THE 10 INFLUENTIAL BLACK BUSINESS LEADERS, 2023

Vernisha Crawford

EDITOR’S LETTER

earreaders,

D Breaking Barriers, Building Futures!

Inanerawherediversity,equity,andinclusionhavebecomepivotalinreshapingindustriesacrosstheglobe, recognizingthemonumentalcontributionsofBlackbusinessleadersismoreimportantthanever The businesslandscape,mirroringsocietalshifts,hasseenremarkablestridestowardinclusivityand representation.Yet,thejourneyisfarfromover Aswecontinuetonavigatethroughthecomplexitiesof economicrecoveryanddigitaltransformation,theinsights,resilience,andinnovativespiritofBlackleaders playacrucialroleindrivingforwardnotonlytheirrespectivesectorsbutalsosocietalprogressatlarge.

Amidstthisbackdrop,TheUSALeadersisproudtopresent“The10InfluentialBlackBusinessLeadersof 2023,”atestamenttotheextraordinaryachievementsandunwaveringdedicationofBlackprofessionalsin thebusinessrealm.Thiseditionnotonlyhighlightsthesuccessesbutalsodelvesintothejourneys, challenges,andvisionsthathavepropelledtheseleaderstotheforefrontoftheirindustries.

Eachprofilewithinthiseditionnotonlycelebratesindividualexcellencebutalsoservesasabeaconof inspiration.Theseleadersexemplifythepowerofdiversityinthought,background,andexperiencein creatingamoreinclusive,dynamic,andinnovativebusinessworld.Theirstoriesremindusthatleadershipis notjustaboutachievingpersonalsuccessbutaboutliftingothersandpavingthewayforfuturegenerations tothrive.

OurcoverstoryfeaturesVernishaCrawford,CEOoftheTrauma-InformedInstitute,whosepioneeringwork attheintersectionofmentalhealthandorganizationaldevelopmentissettingnewbenchmarksforleadership andadvocacy.Throughhervisionaryapproach,Crawfordisnotjustleadingacompany;she'sspearheadinga movementtowardsmoreempathetic,understanding,andultimately,strongercommunitiesandworkplaces.

JoiningCrawfordinthiseditionaretrailblazerslikeKimberlyBryant,founderofBlackGirlsCODE,whois demystifyingtechnologyforyoungBlackgirls;MarquesBrownlee,atechinfluencerwhobringsclarityand insighttothedigitalagethroughhisplatforms;HadiyahMujhid,thevisionarybehindHBCUvc,fostering diversityinventurecapital;andBrianLamarJackson,anentrepreneurandathletewhoseventuresareas variedastheyareimpactful.

Happyreading!

Parag Ahire

Project Editor

PUBLISHER

ARCHANA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

VIKRAM

MANAGING

PANKAJ

PROJECT EDITOR

PARAG AHIRE

PROJECT

VINIT

VISUALIZER

MARK

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

OMKAR URAVANE

RESEARCH

JAMES

ADVERTISING

MARIA

C O N T E N T S

12

Vernisha Crawford

Vernisha Crawford

TheTbusinessfieldwelcomeseveryindividualtomakeasocietal impact.It’snotjustaboutmakingprofits;forsome entrepreneurs,it’sabattleforsurvivalandachancetoleave amarkofsuccessthatchangeslives.Theagendaadaptsto marketdynamicsascompetitionandtechnologyevolve.In thiscompetitivebusinessworld,afewentrepreneursare facingrealchallenges,andtheblackbusinesscommunity shineshere.

OneoftheseremarkablefiguresisVernishaCrawford,the CEOofTraumaInformedInstitute.Sheestablisheda companydedicatedtoaidingindividualsinmanagingtheir emotions.Personalexperiencesmotivatedhertolaunchthis venture,andherjourneyisatestamenttoherexceptional entrepreneurialqualities,offeringinvaluableinsightsto share.

Vernisha’sJourneyfromCollegeGraduatetoSuccessful Entrepreneur

VernishabeganheracademicjourneyatUNCCharlotte, earningaBachelor’sDegreeinSociology.Herthirstfor knowledgecontinuedasshepursuedaMaster’sdegreein LeadershipatGrandCanyonUniversity.Hercommitment topersonalandprofessionalgrowthisevidentinher numerouscertifications,whichincludeCertifiedHealthand WellnessCoach,MasterLevelCertifiedProfessionalLife Coach,BusinessCoach,andCertifiedScrumMaster. Currently,sheisworkingtowardaPh.D.inGeneral Psychology,specializinginTrauma&DisasterRelief. Despitetheseimpressiveachievementsanddegrees,she valuessomethingthathastaughtherevenmore.Vernisha states, “While my professional achievements are remarkable, I consider motherhood to be my most profound source of learning.”

OneofhermostsignificantrolemodelsisDr. NadineBurke-Harris,aPediatricianwhomade historybybecomingCalifornia’sfirstSurgeon Generalin2019.Dr.Burke-Harrisisrenowned forherworkconnectingadversechildhood experiencesandtoxicstresstonegativelife outcomes.VernishadeeplyadmiresDr.BurkeHarris’spassion,integrity,andcommitmentto makingapositiveimpactonalargescale.This influenceformsthefoundationofVernisha’s work.ThefactthatDr.Burke-Harris,awoman withasimilarbackground,hassucceededina similarfieldresonatesdeeplywithVernishaand providesherwithanimportantrolemodelinthe businessworld.

Trauma-InformedInstitute:Easing ProfessionalStress

In2016,at26andasanewmother,Vernisha embarkedonatransformativeentrepreneurial journey.Sherealizedthatthemodernworkforce oftendidnotconsidertheuniqueneedsof parenthood,especiallywhenitinvolvedcaring forthemostvulnerableamongus—children. Thisrealizationfollowedhercompletionofa Master’sDegreeinLeadership,whichshe recognizedasapowerfultoolforcreating positivechange.Shesawthepotentialtosecure notonlyfinancialstabilitybutalsotocarveouta professionalpaththatwouldallowhertonurture andcareforherdaughterinameaningfuland responsiveway.

TheTrauma-InformedInstituteisaleadingforce incertifyingprofessionalsasexpertsintraumainformedapproaches.Theirprimarygoalisto reshapeworkplacedynamics,withaclear missiontoeducateandimplementtraumainformedpractices.Theyaspiretoenhance employeewell-beingandtransformworkplace culture.Offeringarangeofprofessional development,coaching,andcertification programs,theycovereverythingfromTraumaInformedAdvocacytoTrauma-Informed ExecutiveCoaching.Theseresourcesequip individualswithvaluableinsightsintotrauma andburnout,providingpractical,non-clinical toolstobolsterpersonalandprofessional resilience.

CoverStory

Focusingstrategicallyonnon-profitorganizations, healthcare,governmententities,educationalinstitutions, andcorporateindividualsinrolessuchasDirectorsand HumanResourceProfessionals,Vernishaandhercompany seektoaddresscommonchallengesfacedbythesesectors andclients.Thesechallengesincluderesolvingworkplace conflicts,combatingemployeeburnout,providingsupport forexecutiveleaders,andofferingpracticaltoolsand resourcestoenhancewell-beingintheworkplace.

