Celebrating Resilience and Success: The Impact of LevelUP on Black Women's Careers"

Across the U.S., Black women continue to face significant disadvantages in terms of wealth, earnings, and opportunity. Nationally, the median Black household owns nearly 90% less wealth than the median white household. According to Goldman Sachs research, this wealth gap is even more pronounced for single Black women relative to single white men.

These disparities are further exacerbated by the current attack on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and Black people. This complex issue involves political, ideological, economic, and cultural factors. These attacks often stem from misunderstandings, misrepresentations, and a resistance to acknowledging and addressing systemic inequities. The implications are broad and significant, potentially reversing progress and exacerbating feelings of exclusion and injustice among marginalized communities.

Given these conditions, it is crucial for Black women to continue to LevelUP as we have done for centuries. Like Shirley Chisholm and other trailblazing women before us, we must show resilience in the face of adversity and exemplify our strength and determination to "level up" and achieve our goals, even in environments that may not always be welcoming.

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of participating in LevelUP Day, the one-year anniversary of the Brooklyn Public Library's LevelUP program. LevelUP is a workforce advancement initiative designed to help Black women progress professionally and build wealth.

LevelUP offers instruction, mentoring, and financial coaching to give Black women the opportunity to pivot and advance their careers in industries where they have historically been underrepresented. LevelUP launched three 10-week cycles focused on three key industries: Real Estate, Finance, and Technology. The program is supported by sponsors and partners like Goldman Sachs and Google, and is backed by a $500,000 grant from Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women initiative. Special thanks to all the sponsors and partners for supporting this amazing program.

The LevelUP Day program was executed with excellence by Lauren Dorvil, Program Lead Coordinator at the Brooklyn Public Library, and the program development team. If organizations are not familiar with Lauren and the LevelUP program, they should get to know them. Lauren Dorvil is a phenomenal leader who embodies the pinnacle of authenticity, grace, and empowerment. Her exceptional leadership skills and genuine passion for uplifting others set her apart as a beacon of inspiration and excellence.

The LevelUP Day celebration included speed coaching with Goldman Sachs volunteers, a variety of workshops, and panel discussions. This was followed by a PBS film segment highlighting the evolution and impact of the first year of the LevelUP program, and a truly inspiring closing ceremony.

I, Lydia Barron, President and CEO of Lydia Barron Consulting Group, had the honor of participating in a panel discussion alongside extraordinary panelists: Novena Riojas, Ayanna Dutton, and Kendra Dennis. Moderated by the exceptional Vina Morris, our panel featured Black female industry leaders from mental health, management consulting, media production/entertainment, marketing, and technology. We had an empowering conversation about navigating “work, wellness, and Black womanhood,” covering topics such as maintaining work-life balance, sharing strategies for workplace success, and offering tips on “Leveling Up” personally, financially, and beyond.

Throughout my career, I have participated in many panel discussions, but I do not always get the chance to share and impact a room full of beautiful Black women, which made yesterday’s event extra special. We shared pearls of wisdom to help these women understand how to navigate corporate culture, achieve their goals, and advance their careers while maintaining health and wellness and building wealth. Overall, it was an excellent program, and I am humbled and thankful to Lauren and the Brooklyn Public Library for giving me the opportunity to participate.

As I close, I am reminded of a few quotes from the phenomenal Shirley Chisholm:

• On Perseverance and Independence: "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." Black women, be determined to create opportunities and spaces for yourselves and others where we were previously excluded.

• On Representation and Advocacy: "I am, and always will be, a catalyst for change." Black women, continue to be agents of change, continuously pushing for progress and challenging the status quo.

• On Equality and Justice: "Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth." Black women, remember the importance of serving others and advocating for justice and equality.

• In Government and Politics: "I ran because somebody had to do it first." Black women, maintain a pioneering spirit and continue to take the first step to pave the way for others.

Shirley Chisholm's life and legacy are powerful examples of the importance of "leveling up" for Black women. Her groundbreaking achievements in politics, unwavering advocacy for social justice, and inspiring words continue to motivate and empower Black women to strive for excellence and break through barriers. Black women, let us continue to LevelUP!