Black women are leaving careers in corporate America to launch their own businesses. The question is, is this phenomenon happening out of coincidence, or are Black women turning sour lemons into sweet lemonade? Data cited in a 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed that nearly 300,000 Black women exited the U.S. labor force due to layoffs, cuts in DEI, inflation, and corporate restructuring.

According to a study conducted by the Economic Policy Institute, 2025 was a pivotal year for Black women. Last year, Black women experienced one of the sharpest one-year declines in the last 25 years. The data showed that the employment rate for Black women fell to 55.7 percent. The study gives a closer look into what is impacting Black women and attributes “clear deterioration in the labor market for Black workers.” The report continues by outlining how, “overall women’s employment has fallen most in professional and business services, manufacturing, and federal government”.

Education And Skills

The large imbalance of how Black women are being laid off at a faster pace than other demographics within the workplace lead me to dig deeper. Could skills and education be a culprit? An article in Thought Co elaborated on how Black women are enrolled in and graduating from school in the highest percentages across racial and gender lines.

This data shows that education and skills are not the cause for Black women leaving corporate America to start businesses. Black women are being laid off at rapidly growing rates. Leaning on entrepreneurship and starting a company could be the last resort. Starting a business could be the only opportunity for generating money for Black women in America.

Let’s dig a little deeper. What other factors could be causing Black women to leave corporate America for entrepreneurship?

Corporate Culture

Fast Company, a media outlet, published an article interviewing Krista Norris, PhD. In the interview Norris stated, “Black women are facing major challenges in today’s corporate world, and that, for many, entrepreneurship feels like a saving grace. Norris stated, “it gives Black women, in particular, back their “agency” and “financial mobility” when the “traditional system” fails them. Norris commented that, “many corporate environments are unsafe when it comes to expressing diversity”. She continued by saying, “entrepreneurship can be a place where “cultural identity, authenticity, wellness, and purpose-driven work are embraced.”

Carving A Table When A Seat Is Not Available

CNBC reported that, according to a survey from Cengage Group, over 2 million people earned their bachelor’s degrees in the spring of 2025; just 30% of those graduates reported finding a full-time job in their field. As the job market becomes more competitive, creating your own table via entrepreneurship seems like the more viable option. Rather than wait for the job market to become more promising, Black women are creating opportunities by starting businesses.

The number of businesses owned by Black women grew 50% from 2014 to 2019, representing the highest growth rate of any female demographic. Black females accounted for 42% of all women who opened a new business during that time and represented 36% of all Black employers, according to the data in a JP Morgan article.

In the same article, Tosh Ernest of JP Morgan stated, “High rates of Black female entrepreneurship may also reflect lack of opportunity in the traditional workforce – many start businesses to survive rather than pursuing market opportunities.”

The Future Looks Different

The cliche, ‘nothing stays the same’ rings true. The future of what qualifies as “work” and “earning a living” is changing. The definition will be carved and shaped by the waves of change. This change will stem from the chain reaction of current events such as these. The data shows that Black women are leaving corporate America to launch their own businesses. Only time will tell the results and how this impacts the future of the labor force.

This article Why Black Women Are Leaving Corporate America To Launch Their Own Businesses was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Leaving a traditional job to build something of your own is empowering. You get to call the shots, set your schedule, and be your own boss. It also means dealing with new obstacles. For many, the most significant and often unexpected challenge isn’t the paperwork, but the mindset shift from employee to leader. Make the move seamless and step confidently into your new role with these tips.

1. Shift From Doer To Delegator

When you were a high-performing employee, your productivity defined your value, from how many tasks you accomplished to how well you did them. Now, as an entrepreneur, your business’s success and team’s productivity dictate your worth. Your role is to be the strategist who steers the ship, not the one rowing every oar. 

It can feel strange or even unproductive to have a day that’s not packed with to-dos. Be mindful of this, as it can lead to micromanagement. Use the Eisenhower matrix to make delegating tasks more strategic for your team. Do things that are urgent and important yourself, and consider giving those that are important but not urgent to others.

2. Actively Learn How To Lead

Not all the skills that made you a great employee will make you an effective leader, so learn leadership intentionally. Avoid simply mimicking the management styles of previous bosses without considering whether those methods were effective or healthy. 

Invest in leadership education to gain insights from top leaders and management experts. Active learning is both a sign of strength and a direct path to reversing any toxic habits you might have taken on from not-so-great experiences with your previous bosses. 

3. Create Clarity To Command Respect

Being a leader is about setting a clear, consistent direction so the team can work together to find the answers. A lack of clarity contributes to anxiety, hesitation, and wasted effort. When people don’t know their priorities, they can’t make smart decisions. Authority and respect are by-products of a clear, well-communicated vision. 

Knowing your goals allows you to lead with greater authority, as your team understands what you expect from them. Ensure every team member knows how their role contributes. Be firm with what to prioritize for the week or month. 

4. Build A Team That’s Made To Last

While hiring your first employee is a milestone, the real goal is retention. High turnover is costly, disruptive to workflow, and devastating to team morale. To build a team that wants to stay, you must understand the real reasons people choose to leave their jobs. 

Key drivers are typically fundamental, not frivolous. In 2021, 63% of employees stated that low salary and lack of growth opportunities made them decide to resign, while 57% cited feeling disrespected at work. 

Show your employees a path forward, even if your company is small. This could be through skill development, increased responsibilities, or a clear plan for future roles. Also, lead with respect, trust your team with responsibility, and value each member’s input. 