AStrategicApproachtoTacklingFutureChallenges andGrowth

AstheCEO,Vernishaguidesthecompany’sstrategic direction,fostersgrowth,andensuresalignmentwithits goals.Sheemphasizesinvestinginsystemstotrackand analyzevitaldata,whichformsthefoundationforinformed decision-making.Acornerstoneofherleadershipstyleis valuingtheexperiencesandinsightsofherteam,and recognizingtheirvitalcontributionstothecompany’s success,despiteitsmodestsize.Together,theywork cohesivelytomakeasignificantimpact.

Lookingahead,Vernishahighlightstheimportanceof forgingpartnerships.Despitethecompany’ssignificant progressinitsseven-yearjourney,sheacknowledgesthe needtoleverageexistingpartnershipsandestablishnew onestoensuresustainedgrowthandsuccessina competitivebusinessenvironment.

Turningtoherpersonalaccomplishments,Vernishanotes severalsignificantmilestones.In2017,shereceived recognitionasoneofCharlotte’s“30under30”recipients, acknowledginghercontributionstothecommunity.Her creationoftheworld’sfirstMissAllNaturalPageantearned heracclaiminPrideMagazine,underscoringher commitmenttopositivechange.In2021,shefoundedthe BYEFoundation,dedicatedtostrengtheningrelationships betweenfamiliesandserviceproviders.Thefoundation securedasubstantial$250,000grantwithinitsinaugural yeartoadvanceitsmission.

Highlightingherprominencefurther,Vernishareceived recognitionfrom Who’s Who inBlackCharlotte,andher companywasrankedasthe19thlargestBlack-Owned BusinessinCharlottebytheCharlotteBusinessJournal, underscoringitssubstantialinfluenceinthelocalbusiness landscape.

Vernishaalsocandidlysharesthechallengesshehasfaced asabusinessleader.Balancingherempatheticnaturewith

thedemandsofbusinesswasanongoinglearningprocess. Initially,shegrappledwiththepersonalstrugglesofher teamaffectingherbusinessdecisions,realizingtheneedto prioritizethecompany'simmediaterequirements.

Herjourneytaughthertheimportanceofmakingprudent decisions,especiallyinmanagingtheunexpectedinfluxof individualsseekingopportunitiesduetoherearlybusiness success.Whiletheirintentionsweregood,theypresented challengesthatwerenotimmediatelymanageable. Vernishaalsoreflectsonherexperienceofbeingoverly transparentaboutherjourney,which,whilewellintentioned,hadunintendedfinancialrepercussions.The difficultdecisiontopartwayswithherentireteamwas painfulandcharacterizedbytear-fillednights. Nevertheless,itwasanecessarydecision,servingasa profoundlessoninbalancingempathywithsoundbusiness decisions.

ATeamthatBelievesintheProcess

Vernishabelievesthatthefoundationofbuildingagreat teamstartswithself-reflection.Understandingone’s strengths,areasforimprovement,andleadership knowledgeisessential.WhilesheholdsaMaster’sDegree inLeadership,shelearnedthatpossessingleadership characteristicsisn’tthesameasbeingagreatleader. Furthermore,Vernishaadds, “Building a team requires one to be honest, direct, transparent, and emotionally intelligent. Business is an up-and-down roller coaster; decisions should always be made when emotions are managed properly.”

Inherexperience,Vernishanotesthatteammembers, muchlikeherself,aredrivenbyagenuinedesiretomakea positiveimpact.ThesharedvisionoftheTrauma-Informed Instituteunitestheteam.Theymaintainmotivationby beingtransparentabouttheorganization’sgrowthand impact,avoidingtheneedforconstanteffort.Presently, herteamdrawsmotivationfromtheprospectoftheirwork influencingstate-levelgovernmentpoliciesandexpanding theirreachglobally.

PerspectivesonBlackBusinessLeadership

VernishadeeplyadmiresthecurrentstateofBlack businessleadershipinAmerica.Shedrawsinspiration fromtheresilienceanddeterminationdisplayedbyBlack individualsintheentrepreneuriallandscape.Theirongoing effortstoovercomechallenges,debunkstereotypes,and reshapetheofteninaccuratemedianarrativesmotivateher.

Whileacknowledgingtheunfortunatestereotypesattached toBlackbusinessleaders,Vernishaemphasizesthe falsehoodofsuchgeneralizations.Inthebusinessworld, thereisnoone-size-fits-all.Blackentrepreneursforma diversegroupwithuniqueperspectivesandcapabilitiesthat gobeyondthesestereotypes.

Historicalbarriershave,attimes,hinderedtheprogressof Blackbusinessowners.Forcenturies,externalforcesand policiesintentionallyobstructedtheireffortstoestablish andgrowbusinesses.Despitetheseobstacles,Black entrepreneurspersistintheirpursuitofeconomic independence,drivenbytheirdesiretocreateabrighter futureforthemselves,theirfamilies,theircommunities,and futuregenerations.Vernishaunderscoresthat,likeany groupofbusinessleaders,Blackentrepreneursarenot exemptfrommakingmistakesorfacingchallenges. However,theirjourneyisevidenceoftheirdetermination andresilience.

Moreover,Vernishastates, “I am proud of every Black Business Leader, no matter how big or small their company is, because we are contributing to business in a way that impacts the masses globally by simply pursuing business, not giving up, and failing forward toward success and positive impact.”

AmongtheprominentBlackbusinessleaderssheadmiresis DaymondJohn,thevisionaryfounderofFUBU(ForUs, ByUs).ThesignificanceofFUBU’s “For Us, By Us” sloganextendsbeyondcommerce;ithassparkeda profoundmovementwithintheBlackcommunity.Itisa brandandlegacythatwillendureforyearstocome,and DaymondJohn’sjourney,asshowcasedonthepopular televisionshowSharkTank,isasourceofinspirationfor Blackbusinessleadersworldwide.

InadditiontoDaymondJohn,Vernishalooksupto ShaquilleO’Nealasanexemplaryfranchiseinvestor,using hiswealthtogeneratemorewealth.Hisapproachtomaking moneyworkforhiminspiresotherbusinessleaders, offeringaglimpseofwhattheycanachievethrough strategicinvestments.

TheSignificanceofDiversityandInclusioninBusiness

InadiversecountryliketheUSA,weencounterarich tapestryofcultures,perspectives,beliefs,andneeds. Achievingsuccessandlong-termsustainabilityinbusiness iscloselylinkedtoforminggenuinerelationshipswith peoplefromvariousbackgrounds.Additionally,Vernisha

emphasizesthepersonalgrowththatarisesfrom embracingdiversity.Itnotonlyimprovesone’sbusiness butalsomakesthemabetterperson.AsVernishaputsit, “Diversity is extremely important in business. But not simply based on what a person looks like. Diversity of thought and experience is equally as important if not more.”

BalancingDreamsandtheQuestforaSuccessfulLife

Vernishaacknowledgesthatachievinga‘perfect’worklifebalancecanbechallenging,especiallyfor entrepreneurs.Shefurtheremphasizes, “As an entrepreneur, you burn the night candle quite often. You only get a break unless you schedule a break for yourself. You need to make breaks a non-negotiable in your life.” Shestressesthatchallenges,fromunpaidinvoicesto teamvacanciesandrevenuefluctuations,areinevitablein entrepreneurship.

