A Data-Fueled Impact Analyst
With a deep commitment to social change and sustainable impact, she brings a holistic approach to drive positive transformations in communities and organizations.
On paper, it made sense. Sarah knew the ins and outs of the job better than anyone. But within six months, something became clear: Sarah was struggling. She felt overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure how to handle the dynamics of leading a team. Meanwhile, the team itself was faltering without Sarah’s stellar contributions to guide them. The problem wasn’t Sarah—it was the assumption that excellence in execution equates to excellence in leadership.
I remember meeting a young woman named Kayla a few years ago. She was 22, fresh out of high school, and working two part-time jobs while trying to figure out her next step. When she walked into the room, I could see her hesitation. She didn’t think she belonged at the training session we were holding, and honestly, she almost left before it started.
When I think about what makes a team truly high-performing, I don’t just think about the results they deliver. I think about the way they work together, the trust they build, and the systems that support their success. In my experience managing teams across industries—from politics to nonprofits to for-profit organizations—one thing has always been clear: high-functioning teams don’t just happen. They’re intentionally built.
It's not always easy to confront our mental health struggles. For many Black women, the pressures of society can make it feel like we're alone in our struggles. We may be told to simply "toughen up" or that our struggles are a sign of weakness. But the truth is, seeking help is one of the most courageous things we can do.
When the sandwich first debuted, I was skeptical of the hype and didn't want to wait in line like everyone else. But after hearing rave reviews from my friends and family, I finally caved and decided to give it a shot.
Of course, there were downsides. I would never walk into a store and see my name on things, something that was a reality I had to accept. But when a friend gifted me a custom-made coke bottle with my name on it, it meant the world to me. Here, in front of me, was something that confirmed I had made the right choice. I could be Rhonna-Rose - and that was all that mattered.
The old saying, "What if we train them and they leave," speaks to the fear that many managers have about investing in their employees. The response, "What if you don't and they stay," is a powerful reminder that investing in employees is essential for organizational success. This is especially true in the current business environment, where competition for talent is fierce.
Not only is relying on your Black employees to be your DEI teachers, trainers, and facilitators incredibly tokenizing and emblematic of the systemic racism your company claims to want to fight, but it’s just plain poor strategy.
The main thing to remember is that this pandemic is a new territory for many, but that doesn't mean our human patience and compassion has to be. Lean into the discomfort of the current situation and realize that digital or not, we can get through this together.
On paper, it made sense. Sarah knew the ins and outs of the job better than anyone. But within six months, something became clear: Sarah was struggling. She felt overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure how to handle the dynamics of leading a team. Meanwhile, the team itself was faltering without Sarah’s stellar contributions to guide them. The problem wasn’t Sarah—it was the assumption that excellence in execution equates to excellence in leadership.
Read MoreI remember meeting a young woman named Kayla a few years ago. She was 22, fresh out of high school, and working two part-time jobs while trying to figure out her next step. When she walked into the room, I could see her hesitation. She didn’t think she belonged at the training session we were holding, and honestly, she almost left before it started.
Read MoreWhen I think about what makes a team truly high-performing, I don’t just think about the results they deliver. I think about the way they work together, the trust they build, and the systems that support their success. In my experience managing teams across industries—from politics to nonprofits to for-profit organizations—one thing has always been clear: high-functioning teams don’t just happen. They’re intentionally built.
Read MoreAs the first rays of sunlight pierce the veil of darkness, Queen and Slim find themselves thrust into a maelstrom of fate, their lives irrevocably intertwined after a fateful encounter. Their journey, set against the backdrop of an unforgiving society that often judges by the color of skin rather than the content of character, becomes a poignant exploration of vulnerability, solidarity, and the human condition.
Read MoreThink Rubix has devolved into a cesspool of misaligned values, egotistical vision, and selfish mannerisms. It has transformed into an entity that represents the antithesis of progress, a stark contrast to the change-making platform it initially aspired to be. The toxicity within the organization has grown to an extent where it has become the worst possible investment for any genuine changemaker or innovator.
