From finding familiarity to forging our own space: Introducing Ascendion's Black Ascender Affinity Group (B.A.A.G.)

I'm thrilled to share with you the exciting news of Ascendion 's launch of our Black Ascender Affinity Group (B.A.A.G.), one of our first Inclusion Resource Groups (IRGs) for the organization! This wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of Maleeka Catron , Lee Evans , and Bonita White, who played instrumental roles in bringing this initiative to life. Additionally, I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to Alice Yoo LeClair for her invaluable allyship throughout this process.

As referenced in my previous newsletter, "The Power of Representation: Finding Familiarity in Unfamiliar Spaces," I have personally felt the profound impact of witnessing representation in professional spaces. Inspired by my father, (Keith Smith) and mentors like Malcolm Harden, I believe that creating spaces for individuals to connect and find belonging is crucial for fostering an inclusive and empowering environment.

I encourage anyone who shares a similar vision to take action and create positive change within their own communities and organizations.

Ascendion, is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. The B.A.A.G. will serve as a platform for Black employees to connect, share experiences, mentor each other, and contribute to Ascendion's success. I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey and believe that B.A.A.G. will not only empower Black employees but also enrich Ascendion as a whole.

This is just the beginning! I am excited to see all that B.A.A.G. accomplishes and look forward to sharing further updates in the future. This initiative is a testament to the power of believing in something and seeing it through. I encourage anyone who shares a similar vision to take action and create positive change within their own communities and organizations.

Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable world.

About the author

As Head of Social Media at Ascendion and Founder/Creative at inessence marketing & media studios , Essence ignites brands through authentic engagement and data-driven strategies. Beyond her professional impact, Essence fuels her life with adventure, connection, and the belief in positive change.