Herapproachtoaddressingthesechallengesis straightforward:shepauses,rests,andtakesamomentto regainmentalclarity.Beingopenwithfriendsabout difficultiesandfindingsolaceindancearepartofher copingstrategies.Thiscycleofpausing,refreshing,and restartingdefinesherresilience.Vernishaemphasizes that,asawellnessexpert,shecanofferalaundrylistof recommendations,buthowentrepreneursmanagetheir timeandfaceadversityshapestheirbusinessjourney Understandingthatherwell-beingdirectlyimpactsher company’smanagementandgrowth,shelivesbythe mantra, 'To do well, I must be well.'

AdvicetoAspiringBlackBusinessLeaders

● Fallinlovewithlearning,embracefailureand refertothestoryofthetortoiseandthehare.The fundamentalsofbusinesswillalwaysremainthe same.Avoidgettingtoocaughtupinthelatest trends.Technology,socialmedia,andAImay expeditetasks,buttheycannotreplacethevalue ofhavingastrongbusinessunderstanding,nor dotheyalwaysresultinrevenueorprofit.

● Neverstoplearningandsurroundyourselfwith thosewhoalsowanttolearn.Together,youwill discovertherightresourcesandestablisha robustsupportsystemforoneanother, somethingessentialyetoftenabsentinthe entrepreneurialworld.Nonetheless,youhave thepowertocreateit.

You can experience a lack of judgment when you’re angry, disappointed, and also when you’re too excited “

BRIAN LAMAR JACKSON

Nurturing Diversity and Excellence in Corporate America

BrianLamarJackson’sstoryisonewe

alllovetohear.Heisasmall-townkid whohasachievedgreatthingswhile neverforgettinghisrootsinsoutheastArkansas andtheinvaluablelessonshisparentsinstilled inhim:alifelongcommitmenttolearningand helpingothers.Throughouthiscareer,Brian hasmadesignificantcontributionstoquality managementandworkforceinclusionand diversity.

Hehasworkedwithrenownedcompaniessuch asCorningIncorporated,andColt Manufacturing,andpresentlyservesasthe QualitySystemandSupplierQualityManager atEatoninLosAngeles.Brian’scommitment toinclusionanddiversityisevidentthrough thenumerousrecognitionsheandhisteams havereceivedovertheyears,includingbeing namedthe Top-Performing Aerospace Site at Eaton-LosAngeles,receivingtheNational SocietyofBlackEngineers(NSBE) ProfessionalMemberoftheYearawardfor 2022-2023,earningNSBECorporateDiversity LeadershiprecognitionatEaton,andbeing honoredwiththeSteubenCrystalAwardfor hiseffortsinbroadeningdiversityatCorning.

DrivingSuccessthroughDetail-Oriented Leadership

AtEaton,Brianoverseescrucialaspectsof qualitymanagement,includingsupplierquality andqualitysystems;allwhilespearheading internaleffortsfordiversityandinclusion.His leadershiphasbeeninstrumentalinmaintaining Eaton’sesteemedstatusastheTopPerforming AerospaceSitewithinthecompany’ssector Eaton’scommitmenttoexcellenceand sustainabilitypermeatesallaspectsofits operations,reflectingmanyofthevaluesthat guideBrianandtheentireEatonteamin makingapositiveimpactontheworld.

Havingworkedintheaerospace,automotive, andmanufacturingsectorsforover25years, Brianhassuccessfullylearnedtonavigate manyofthecommonchallengesthatarise withintheindustry—ensuringconsistent productqualityandregulatorycompliance. Brianexcelsineffectivelyaddressingthese challenges,wheremeticulousattentiontodetail isparamountduetotherepetitivenatureof tasksandvariationsinexecutionamong employees.

Brian’sapproachtobuildingandmotivatinghighperformingteamscentersontrust,transparent communication,andasharedvision.Hestrongly believesinengagement,recognizingachievements, andprovidingopportunitiesforgrowthtokeep teamsmotivated.Hisleadershipstyleisadaptable andtailoredtomeetindividualsatvariouspointsin theirprofessionaljourney,offeringguidanceand directiontofacilitatetheirpersonaldevelopment.

AdvancingInclusionandDiversity

Throughouthiscareer,Brianhasencountered diversechallenges,rangingfromoperationalhurdles

“Stay resilient. Surround yourself with mentors and people who uplift you.”

tonavigatingtheintricaciesofcorporateculturesin differentorganizations.Hisproblem-solvingapproach leveragesSixSigmastatisticaltools,mentorship,and collaborationwithcross-functionalteamstoovercome theseobstacles.Anothervitallifelinehasbeenhis25-year commitmenttopromotinginclusionanddiversity in engineeringviatheNationalSocietyforBlackEngineers.

“Blackrepresentationinthebusinessworldisimproving, butwehavealongwaytogo.Blackbusinessleaders bringarichtapestryofperspectives,resilience, innovation,andcommitmenttoexcellence,”saysBrian. “BeinganAfricanAmericanleaderbornintheruralDelta regionoftheSouth,fromaprimarilyBlackcommunity,I feelthatitisimperativethattheBlackyouthsee themselvesrepresentedinpositionsofleadership throughoutthebusinessworld.”

UnderBrian’sleadership,Eatonreceivedtheesteemed CorporateDiversityLeadershiprecognitionfromNSBE duringtheirGoldenTorchAwardsceremony.This achievementunderscoresthecompany’scommitmentto nurturingadiverseandinclusivecorporateculture.

“Inclusionanddiversityarenotjustbuzzwords;they're essentialforthegrowthandsuccessofanybusiness,” saysBrian.PairinghisworkandserviceBrianhastaken proactivemeasurestochampioninitiativesthatpromote culturalunderstandingandinclusivity.Hisdedicationto enhancingBlackrepresentationwithincorporateAmerica isanongoingcommitment.Asamentor,heplaysa pivotalroleinforgingpathwaysforemergingBlack engineeringprofessionals,ensuringthatdoorstosuccess remainopenandopportunitiesaccessible.Alongsidehis NSBEservice,BrianisalsoactiveintheNationalBlack MBAAssociationandtheCouncilofUrbanProfessionals, LosAngelesbranch.

BalancingWorkandLifewithPassion

BalanceisawordthatBriancantrulyclaimheisstillin pursuitof,buthewillsharewithyouwhathehaslearned aboutitalonghisjourney.Beingthechildoftwo educators,hewastaughttheimportanceofeducationand thispursuithasbeensuccinctlyinterwovenintohislife. AsayoungAcademicAll-American,Brianchosetowear manyhats.Hewasthetopscholarinhisclass,astarin basketballandtrack&field,asectionleaderintheband,a leaderofmanystudentorganizations,andgraduatedashis class’svaledictorianduringhishighschooltenureat EudoraHighSchool.Moreover,helearnedtochannelhis

energyintothethingshelovedtodo,andheexcelledat manyofthem.Asheembarkeduponcollege,thetragic lossofhisfathershiftedhiscollegiatepursuittoremain closertohomeandchartanewpathforward,diverting frombecomingachemicalengineerandpursuing chemistryinitspurestforminstead.Brianexplains,“My aspirationwastoneversitinalab,butasapeople person,totakemyanalyticalthoughtprocesstosolve problemsintherealworld,andthatisjustwhatIdid.”

