Anyone else feel like punching air?

Like many of you, Tuesday evening found me rooted in front of my television cautiously optimistic that America would shift from its American ways and we’d have a full circle moment that years ago we could only dream about. Just think, in 1962 Malcolm X declared Black women the most the most disrespected and unprotected group in America, and now in 2024 a Black woman would lead America. Wonderful, right? Unimaginable, yet achieved in that paradoxical way America loves to celebrate — the underdog armed only with resilience and grit fights their way through every systemic obstacle for a triumphant finish. It would have been a beautifully Black story, but 72 million folks had other plans.

It sucks. For centuries, our brilliance, our resilience and our blood have shaped the swag of this country, providing weary shoulders for businesses, families, movements and so much more to stand upon. And still, what we’ve continuously poured into this country remains to be deposited back into us. Yeah, it sucks.

And while America was never designed with the ease and uplift of Black women in mind, what I know for sure is that we always thrive. In ways big and small, we always find our way to joy…and/or a flight. And if you’re like me, the most joyous moments often come from existing alongside other Black women, being immersed in sisterhood only we can articulate and create. The “okay!” that means a thousand things but always one thing. The high shrill laugh topped with a high five that lands like a warm hug. The line dances we will always groove to no matter the location, audience or footwear (well, except that dang Tamia line dance that God clearly doesn’t want me to learn but, it’s whatever). And the solace we feel when there’s simply another one of us in the room. For a while we called it magic, but I think it’s our DNA.

Individually we’re powerful but together, we’re a powerhouse, a fione powerhouse at that. While feelings of disappointment may stir for a bit, what’s also stirring in me is an expedited desire to create everlasting room for joy, agency and the advancement of Black women. And on Friday, November 15 we’re doing just that with our ReWork Summit, a one-day convening of Black women where together, we are redefining work and life on our terms and in ways that prioritize our peace, profits and progress. This is more than empowerment, it’s a burgeoning movement that will include:

Battle-tested strategies to move Black women toward their professional goals quicker and with grater ROI.
Executive coaching in confidence, amplifying your strengths and driving impact
How to avoid career derailers
Best practices in wellness and self-care
Expanded networks with diverse professionals;
And that vibe that only Black women and give and explain when we gather.

This is more than a conference. This is transformation. We’re strategizing our way through and around systems and mindsets that have stalled our acceleration for years. If one Black woman can galvanize 67 million Americans to drink her Kool-Aid, then surely we can create a roadmap to help Black women cultivate the work and life of their dreams. And we’re doing it in a room full of Black women who look like you, who are rooting for you and are holding doors open for you.

So, if a dose of Black women will do your system good, I invite you to join us and register today. And if your money is funny right now, hit this link for a chance to have someone sponsor your Summit registration.

There’s more to say, work to be done and life to live, and our mission at ThriveIN is to do our part to help you thrive through it all.

I love us, for real. We ‘gon be alright.

A Special Message from Our CEO