5. Set Boundaries To Protect Your Best Asset: You

The passion that drives you as a business owner also puts you at the highest risk for burnout. The work is never truly done, making it easy for your job to consume all hours of the day. Think of setting boundaries as a crucial strategy. After all, a tired, burned-out leader makes poor decisions, which can affect the team and overall operations. 

Be intentional to avoid compassion fatigue and improve your work-life balance. Have a defined end to your workday, turn off email notifications after hours, and schedule nonnegotiable personal time. 

Embrace Your Inner Boss

The transition from employee to owner is a journey of internal growth. You don’t need to have it all figured out at once. Your willingness to learn, adapt, and grow will help pave the way to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Step confidently into your new role and embrace your inner boss to build the business you’ve been dreaming of.

This article How To Transition From Employee To Business Owner was originally published on HerAgenda.com

You can feel the shift in workplace operations, even if no one has clearly told you. Tasks that once required deep effort are now handled in seconds, and the barrier to producing decent work has dropped so low that it’s no longer a reliable way to stand out. In this environment, value is shifting away from how much you can produce and toward how well you can think through complexity and make decisions that hold up over time. 

The Shift From Doing To Deciding

While AI is becoming a big part of businesses, the demand for human judgment is increasing, becoming a crucial workplace skill. AI systems can complete tasks quickly, yet simply doing the work is no longer the hardest part. 

This fundamentally changes how you should approach your role. Rather than being measured only on output, even if it still feels that way on the surface, what truly matters is whether you can decide what tasks deserve attention in the first place. When everything is easy to create, the real challenge becomes knowing what’s worth creating at all. That decision requires a level of clarity that most people haven’t fully developed yet. 

You’re always faced with options, ideas, and opportunities. But without strong judgment, it’s easy to confuse movement with progress. Being busy is no longer impressive if it’s not tied to meaningful outcomes. When you strengthen your ability to choose wisely, you naturally focus your time and energy on what moves the needle, which is what sets you apart. 

Information Is Everywhere, But Context Is Rare

Data can point you in a direction, but it doesn’t understand context, and it certainly doesn’t understand people or nuance. You’re the one who brings that missing layer into the equation, whether it’s understanding the history behind a project, sensing tension in a team, or recognizing when something technically correct might still be the wrong move. 

Simultaneously, you’re working in a world where AI tools and automation are increasingly embedded into everyday workflows. For example, coding assistants and other automation systems can significantly decrease workloads and help teams prevent burnout by reducing time-consuming tasks. This shift is valuable because it frees up more of your attention for higher-level thinking and decision-making. 

That ability to interpret rather than accept what’s in front of you is what makes your thinking valuable. Beyond consuming insights, you’re reshaping, questioning, and applying them in ways that fit the real world. This is where judgment becomes your advantage, because it allows you to see beyond the obvious. 

When Judgment Builds Stability And Trust

In roles where decisions directly affect resources, risk, and long-term outcomes, your ability to think proactively becomes especially important. You can anticipate and prepare for potential problems and make choices to reduce their impact before they escalate. 

You’re often working with incomplete information, changing conditions, and competing priorities, which means there’s rarely a perfect answer. Instead, you rely on your ability to weigh trade-offs, question assumptions, and decide on a path that balances immediate needs with future stability.

When you approach challenges this way, your decisions are more measured, resilient, and better aligned with the bigger picture. These are skills that machines can’t replicate or replace. 

Over time, this consistency creates trust. People begin to rely on your perspective because they see that your decisions are thoughtful and grounded in experience, not rushed or reactive. That trust extends beyond individual decisions and starts to shape how teams and organizations operate, especially during uncertainty. 

A Moat That Strengthens Over Time

Unlike technical skills that can become outdated as tools evolve, your judgment compounds over time and becomes more valuable as the world grows more complex. Other people may have access to the same tools and information that you do, but they’ll never have your perspective or ability to synthesize everything into clear, confident decisions. 

This article Why Human Judgment Is The Ultimate Career Moat In 2026 was originally published on HerAgenda.com

A well-optimized LinkedIn profile can help you get noticed online. While it’s not a magic fix, it can open new opportunities that may not come from simply sending out applications. Think of your profile as a chance to share your story and show off what makes you unique. Here are a few ways you can make the most of LinkedIn and let your strengths stand out.

1. Define Your Personal Brand’s Core Message

This is the first step before you put anything on your profile. This foundation will shape how people will perceive you online. Your core message should encapsulate what you’re genuinely passionate about, what you’re good at, the outcome you help achieve, and what your industry or audience needs. You can fill in the blanks on this sentence:

“I help ____ do _____ by _____.”

You can also reach out to three trusted colleagues and ask them the first three words that come to mind when they think of your professional strengths. Look for the patterns and start from there.

2. Create A Profile That Tells Your Professional Story

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t a static resume, but a story of your career. Treat every section as an opportunity to guide a visitor through your professional journey. Show them who you are and the value you bring. First, write a keyword-rich headline to help your profile appear in more searches and enable people to find you quickly. Instead of using the usual “Job Title at Company” template, try this:

[Your Title] | Helping [Target Audience] with [Value] | [Industry Keyword or Specialty]

Next, upload a high-quality, professional headshot and banner image that communicates your expertise. In the “About” section, briefly tell the story of your career and highlight two to three major achievements. End with a call to action, such as inviting people to connect or to send you a private message. 

3. Develop A Content Strategy That Builds Authority

Consistent posting can make your profile more visible to others. It takes about 20 social media posts per month to reach 60% of your audience on the platform. You don’t need to become a full-time content creator to build your brand. Start committing to one post per week. 

