Despite a slight increase in the number of female directors of television shows, women of color directed only 10% of TV episodes.

And here's some less than great news as the confirmation process continues on Capitol Hill. 

More good news -- The US Senate confirmed Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be the next Ambassador to the United Nations. 

Good news -- West Elm and CB2 have signed on to the pledge to devote 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. 

Axios.com reports on two new studies, from McKinsey and GlassDoor, that complement findings in the proprietary research in "A Blessing."  The pipeline for Black corporate executives needs repair. 

What a perfect example of generational alliance:  Representative Maxine Waters in conversation with Megan Thee Stallion. 

Harvard Kennedy School's Robert Livingston has been studying racism and advising corporations for almost two decades.  The social scientist has developed an approach that is more effective than just delivering facts and figures.  Creating genuine, human connections is the answer and makes Livingston optimistic about the possibility of real change.  

We wish Dawn Davis the best of luck as she launches her first edition of Bon Appetit as editor-in-chief! 

Brava to the brilliant Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.  The former Nigerian Finance Minister will now lead the World Trade Organization.  "A Blessing" Co-author Jacqueline Adams has heard the highly respected Dr. Okonjo-Iweala speak.  Experts warn that she faces a tough job, trying to reduce global conflicts over trade which have only worsened during the coronavirus pandemic.  

Here is another strong push toward increasing diversity in corporate board rooms. Carlyle calls its new financial instrument the largest ESG-linked facility of its kind and the first to focus exclusively on board diversity. "The firm's research over the past three years has shown that portfolio companies with two or more diverse board members have seen average earnings growth of 12% greater per year versus those lacking diversity."

Harvard Business Review is tackling a label that has existed for far too long. Authors Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey debunk the concept of "imposter sydrome" as a relic from the 1970s that excluded the effects of systemic racism, classism, xenophobia, and other bias.  BRAVA!!

Harvard Business Review has published an interesting list of tips to help male allies navigate the changing workplace.  Although much of the article focuses on GQ, gender intelligence, a number of the ideas are relevant for women of color.  Maybe the authors should change their acronym to GRQ, gender AND racial intelligence!  

A new LinkedIn survey found that nearly half (46%) of Black professionals, ages 18-34, have faced blatant discrimination and/or microaggressions at work.  Essence's Kimberly Wilson calls the finding "shameful yet staggering." 

Forbes' Maggie McGrath profiles leaders, including Roz Brewer and Jo Ann Jenkins, as part of the 50 Over 50 series. 

This is an important interview with LaTosha Brown, a founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund and the Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium.  Ms. Brown previews her talking points for a Harvard University conversation. She discusses the beginning of a new political era in the US and the different definitions of democracy for white and Black Americans.  

The amazingly talented Naomi Beckwith has been named the deputy director and chief curator at the Guggenheim Museum. She starts in June.  BRAVA!!  

Hugely successful business leader, Jerri DeVard, writes about being an "only" climbing the corporate ladder and hints at plans to build a bigger, better talent pipeline for marketing talent of color!

Even after a year of far too many deaths caused by the coronavirus, it was shocking to learn of Mary Wilson's passing.  The Supremes were iconic during our childhoods: beautiful, talented, glamorous!  Listening to the Supremes' many hit records might somehow dull the pain. 

Be sure to look closely at the beautiful, sensitive photography of the amazing Awol Erizku!  Genius! 

In Time Magazine's new issue about "The Renaissance is Black," Amanda Gorman and Michelle Obama discuss the current and important moment in Black life...as well as a range of issue that echo the themes of "A Blessing: Women of Color Teaming Up to Lead, Empower and Thrive."

Forbes' Maggie McGrath begins profiling women over 50, part of Forbes' collaboration with MSNBC's Morning Joe.  In this first installment, three out of the four new political leaders are women of color.  Their stories will inspire you! 

Former Labor Secretary Alexis Herman and Howard University donor Heather Murren argue many of the same conclusions in "A Blessing."  Black women have a strong work ethic, are ambitious.  If properly recruited and paid, we would indeed drive an economic revolution in the U.S. and globally. 

