Julia Firestone’s Post

🌟 Excited to share this thought-provoking article from Nonprofit Quarterly: "The Impossible Dilemma of Black Female Leadership: The Tragedy of Nobody Seeing Us, Even When Everybody's Watching." In this insightful piece, the author delves into the challenges faced by Black female leaders in navigating systems that often overlook their contributions and struggles. It sheds light on the complexities of intersectionality, representation, and the need for genuine recognition and support. As we continue to strive for equity and inclusivity in leadership spaces, it's crucial to amplify voices that highlight these important conversations. I highly recommend giving this article a read and reflecting on how we can all contribute to creating more inclusive environments. Read the full article here: #Leadership #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #BlackFemaleLeadership #NonprofitQuarterly #SocialJustice https://lnkd.in/ecXHNVQA

As we navigate through Black History Month here in the UK, I’ve been reflecting on what racial equity really means, not just in October, but year-round. In today’s Kitchen Convos, I challenge each of us to consider our long-term commitment to this cause. ❓Are we really examining our own biases? ❓Are we speaking up and creating opportunities for our Black colleagues? Learn why making conscious choices drives real progress and how it can embed equity into the fabric of your daily operations. #KitchenConvos #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #DiversityEquityAndInclusion #DiversityandInclusion #Leadership #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #BHM2024 #Learning #EqualityLeaders

Learn why making conscious choices drives real progress and how it can embed equity into the fabric of your daily operations. #KitchenConvos #DEI #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #DiversityAgency #DiversityConsultancy #DiversityEquityAndInclusion #DiversityandInclusion #Leadership #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #BHM2024 #Learning #EqualityLeaders

How do you celebrate President’s Day in a country that is still learning to see and value you as a human… And not just what you offer that can make them more profit? Be wise enough to see it for what it is. Understand DuBois’ double consciousness - a theory established for Black men, but for Black women, it has evolved to triple consciousness. The daily challenge for Black people to remain true to Black culture, while having to view themselves through the lens of the white American. See it for what it is, but know It’s our responsibility to set boundaries to not be mishandled and make it better for the generations coming behind you. #schoolleaders #edleadership #whenbrowngirlslead

Transforming Reality: The True Commitment to Black Communities We explore the ongoing challenges faced by HBCUs and the pressing issues within the Black community. Why do figures like Deion Sanders need to prioritize community over personal agendas? Join us as we discuss the real impact of commitment to social change. #HBCUs #SocialChange #Empowerment #DeionSanders #BlackCommunity #Transformation #Leadership #CommunityImpact #SocialJustice #CommitmentToChange

Looking forward to this panel… The realities of Black women in leadership have arrived at the center of discourse across the nation. Black women leaders and their accomplices are driving the effort to unpack and move through shared experiences of harm. In this discussion, four leaders come together for a discussion on black women leadership and the archetypes that enable injustice. https://lnkd.in/eQvZHNmQ

To kick off the month of August, I'm reflecting on what it means to be business owner, and a black female one at that. Empowering ourselves and others through excellence and proving it can be done is so important to me. As a young Black entrepreneur in South Africa, my mission is to inspire and uplift, showing that our heritage and vision are powerful drivers of success and transformation. As the new generation of business leaders we’re redefining what it means to be Leaders in our respective industries and celebrating the strength of women everywhere, paving the way for future generations. How are you celebrating this impactful month in your business?

This report made me feel seen. "Black women and femmes, who face the double bind of resisting white supremacist and patriarchal work cultures, expressed frustration with being held to unrealistic standards of perfection and infallibility. Many are trying innovative ways to nourish and support their teams authentically and generously. But the high expectations that Black women and femmes in leadership will be able to reshape entrenched hierarchical structures and foster decentralized decision-making is often not realistic when their organizations are receiving declining philanthropic support, on top of deeply rooted power dynamics and resistance to Black women’s leadership. ...This tension points to a profound and deeper challenge for the progressive movement; honoring the humanity of Black leaders while asking them to take on increasingly demanding organizational and movement-building work." Thank you, Sean Thomas-Breitfeld and everyone who contributed to this report, for shedding light on such important trends. This is what we need to be talking about, together.

Systemic racism: an invisible barrier to collective progress. 🚧 This Black History Month, let's delve into how entrenched biases within our systems not only affect African American communities but also impede societal advancement. Understanding systemic racism is crucial for leaders and organizations committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. It's woven into the fabric of our institutions, subtly influencing policies and practices, thereby shaping the professional landscape. This results in unequal opportunities and reinforces a cycle of inequities, impacting us all by limiting the rich diversity of thought and experience that drives innovation and growth. As leaders, it's our responsibility to be at the forefront of change. This begins with self-education, acknowledging the systemic barriers that exist, and actively working to dismantle them. How? By creating inclusive environments, promoting diverse leadership, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all. This week, I challenge us to reflect on our roles in perpetuating or dismantling these systemic barriers. Let's initiate meaningful dialogues within our networks or organizations about systemic racism and its implications. What actionable steps can we take to foster a truly inclusive culture? #LeadershipForChange #DiversityInLeadership #SystemicChange #InclusiveExcellence #BlackHistoryMonth

Holding steady is crucial, but when is it no longer productive? Today, many Black women leaders in higher ed are facing unprecedented challenges. As Dr. Annice E. Fisher notes in her article, 'Hold Steady or Issue an Exit Ticket?' (https://lnkd.in/gPbdqJH8), many Black women are confronted with the tough decision to 'hold steady' or issue an 'exit ticket' to protect themselves. Yet, amidst these challenges, their power and choice remain unyielding. Institutions and teams should consider: 1️⃣ Acknowledging that holding steady is important in leadership 2️⃣ Knowing when holding steady is no longer productive 3️⃣ Actively supporting Black women leaders 4️⃣ Normalizing exits To our Black community members navigating these complexities, join us for our February Affinity Leadership Healing Circle. It's a safe space to honor your Black identity while connecting with others. Join us on Tuesday, Feb 27th at 12pm CT! ❤️