Find one interesting idea, article, or research related to your industry and write a short post sharing your unique take on it. You can also use LinkedIn’s poll feature to ask a question, create engagement, and learn about your audience’s opinions.

4. Learn How To Respond Well

Your personal brand shines the most when you interact with people. Responding to comments and direct messages is your first line of engagement. Acknowledge them promptly. A simple, “Thanks for sharing your perspective,” shows you’re present, listening, and may get you an interview for a dream job.

After leveraging your LinkedIn to snag a promising opportunity, you have to nail the conversation. This is where your brand goes from digital to tangible. Take the health care industry, for example. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment in health care occupations to grow by 13% between 2021 and 2031, suggesting plentiful opportunities but fierce competition. Being prepared for common interview questions is what will validate the powerful personal brand you’ve built.

5. Engage With Your Network

Engagement helps build a sense of community. Take a moment to cheer on your connections, celebrate their wins, and offer a helping hand when you’re able. These gestures can make a positive impression on recruiters and even open new doors for you. 

Each morning, spend five minutes on your feed. Leave two thoughtful comments on others’ posts and share one person’s accomplishment or a post that you found valuable. Acknowledge work anniversaries, promotions, and new jobs. Who knows, a quick “Congrats!” might reopen a conversation with a valuable contact.

Control Your Narrative

Building a strong personal brand is all about taking small, meaningful steps. Start by thinking about the message you want to share, update your profile, and connect with others genuinely. When you show up authentically, the right people are more likely to notice you.

This article How To Leverage LinkedIn To Build A Powerful Personal Brand Identity was originally published on HerAgenda.com

When I first met Marvin*, he had already burned so many bridges that I wondered whether we would have enough time to do any meaningful work in therapy. He had managed to piss off just about every medical clinic in the area. At 75, his 6’4, 300 lb. frame was matched by his booming voice, and he took issue with everything from a misplaced sign in the lobby to a hello he perceived as disingenuous.

My first meeting with him amounted to a challenging game of “what if I told you …” to see if my reactions passed muster in his internal checklist of what made a person trustworthy. I must have passed because he came back.
We continued to meet over the course of a year, unpacking a past that was as adventurous and plot-twisting as an epic novel. He could tell a story like nobody’s business. My favorite involved him hitch-hiking across the country during the 1970s and being picked up by a middle-class, suburban couple with a 10-year-old son sitting in the back of a Ford station wagon – the kind that kids could sit facing out the back.

Marvin tried to have a conversation with the couple, but in a relatively short time, he realized that he did not share much in common with the couple. Back then, he looked like a hippie, and I relished the image of him as his 30-year-old self with long hair and beard. He knew his ride would not last long, so out he went, dropped at the corner of a Los Angeles intersection. His favorite memory of all time was that of the young boy in the back of the station wagon looking at him and holding up a peace sign, as they drove off.

The way Marvin told that story, I could imagine every detail, and the moment he locked eyes with the boy who had sent up a sign of fraternity, something in him changed. He felt a connection to something bigger than himself. He chuckled, remembering the moment.

Marvin’s therapy was bumpy and difficult at times, but we were making progress and working through the anger that was buried in that gruff exterior. I was hopeful for him.
But a spot on his lung changed all that.

We tried to remain optimistic after that, but I was often filled with a profound sadness after our sessions, knowing that we would not ever achieve the outcomes we had hoped for. The focus of our work shifted. He was in denial about his prognosis much of the time, and I did not push him. His grumpiness returned as his pain increased, and the gains we had made in his life satisfaction slipped away. He was very out of sorts for our last session.

Three days later he was hospitalized with organ failure. When I got the call, I knew there would be no one to visit him, no flowers delivered, no cards to open. Marvin was the last surviving member of his family and never had a family of his own. He had no close friends, just a few neighbors who I only knew by first name. He had no significant attachments. I went to visit him that evening.

When I entered his hospital room, his face lit up. “Are you on duty?”

“Nope. Here as your friend.”

I know that in our profession, we are not “friends” with those we treat. We make that very clear. But the truth is that many of our patients make a very deep and lasting impression on us. Bearing witness to someone’s life story and deep pain is the most honorable experience you can ever have.

I don’t remember much of what we talked about that evening. He was in a lot of pain. At some point, I looked at the clock and saw that visiting hours were over, and I had a pit in my stomach. I knew I would never see him again. I think he knew that, too, because when I got up to say goodbye, his eyes were moist. I held his hand and smiled, “See you in my office when you get out of this place.” He smiled back. We both knew I was lying.

As I backed out of his room, I held up a peace sign. I hadn’t planned to do that, and it seemed like an awkward thing to do, but he flashed a smile and laughed his big, boisterous laugh. He got it.

The next day, I received the news that he had died.

Peace out, Marvin. I will never forget you.

* Name changed to protect his privacy.

Pat Blumenthal, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and Director of Behavioral Health at The Portland Clinic in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in grief and loss and is a certified Grief Counselor. Dr. Blumenthal is also a contributor to the Huffington Post on issues related to mental health and has an active Instagram account where she shares relevant information on mental illness and coping skills.

This piece originally appeared on Modern Loss. Rebecca Soffer explores these themes weekly—often with reader stories—in her Substack.

This article Therapists Grieve Their Patients When They Die was originally published on HerAgenda.com

There is a phrase that has been circulating in marketing circles for a while now: “Think global, act local.” It sounds simple, but the strategy behind it is more layered than it appears, and it is proving to be one of the most effective approaches businesses can take right now. That strategy has a name: hyperlocal marketing.