Axios.com reports on a new Pew Research survey which finds that under the Biden administration, Americans think power will shift to the people who helped elect him: Black pwople and women. 

"Caste" author, Isabel Wilkerson, explains her analysis of racism in America before an all-star audience at Harvard University. 

Fortune examines why so few Black executives have become CEO of a Fortune 500 company.  One explanation: executives of color have tended to pursue careers in accounting or marketing, not P&L positions which are the pathway to the top job.  

What a glorious and appropriate nomination!  A Norwegian member of Parliament, in making the announcement of Ms. Abrams' nomination, said: "Abrams' work follows in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s footsteps in the fight for equality before the law and for civil right."  

As poet Maya Angelou wrote: "We are the miraculous!"

Elle Magazine explores the political activism of WNBA players, especially in the recent Georgia campaigns for the U.S. Senate.

Good news!  Roz Brewer will become Walgreens CEO on March 15th.  The bad news:  she will be the ONLY Black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company.  

Academics at Harvard University and elsewhere are examining how and why raced-based medicine is still being taught and practiced.

Historically Black colleges and universities are drawing more attention as a result of Howard University alumna, Vice President Kamala Harris, entering the White House.  In this story, Axios.com takes a look at the changing student bodies within HBCUs. 

Vice President Harris has vowed not to be the last woman in her new position.  Yet she acknowledges that she is, and has often been, a first and an "only," i.e. one of the unicorns described in "A Blessing."  Politico examines how this "only" is "teaming up" with allies, specifically women of color.  The article describes many of the concepts and findings in our 2019 Women of Color in Business: Cross Generational Survey.  

Deb Haaland is the first Native American cabinet secretary, "ready to knock down some of the last barriers of time and terrain in this country", and profiled here by The New York Times.

The first Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha is celebrating 113 years of “Service To All Mankind” this year. Learn about the women who paved the way for Madam Vice President.

Fortune's investigation of the gender differences around networking augments the proprietary survey findings in "A Blessing."  Women desk workers seek "sisterhood" -- a sense of connection with their co-workers.  

Washington Post Reporter Sydney Trent takes a deep look at the myriad emotions of Black Americans on this historic Inauguration Day. 

Representation matters.  The inauguration fashions of Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden shone a spotlight on young, diverse designers.  #TeamUp!

It's official. History has been made. Joseph Biden and Kamala Harris, the first woman and person of color in the role, were sworn in as the United States President and Vice President. As President Biden said, "Democracy has prevailed."

A highlight of Inauguration Day was National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman.  Her deeply felt poem captured both the dire and triumphant emotions of America's transition of power, especially for young people of color. 

Teen Vogue offers a delicious profile of new Congresswoman Cori Bush.  With just two weeks on the job, she is driving change!

Amid the excitement about the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, Fortune's Julie Kohler takes a comprehensive look at how and why majorities of white women have voted against their gender's interests to follow the white patriarchy in the voting booth. 

Chapter Three of "A Blessing" tackles stress head on.  This Washington Post article repeats some of the stress-relieving techniques that we suggest.  But the current context is so very different from when we wrote the chapter.  Covid-19, the economic downturn, racial and social justice protests and domestic terrorists sacking the U.S. Capitol have dramatically raised everyone's stress level.  It's prudent to take another look at time-tested techniques....and to practice them! 

Bloomberg's Brentin Mock reports on an innovative program in Oakland which provides monthly payments to Black entrepreneurs to try to narrow the wealth and investment gaps.  

Opening the new museum dedicated to African American music in Nashville is a wonderful way to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr's birthday!

Forbes profiles two Black Harvard Law School alumnae, who have raised $4,6 million to create a data-driven platform to help companies optimize their DEI efforts.  

Fortune Magazine analyzes yet another horrific development last week, the loss of many more jobs held by American women, the majority of whom are Black and LatinX women in the retail, service and "essential services" sectors. 

This obituary is personal for Jackie, who had a number of delightful exchanges with Nancy Ellis while covering the campaigns and presidency of her brother, Georger H.W.Bush. Mrs. Ellis was funny, charming, a real class act! 