Duringhisearlycollegedays,Brianandagroupof friendsfoundedaChristianorganizationthatperformed statewideandestablishedaNationalSocietyofBlack EngineerschapterattheUniversityofArkansasatPine Bluff(UAPB), openingdoorstointernshipsandjobsfor manystudents.Healsoformedpartnershipswithother statecolleges,suchasHendersonStateUniversity,the UniversityofArkansasatLittleRock,andtherenowned UniversityofArkansasatFayetteville,wherethey attendedtheAnnualConvention,creatingjob opportunitiesforhundredsofstudentsoverthenextfour years.Briancontinuedtoexcelacademically,becamea memberofoneoftheoldestblackfraternities,AlphaPhi Alpha,andearnedhonorssuchasbeingnamedaRonald McNairScholarattheUniversityofArkansasatPine BluffandaGeorgeWashingtonCarverScholaratUofA –Fayetteville.Heculminatedhiscollegiatematriculation byobtainingabachelor’sdegreeinChemistryatUAPB whilemaintainingthesecond-highestgradepoint averageinhismajorwhilelearningtobecomeafatherto hisfirstborn,McKinnliKaliseJackson.Eachofthese experiencescontributedtohisgrowthandhelpedhim secureaninternshipandfutureemploymentwithEli Lilly&Companyaftercollege.

StartinghiscareerasaQualityprofessionalandafather, Briansoughtopportunitiesnotonlytosucceedin corporateAmerica butalsotofindthetimetogiveback tohisfamily,churchcommunity,andprofessional communitytofeedhimandbuildhimintothemanheis today.Healwaysrememberedthathealsoneededto investinhimself,andhedidsowithactivitieslike joiningalocalpick-upbasketballleaguetoremainfitor pursuingadditionaleducationandcertifications, includinghisSixSigmaGreenBeltatCorning Incorporated,tokeephismindsharpandhiscareer prospectsopen. WhileemployedatUnited Technologies,heobtainedhisfirstmaster’sdegreein QualityManagementSystemsfromtheNational GraduateSchoolforQualityManagement(NGS)inJune of2015,ashisclassvaledictorian.Brianmanagedto

workinamultitudeofindustries,wherehetooklearningfromhis previousjobstomakehimselfamorevaluedadditiontotheteam.In themeantime,hecontinuedtosupporttheNationalSocietyofBlack Engineersthroughexposuretoleadershipopportunitiesthatresultedin himbecomingtheNationalChairpersonfortheprofessionalarmofthe organizationand,inevitably,thedirectorofaspecialinterestgroup titledtheProcessImprovementSIGwhichhousedalltheindustry expertsinhisfieldofQuality,whichhenowadvisesastheirexecutive advisor

Briansays,“MycareerblossomedalongthewayasIworkedinside multipleFortune500companieshelpingtodevelopandgrowtheir inclusionanddiversityexposureresultinginawardsformyselfandthe organizationsIwasapartof.” Thebirthofhissecondchild,August LeonidasLavalJackson,taughthimvaluablelessonsinhumilityand patience,remindinghimthatlifeentailsmorethanjustacorporatetitle. Ittookhimyearstofullygraspthetruemeaningofthislifelesson,and hecontinuestoexploreitssignificance.Manyyearsintohiscareer, Brianobtainedpositionsofexecutiveresponsibilitywhereheservedas adirectorandvicepresident,guidingtheirQualitycultureand initiatives.Duringthistenure,heearnedhissecondmaster’sdegree fromtheworld-renownedKenan-FlaglerBusinessSchoolatthe UniversityofNorthCarolina–ChapelHillinGlobalBusiness& Strategy.Inreflection,Briansaid,“Nowtakingastepbacktoenjoythe fruitsofmylabor,Ihaverecoveredfromcorporateburn-outandnow seektoobtainrolesofincreasingresponsibilitytoleadaglobalQuality organizationonceagainintothenextcentury.”

LessonsforaLifetime

“MylifehasblessedmetolearnmanylessonsthatIfeelarestillvalid today,”Brianasserts.Hebelievesinalwaysbeingopentolearning somethingnew,butonceonehasmasteredit,thejobnowisto documentitinawaytopassontothenextgenerationtolearnfrom,or theywillfindthemselvesstuckdoingthatsamethingrepeatedly withoutrelief.Thismeanstogrowacareerinsteadofcoveting knowledge;onemustopenlyshareittohelpothersgrowandwork themselvesoutofajob,sonewopportunitiesmaybeopenedand affordedforcontinualgrowth.

Brianalsoemphasizesthatnoonesucceedsalone,soalongtheway, oneshouldfosterlastingrelationshipstobuildtheirownpersonalboard ofdirectors.Thisboardshouldconsistoftrustedmentors,sponsors,and advisorstoleanonforhelpwiththeircareerandpersonalgrowth,and theyshouldlooktomoldandowntheirowncareers.

Finally,Brianbelievesinalwayschallengingoneselfbecausethe inverseofgrowthisstagnation,soneversettleforcomplacency,asthat willstuntandhindergrowth.Havingaccesstoatherapistcanbe beneficialforprocessingemotionsanddecisions,contributingto holisticpersonalgrowthasaleader

“Never stop learning and always remember that your unique perspective is your strength. Embrace it.”

INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

IN THE WORKPLACE

Key Strategies for Success!

Canyouimagineaworkenvironmentwhere

companiesexpecttheiremployeesto performtheirbestdespitefacinggender, ethnicity,language,orpersonalchallenges?Itis improbable.Inclusionanddiversityarecrucialinthe workplace,whichiswhytheyplayavitalrole. Althoughawarenessofthisconcepthasexistedfor sometime,itwasn’tuntilthelate1960sthat organizationsbeganactivelyimplementingit.Since then,theoutcomeshaveconsistentlyshown improvement.Ifyouarecuriousaboutthisconcept’s origins,evolution,andcurrentstatus,weinviteyou tositbackandrelaxasweexploretheseaspectsin thisblog.

WhatdoesInclusionandDiversitysignify,and whenandhowdiditbegin?

Inclusionanddiversityintheworkplaceencompass assemblingdiverseindividualswhocollaborate

harmoniouslytowardsasharedobjectivewithout subjectinganyonetodiscriminatorytreatmentthat mayunderminetheirsenseofsecurityandhinder theirproductivitywithinthedesignatedwork environment.Theideawasimplementedinthelate 1960sorearly1970s,althoughpeoplehaddiscussed itbefore.Thevisionarywhopioneeredtheutilization ofthisapproachwasconsiderablyaheadoftheirtime.

Subsequently,officialinitiativeswereundertakenby notableorganizationssuchastheEqualEmployment OpportunityCommission(EEOC)andtheNational OrganizationforWomen(NOW)duringtheeraofthe CivilRightsMovement.

Thoughthepreciseoriginsofthisconceptremain undocumented,thereareindicationsfromhistorical recordsthatitwasgraduallyintroducedwithin organizationalsettings,eachwithitsdistinct approach.

GeneralElectric(GE)-1960-establisheda diversitytaskforcetoaddressworkforcediversity deficiencies.

● IBM-1970-Launched“PeopleofColorin Management”diversityprogram

● Procter&Gamble(P&G)-1980-Initiated“Women inLeadership”diversityprogram.

● AT&T-1990-Introduced“DiversityandInclusion forthe21stCentury”diversityprogram.

Whyisitimportant?