What Is Hyperlocal Marketing?

“Hyperlocal marketing is a targeted marketing strategy that focuses on reaching a highly localized and specific audience within a defined geographic area,  often as small as a neighborhood or community,” as stated by this International Research Journal of Marketing & Economics paper. Instead of trying to reach everyone, the goal is to reach the right people in a very specific place, at the right moment. It relies on location-based data, consumer behavior insights, and community-specific trends to make that connection feel more real.

Think about it this way: a coffee shop sending a discount notification to everyone within a one-mile radius during the morning commute is not the same as blasting a generic ad to an entire city, and instead, it feels like a conversation.

Where Does Hyperlocal Marketing Show Up?

As reported by MarTech, major global brands including Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Heineken use hyperlocal platforms for neighborhood-level targeting, proving the model works for large companies seeking local precision, not just small ones. According to Custom Market Insights, in regions like Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, hyperlocal models are being used to expand services into underserved and rural areas while supporting local artisans and small merchants through online platforms.

Why It Works In A Global Economy

Here is the tension that makes hyperlocal marketing so relevant right now: the world is more connected than ever, but people still want to feel seen where they actually live. Global brands often struggle with this. As noted by author Kiran Pius in a CleverTap article, with 84% of consumers searching online for local businesses daily, the demand for location-relevant marketing has never been higher. A hyperlocal strategy answers that demand by meeting people in the specific context of their neighborhood, culture, and daily behavior, rather than assuming one message fits everyone.

According to this Shopify article by author Elise Dopson, this year is being shaped by what marketers are calling “phygital” consumers, people who move fluidly between physical and digital channels within a single shopping experience. Hyperlocal marketing is one of the few strategies that works across both.

4 Ways To Apply Hyperlocal Marketing To Your Business Or Career

1. Optimize Your Local Online Presence: “Add hyperlocal keywords to your listing descriptions, enable Q&A features, and highlight promotions or offers in your Google Business Profile,” as Kiran Pius from CleverTap recommends in the article mentioned above. If you have a business with a registered location, this is one of the lowest-effort, highest-impact moves you can make.
2. Create Content That Reflects Your Community: Stories about neighborhood events, local partnerships, or community initiatives build emotional connections that generic content cannot replicate, whether you run a brand’s social media or have a freelance business. Speaking to a specific place signals that you understand it, because you live there! 
3. Think About Partnerships At The Local Level: Collaborating with neighborhood businesses, local influencers, or community organizations builds credibility that paid advertising alone cannot buy. Trust is still hyperlocal, even in a global economy, and you can probably notice this happening in the nearest coworking space around you. 
4. Use Your Location As A Professional Asset: If you are a freelancer, consultant, or entrepreneur, your regional knowledge is a competitive advantage. Clients and brands often want someone who understands the cultural nuance of a specific market, because hyperlocal marketing is the recognition that global reach means nothing if it fails to resonate where people actually are. 

This article How To Use Hyperlocal Marketing In A Global Economy was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Balancing personal and professional life is a juggling act that may seem impossible at times. Knowing when to take a break and make time for your partner is key to creating a strong bond. Making time and spending time– but more importantly, being present is what will sustain your relationship.

If you’re goal-oriented and find that a busy career takes up the majority of your time, it can be difficult to create a strong bond with your partner. Defining a level of importance and priority in your life can bring about balance and peace. If you’re not sure where to begin, keep reading!

1. Think As A Unit

A part of prioritizing your partner is understanding that you and your partner are one. Thinking as a unit means everything is plural and says “we.” This means that you are considering your partner when making almost all of your decisions. If they truly matter to you, you’re including them in your daily activities, whether that’s making them aware or inviting them to join. Bonds are created and sustained together; both parties have to be involved and invested.

Ascension Counseling says going from “me vs. you” to “we’re in this together” is the key. The biggest shift in many relationships isn’t dramatic. It’s a quiet decision to act like a team, especially when life gets loud. “We” thinking turns everyday stress into an opportunity to stand side by side instead of across from each other.

2. Listen More Than You Speak

We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listening is imperative, especially when it comes to relationships. Being able to effectively hear your partner out, understand what they are conveying, and respond accordingly can make all the difference. Communication is the foundation of bonding with your partner, especially when you’re balancing a busy career.

According to Verywell Mind, Active listening goes beyond simply hearing words and also involves being present, noticing nonverbal cues, and engaging with the speaker to understand both the meaning and intent.

3. Express Gratitude Often

Just as you express gratitude for grand gestures, do the same for small things as well. It’s also important to let your partner know you’re thankful for non-material things as well. It could be kind gestures, thoughtfulness, or whatever your love language reads. Letting them know they are appreciated goes a long way. Never underestimate the power of a grateful heart.

Montgomery Counseling Group says some key benefits of gratitude include:

• Deepening emotional intimacy – Gratitude can make your partner feel valued. It helps your partner if they are seen, heard, and valued.
• Reducing tension – It is easier to handle disagreements among partners when your relationship is built on the foundation of gratitude and appreciation rather than criticism.
• Increasing relationship satisfaction – Research shows that couples who regularly express gratitude and appreciate each other report higher levels of happiness together.

4. Be Your Partner’s Safe Space

Every relationship thrives on safety and vulnerability. If your partner feels safe enough to be vulnerable, sustaining a bond is possible. No matter how busy you get, making time to be your partner’s safe haven on a bad day, a great day, or just being present is a gift in itself. Also, knowing that you also have that support is a priceless feeling, knowing you have someone in your corner who genuinely cares and wants the best for you.

