resource library.

How Colorism Affects Women at Work

Harvard Business Review | Ruchika Tulshyan

Colorism, a deeply ingrained bias, adversely affects the lives and careers of darker-skinned women globally, perpetuating the legacy of colonialism and white dominance. This article sheds light on the importance of inclusive leadership in addressing colorism in the workplace, offering three strategies to disrupt this insidious bias. Leaders must recognize how colorism can manifest within diverse teams, including among individuals of the same community but with varying skin tones, to foster greater inclusion.

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Don’t Just Sponsor Women and People of Color — Defend Them

Harvard Business Review | Rosalind Chow

Female leaders and leaders from marginalized racial groups often face a no-win situation in the workplace. They're criticized for being either too analytical and unemotional or too emotional. This article delves into the Goldilocks dilemma that these leaders confront and emphasizes the importance of sponsorship from powerful allies, particularly white men, who can defend them against unfair criticisms.

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I’m Not Yelling

Elizabeth Leiba

"I'm Not Yelling" by Elizabeth Leiba is a valuable resource for Black businesswomen navigating predominantly white corporate America. This book combines strategic insights with empowering messages, offering statistical evidence and anecdotes that shed light on the challenges Black women face in the workplace. It explores issues like workplace discrimination, microaggressions, lack of mentorship, and pay inequity, providing strategies and recommendations for racial trauma healing and business success.

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3 Strategies to Help Women of Color Navigate Biases at Work

Harvard Business Review | Hira Ali

Women of color often grapple with unique challenges in the workplace, including stereotypes, biases, isolation, and stress. This article explores the concept of "stereotype threat" and how it affects women of color. It provides three effective strategies to help women of color navigate workplace biases, overcome obstacles, and thrive in their careers.

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The Psychological Toll of Being the Only Woman of Color at Work

Harvard Business Review | Ruchika Tulshyan

Being the only woman of color at work can exact a significant psychological toll, exacerbated by systemic bias and discrimination. This article delves into the mental health challenges faced by women of color in the workplace and highlights the urgent need for accessible mental health support tailored to their unique experiences. Danielle Jenkins Henry, a licensed marriage family therapist associate (LMFTA), offers four crucial strategies for women of color to prioritize their mental well-being in the face of systemic challenges.

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How to Respond When They Say: You Speak English So Well

How to Respond When They Say: You Speak English So Well | Brown Talk Table (Dee C. Marshall and Mita Mallick)

In this episode of the Brown Table Talk Podcast, the hosts, Dee C. Marshall and Mita Mallick, delve into a familiar workplace scenario: how to respond to compliments that may carry hidden biases. They dissect three specific compliments and the diverse reactions they elicit among Women of Color. This episode fosters insightful discussions, promoting empathy and allyship while shedding light on the intricate experiences of Women of Color in corporate environments.

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Women of color can no longer buy into the ‘inclusion delusion’

Fortune | Deepa Purushothaman

"The recent confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson shed light on the challenges women of color face in the workplace, from heightened scrutiny of their qualifications to enduring microaggressions. This article explores the ""inclusion delusion"" that often plagues women of color in corporate America, where they may be highly visible but still feel like they don't belong or have real power. The author, Deepa Purushothaman, emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where companies genuinely listen to women of color, redistribute power, and establish policies that support them. As more women of color consider leaving traditional structures to create more inclusive cultures, businesses must adapt to retain diverse talent.

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Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace

Minda Harts

"Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace" by Minda Harts is an essential self-help book that provides women of color with strategies to heal and thrive in the workplace.

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Women in the Workplace: Black Women

Women in the Workplace: Black Women | Lean In and McKinsey & Company

The 2021 Women in the Workplace report by Lean In and McKinsey & Company delves into the experiences of Black women in corporate America. They face disproportionate barriers, including bias in hiring and promotions, microaggressions, and racial trauma impact. Despite challenges, Black women actively contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and serve as mentors and sponsors, highlighting the need for allies.

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Imposter syndrome takes on a whole new meaning when you’re a woman of colour

Cosmopolitan | Yasmina Floyer

Imposter syndrome takes on a whole new meaning when you’re a woman of colour." In this insightful article, the author delves into her personal experiences and those of other women of colour to shed light on the unique challenges they face regarding imposter syndrome. It explores how societal factors, racial bias, and microaggressions contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, emphasizing the importance of addressing these external elements while building inner confidence.

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Why Pronouncing Names Correctly Is More Than Common Courtesy

NPR | Noor Wazwaz

Ruchika Tulshyan, the founder of Candour, an inclusion strategy firm, shares her journey of addressing the mispronunciation of her name and highlights the significance of pronouncing names correctly as an act of anti-racism and allyship. In this article, she encourages individuals to correct their own mispronunciations and those of others, emphasizing its role in supporting marginalized communities.

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Does Your Definition of Leadership Exclude Women of Color?

Harvard Business Review | Marlette Jackson and Paria Rajai

Take your leadership skills to the next level by stepping out of traditional boundaries and embracing diversity. Learn how to expand your perception of leadership, recognize the value underrepresented groups bring to business, and take tactical steps for systemic change.

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The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table

Minda Harts

"The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table" by Minda Harts is a groundbreaking career guide tailored specifically for women of color, addressing the unique challenges they face in the workplace.

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The Bias of ‘Professionalism’ Standards

Stanford Social Innocation Review | Aysa Gray

Discover how white supremacy culture influences and defines workplace professionalism standards, impacting hiring, promotions, and overall work experiences. Learn about the origins of biased professionalism and ways to challenge and change these standards for a more inclusive workplace.

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Leapfrog: The New Revolution for Women Entrepreneurs

Leapfrog: The New Revolution for Women Entrepreneurs | Nathalie Molina Niño

"Leapfrog: The New Revolution for Women Entrepreneurs" by Nathalie Molina Niño is the ultimate resource for women entrepreneurs and those seeking to break free from the status quo. This unapologetic collection of fifty proven hacks provides the tools to overcome obstacles and succeed in business, regardless of background or resources. Nathalie Molina Niño, a serial tech entrepreneur and founder of BRAVA Investments, shares invaluable insights that challenge the conventional wisdom and assumptions about entrepreneurship.

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Responding When Your Expertise Is Challenged

Harvard Business Review | Deepa Purushothaman

In this video, Deepa Purushothaman, principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP, discusses the importance of understanding how you're perceived when your expertise is challenged. She provides insights into effectively responding to such challenges and offers valuable advice on navigating professional situations where your knowledge is questioned.

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Critical Race Theory: The Key Writings That Formed the Movement

Kimberlé Crenshaw

"Critical Race Theory: The Key Writings That Formed the Movement" by Kimberlé Crenshaw is a foundational essay collection that explores the intellectual movement of Critical Race Theory (CRT). This collection defines key terms and provides case studies that are essential for understanding this groundbreaking movement.

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