Prioritizinginclusionanddiversityintheworkplacecanyield positiveresultsfororganizations.Astudyconductedby McKinsey&Companyhasrevealedcompellingfindingsthat demonstratethevalueofsuchpractices.Thereportindicates thatthecompaniesinthetopquartilehavea35%higher probabilityofachievingfinancialreturnsthantheirrespective nationalindustrymedians.Moreover,organizationsstrongly committedtoinclusionanddiversityhavereported significantbenefits.

● Approximately70%oftheseorganizationsclaimto attractandretaintop-tiertalentmoreeffectively thantheircounterparts.

● 65%assertthattheyoutperformtheircompetitorsin termsofinnovation.

● 60%oftheorganizationsstatethattheiremployees exhibithigherengagementlevelsthanotherentities.

Furthermore,thereportestablishesacorrelationbetweena firm’sfocusoninclusionanddiversityanditsprofitability. Notably,organizationsrankedinthetopquartileforinclusion anddiversitydisplaya25%greaterlikelihoodofattaining profitabilitythanthoseinthebottomquartile.Thesefindings underlinethecompellingbusinesscaseforprioritizing inclusionanddiversitywithinorganizations.

HowcanyouputInclusionandDiversityinthe WorkplaceintoAction?

Well,therearemanywayshowyoucanimplementthis strategytogrowyourbusiness.Herearesometricksand techniquestoskyrocketyourcurrentresultsintosomething massive.

1. AssessingYourExecutiveTeam

Thecompositionofyourexecutiveteamservesasa significantindicatorofyourentireworkforce,reflectingthe valuesandprinciplesofyourorganization.Itis,therefore, crucialtocultivateadiversetopmanagementteam encompassinggender,ethnicity,sexualorientation,and more.Arebothmenandwomenadequatelyrepresented? Areindividualsfromvariousculturalandreligious backgroundsgivenopportunities?

ThefollowinginfographicshowsthepopulationofFortune 500CEO’s.

Race: Black: 3 White: 497 Other: 1

Source:BostonConsultingGroup

Whileexertingdirectcontroloverthecompositionofyour executiveteammaybelimited,itisimperativethatyou advocatefordiversityandinclusionintheC-suite,should theopportunityarise.Additionally,youcanfosterauthentic andtransparentcommunicationbetweenyourexecutives andemployees,attractingdiversetalentstoyour organization.

2.RecognizingandRespectingDiverseReligiousand CulturalPractices

Establishinganall-encompassingorganizationalculture holdsimmensesignificanceinensuringthesuccessof diversityendeavorsandyieldingsubstantialemployee engagementandproductivitybenefits.Aviableapproachto fosteringinclusivityinvolvesaccordingtoduerecognition andrespectfordiverseholidaysandcelebrations.Forbes recommendsthatorganizationsuseaseparaterefrigeratorto storeKosherfooditems.

Moreover,whilecertaincompaniestraditionallyobserve ChristmasDayasadesignatedholiday,agrowingnumber nowofferflexiblefloatingholidaystoaccommodatethe religiouspreferencesoftheirentireworkforce.Cultivating anenvironmentwhereemployeesperceivetheir organization’scommitmenttodiversityandinclusioncan leadtoenhancedemployeeretention,therebyoffering tangibleadvantagestothecompany

3. InitiatingaDiscussiononGenderPayDisparity

Genderpaydisparityremainsacontroversialissuein numerousorganizations.Establishingtrustandfostering inclusivitywithintheworkforcedependonacompany’s transparencyregardingitspoliciesandeffective communicationaboutthem.Incaseswheregenderpay imbalancesexist,itisessentialtocreateopenchannelsof communicationthatenableemployeestoexpresstheir thoughtsandopinions.

Furthermore,itiscrucialtoarticulatethecompany’scurrent orfuturestrategiesforrectifyingthegap,ensuring employeesfeelreassuredbytheorganization’scommitment toaddressinggenderpayinequalityactively

● Whenpresentingdatarelatedtosuchpolicies,itis imperativetorefrainfromadoptingadefensive stance.

● Whenthedataappearsbiasedduetovariousfactors likedisparitiesbetweenmaternityanduntaken paternityleave,itisvitaltoprovideastraightforward andclearexplanationtoemployees.

4. PromotingInclusiveThinkingforEnhanced Diversity

Byactivelypursuingdiversehiringpractices,yourcompany canfosteraculturethatembracesdiversethinkingandbenefits fromculturallyvariedperspectives.However,achievinglasting impactrequiresmorethanjustassemblingadiverseworkforce; itnecessitatesacomprehensiveapproachtoinclusivity

Itisimportanttoacknowledgethatpeoplefromdifferent backgroundsandagegroupsmayhavedifferingperspectives onworkplaceissuessuchasdresscode,emailetiquette, evaluations,andparticipationinmeetings.Thus,understanding thinkingpatternsisimportantatanindividuallevelandcrucial forteams,departments,andtheentireorganizationto comprehendhowothersfeel.

Byembracingdiversethinking,yourcompanycanharnessa multitudeofideasandreceivevaluablefeedback,allwhile cultivatinganenvironmentwhereeveryonefeelsvaluedand connectedtoasharedmission.

5. EstablishingaMultigenerationalWorkforce: EmbracingDiversityandInclusion

Inthecurrentemploymentlandscape,themillennialgeneration constitutesthepredominantportionoftheworkforce.Creating aninclusiveenvironmentthatvaluesdiversityrequiresbuilding ateamthatwelcomesindividualsfromdifferentagegroups. It’simportanttonotethatpeoplebornfrom1981onward,often viewedastech-savvy,belongtothemillennialgeneration. Consequently,oldermillennialsmaypossessadifferentlevel ofproficiencywithtechnologytoolsthantheiryounger counterparts.

Thisdiscrepancybecomesapparentincommunication practiceswithinorganizations.Someemployeesaremore inclinedtowardsutilizingsocialmediaplatformsorgroupchat functionalities,whileindividualsfromoldergenerationsmay exhibitamorereservedattitudetowardsembracingsuch communicationchannels.

Communicationprofessionalsshouldconsiderinvestingina comprehensiveworkforcecommunicationsplatformtoaddress thisissue.Suchaplatformwouldfacilitatethe

seamlesscreationanddisseminationofmessagesthrough channelspreferredbyemployees.Byadoptingthis approach,communicatorscaneffectivelytailortheir messagestoresonatewithindividualsfromallgenerations andencourageactiveengagement.

Deloitte’sresearchrevealsthatover80%ofmillennials experienceaheightenedsenseofengagementwiththeir workwhentheiremployersfosteragenuinelydiverse workplaceculture.

Howisitgoing,andwhataretheoutcomes?

BasedonasurveyconductedbyDeloitte,asignificant majorityofemployees,amountingto82%,recognizethe significanceofdiversityandinclusionincontributingto theirorganization’soverallsuccess.

Furthermore,theWorldEconomicForumconductedastudy revealingthatcompanieswithdiverseleadershipteamsare moreinclinedtofosterinnovationandyieldgreater profitability.However,thecurrentstateofaffairsinthe UnitedStatesindicatesasubstantialgapbetweenthe workforcecompositionandexecutive-levelpositionsheld bycertaindemographicgroups.

● Women comprise 47% of the workforce but only 24% of executive-level positions.

● Black employees comprise 13% of the workforce but only 6% of executive-level positions.

● Hispanic employees comprise 17% of the workforce but only 4% of executive-level positions.