The decision to step down from my role was not an easy one, but it was one driven by a commitment to integrity, authenticity, and the pursuit of meaningful change.
"They Cloned Tyrone" etches an empowering legacy—a reminder that in the pursuit of liberation, one must venture deep into the realms of self-discovery. In the labyrinth of life, we find our truth and empower ourselves to break free from the confines of societal expectations. The heart-felt odyssey of Fontaine leaves an indelible mark, urging us all to celebrate the kaleidoscope of humanity and embark on our empowering journey of self-liberation.
Read MoreAnd then, adulthood arrived, knocking on the door with responsibilities and choices that would shape our paths. The once spacious playgrounds of childhood now seemed distant as we navigated careers, relationships, and dreams that seemed both within reach and elusive. Amidst the hustle and bustle of adult life, I found myself wondering how friendships would fit into this new landscape.
Read MoreBoth women confront trials that test their strength and resolve, and their journeys are marked by profound personal growth and self-discovery. Johnson's storytelling prowess lies in her ability to evoke a plethora of emotions, from heartbreak and sorrow to hope and triumph.
Read MoreOne of the biggest challenges for smart kids is learning how to separate their self-worth from external validation. When you're constantly praised for your innate qualities rather than your hard work, it's easy to develop a sense of entitlement and expect praise and recognition for everything you do. But as you get older, you quickly realize that the world doesn't work that way. Fewer people care about your intelligence and just being smart can only get you so far.
Read MoreWhen books are banned, we send a message that certain ideas and opinions are not acceptable or appropriate, which can have a chilling effect on intellectual discourse. This can have a long-term impact on the ability of future generations to think critically and engage in thoughtful, informed discussions about important issues.
Read MoreAt the core of grief is the intense pain and sorrow that comes from losing someone or something that we care deeply about. This pain can be overwhelming, and for many people, the natural response is to shut down emotionally as a means of coping. This shutting down can feel like a protective measure, a way of insulating ourselves from the pain so that we can continue to function in our daily lives.
Read MoreLife is a journey that is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and unexpected challenges that can either break us or make us stronger. It is up to us to choose how we respond to these challenges and what we learn from them. In this blog post, we will explore six different concepts and ideas that can help us navigate through life with more ease and grace.
Read MoreThe old saying, "What if we train them and they leave," speaks to the fear that many managers have about investing in their employees. The response, "What if you don't and they stay," is a powerful reminder that investing in employees is essential for organizational success. This is especially true in the current business environment, where competition for talent is fierce.
Read MoreCompanies have a responsibility to address these issues and ensure that women are empowered in the workplace. However, as I have observed, many organizations merely pay lip service to the idea of empowering women without taking any meaningful action. They may have diversity and inclusion policies in place, but these are often not implemented effectively or enforced consistently.
Read MoreIt's not always easy to confront our mental health struggles. For many Black women, the pressures of society can make it feel like we're alone in our struggles. We may be told to simply "toughen up" or that our struggles are a sign of weakness. But the truth is, seeking help is one of the most courageous things we can do.
Read MoreThe Belonging Blueprint is a framework that helps organizations create a culture of belonging by focusing on five key areas: awareness, commitment, communication, training, and evaluation. By addressing each of these areas, organizations can establish a foundation for belonging that supports the growth and development of all team members.
Read MoreAs I continued to learn more about history, It became clear to me that it is crucial for history to be taught in a way that is honest, transparent, and inclusive of all perspectives to ensure that we can learn from the past and make informed decisions for the future. I realized that the way history is presented can have a profound impact on how we understand and interpret the world around us. If history is taught inaccurately or with a biased perspective, it can lead to a distorted understanding of the past and ultimately, dangerous consequences for the present and future.
The challenge is that multiple levels of my existence are controversial. Today I am met with the surfacing of two - being a woman and being black. The combination and separation of these two often cause intersectional warfare that is weaponized yet capitalized daily.
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