating to this “Advocacy Journey” ! My tribe needs you! My tribe needs the resources because that’s the world we live In. Let’s do the work together to dismantle antiquated policies rooted in racist and oppressive systems. **https://lnkd.in/e3dRDBEV **Join the tribe! https://lnkd.in/eJqm_jfE Shreeta Waldon, Candidate for State Representative District 44 References: 1. pewresearch.org 2. outdoorafro.org

🌟 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 🌟 As a proud Black woman and mother, attorney, and investment advisor who owns the area’s only Black woman-owned registered investment advisory firm, I’m thrilled to kick off Black History Month! This month is more than just a reflection of our past; it’s a beacon for our future and the legacies and wealth we are creating. It’s a time to honor the resilience, innovation, and enduring spirit of the Black community. But let’s not stop at celebration. Let’s take action. This Black History Month, I encourage you to join me in a mission to #AmplifyBlackWomen. Here’s how we can make a difference: 1. 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬: Seek out and invest in businesses owned by Black women. Your support can be a game-changer for these enterprises. 2. 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: If you’re in a position to mentor, reach out to young Black women aspiring to careers in law, finance, or any field. Your guidance can light their path. 3. 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 & 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫: Let’s educate ourselves and others about the contributions of Black women in our society. Share stories, books, and content that elevate their voices. 4. 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞: Consider donating to organizations dedicated to the empowerment of Black women in education, business, and community leadership. As we move through this month, let’s remember that our actions, big or small, can have a profound impact. Together, we can create a future where Black women are not just seen and heard but amplified and celebrated every day. #BlackHistoryMonth #AmplifyBlackWomen #Empowerment #UnityInDiversity

As we honor Juneteenth, I am reminded of the importance of this day in our collective history and the significance it holds for our continued journey towards equality and justice. Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the freedom of all enslaved people—two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. This day is not just a celebration of freedom, but also a reminder of the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black Americans throughout our history. It is a day to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead in our fight for racial equity and justice. As a champion of diversity, I am committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone’s history is acknowledged, and everyone’s voice is heard. On this Juneteenth, I encourage each of us to take time to educate ourselves about the significance of this day and to reflect on how we can contribute to a more inclusive and just society. Here are a few ways we can honor Juneteenth: Educate Ourselves and Others: Learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth and share this knowledge with colleagues, friends, and family. Support Black-Owned Businesses: Make a conscious effort to support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in our community. Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Participate in discussions about race, equity, and inclusion. Listen to and amplify the voices of those who are often unheard. Volunteer and Advocate: Get involved with organizations that are working towards racial justice and equality. Your time, resources, and voice can make a difference. Let us use this day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans, and to reaffirm our commitment to building a workplace and a world where freedom, equality, and justice are truly for all.

In preparation for National Black Business Month, I wanted to share an article I wrote in 2021 addressing inequity in Atlanta’s philanthropic community; particularly during the pandemic. The data at the time revealed that 74% of funding went to white-led organizations, while only 10% went to organizations founded by Black women. We have made headway since I first wrote this piece; the conversation has expanded and informs how we support our black women executives through our Legacy Leadership program currently hosted at the Lola.  However, the data continues to illustrate the inequity in funding allocation towards Black women-led organizations. I am honored to have led this close examination of Atlanta’s giving practices. Collaborating with local powerhouses: Sagirah Jones, Kate Little, Wande Okunoren-Meadows, Cicely Garrett, Malaika Wells, and Yonina Gray, MBA to address these deep-rooted biases and broken processes was a dream come true. Check out our recommendations on the link below for better operational strategies as we move forward. 🙌 https://lnkd.in/g2ERE7nx

Did you know that in America, only 2% of STEM Ph.D.s are awarded to Black women, while their counterparts exceed 25%? 😲 This stark disparity fuels our passion at Black Sisters in STEM to rewrite this narrative. Imagine the untapped potential, the brilliance overlooked. We're not just challenging statistics; we're igniting a movement for equity and empowerment. 🌟 Picture this: transformative technical workshops, empowering personal development seminars, and life-changing opportunities—become the driving force behind unleashing the brilliance of Black women in STEM. 💡 As we revel in our triumphs, we're humbly aware of the mountains left to climb. Your support is the catalyst for the change we need! 🌐✨ Contribute to propel Black women's careers in STEM and be part of rewriting a brighter future. 🎯 Join us in building a world where every Black woman's potential is acknowledged and celebrated. Donate today to be a beacon of change: Global: https://lnkd.in/dWpU-67V African Continent: https://lnkd.in/dxH5g4pw

Happy Juneteenth! Social media is not enough, and one day is not enough. Every day, we have a responsibility to step aside and let Black women lead while vocally opposing the systems of oppression and racism active in our communities. If you’re off today and you’re white- the LEAST you can do is acknowledge Juneteenth. Go to a Juneteenth celebration. Educate yourself. Support Black owned businesses. Support Black led nonprofits and grassroots organizations doing the work. Check your privilege. Examine the biases that exist in ALL of us. Step aside.