According to Insight to Action, when we choose to enter into a relationship or a partnership, we are choosing to take on another human being’s concerns and make them our own. We support each other, encourage each other, defend each other, and soothe each other. It’s part of the deal! In a good relationship, both people work to be each others’ sanctuary. Knowing how to help your partner de-stress is an important aspect of being your partner’s safe place.

5. Let Vulnerability Be A Gateway To Understanding

As stated above, vulnerability is what cements a bond; it’s how your partner gets to truly understand you and who you are. Your past experiences don’t make you, but they play a part in your being. Allowing yourself to open up to your partner comes with trust, and with busy careers and lives, trust must be solidified.

Verywell Mind says, no matter what type of relationship we’re talking about—be it friendship, familial, or romantic—vulnerability is key to fostering a closer, deeper, and more authentic bond with another person. It keeps us honest with each other and ourselves, breaks down walls, eliminates the potential for miscommunication and misunderstandings, and allows us to be wholly ourselves.

This article 5 Ways To Build A Stronger Bond With Your Partner While Balancing A Busy Career was originally published on HerAgenda.com

When it comes to mental health, it should be prioritized and not taken lightly. Your mental health determines your well-being, your sanity, and your career. Focusing on maintaining good mental health makes all the difference in how you lead your life as well as your outlook on life.

Mental health is a career requirement, not a luxury, because without it, you won’t be able to function properly. Just as everything begins and ends with your brain, if your mental health is off, so will everything else in your life.

Your Mental Health Determines Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle is created and dependent on your beliefs and how you view the world. Doing uplifting and positive activities elevates your brainwave and keeps the endorphins flowing. The things you invite into your life, decide to place yourself around, and the kind of people you engage with are all a part of the makeup of your lifestyle. This contribution is how your mental health determines your lifestyle. Your decisions ultimately define your outcome.

According to Psychiatry.org, Research suggests healthy lifestyle behaviors and habits promote mental health and wellness and can be used to both prevent and treat mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychotic disorders. These lifestyle behaviors are grouped into six general categories:

• Physical activity
• Diet and Nutrition
• Mind-body and mindfulness practices
• Restorative sleep
• Social connections
• Avoiding harmful substances

Your Outlook On Life Depends On Your Mental Health

If you wake up every morning with a negative mindset, that sets the tone for your day. Your outlook and perspective are all you have in your world, so beginning each day positively relies heavily on your mental health. Managing your mood, taking care of yourself, and speaking life into yourself all play an integral part in your life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

• Increased life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress and pain
• Greater resistance to illnesses
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke
• Reduced risk of death from cancer
• Reduced risk of death from respiratory conditions
• Reduced risk of death from infections
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

You Won’t Have A Career If You Don’t Have Good Mental Health

It’s hard to focus on a career when your life is falling apart, or it feels like it. Creating a balance with your personal and professional life is pivotal when it comes to your mental health. You have to choose yourself first, make time to hone in on healthy choices, people, and circumstances to prevent the likes of stress, anxiety, and burnout; otherwise, a career isn’t feasible.

Serene Health states that recognizing when your mental health is being neglected is a crucial step toward better well-being. It’s not always as evident as physical health changes, and sometimes, it’s the small, subtle shifts that can signal a need for attention. One sign is a severe change in your mood, where you might become more irritable, sad, or anxious than usual. Similarly, changes in sleep patterns — either sleeping too much or struggling with insomnia — can be a sign that you need to check your mental health.

You may also notice a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed or a decrease in your ability to concentrate or make decisions. 

Think Of Your Mental Health As A Means Of Life Or Death

Good mental health is a career requirement, not a luxury, because your life is at stake. Conditions such as depression and seasonal affective disorder can be as dangerous as life or death. Knowing how to monitor yourself and notice when things are becoming too overwhelming is key. Sometimes you have to take a break, step back, and reset. This may even mean taking a few days off. Your mental health should always come first.

Plan Street adds that untreated mental health is often identified with a sense of hopelessness, sadness, worthlessness, feelings of guilt, anxiety, fear, and a perceived loss of control. When you’re feeling these symptoms, you must seek tips and treatment for mental health from a certified professional before it’s too late.

This article Why Good Mental Health Is A Career Requirement, Not A Luxury was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Relaxing and self-care go hand in hand when it comes to off days. Work can be overwhelming, stressful, and consuming. Off days offer an opportunity to reset, relax, and do whatever brings you comfort.

Off days should be relaxing and a reset from the hustle and bustle that work brings. If you have no idea what to do with your day or time, Her Agenda has five relaxing options to consider that could make your day worthwhile

1. Create A Home Spa

If home is where the heart is, creating a home spa will set the tone for ultimate relaxation. How does a warm bubble bath, candles, your favorite beverage, soothing therapeutic music, and dim lights sound? 

Making your home a spa doesn’t have to be expensive. You can purchase all your essentials at a reasonable price, and the best part is you’re practicing self-care while saving money. If baths aren’t your thing, showers can provide the same endorphins, and shower steamers are an aromatherapy that also clears your sinuses. 

2. Unplug From Social Media

Cutting off the world every now and then can be the best form of therapy. Social media can be consuming and overwhelming at times. When was the last time you took a break, put your phone down, and did an activity that you enjoyed? Unplugging from social media has many benefits, such as strengthened connections and relationships, less anxiety and stress, and peace.