The headline should perhaps change to say Stacey Abrams is one of the World's Most Powerful Women in 2021!  At the end of a jaw-dropping first week of the new year, we must celebrate the record voter turnout in Georgia this week that was galvanized by Black women, led by the brilliant, unstoppable, unflappable Stacey Abrams. 

"A Blessing" authors, Bonita Stewart and Jacqueline Adams, returned to their alma mater, Harvard Business School, to participate in a special three hour Zoom webinar which focused on the challenges and opportunities facing women of color in business.

We all need a bit of good news this morning.  Partake Foods CEO Denise Woodard has raised $7.5 million overall and more than half of it has come from Black investors. 

In this piece Naomi Hirabayashi, co-founder of the Shine app, shares her optimistic views on breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. Shine was designed by two Women of Color striving for representation in mainstream "wellness".

For the first time in 20 years all S&P 500 boards have at least one women.  In 2020, 22% of new S&P directors are from minority groups, down from 23% last year. Minority women make up 10% of this year’s incoming class of new directors, a number that has not changed since last year.  

Corbett is an expert on the front lines of the global race for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, and will go down in history as one of the key players in developing the science that could end the pandemic. 

Yes, Black women are the most educated sector of the US population, but collectively, Black women shoulder some $35 billion in student loan debt.  Forbes reports on a new effort to try to reduce and eliminate the debt. 

A new survey by JP Morgan Wealth Management finds that Black and Latina of means are more active and confident investors, despite the pandemic, than their white counterparts. 

Tennis star Naomi Osaka is conveying an urgent and unequivocal demand for change.

Tennis champion Serena Williams discusses her observations and activities as a venture capitalist.

One of the first three Korean-American women elected to Congress, Young Kim, talks about her new job, state and national politics and the challenges ahead. 

By our count, more than a third of Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women are women of color.  Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is #3 and Stacey Abrams is #100.  BRAVA!

And more good news!  The Miami Herald has named Monica Richardson its new executive editor.  She is the first Black executive editor in the newspaper's 117-year history.  BRAVA! 

Here is another major win for women of color!  Rashida Jones has been named the new president of MSNBC, the first woman of color to helm a major news network!  BRAVA!

The founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, Reshma Saujani, writes in The Hill that there should be a Marshall Plan for moms, given the devastation that COVID-19 has had on women's careers. She recommends a monthly, means-tested payment of $2400 per month to caregivers. 

Check out the Ailey website often this month to see Black brilliance at its finest!  The Company's reimagining of "Revelations" on its 60th anniversary is inspired.  The conversation between Robert Battle and Wynton Marsalis about the partnership of Duke Ellington and Alvin Ailey left our brain cells tingling!   

We may have a long wait until the new Smithsonian museums open their doors, but it's gratifying to read that Congress has taken a concrete step toward building two new museums, dedicated to celebrating Latino and women's history. 

Here is an inspiring story from The Christian Science Monitor about Black brilliance.  As we found in our proprietary research, Women of Color in Business: Cross Generational Survey (c), young Black and LatinX women are more innovative than the white and Asian contemporaries, more likely to be first adopters of technology.  Here's to seeing more applications at the U.S. Patent Office!

Violent and opporessive names on climbing routes are being replaced.  The Lily explains how, why and by whom. 

Inc. profiles Deryl McKissack's history and mission. It is an important and interesting read! 

The New York Times does a deep dive on the hard work that Black female political organizers have been doing for years in Georgia.  In 2020, national Democrats, and Republicans, finally took notice.  

Good news from Fortune's Emma Hinchcliffe reporting on the newest ProjectDiane survey: 93 Black women and 90 LatinX female founders have secured $1M in investor backing in the last two years. For Black women, that number has tripled.  HOWEVER, the bad news is that only 0.64% of total VC investment in 2018 and 2019 went to Black and LatinX female entrepreneurs, $3.1 Billion.

Here is a powerful NY Times interview with Stacey Abrams, explaining how and why Georgia voted for Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden and future prospects for the Democratic party. 