This weekend, I and seven incredible women are excited to unveil The Village Place, a groundbreaking initiative in Austin. This isn't just your typical grand opening; it marks the soft launch of Austin's very first Black-owned hub dedicated to community and economic development. The scale of this endeavor is intimidating, but as Brene Brown aptly puts it, "At the end of the day, at the end of the week, at the end of my life, I want to say that I contributed more than I criticized." When I arrived in Austin in 2016, I had a clear vision: I wanted my children to grow up within a supportive community. It's essential for Black children to connect with other Black people, providing them with a diverse and empowering perspective to counter stereotypes. However, this wish wasn't easy to fulfill in a city where the Black population dwindles to less than 5% due to racism, exorbitant living costs, and a prevailing sense of exclusion (source in comments). Nevertheless, when what we need isn't readily available, we build it ourselves. It all started with a Facebook group where friends came together to support fellow Black mothers in times of crisis. Many of these mothers didn't always feel heard or safe when using other resources. Today, our "virtual village" supports 3,800 women, offering services such as financial education, health and wellness programs, memorable camping trips, and family reunion weekends. Now, we're taking a significant step by acquiring a physical space. In this new space, we'll: - Host community events focused on health and economic development. - Provide co-working space with drop-in childcare. - Share office space with like-minded businesses, including mental health providers, doulas, lactation consultants, and massage therapists. - Establish a food pantry and a free store. Honestly, I never expected to become a social entrepreneur, but here we are! If you want to support, partner with us, or simply learn more about Black Mamas Village - ATX or The Village Place, please check out the links in the comments.

Radiant, bold, beautiful – those are the words that come to mind when reflecting on The Miami Foundation's #StateofBlackPhilanthropy. As a proud member of the black community, with our myriad layers, experiences, and strengths, it was truly inspiring to witness the progress showcased at the event. Among the many revelations shared in the State of Black Philanthropy Report (download it here: https://lnkd.in/dKDdVv6e), one fact stood out like a shining beacon: the remarkable growth of businesses owned by Black women, outpacing overall business growth. Seeing fellow women excel fills me with pride! As Black women, we navigate a unique path, often facing what's termed a "double-edged sword." To witness our ownership, our resilience, and our generosity is a testament to our power and strength. But, there's more work to be done. Our nation is grappling with its largest wealth gap in history. For me, education has always been the key. As Nelson Mandela wisely said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Rebecca Fishman Lipsey echoed this sentiment powerfully – yes, let's celebrate, but let's also hold ourselves accountable. And for those familiar with the incredible team at The Miami Foundation, you know they back their words with action. Last night was no exception as they once again stepped up to offer #opportunity and #access. With the launch of The Saltwater Fellowship, they've dedicated $1,000,000 in unrestricted funds over two years to empower visionary leaders driving towards racial equity in our #Miami. Spread the word, rally support, and let's continue to forge ahead in our pursuit of progress. Applications are now open (apply here: https://lnkd.in/dtFwbSWH). Let's continue to give back, uplift each other and collectively work towards meaningful change. Lindsey Linzer Joane Ketant, MBA Andre Jackson Rachel Saiontz Geary Aaron Gordon Leslie Miller Saiontz Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP)

This quote from a Black C-suite employee captures the harsh reality that many Black women face in the workplace. Despite their hard work, education, and ambition, Black women are often overlooked, underpaid, and discriminated against for being both Black and women. They have to deal with racism and sexism at every level, from hiring to promotion to leadership. They also have to work harder than their non-Black colleagues to prove their value and competence. This is unacceptable and unjust. We need to challenge the systemic barriers that prevent Black women from advancing and thriving in their careers. We need to celebrate and support the achievements and contributions of Black women in every field and industry. We need to amplify the voices and stories of Black women who are breaking the glass ceiling and paving the way for others. We need to demand equity and inclusion for Black women at work and beyond. If you resonate with this message and want to join a community of Black women who are supporting each other, we invite you to our Open Circle meeting tomorrow. This is a free and open event where you can connect with other Black women, share your stories and challenges, and get inspired to lean in and lift each other up. Register now and get ready to lean in with us! https://lnkd.in/gqx3JRWV