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.
The 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.
Read MoreNot 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.
Many races end up close because of the through hard work, sweat, tears, and a whole lot of hope about the future of the South, and what it can do for the entire country.
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