Another example of Black brilliance -- Bon Appetit editor in chief, Dawn Davis.

For an uplift, watch Netflix's documentary, Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. For more information about dancer/choreographer/Howard University alum, Debbie Allen, the creative force behind the documentary and her Debbie Allen Dance Academy, read this New York Magazine piece! 

This HuffPost essay by Judy D'Agostino captures the emotions of being "an only" especially in this year of multiple pandemics.

Here is yet another example of the power/impact of Sisters as a Service -- SaaS!  The flywheel is in motion. 

This article is an excellent recap of the pre-COVID growth of entrepreneurship among Black women, the harsh impact of the pandemic, as well as a call for new federal policies to support Black entrepreneurship in 2021.

Bloomberg's David Wainer has written a powerful profile of Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, President-elect Biden's choice for UN Ambassador.  

The Harvard Gazette assembled Native leaders who discuss marking a "day of loss" when other Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. 

The Christian Science Monitor's Phil Taylor takes an in-depth look at athlete activism.

Scholar and author Ibram X. Kendi discusses the broad and deep racist conditioning in American society and offers solutions for remediation in academia,  He specifically addresses college admissions and faculty recruitment/promotion politicies.

A new study of 2000 finance professionals in Australia found that 76% of men were offered a promotion at least once without requesting it, compared with 57% of women.  The conclusion is that fixing the system can't all be on women to act differently. 

The Times' popular Corner Office feature spotlights Wharton's Dean Erika James.  She discusses race, politics and the role of business. 

It is being widely reported that President-elect Biden has selected Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be his United Nations ambassador and that he will restore the position to Cabinet rank. 

The New York Times has written a gushing profile of CNN Political Correspondent Abby Philip.  The Harvard University alum is a rising star and the article offers particular praise for Philip's comments about the political strength of Black women in support of Joe Biden during the primary period. 

Bloomberg Businessweek reports that women students have almost hit parity at Dartmouth's and Stanford's business schools.  In a year of volatile admissions, percentages of female students dipped at a number of other MBA programs. 

From Nonprofit Quarterly: "Black women have built and protected our democracy, even when they have been deliberately and systemically excluded from participating in it.". This article outlines ways Black women's involvement in politics can be supported at the regional, local, and national levels.

Harvard Business Review has assembled 20 articles that address fighting racism at work.  Among the topics are: How to be a better ally to your Black colleagues; Move beyond diversity to real equity; and Is your company actually fighting racism or just talking about it?  

The Washington Post presents an illuminating profile of Meedie Bardonille, a nurse and Howard University graduate, who is one of the District of Columbia's three people officially casting electoral votes for the President and Vice President. This role has typically been filled by politicians. 

Here's another example of WINNING -- Midshipman 1st Class Sydney Barber, a Black woman who will lead 4,400 of her peers at the U.S. Naval Academy for the first time in the institution's 174-year history.

Oprah's famous list this year has a special twist. Because so many people want to support Black lives any way they can, Oprah and her team found dozens of gorgeous gifts from Black-owned businesses to celebrate. Black lives - and Black businesses - matter! #TeamUp

Fortune's Emma Hinchliffe has another great article, her profile of voting rights activist Stacey Abrams.  Brava Stacey!!

Fortune's Emma Hinchliffe interviewed a number of Black female leaders.  We especially applaud author Minda Harts for crediting our "team up" message: "This showed the collective power Black women have to help each other rise," Minda Harts, the author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table, told me yesterday. "When we collaborate, we can change history."

Yes, the victory of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is historic and welcome.  However, The Washington Post's Karen Attiah cites the 91% support that Black women gave to the Democratic ticket and what we expect in return: "It's an all-too-familiar scenario to Black women - White America always hopes that we will clean up its mess. But Black women don't vote to save White America; we vote to save ourselves from White America and its impulses. It's time for Democrates to work to give Black women the better and safer America that we deserve."

Every vote is being counted and day by day, we are celebrating more political wins for women and women of color!  

