FOCUS St. Louis’ Post

Wondering about who to nominate? Learn more about two past UMKC Women's Council board members who were given this honor in 2023 in this blog I put together. Through this piece, I enjoyed learning about how far we have come and the women who led us here: https://lnkd.in/g6KQieYk #womensupportingwomen #nonprofit #blogarticle #blog #blogger

Empowered and inspired after attending an incredible women's leadership breakfast this morning. Surrounded by dynamic and accomplished women, I took away valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and lifting each other up. Grateful for moments like these! Here's to embracing our strengths, supporting one another, and making a positive impact in our spheres of influence. 💪🙌 #womenleaders #Empowerment #LeadershipJourney What do you want to leave behind?

“Society has greatly benefited from the achievements of Black women in social progress—and yet, Black women have not. In today’s America, it is estimated that Black women lose$964,400 in earnings over the course of a 40-year career due to the wage gap. Yet Black women remain committed, supporting causes with their time, actions, and even capital, as they give 25 percent more of their wealth compared to white donors. The history of Black women’s enslavement in systems and cultures, including philanthropy today, continues to be prevalent as Black women face systemic racial biases in funding practices. For one example, according to Ms Foundation research, organizations focused specifically on Black women and girls, which are almost always led by Black women, were the beneficiaries of a tiny four percent of the $356 million earmarked by foundations for women and girls of color in 2017.”

This article is from November, but feels like a timely read now. Best wishes for a contented New Year! “What measures must be taken to provide Black women and Black gender-expansive leaders with the support, resources, and infrastructure they need to thrive as they lead?”

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

Investing in Black Women Leaders With the Dream Capital They Need: We all benefit when our most transformative change agents are given the time and resources necessary to dream big.

Black women leaders bring expertise and perspectives that boost results and impact but face wildly unrealistic expectations due to racism and misogyny. #claudinegay is the latest example. This piece is a reminder of what’s possible when we support and defend Black women leaders. https://lnkd.in/ef2bD3aW

All. Of. This. Recently experienced many of her points at a broken and confused organization. Protecting my peace AND doing what was best for patients was not valued, appreciated, or encouraged. Allegedly I was hired for my expertise but those that could benefit made the choice to not listen. This year, my prayers and hope are aimed at the black men in leadership positions at corporations. Wanting to be viewed as strong and protective, I have experienced them fold under the pressures of white leaders. Speaking of having integrity and exhibiting such are two different things. Talk can be very cheap when you have employees looking to you for guidance and advocacy yet receive blame and zero support. Black women in corporate America: keep your head up! ✊🏾