Source: Boston Consulting Group

BenefitsofDiversity:

● Companieswithdiversemanagementteamshavea 35%higherlikelihoodofachievingfinancial performancethatsurpassestheindustryaverage.

● Diverseteamsaremoreinnovativeandcreative.

● Diverseteamsarebetteratunderstandingand servingcustomersfromdifferentbackgrounds.

Inconclusion,promotinginclusionanddiversityinthe workplaceiscrucialforethicalreasonsandstrategic advantages.Embracingdiverseperspectivesandexperiences

fostersinnovation,employeeengagement,andstronger relationshipswithcustomersandcommunities.By prioritizinginclusivepractices,organizationscreate environmentswhereindividualscanflourishandmake maximumcontributionsdrivingsustainablebusinesssuccess.

FAQ’s

1. Whatisinclusionanddiversityintheworkplace?

Diversityencompassestherangeofdifferencespresent amongindividuals,suchastheirrace,ethnicity,gender, sexualorientation,age,disability,religion,andotherpersonal characteristics.Inclusionreferstothepracticeofcreatinga workplaceenvironmentwhereeveryonefeelswelcomed, respected,andvalued,regardlessoftheirdifferences.

2. HowcanIbeanadvocatefordiversityandinclusion intheworkplace?

Therearemanywaysthatyoucanbeanadvocatefor inclusionanddiversityintheworkplace.Someofthese include:

● Talktoyourcolleaguesabouttheimportanceof diversityandinclusion.

● Speakupwhenyouseeorhearsomething discriminatoryoroffensive.

● Getinvolvedinyourorganization’sdiversityand inclusioninitiatives.

● Supportfororganizationsthatpromotediversityand inclusion

3. Whataresomeresourcesforlearningmoreabout diversityandinclusion?

Thereareanumberofresourcesavailabletohelpyoulearn moreaboutdiversityandinclusion.Someoftheseinclude:

● TheSocietyforHumanResourceManagement (SHRM).SHRMoffersavarietyofresourceson diversityandinclusion,includingarticles,webinars, andtrainingprograms.

● TheDiversityandInclusionCouncil.TheDiversity andInclusionCouncilisanon-profitorganization thatprovidesresourcesandtrainingondiversityand inclusion.

● TheNationalDiversityCouncilisanon-profit organizationthatsupportsdiversityandinclusionin theworkplace.

Hadiyah Mujhid

Pioneering Racial Equity to Grow Together

HadiyahMujhidisnotjust anaccomplishedFounder andCEO;sheisa trailblazerwithamissionto revolutionizeventurecapital.Her brainchild,HBCUvc,anonprofit venturecapitalfirm,isrewritingthe rulesofstartupinvestment,prioritizing BlackandLatinxentrepreneurs. Furthermore,herbackgroundasa formersoftwareengineerandtechnical foundersetsthestageforaninspiring journeyofimpactandinnovation.

FromTechLuminarytoFounding Nonprofits

Philadelphia,Pennsylvania,waswhere itallbeganforMujhid.Heracademic journeyledhertotheUniversityof MarylandEasternShore,ahistorically blackuniversity(HBCU),whereshe earnedaBSincomputerscience.She didn’tstopthere;shewentontosecure anMBAfromDrexelUniversity, honingherskillsinbothtechnology andbusiness.

Afterdonningthegraduationcap, Mujhidembarkedonapromising careerasasoftwareengineerat Boeing.Herworktookhertonew heights—quiteliterally—whereshe authoredsoftwareresponsiblefor launchingsatellitesintospace.

However,herentrepreneurial spiritledhertoco-foundBlack Founders,anonprofitcommitted tosupportingandupliftingBlack entrepreneurs.

TheBirthofHBCUvc

In2017,HadiyahMujhid breathedlifeintoHBCUvc.The mission:Tofosterracially equitableeconomiesby dismantlingthebarriersthat BlackandLatinxentrepreneurs facewhenaccessingcapital. WhatsetsHBCUvcapartisits investmentapproach,which spansstartupsatallstages,from theirearlieststepstofull-blown growth.

TechasaToolforEquality

Mujhidismorethanjusta businessleader;she’sanadvocate forusingtechnologyand entrepreneurshiptocombat economicinequality.Her mentorshipandteachinghave empoweredotherswithher insights.She’salsoasought-after speakerandauthor,oftengracing conferencestoaddressequitable innovation,venturecapital,and technologyentrepreneurship.

AnImpressivePortfolioof Recognition

HadiyahMujhid’sworkhasnotgone unnoticed.Shehasearnedrecognition fromprestigiouspublicationslike Forbes,Blavity,TechCrunch,Business Insider,BlackEnterprise,and Handelsblatt.Herdedicationand impactculminatedinherbeingnamed a2018SOCAPScholarandoneof Essencemagazine’s100MostWoke Womenof2018.

TheVisionforanEquitableFuture

Mujhid’spassionispalpable,andher commitmentiscommendable.She standsasarelentlessadvocatefor BlackandLatinxentrepreneurs, strivingtocreateamoreequitableand inclusiveeconomiclandscapewhere opportunitiesareabundantforall.

Insummary,HadiyahMujhidisa beaconofhopeforBlackandLatinx entrepreneursandasourceof inspirationforanyonedevotedto forgingamoreequitableandinclusive world.Herpioneeringworkat HBCUvcisrewritingtherulesof venturecapital,andheraccolades serveasatestamenttoherunwavering commitmenttoreshapingthefutureof entrepreneurship.

We haven’t seen racial diversity in venture capital and realize how it has a huge impact on the overall tech ecosystem “ ”

How the Public Relations Industry Can Boost Your Business Growth and Reputation

ThePublicRelationsindustryisresponsibleforhowa companycommunicatesandrelateswithitspublic.The publicincludescustomers,media,investors,etc.By creatingandmaintainingapositivecompanyimage,thePR industryalsoinfluencespublicopinionandbehavior

Inadditiontothesefunctions,thePRindustrycanboost yourbusinessgrowthandreputation.Itcanhelpyoureach, engage,andpersuadeyouraudiencebetter.Itcanalsohelp youincreaseyourbrandawareness,credibility,and customerloyalty.Thesearethekeyfactorsforyour businesssuccessandprofitability

ThisblogpostwillshowyouhowtousethePublic Relationsindustry,whichisWorth$107.05billionin2023, tohelpyourcompany'sgrowthandreputation.Specifically, youwilllearnhowthePRindustrycanhelpyouwith:

● Reachingyourtargetaudienceandexpandingyour marketshare.

● Increasingyourbrandvisibilityandrecognition.

● Establishingyourauthorityandthoughtleadership inyourindustry.

● Managingyourreputationandhandlingcrises.

● Enhancingyourreputationandbuilding relationships.

IfyouareinterestedinlearningorapplyingPR,thenthis blogpostisforyou.ItwillteachyoumoreaboutthePR industryanditsbenefits.YouwillalsodiscoverhowthePR industrycanhelpyouachieveyourbusinessgoals.

AreyoureadytodiscoverthesecretsofthePRindustry?If yes,thenkeepreading!

Howpublicrelationscanboostyourbusinessgrowth

Reachingyourtargetaudienceiscrucialforasuccessful business.Yourtargetaudienceisthegroupofpeoplewho aremostlikelytobuyyourproductsorservicesorsupport yourcauseormission.Theycanbenefitfromwhatyou offerandhelpyouachieveyourbusinessgoals.

