“Bonita and Jackie leave us with an important call to action: becoming and empowering true allies committed to greeting, welcoming and embracing women of color into centers of power.”
Excerpt from the Foreword by Kenneth Chenault
Chairman and Managing Director of General Catalyst and former Chairman and CEO of American Express
“It is indeed a Blessing to have Bonita and Jackie share their stories that serve as beacons to women of color.”
Ann M. Fudge
Former Chairman & CEO, Young & Rubicam Brands
“Harnessing the power of inclusive ambition is paramount for companies to thrive in this decade. A Blessing opens up a new dialogue around the importance of allies and sisterhood.”
Stacy Brown-Philpot
CEO, TaskRabbit
"It was worth the 'lonely years' at HBS to be an inspiration to those African-American women who followed me. It warms my heart to know that I made a difference. Those who followed have made sure I was not the last one."
Lillian Lincoln Lambert
Author, "The Road to Someplace Better: From the Segregated South to Harvard Business School and Beyond"
“Being invited to the table is not the same as being welcomed at the table, being valued, like you belong is what women of color continue to aspire to in the workplace. A Blessing compels women of color across all generations to action and draws upon the extensive research and personal experiences of Bonita and Jackie. You will benefit greatly from reading it and putting its wisdom into practice."
Melonie Parker
Chief Diversity Officer, Google
“We all know the old adage, “two heads are better than one.” Well, what if the wisdom and experience of two successful black business women were supplemented, multiplied and shared many times over? It could change our world. That is the empowering vision of Bonita C. Stewart and Jacqueline Adams in this gift of a book. “A Blessing” blends scholarly research, personal histories and mother wit to point the way to a flourishing future for women of color in corporate America. Stewart and Adams found that success is rarely a solitary endeavor, but best accomplished with teamwork: learning from and helping others. “A Blessing” was written for women of color, but its inspiring message can lift us all.”
Bill Whitaker
Correspondent, CBS News 60 Minutes
"The authors have done their homework. They surveyed women of color in business across the generations to show us the path forward -- how we can team up, serve each other and change the world."
Linda A. Hill
Professor of Business Administration, Faculty Chair, Leadership Initiative, Harvard Business School
“A long overdue playbook for teamwork among women of color by two savvy HBS alums who have shattered the glass ceiling.”
Henry McGee
Senior Lecturer, Harvard Business School and Retired President of HBO Home Entertainment
“Stewart’s and Adams’ insights are a blueprint for surrounding yourself with success by embracing the enormous power of the blessing to prosper and create an atmosphere of abundance, influence and well-being.”
Gina Stikes
VP Corporate Communications, Quibi
"Bonita Stewart and Jackie Adams have written a timely and insightful book that will undoubtedly improve and expand opportunities for all, but especially for women of color. They leverage their first-hand experience in breaking barriers to better equip corporate recruiters and candidates alike to ensure the C-suites and halls of political power reflect the fullest range of diverse leaders. Their original research offers a fresh new look at how American competitiveness depends on the robust inclusion of women of color. This book is a thoughtful reminder of how we must consistently focus on empowering the next generation of leaders and creating spaces that recognize the unique and valuable perspective that diverse women bring to private industry, public service, and every other sphere of endeavor."
Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick
President, Howard University
“There are some people who will be successful no matter what, whether they are Black, female, LGBT, whatever. They may face obstacles, but they know how to overcome those obstacles, manage relationships and move forward. Jacqueline Adams and Bonita Stewart are such people. In their new book, ‘A Blessing,’ they demonstrate their persistence as well as their dedication to giving back and sharing the lessons they have learned.”
Randall Tucker
Chief Inclusion Officer, Mastercard