Try unplugging after work and spending at least an hour in silence. According to Lone Star Neurology, beyond improving clarity, silence helps regulate mood and reduce emotional stress. People can relax and concentrate on their inner experiences, as it’s important to rest both physically and mentally. Silence significantly affects cognitive functions, and the benefits of silence become apparent through long-term practice. It helps people work more efficiently and process information more effectively

3. Sleep In

Sleeping in is like the reward after training for the Olympics. It’s something that not many are afforded the opportunity to do, so when the chance is presented, take it. Bask in the element of doing absolutely nothing, and being fine with it.

The CDC says:

Getting enough sleep can help you:

• Get sick less often.
• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Reduce stress and improve your mood.
• Improve your heart health and metabolism.
• Lower your risk of chronic conditions like:
  • Type 2 diabetes.
  • Heart disease.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Stroke.

4. Declutter

Decluttering can be a chore, but only if you allow it to be. Think of decluttering as a means of getting rid of the old to make room for the new, at least that’s what my mom would say. Get in that closet and give away anything you haven’t worn in the last six months. Someone else can benefit from those new or gently worn clothes that are collecting dust in your closet.

Make it a party by creating a playlist and let the music distract you from what’s really going on. Think of how happy someone will be to actually wear the clothes you haven’t. Think of the decluttering as a means to purify your space and make room for anew. It can be a therapeutic sense of letting go and moving forward.

5. Enjoy A Nostalgic Hobby

Hobbies are the key to happiness. When you think about it, it’s what makes you happy, distracts you from the worries of the world, and for a split second, makes everything alright. Think about what hobby brings you that kind of nostalgia; now go do it!

According to UCLA Health, Hobbies that are mentally stimulating or involve physical activity may support cognitive health, positively affecting memory and decreasing the risk of dementia. A Japanese study analyzing the leisure activities of 50,000 adults aged 65 and older found that dementia risk decreases as the number of hobbies increases.

This article 5 Relaxing Things To Do On Your Day Off was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Millions of women in the U.S. are facing a career crisis, as massive layoffs continue across industries. After surviving several in my more than 20 years as a working professional, I’ve learned that survival after a layoff isn’t about talent alone. It’s really about strategy, optimism, resilience, and quick pivots. In the past decade, this meant freelancing, and it’s been my saving grace.

Getting laid off can feel destabilizing, but it can also be the push that forces you to rethink how you earn. Here’s how to get started:

1. Build a survival budget before anything else.

After a layoff and living off of savings for a while, things still got super-tight. It helps to simply accept that you are in a new normal with your finances.

Get clear on your numbers. As a former 9-to-5 employee, I was used to having a predictable income (and lots that fell under the “disposal” category). All of that changed over a short period of time.

Start by recalculating your bare-minimum monthly expenses—rent, utilities, food, transportation, and debt. Then add a buffer to double or triple that amount for a bit of runway while you wait for new client work to come in. And keep in mind: PTO goes out the window if you get sick and can’t complete a project. Unless you have insurance specific to the self-employed or through a spouse, your PTO is literally what you’re able to save in order to cover expenses when you can’t work.

Get rid of any non-essential expenses early, downsize where you can, and practice living on a leaner budget while you’re collecting unemployment, enjoying that severance check, or tapping into other post-layoff funds. This adjustment will help you avoid panic decisions, like underpricing your freelance work just to get paid quickly. 

2. Think outside the box about the services you’ll offer.

Losing my job due to a layoff forced me to take a hard look at the type and quality of work I do and what skills I could either expand, upgrade, or abandon altogether. Freelancing gave me the chance to try other career passions and challenge myself to do something new. I increased my knowledge for solving current problems in my industry in ways that went beyond my previous role.

As a trained journalist and editor, I’ve done everything from social media management, book editing, and events hosting to editorial calendar strategy, nonprofit project management, and sales.

When you think of your personal brand and offering services, be sure you aren’t limiting your personal growth, earning potential, or client pool. Create an online presence via your LinkedIn or a two-page website (created via platforms like Squarespace, Canva, or Wix) that reflects your specialties but allows for advancement and a bit of wiggle room in the future.

3. Price for sustainability, not desperation.

After a layoff, it’s tempting to accept any offer just to regain stability, but trust me when I tell you that low rates can trap you in a cycle of overwork and burnout. Think beyond the immediate paycheck since your pricing needs to cover not just your time, but the cost of offering the service, the federal, state, and sometimes local taxes you have to pay, and any related but unpaid hours (like admin work and marketing).  

Consider that space between those Net-30 and Net-60 payouts as well, and find ways to almost guarantee steady work, like adding a clause for a mandatory six-month commitment for contracts. 

I’ve found the most sustainable success and less burnout in offering rates by the project and then offering hourly availability as an add-on, but do what’s best based on your industry and the nature of what you offer.

4. Treat finding clients like a fun but mandatory daily task.

When you’re starting out, dedicate at least an hour to outreach. This might include emailing businesses, reconnecting with past colleagues over happy hour or coffee, or showcasing your latest work consistently.

I actually landed my first major client for social media management services through someone I used to work with. And while I don’t necessarily like pitching, I’ve found fun ways to get the juices flowing, like timing myself, joining a group to run ideas, or shooting my shot to multiple prospects at a time, with unapologetic (almost delusional) confidence, as if speed dating.

You can also look for freelance gigs via the usual channels (Upwork, LinkedIn, and the like), but upgrade your strategy to include niche platforms like Contra, Toptal, or Dribble. Don’t overlook resources like your local business organizations, Craigslist, or Reddit, or hard-and-scrabble methods like cold-calling, direct sales, or door-knocking. I’ve learned that you can get an opportunity online, but the long-term, repeat clients often continue working with me because they’ve either met me in person or have had personal, relatable exchanges with me that built likability and trust.

