Dr. Stacie NC Grant

Suzanne Shank, CEO of Siebert Williams Shank, is breaking barriers as one of the most powerful Black women on Wall Street. Under her leadership, SWS has managed over $1 trillion in municipal bonds and launched impactful initiatives like the Clear Vision Impact Fund with Microsoft. Shank's mission is to elevate diverse voices in finance and drive positive change in underserved communities.

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The Principal of the GABA Marketplace Center is emphasizing the strategic and cultural significance of supporting Fork in Nigeria—a fast-growing Nigerian food enterprise making its mark in Detroit, Michigan. As African businesses expand their global footprint, it is imperative to champion establishments that not only deliver authentic cuisine but also serve as cultural and economic ambassadors. Supporting Fork in Nigeria is more than a culinary choice—it is a commitment to diaspora entrepreneurship, job creation, and cross-cultural economic development in Michigan.

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The Impact of Black Women in Business & Leadership Black women have been powerhouses in business and leadership for centuries, shaping industries, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities where none existed. Their journey has been marked by resilience, brilliance, and an unshakable determination to succeed despite systemic obstacles. Take Madam C.J. Walker, a visionary entrepreneur who became the first self-made woman millionaire in America by revolutionizing the beauty industry. She didn’t just build wealth—she created jobs, empowered Black women economically, and paved the way for future generations. Today, and we see leaders like Rosalind Brewer, CEO of Walgreens, and Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of TIAA, steering billion-dollar companies with excellence. Bozoma Saint John, a marketing genius, has shaped global brands, while Janice Bryant Howroyd, the first Black woman to build a billion-dollar company, redefined what’s possible in business. Yet, their paths are not without struggle. Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, yet they receive less than 1% of venture capital funding. In corporate America, they are often underrepresented in executive roles and face both racial and gender biases that make leadership an uphill battle. And still, they rise—defying odds, setting new standards, and proving that diversity in leadership is not just a concept but a necessity. Their impact is undeniable: 🔹 Economic Growth: Black women-owned businesses generate billions, creating jobs and driving innovation. 🔹 Corporate Leadership: They are transforming industries, advocating for equity, and proving that representation at the top matters. 🔹 Legacy & Inspiration: Their success stories empower future generations to dream bigger and push further. "I had to make my own living and my own opportunity! But I made it!" Madam C.J. Walker This Black History Month, let’s not just celebrate Black women in leadership—let’s invest in them, amplify their voices, and ensure their contributions are recognized all year long. #CNJAssociates #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackWomenLeaders #WomenInBusiness #BlackExcellence

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"Trust is the currency for inclusion, and culture is the bank" Last week was Ibec’s 12th National Diversity & Inclusion Day with keynote speaker Jackson Katz,. I had the honour of speaking on the panel: “Community: A Force for Good", chaired by Kara McGann, and speakers Jon Cruddas and Dave O'Donovan. And what kept coming up was this: Organisations aren’t just workplaces. They’re microcosms of society. And in a moment like this, where fear, resentment, and misinformation are on the rise, organisations have a crucial role to play. Not just in ticking the “DEI” box. But in actively creating spaces for connection, trust, and bridge-building. 💬 That means leaders equipped to with the intercultural competence to bridge differences. 📚 That means staff supported to learn, and engage in environments can do come with fear. 🤝 That means seeing belonging not as a vibe, but something that is structural. Because community doesn’t just happen. It’s built. And if we want the benefits of diversity, we need the courage to engage across it. #DEI #Inclusion #SocialPsychology #Polarisation #Belonging #GORM #InclusiveLeadership #CulturalCompetence #Community #OrganisationalCulture

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Black women-owned businesses saw a remarkable 33% growth from 2022 to 2023, reflecting their resilience and impact on economic development. This growth highlights the need to continue supporting diverse women-led businesses, which not only creates jobs but also enriches communities. #BlackHistoryMonth

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