Deepening Our Mission and Transforming Women of Color in Business and Entrepreneurship with LinkedIn

Transformation is a powerful concept. It’s the motivator that inspires my commitment to championing the economic advancement of women of color entrepreneurs, the driving force behind our mission at digitalundivided, and the fuel that ignited the connection between, Jaqueline Jones, Head of Strategic Partnerships at LinkedIn, Tyrona Heath, Director, Market Engagement at The B2B Institute at LinkedIn and myself as we collectively work to discover ways to support one another in amplifying the voices and success of women of color in business.

At a time in which our country was experiencing a long-overdue racial reckoning that brought to the forefront generations of racism, injustice, and disparate treatment experienced by communities of color, we each had a plan to plant the necessary seeds that move the needle for other women who look like us. Tyrona founded TransformHer at LinkedIn several years ago and Jacqueline has supported this initiative from day one, it's also how we met and a mission we are all committed to. With businesses owned by women of color being one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy, it is even more necessary that we showcase the incredible talent possessed by this dynamic group of business leaders, while also equipping them with the tools, skills, and resources they need to advance their success. It’s this shared dedication to a mission of transformation and a deep understanding of how hard it is for women of color to succeed as leaders in business and innovation that made me respect the challenges these two phenomenal women had overcome and navigated to get where they are today. It also was a constant reminder that LinkedIn was truly committed to the mission too. Upon assuming the role of CEO of digitalundivided, the LinkedIn team was top on my list because of these experiences, what I had witnessed at the TransformHer Conference myself and the impact that this convening had on so many women of color.

What started as a conversation at the 2020 TransformHER Conference has transcended into a unified commitment of leveraging our own resources to spearhead the facilitation of tough conversations that will begin to crack the double glass ceiling women of color often face. To truly transform the future of innovation and entrepreneurship for women of color, it is important that we not only understand how to support, engage and equip innovative and talented women in the space, but more than anything work alongside other impact-powered leaders.

As a firm believer in leveraging the undeniable power of collaboration to build a more equitable future together, it brings me great joy to see these seeds bloom this year with the announcement of digitalundivided’s partnership with LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network with 810 million members in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The beauty of this collaboration is that the LinkedIn team understands the importance of belonging in business in a way that beautifully compliments how digitalundivided equips women to belong in the rooms of the most powerful and influential technologists, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs. Not because they are not qualified, but because we recognize the systemic barriers of access that limit their ability to making it there.

Together, digitalundivided and LinkedIn are committed to supporting women of color founders and innovators at every stage of their journeys. Through this extended partnership, LinkedIn will provide $250,000 in grant funding to accelerate our BIG Pre-Accelerator Program and the Do You Fellowship. We will also collaborate throughout the rest of the year to drive more awareness of the need for capital and a supportive ecosystem, while also amplifying the stories that often go untold of emerging entrepreneurs. Shining a light on their resilience, grit, perseverance, and most importantly how they should be trusted in business.

This year, digitalundivided’s aim is to double the valuation of 25% of businesses founded and led by Latina and Black women entrepreneurs. Businesses founded by women of color are chronically undervalued and it is impacting their trajectory. In turning our attention to the persisting valuation problem in the U.S., we know first-hand from previous partnerships and our daily work that the combination of visibility, access to top tier resources, intelligent insights, and timely mentorship from experts who can also support them in navigating the culturally relevant challenges ahead all play a significant role in moving this action forward.

We are excited to kick-off this partnership with the first of many LinkedIn Live events on Thursday, February 17 at 10 AM/PT | 1 PM/ET where, Tyrona Heath will lead a conversation with Alice Vilma, Managing Director & Co-Head of Morgan Stanley’s Multicultural Innovation Lab, and myself focusing on the importance of investing in Black women entrepreneurs. She will also engage in a fireside chat with three Black women CEOs who are changing the C-suite: Elise Smith, CEO and Co-Founder of Praxis Labs, and two digitalundivided program participants, Mandy Bowman, CEO of Official Black Wall Street, and Kristina Jones, CEO of Guardian Lane. Click here to register.??

As we commemorate Black History Month through the recognition and remembrance of the courageous sacrifices and contributions of African Americans throughout the nation’s history, may we also use this opportunity to deepen our commitments to transforming Black futures, amplifying Black voices, and telling Black stories. Thanks to the entire LinkedIn team for the time, space and commitment to inclusion.

Onward,

Lauren Maillian