Consistency (and not taking yourself so seriously all the time) matters more than perfection here, so small daily efforts can turn into a steady pipeline of prospective clients.

5. Plan for hidden costs and taxes early.

You’ll think getting a $6,000 contract for work is great until your federal taxes suck $3,000 from it, and a small filing mistake means an added $1,000 in penalties. Be prepared to pay quarterly taxes and err on the side of aggressively budgeting for them.

Use a self-employment tax calculator and set aside a percentage of every paid invoice as soon as you get that banking alert. Get referrals for hiring a tax preparer, financial advisor, or accountant who is used to working with freelancers or self-employed entrepreneurs. Consider hidden costs like software subscriptions, equipment upgrades, or internet and workspace bills.

Transitioning from a layoff to freelancing is a great way to build something stable and fulfilling. Approach this with an open mind, strategy, flexibility, and a bit of humor. You’ll soon get that self-made boost in confidence, earning potential, time flexibility, and financial freedom.

This article 5 Real-Life Tips To Thrive As A Freelancer After A Layoff was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Kerry Washington, a renowned American actress and producer, is recognized for her excellent performances in multiple television shows and movies in the entertainment industry. At 49 years old, she has built a career that has placed her at the forefront of Hollywood.

Influenced by growing up in the Bronx, a crucible of art and culture, this community formed the definition of her identity, creativity, and self – expression. As a result of this, she developed a passion for the performing arts.

This has transformed into a career that intersects acting, production, and entrepreneurship with the aim of amplifying marginalized voices and championing social change. From acting in numerous powerhouse roles to directing and producing films that impact people and communities, Kerry has made impactful and intentional strides throughout her career.

Acting: Building a Legacy of Powerful Performances

Washington has been acting for more than thirty years, delivering around 65 performances across film, television, and the stage. 

One of her first breakout roles was as a guest star in the film “Save the Last Dance”. She played Chenille, a direct and loyal best friend, bringing depth and heart to an otherwise side character. Her performance here highlighted the world of success that would be possible in her career. After this, she continued to play strategic and diverse roles in films like “Ray”, “The Last King of Scotland”, “Django Unchained”, and “Fantastic Four”, ensuring her name stayed relevant in film conversations.

She eventually rose to prominence with her portrayal of Olivia Pope in Shonda Rhimes’ acclaimed television series “Scandal,” which aired from 2012 to 2018. This role demonstrated her versatility as an actress and made her a symbol of empowerment for women of color in the media. This performance earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination, making her the first African American woman to be nominated for a lead role in a network television drama in nearly 40 years.

Additionally, she has received several Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Tony nominations and won multiple honors in the NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.

Recently, she has starred in the Knives Out mystery sequel, Wake Up Dead Man, the mystery drama Little Fire Everywhere, the comedy drama UnPrisoned, the crime thriller Animals, the historical drama The Six Triple Eight, and the TV drama Imperfect Women.

Directing & Producing: Creating a Seat at the Table

Kerry Washington noted that one of the greatest gifts of her career is stepping into producing and directing, so she’s no longer waiting to be invited to the party. She’s building a table that she actually wants to be at. In directing and producing, she has more agency, more authority, more choice, and more power. 

She first got into directing in 2018, when she went behind the camera to lead several episodes of Scandal. Since then, she has directed a couple of episodes in Insecure, SMILF, and Reasonable Doubt.

As a producer, Kerry has created about sixteen stories that reflect a diverse range of visual and audio experiences. In 2016, she co-founded the production company Simpson Street, named after the Bronx street where she grew up, aiming to create content that empowers women and communities of color.

Simpson Street focuses on storytelling across film, television, and podcasts, producing standout projects such as Netflix’s 2019 Emmy-nominated TV movie American Son, the NAACP Image Award-nominated action thriller Shadow Force, Hulu’s 2020 Emmy-nominated miniseries Little Fires Everywhere, the NAACP Image Award-nominated Audible podcast The Prophecy, Hulu’s comedy-drama UnPrisoned, and the new Apple TV series Imperfect Women.

The production company also produces Reasonable Doubt, Raamla Mohamed’s legal drama for Hulu, which earned a fourth-season renewal in November. She is also currently developing Wisteria Lane, a Desperate Housewives spin-off for Onyx Collective, and an Audible series Between Me and You with Jurnee Smollett. Lastly, Netflix recently revealed that she will star in and executive-produce director Jaume Collet-Serra’s upcoming film, An Innocent Girl.

Producing with Purpose

By producing, Washington has been able to create more opportunities for herself and take more risks. For instance, by acting in and producing an action movie, she created an opportunity for herself. This has afforded her the chance to work in a way where she’s always challenging herself. 

Kerry has discussed Simpson Street’s mission and the types of stories they produce. They like their work to be very specific, as the universal is in the specific. In an article by The Wrap, she said, “What we’re looking for when we say what makes us all the same is we all want the same things. We want to belong, we want to be loved, we want to feel safe, we want to live a life filled with justice and security. So how do we find those real core human values that we’re all looking for, but in a costume or in a context that feels unique and like something you’ve never seen before?”

Simpson Street looks for stories about very unique people, cultures, and situations, but develops stories and frameworks that are about the things we all share. Kerry has also imbued collaboration into Simpson Street. They have partnered with Reese Witherspoon’s company, Hello Sunshine, on Little Fires Everywhere and Elisabeth Moss’s company, Love & Squalor Pictures, on Imperfect Women. 