ThePublicRelationsindustrycanhelpyouidentifyand communicatewithyourtargetaudience.Specifically,the PRindustrycanhelpyouwiththesetasks:

● Conductmarketresearchandanalysisto understandyourtargetaudience'sneeds, preferences,challenges,andexpectations.

● Developaclearandcompellingvalueproposition thatshowshowyourbusinesscansolveyour targetaudience'sproblemsorfulfilltheirdesires.

● Craftaconsistentandrelevantbrandidentityand voicethatreflectsyourbusinesspersonalityand values.

● Createanddistributeengagingandinformative contentthateducates,entertains,orinspiresyour targetaudience.

● Buildandmaintainrelationshipswithyourtarget audiencethroughvariouschannels,suchasemail, socialmedia,blogs,podcasts,webinars,events, andmore.

Bydoingthesetasks,youcanreachyourtargetaudience andexpandyourmarketshare.Moreover,thePRindustry canhelpyoutailoryourmessagingandpositioningto differentaudiencesandplatforms,basedontheir demographics,psychographics,behaviors,andinterests.

Forinstance,thePRindustrycanhelpyoucreatedifferent versionsofyourpressrelease,blogpost,orsocialmedia postfordifferentmediaoutlets,websites,ornetworks.This way,youcanensureyourmessageisrelevantandappealing toeachaudiencesegment.

Additionally,thePRindustrycanhelpyoumeasureand evaluateyourcommunicationefforts,byusingvarioustools andmetrics,suchaswebanalytics,socialmediaanalytics, emailmarketinganalytics,mediamonitoring,andmore. Thiscanhelpyouoptimizeyourcommunicationstrategy andtactics,andimproveyourROI.

Howpublicrelationscanhelpyouincreaseyourbrand visibilityandrecognition

Yourbrandvisibilityandrecognitionaffectyourbusiness growthandreputation.Theyshowhowwellyourtarget audienceandthepublicknowyourbusinessandwhatyou do.Themorevisibleandrecognizableyourbrandis,the morecustomersyoucanattractandretain.Youcanalso standoutfromyourcompetitors.

ThePRindustrycanhelpyouincreaseyourbrandvisibility andrecognition.Specifically,thePublicRelationsindustry canhelpyouwiththesetasks:

● Earnmediacoveragefromtop-tierjournalistsand publications.Thiscanexposeyourbusinesstoa largeanddiverseaudience.

● Securemediainterviews,guestposts,podcasts, webinars,andotheropportunities.Thiscan showcaseyourexpertise,achievements,and innovations.

● Generatepositiveword-of-mouthandreferrals fromyoursatisfiedcustomers,employees, partners,andotherstakeholders.Thiscanboost yourreputationandtrust.

● Winawards,recognitions,certifications,and endorsements.Thiscanvalidateyourquality, credibility,andauthority

● Participateinindustryevents,tradeshows, conferences,andseminars.Thiscanincreaseyour exposureandnetworking.

Bydoingthesetasks,youcanincreaseyourbrandvisibility andrecognition.Moreover,thePRindustrycanhelpyou leverageonlineplatforms,socialmedia,andcontent marketing.Thiscanamplifyyourmessageandreacha wideraudience.

Forinstance,thePRindustrycanhelpyoucreateandshare engagingandinformativecontent,suchasblogposts, videos,infographics,ebooks,casestudies,testimonials,and more.Thiscanattractandretainyouraudience'sattention andinterest.

Additionally,thePublicRelationsindustrycanhelpyou monitorandmanageyouronlinereputation,byusingtools andtechniques,suchasSEO,onlinereviews,socialmedia listening,andmore.Thiscanhelpyouimproveyoursearch enginerankings,increaseyourwebsitetraffic,andenhance youronlinepresenceandinfluence.

Howpublicrelationscanhelpyouestablishyour authorityandthoughtleadershipinyourindustry

Yourauthorityandthoughtleadershipaffectyourbusiness growthandreputation.Theyshowyourexpertise, knowledge,andinnovationinyourfield.

Themoreauthoritativeandinfluentialyouare,themore customersyoucanattractandretain.Youcanalsogain morerespectandrecognitionfromyourpeersand competitors.

ThePublicRelationsindustrycanhelpyouestablishyour authorityandthoughtleadershipinyourindustry. Specifically,thePRindustrycanhelpyouwiththesetasks:

● Showcaseyourexpertise,achievements,and innovationsthroughmediainterviews,guestposts, podcasts,webinars,andotherchannels.

● Providevaluableinformation,insights,and solutionsthatcaneducate,inform,orsolveyour audience'sproblemsorchallenges.

● Shareyouropinions,perspectives,andpredictions onthelatesttrends,developments,andissuesin yourindustry

● Engagewithyouraudienceandstakeholders throughcomments,feedback,anddiscussions.

● Collaboratewithotherindustryexperts, influencers,andleaderstocreateandshare valuablecontent,suchasco-authoredarticles,joint webinars,orpaneldiscussions.

Bydoingthesetasks,youcanestablishyourauthorityand thoughtleadershipinyourindustry.Moreover,thePR industrycanhelpyoubuildtrustandcredibilitywithyour audience.Itcandothisbyprovidingvaluableinformation, insights,andsolutionsthatshowyourexpertise,knowledge, andinnovation.

Forinstance,thePublicRelationsindustrycanhelpyou createandshareinformativeandinsightfulcontent,suchas whitepapers,reports,ebooks,casestudies,infographics, andmore.Thiscanshowyourauthorityandthought leadershipinyourindustry.

Additionally,thePRindustrycanhelpyoumonitorand manageyourindustryreputation,byusingtoolsand techniques,suchasindustryawards,rankings,ratings,and

reviews.Thiscanvalidateyourquality, credibility,andauthorityinyourindustry

Howpublicrelationscanboostyour businessreputation

Yourbusinessreputationshowshowyour customers,employees,partners,investors, media,andthepublicperceiveyour business.

Apositivereputationcanhelpyouattract andretaincustomers,increaseyoursalesand profits,enhanceyourbrandloyaltyand advocacy,andstandoutfromyour competitors.

Anegativereputationcandamageyour businessperformance,credibility,and trustworthiness,andmakeyouloseyour edge.

Youneedtomanageandprotectyour businessreputation,especiallyintimesof crisis.Acrisiscanbeanyeventorsituation thatthreatensyourbusinessoperations, reputation,orstakeholders.

Itcanbecausedbyinternalorexternal factors.Acrisiscanimpactyourbusiness reputation,asitcanexposeyourweaknesses, triggernegativeemotions,anderodeyour trustandconfidence.

ThePRindustrycanhelpyoumanageyour reputationandhandlecrises.Specifically,the PRindustrycanhelpyouwiththesetasks:

● Monitorandrespondtonegative feedback,reviews,ornewsabout yourcompany ThePRindustrycan helpyoutrackandanalyzewhat peoplesay,identifyanyissuesor risks,andrespondinatimely, respectful,andprofessionalmanner. Thiscanhelpyoumaintainyour reputationandcustomer satisfaction,andpreventany damageorescalation.

