Editorial
Despite being the backbone of families, communities and movements for progress, Black women are often overlooked, undervalued and excluded from opportunities that could change their lives and the world around them. The rejection of Black women in U.S. society is as persistent as it is insidious. Whether it manifests in corporate glass ceilings, wage inequities or everyday microaggressions — this rejection can leave us feeling powerless, even invisible. But we must remember that rejection does not have to be the end of our story; it is the catalyst for our rise.
For Black women, entrepreneurship isn’t just a career choice — it’s a pathway to personal and professional freedom, economic power and social influence. When Black women claim their seat at the table as business owners, they don’t just build wealth for themselves — they uplift their families, strengthen their communities, and create a more inclusive and equitable economy for everyone.
Achieving Professional and Financial Independence
Let’s face it: Corporate America isn’t a comfortable place for Black women. Black women face lower wages and fewer career opportunities than their peers. For every dollar a White man earns, a Black woman earns roughly 69 cents. Black women comprise 7.4% of the U.S. population, but they occupy only 1.4% of C-suite positions and 1.6% of senior vice-president roles, according to a 2020 report from Lean In.
These professional obstacles are real, but they don’t have to limit what is possible. If the traditional professional path isn’t getting you where you need to go, it’s time to try something different. As the co-founder of a small business, I’ve found that entrepreneurship is the fastest and most direct path to achieving financial and professional independence. Owning your own business means your earnings aren’t limited by a salary allocated by someone who may believe there is a ceiling on your success. The scope of your achievement is determined instead by your hard work, ingenuity and the value proposition of your product or service. Even if entrepreneurship isn’t for you, a side business can be a way to explore your options while providing supplementary income.
Greater prosperity isn’t the only argument for entrepreneurship. Being your own boss means greater autonomy and more control over your professional life and career, improving job satisfaction and mental health. One of the most rewarding aspects of founding The Diversity Movement has been creating a people-focused, culture-centric work environment — and helping other organizations do the same thing. Owning a business enables you to invest in your family and your community. It also gives you the power to advocate for and create societal change.
Related Article: Why Women May Not Want to Advance Their Careers Within Your Organization
Confronting Microaggressions and Leveraging Influence
On a recent weekend trip, my friends and I stayed at a five-star hotel in a large city. On our second evening, my friends waited in the bar while I finished getting ready to go out. But when I joined them, they were visibly upset. They’d ordered drinks, and the server immediately asked them for a credit card. This was unusual, as a card wasn’t requested on any of their previous visits. In addition, no one else at the bar was being asked for their credit card. Only the table with the casually dressed Black women were asked for up-front payment.
When questioned, the server said, “It’s a new policy.” But if they were following a new policy, why wasn’t it applied consistently? The bar manager defended the policy, saying that it had been a busy weekend, with several “dine and dash” incidents. It may have been a new policy, but the server was enforcing it by making incorrect and offensive assumptions. Only when I asked the hotel manager to look up my account and payment history with the company did their tone shift, becoming much more apologetic and promising to adjust the new policy.
The experience clearly illustrated that financial status changes perceptions. Affluence commands respect and enables you to influence behavior. Money can give Black women power and influence, but we’re not there yet. Black women aren’t earning, funding or receiving capital at the level we need to build true economic power.
Related Podcast: What it Takes to Move the Needle on DEI
Leveraging Power to Advocate for Equity and Systemic Change
Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., yet we’re receiving only a fraction of venture capital funding — about 0.27% of the billions invested annually in startups. This discrepancy reflects deep-rooted systemic inequities that block us from economic independence. That’s why I believe it’s crucial that we support each other and put our money where our aspirations are.
As an investor myself, I have the power to question venture fund managers about their commitment to Black women. Recently, I asked a firm’s partners: “I haven’t seen any Black women entrepreneurs in this round of funding. What’s happening?” This kind of advocacy might seem minor, but it’s crucial to increase the flow of capital.
For those who have financial privilege, use it to advocate for others. If you’re able to influence decisions about who receives capital, ask the tough questions: Are we creating real opportunities for Black women? We each have some level of influence, whether we’re investors, business owners or consumers. Let’s use it to create pathways for Black women to thrive in business.
Related Article: Equity in the C-Suite: Reimagine Business Culture to Advance Women Leaders
Actionable Steps for Supporting Black Women in Business
If we want to see a shift in economic power for Black women, we need to be intentional about where our money and our support go. Here are a few actions anyone can take to invest in Black women professionals, regardless of financial standing:
- Create Equitable Opportunities in the Workplace: Senior executives and business owners can examine their compensation structure and their leadership pipeline to ensure Black women employees are getting the same professional support and opportunities as their peers. Senior leaders can also serve as executive sponsors for the organization’s employee resource groups, either for women or Black professionals.
- Mentorship and Advocacy: If you’re a manager or business owner, consider mentoring a Black woman professional or entrepreneur. Share your network, advocate for her and amplify her voice where you can. Leaders can also make a difference by serving on the boards of nonprofits that promote women professionals from underserved communities.
- Bank With Black-Owned Banks: When you invest in a Black-owned bank, you support Black entrepreneurs, creating a cycle of reinvestment and empowerment. Depositing funds in Black-owned banks helps increase the capital available for Black businesses. Every dollar deposited is an investment in the economic strength of Black communities. Imagine the impact if more people deposited their funds in institutions committed to building up Black communities.
- Support Black Women-Owned Businesses: Amplify the power of Black women entrepreneurs by patronizing their businesses and buying their products when you can. As consumers, our choices can contribute to someone’s path toward success and financial power.
Building economic power for Black women is about more than financial success — it’s about rewriting the narrative of what’s possible. When we invest in Black women, whether through mentorship, capital or consumer support, we are fueling a ripple effect that strengthens families, empowers communities and transforms entire economies.
Conference
Oct
20
Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo Orlando 2025
Register
Conference
Oct
27
Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo Orlando 2025
Register
Each of us holds the power to create meaningful change. By being intentional with our resources, amplifying Black women-owned businesses, and advocating for equity in every space we occupy, we lay the foundation for a future where Black women no longer have to fight for a seat at the table — they own the table. Together, we can turn rejection into resilience, struggle into strength and ambition into lasting generational impact.
Learn how you can join our contributor community.
