Black Women in Executive Leadership (B-WEL)

What does it take to navigate the complexities of leadership as a Black woman? When it comes to mentorship, how can you identify and approach the ideal mentors to help you grow? In our previous newsletter, Nana Afoah Appiah-Korang shared how finding inner peace and leading with fairness has transformed her leadership approach, as well as practical advice for building meaningful mentor relationships rooted in shared values. ?? Want more exclusive insights from global leaders like Nana? Subscribe to our newsletter today! ??https://lnkd.in/dcWPzrXN #LeadershipTips

Leadership in any nonprofit isn't always linear, and for Black women, the challenges are compounded by additional layers, such as systemic racism, gender bias and often a lack of representation at the leadership level. As we strive to drive meaningful change and create lasting impact in our communities, it is essential to recognize the unique obstacles Black women face in leadership. #BlackWomeninLeadership

There’s nothing quite like a powerful testimonial to highlight the impact of our work at B-WEL. It’s one thing to talk about what we do, but when our Fellows/Participants share their experiences, it speaks volumes. We put intentionality and care into every aspect of our programming—from our transformational leadership courses to our dynamic and impactful masterclasses geared to elevate, empower and foster personal and professional growth for Black women leaders. This testimonial reflects our belief in building a powerful network of Black women who support and inspire one another while driving change in their respective fields. Want to hear more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel to access masterclass recordings, highlights from our leadership courses, and more content designed to inspire and empower. ??https://lnkd.in/dmpT9A2p ? ?Follow us for more insights, inspiration and updates on future masterclasses! #WeAreBWEL #Testimonial

?????????????????????? ????????????????: ???? ?????? ???????????? ?????????????? ??????????????? Dr Nokuthula Mchunu, a proud B-WEL Fellow and Black woman academic from South Africa, shares her personal journey in academia, where she once believed it held the key to resolving societal challenges. But as she became more active in community-based projects, she recognized that academia often undervalues such impactful work. In her thought-provoking piece "???????????????? ???? ?????? ???? ???????????????? ???? ?????? ?????????????????????? ???? ??????????????", she challenges us to rethink academic publishing and communication systems, asking: 1?? Can we dismantle exclusionary practices? 2?? Will academia value diverse knowledge systems? 3?? How can we make research more accessible to communities that need it the most? Dr. Nokuthula also discusses her work with the African Open Science Platform (AOSP), an advocacy and diplomacy platform that empowers African Scientists by positioning them at the forefront of data-driven open science projects. ?? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dhNPhfhq #BWELFellowSpotlight #WeAreBWEL

At the leadership level, networking is about strategically cultivating relationships that are mutually beneficial, long-lasting, and rooted in shared values. In our newsletter, Gabrielle Wyatt shared how shifting away from transactional networking creates opportunities for deeper, high-impact connections. ?? Want more exclusive insights from global leaders like Gabrielle? Subscribe to our newsletter today! ??https://lnkd.in/dcWPzrXN #LeadershipTips

?Celebrating Leanne Mair! Leanne has been an exceptional force of empowerment and transformation within the B-WEL community! Her leadership goes beyond the ordinary; it's about helping others step into their full potential, navigate challenges and lead with boldness and authenticity. All of us at B-WEL deeply appreciate Leanne's contributions and her embodiment of our mission to build a world where leadership opportunities are equally accessible and achievable especially to Black women leaders!?? #WeAreBWEL

These words capture the transformative leadership journey of one of our fellows. We are grateful for the opportunity to support Black women leaders globally by generating innovative solutions to build more equitable systems. It’s an honor to be a part of each leader’s journey to find their place and expand their impact. Learn more about us on our website: https://www.b-wel.org/ #WeAreBWEL #BlackWomeninLeadership

?Celebrating NAKETA REN THIGPEN! Naketa is a powerful force of growth, connection, and purposeful leadership within the B-WEL community! Her vision to guide Black women executives with both strength and balance has been profoundly impactful during B-WEL’s leadership courses and coaching sessions, equipping our fellows with essential tools for professional growth and self-care that transformed how they show up in their roles. Her approach goes beyond development; it’s about redefining leadership to embrace wellness, joy, and meaningful connections. We’re proud to have her as a guiding influence for our fellows, setting an inspiring example of impactful, holistic leadership. ?? #WeAreBWEL

? Get a glimpse of the unforgettable moments from B-WEL’s Global Women’s Leadership Summit in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil! As Black women from around the world, we came together to share insights, connect with our diaspora community, and drive meaningful change with support from our communities and institutions. Through powerful discussions on transformative leadership across sectors—from government to AI to philanthropy—we explored innovative ways Black women are impacting global leadership. Hear from our Founder, Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Secretary Fernanda Lordêlo and participants as they share their experiences and insights on how these connections are creating lasting change. ?? Watch and be inspired! #BWELinBrazil ??

In today’s world, leadership is more challenging than ever. The pressure to maintain visibility while avoiding controversy often leaves leaders paralyzed, steering them away from bold decisions. The New York Times article “There Is No Leadership Without Risk,” Ford Foundation President, Darren Walker encourages leaders to embrace nuance, take risks, and stand for progress—no matter how incremental. What kind of leader are you choosing to be? ?? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dr3JjK7H #Leadership