● Mitigatetheimpactofacrisisby beingproactive,transparent,and

“We want to create a community of girls who will be empowered to become catalysts for transformation in their communities”

KKimberlyBryant,anamesynonymouswith socialentrepreneurshipandafervent advocatefordiversityandinclusionin technology,hasmadeanindeliblemark.As theFounderofBlackGirlsCode,anonprofitorganizationdedicatedtoofferingfree codingclassestoAfrican-Americangirls aged7-17,herworktranscendstheordinary

FillingtheDiversityVoid

Bryant'sjourneywithBlackGirlsCode commencedin2011,stemmingfromherdeep frustrationwiththeglaringlackofdiversity inthetechindustry.Sherecognizedthe pressingneedtocreateaninclusiveand supportiveenvironmentwhereAfricanAmericangirlscoulddelveintotheworldof codingandtechnology.Thus,BlackGirls Codewasborn,anditquicklybecamea beaconforunderrepresentedtalent.

PioneeringInclusivity

BlackGirlsCode'smeteoricrisewithinthe techindustryunderscoresitsimpact.Todate, ithasempoweredover150,000girls, equippingthemwithcodingskillsanda visionforafutureintechnology.The organization'saccomplishmentshaven'tgone unnoticed;majorpublicationssuchasThe NewYorkTimes,Forbes,andWiredhave celebrateditswork,shiningalightonthe transformativejourneyledbyKimberly Bryant.

ATrailofAwardsandAccolades

KimberlyBryant'seffortswithBlackGirls Codehavenotonlytransformedthelivesof countlessyounggirlsbutalsoearnedhera plethoraofaccolades:

● In2013,shewasnamedoneofTime magazine’s100MostInfluential PeopleintheWorld,atestamentto herglobalimpact.

● In2014,shewashonoredwiththe BETAwardsHumanitarianAward,a recognitionofhercommitmentto makingadifference.

● Forbesincludedherintheir prestigious30Under30in Technologylistin2015, acknowledgingherasayoung leaderonthecuspof greatness.

● Thefollowingyear,she receivedthePresidential AmbassadorsforGlobal Entrepreneurship(PAGE) Award,anacknowledgmentof herentrepreneurialprowess andglobalimpact.

● In2017,FastCompany recognizedherasoneofthe MostCreativePeoplein Business,underliningher innovativeandtransformative approach.

TheChampionofInclusivityandA LegacyofInfluence

KimberlyBryant'scontributionsextend beyondtherealmoftechnologyand entrepreneurship.Sheisapowerful advocatefordiversityandinclusionin thetechworld.Herjourneyservesasa beaconofhopeforaspiring entrepreneursandtechenthusiasts, especiallythosewhohavefaced barriersduetoalackofrepresentation inthefield.Furthermore,sheisa staunchsupporterofgirlsandwomen venturingintoSTEMfields,actively challengingstereotypesandbiases.

KimberlyBryantisaninspirationtous all.Herjourneyfromasuccessful entrepreneurtoadiversityadvocate whousesherplatformtomakea differenceintheworldisatestamentto hervisionandcommitment.She embodiesthevaluesofdiversityand inclusionintechnology,working diligentlytoforgeamoreequitable futureforall.Indoingso,sheprovides apowerfulreminderthatoneperson's actionscanpavethewayforamore inclusiveanddiversetechindustryfor futuregenerations.

TechTitanand YouTubeSensation TheMarques BrownleeStory

MarquesBrownlee,knowntohis audienceasMKBHD,ismore thanjustaYouTuber;he'satech titananddigitalmediamogul.Withover16.8 millionsubscribersandastaggering3.45 billiontotalviewsonhisYouTubechannel,he's notonlyahouseholdnameinthetechworld butalsoatrueinfluencer

AYouTubeStarisBorn

BrownleeembarkedonhisYouTubejourneyin 2008,atimewhenYouTubewasstillinits infancy Whatsethimapartfromthecrowd washisunwaveringcommitmenttoqualityand innovation.Hisvideosquicklygainedtraction thankstotheirexceptionalproductionvalue, informativecontent,andhisownengagingonscreenpresence.Brownlee'sfamesurgedashe cultivatedareputationforprovidingunbiased andin-depthreviewsofthelatesttechproducts. Whetheritwasthenewestsmartphone,laptop, oranyothertechgadget,hisaudienceknew theycouldrelyonhimforacomprehensive analysis.

BeyondYouTube:AMediaMavenEmerges

AshisYouTubechannelcontinuedtogrow, MarquesBrownlee'sambitionsreachedeven greaterheights.Hedidn'twanttolimithimself tobeingaYouTubesensation;heaspiredtobe amediamogulinthetechindustry This aspirationledhimtofoundMKBHD,adigital mediacompanythatproducesnotonlytech videosbutalsoarangeofcaptivatingpodcasts.

Oneofhisnotableventuresinthepodcast worldisWaveform,apodcastnetwork dedicatedtoexploringthemultifacetedrealm oftechnologyandculture.Thisexpansion beyondYouTubeshowcasesBrownlee's versatilityandcommitmenttoreaching audiencesthroughvariousplatforms.

ATechLuminaryandIndustryLeader

Intheworldoftechnology,MarquesBrownlee standsoutasaluminaryandindustryleader HisexpertiseisnotlimitedtoYouTube;hehas

beenfeaturedinprestigiouspublicationslikeTheNewYork Times,Forbes,andWired.Thesefeaturesandprofilesserve asatestamenttohisimpactandinfluence.

Moreover,Brownlee'sinvolvementextendsbeyondprint media.Hehasgracedthestageasakeynotespeakerat majortechconferences,includingtheprestigiousCES (ConsumerElectronicsShow)andtheMobileWorld Congress.Hisabilitytocommandattentionanddeliver valuableinsightsinpersonisyetanotherdimensionofhis influentialpresenceinthetechindustry.

ARollCallofAchievements

MarquesBrownlee'slonglistofaccoladesunderscoresthe depthofhisinfluence:

● Timemagazinenamedhimoneofthe100Most InfluentialPeopleintheWorldin2018,a recognitionthatcementshisstatusasaglobaltech influencer.

● In2019,BrownleereceivedtheShortyAwardfor BestYouTuberinTech&Science,atestamentto hisexpertiseandimpactinthesefields.

● In2020,heearnedaspotonForbes'prestigious30 Under30inMedialist,arecognitionofhis entrepreneurialprowessandmediainfluence.

● Hisinfluencecontinuedtogrow,andin2021,he washonoredwiththeStreamyAwardforBest TechCreator,cementinghisstatusasastandout figureinthetechanddigitalmedialandscape.

AnInspirationalIcon

WhileMarquesBrownlee'sinfluenceandachievementsin thetechworldareundeniable,heismorethanjustatech guru.He'saninspirationtoaspiringentrepreneursandtech enthusiastsalike.HisjourneyfromYouTubestardomto becominganentrepreneurialpowerhouseshowcaseswhat passion,dedication,andinnovationcanachieveinthe digitalage.

Furthermore,Brownlee'scommitmenttoadvocatingfor diversityandinclusionwithinthetechindustryisa testamenttohismoralcompassandthepositiveimpacta singleindividualcanhaveonarapidlyevolvingdigital landscape.

What people don’t consider is that technology is a really personal purchase. You spend so much time using it “

THE USA LEADERS IS AN ILLUMINATING DIGITAL PLATFORM THAT DRIVES THE CONVERSATION ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN LEADERS DISRUPTING TECHNOLOGY WITH AN UNPARALLELED APPROACH.

USALEADERS THE

BUILDING AMERICA