Another great story found on the ForbesWomen daily e-newsletter -- this time about a new venture between CBS Studios and the NAACP! #TeamUp

We address the health gap for Black Americans in "A Blessing."  It's inspiring to read that Black women are addressing the issue.  #TeamUp!

Another great story from ForbesWomen.  Meet Shelby Ivey Christie.

ForbesWomen, the daily e-newsletter edited by Maggie McGrath, is a constant source of inspiring, sometimes surprising content.  Today's November 5, 2020 issue is filled with terrific content and we've posted four of the items here!  Atta-girl, Maggie! 

Gabe Stone Shayer seeks to "further the efforts for inclusion of new Black voices in the ballet world".

This is a devastating assessment of the increased risks of physical and psychological damage to students of color in the time of COVID.  What more can we do, other than sound an alarm?  

A vicious race riot in Tulsa, Oklahoma destroyed what was called Black Wall Street, the Greenwood neighborhood. This history is being revisited 100 years later. 

Activist and actress America Ferrara's call to action on Latina Equal Pay Day!

Brilliant Ambassador Reuben Brigety II is an adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations as well as the vice chancellor and president of the University of the South, Sewanee.  

Here are fascinating conversations with Harvard alumnae, Dr. Michelle Morse (MPH '12) and Christina Lewis ('02),

Great advice from businesswoman and tennis champion Venus Williams: "It's okay to be afraid, but it's not okay to let it ruin your decision-making process."

This inspiring video features two unicorns in the aerospace field, Mae Jemison and Naia Butler-Craig. We celebrate these trailblazers!

BRAVA to Kristal Hansley, another unicorn.  What a blessing!

My Harvard Business School classmate and friend, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, on resilience:  "Resilience doesn't happen on its own.  It takes leadership."

This is a timely survey of "firsts" -- a variety of female political leaders, with an introduction by Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris. 

President Wayne A.I. Frederick provides a teachable moment for doubters: there is NO shortage of Black talent in the United States! 

Here is another "win" for an extraordinary journalist of color!  BRAVA Kristen Welker!!

It's hard to believe that it's been 20 years since 'O' Magazine launched.  Jenisha Watts has written a lovely appreciation. 

Brava to Channing Dungey and Warner Brothers!  This is another major WIN. 

Is it a "win" to at least be having this conversation - out loud -- in Hollywood's hometown newspaper and on Netflix? 

Here is another example of WINNING!  Jackie has attended the Venice Biennale twice and it is a breaktaking showcase for the most impactful and innovative artists in the world. BRAVA to Simone Leigh!

As a college student, she wanted to have an impact. The answer she landed on - working inside institutions - set her on the path to the vice-presidential nomination.

Here is another example of "winning."  Princeton University has named a new residential college for Ariel Investments Co-CEO Mellody Hobson. Her name replaces that of former President Woodrow Wilson, whose legacy includes his racist beliefs. When future generations of students, especially those who are Black or Brown, see Hobson College, “I want them to think, ‘I belong here,’ ” she said.

This is an interesting graphic showing which Fortune 100 companies are taking concrete steps to battle systemic racism and to what degree. 

Author Erica B. Smith-Goetz stresses many of the same characteristics that we cite in "A Blessing" for Black entrepreneuers to find success:  passion, perseverance and self-awareness.  VC investment would be welcome. 

Many thanks to Karole Dill Barkley for alerting us to this powerful essay by Susan Fales Hill and for drawing our attention to these quotes:

BRAVA to Bloomberg's Karen Toulon for this impactful and timely interview with Simon & Schuster Publisher Dana Canedy!  Two powerful women are promoting reading.  As co-authors of a new book, we couldn't agree more! 

Successful businesswoman, Shellye Archambeau's new book is about to launch and she tells Fortune Magazine that she is "cautiously optimistic" because corporations are beginning to discuss racism. 

Here is a wonderful celebration of "sisterhood" changing the world!  Individuality is great but teaming up makes the records beyond historic. 

100 years later, Black suffragettes are being recognized and honored.

Brava to Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams!

Alexis Crews on medium.com