As Kerry Washington has grown as a woman and a creative, she dedicates herself to the power of art to change culture and transform hearts and minds.

This article How Kerry Washington Turned Acting Credits Into Production Power was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Amy DuBois Barnett has spent nearly 30 years deciding whose stories get told. As the editors-in-chief of Honey, Teen People, and Ebony, Amy led Black media into a whole new era. But after building iconic brands for Disney, Paramount, and Hearst, Amy has returned to her first love: storytelling through fiction. Her debut novel, If I Ruled the World, is already being hailed as a 2026 must-read, with a major television adaptation already in development at Hulu.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Amy’s current chapter is her refusal to subscribe to traditional timelines. In a society where social media creates major pressure to achieve everything by 30, Amy is making her debut as a novelist and TV writer in her 50s. 

“Wherever you are is where you are,” she says. 

She is adamant that women should stop measuring their progress against the highlight reels of others. For Amy, this moment isn’t just a new career, but a return to her original dream. Though she spent years as a corporate executive, she earned her MFA in creative writing in her 20s. Her story is a powerful testament that there is no delay when it comes to your desires. Your goals are always available to be accomplished. 

Amy’s career is an excellent example of overcoming the stigma that women in leadership face. In the previously reported Women in the Workplace report, women, particularly women of color, are often overlooked. The research shows that for every 100 men promoted to manager, only 87 women (and 81 women of color) make that first step. Amy beat these odds by leading with a mix of creative vision and a relentless business mindset. For example, she redesigned the mission and logo of Ebony during her tenure.

Amy Dubois Barnett Uses Manifestation To Reach Her Goals

One of the most compelling parts of Amy’s journey is her focus on manifestation. For Amy, manifestation isn’t about vision boards.

“You know, for me it’s not like cutting pictures out of a magazine and putting ’em on a poster board. I mean, that may work for some people. That’s just not how I do it,” she stated during the episode. “I don’t think about, okay, what can I do to get to my goal, right? I think, who do I have to be? Like, what, who, how am I walking through the world in order to be the person that has this goal?”

She emphasizes that the universe doesn’t grant opportunities you don’t truly feel you deserve. This commitment, paired with a strong work ethic, is how she moved her manuscript from a 15-year shelf-life to a development deal with Lee Daniels.

Despite her massive wins, Amy is candid about the losses as well. She recalls a moment during the 2008 recession when a signed contract was pulled by a CEO before the ink was dry, leaving her without a job. 

“It is not done until the ink is dry,” she warns. 

These setbacks, however, became her motivation. By letting the failures inform her perspective, she returned to the industry stronger, wiser, and ready to rule the world.

Click the image below to listen everywhere podcasts are available. Watch on YouTube here.

This article Amy DuBois Barnett On Manifesting Big Goals And Achieving Them was originally published on HerAgenda.com

When it comes to being an ambitious and professional woman, building a big life is possible, but it also comes with sacrifices. Working towards your professional goals will require missing a few birthdays and some holidays. However, having it all—a thriving career you can be proud of, getting married, and having children can all be a part of the big picture, with balance.

Oftentimes, it takes a while to reach career goals, whether you’re an entrepreneur or seeking to become a partner at a law firm. The years of the 30s can creep up quite fast, which can present added pressures to have babies without high risk. Yet again, it is all possible.

Create A Realistic Motherhood Plan

Take some time and write out what getting pregnant looks like for you in one to two years. Having it in black and white may spark a fire to prioritize more family time and the urge to expand your family. Remember, this plan is for you, not from the outside world telling you that you have so many years until you’re premenopausal.

Talking to your primary care doctor and OB-GYN can also provide you with a great source of information. Knowing what to expect, what works for you, and how you will have to alter your lifestyle will be proactive and beneficial methods when you decide to start your journey of motherhood.

Consider Freezing Your Eggs

This is a popular option that can “buy you some time” to decide when you’re ready to begin your pregnancy journey. This process can take away the anxiety and stress from reproducing while still sustaining your career and building the life you’ve always wanted.

According to Dr. Saira Jhutty, PhD, of Cofertility, Egg freezing can be emotionally complex. For some women, it brings a sense of relief by creating more perceived time and flexibility. For others, it introduces new layers of decision fatigue, financial stress, or emotional ambiguity. Both responses are valid, and neither says anything definitive about what you want or don’t want long-term.

Enlist A Surrogate 

For a busy professional woman, a surrogate can be a godsend. This isn’t taking the easy road out; it’s making your process align with your lifestyle. Life and work can be stressful, which isn’t good for pregnancy, so hiring someone who’s qualified to help bring a healthy baby along with your help and guidance, and reduce anxiety and demands that age presents.

According to Fertility Preservation, here are the essential areas to consider when choosing a Surrogate:

• Age
• Lifestyle
• Location
• Personality
• Health history
• Willingness to carry multiples
• Pregnancy and delivery history
• Previous experience with surrogacy
• Openness to high or low levels of contact
• Willingness to continue the relationship after delivering the child (if parents desire)

Evaluate If Kids Are Something You Really Want

Everyone doesn’t have to have children. If you are comfortable having a successful career or business and the freedom that comes with not having kids, don’t let society, family, or friends pressure you into something you don’t desire. The reality is, you’ll be up all night with a newborn while they’re sound asleep.

Walden University found that for many adults, a key benefit of not having kids is being able to invest more time and effort into their careers. In a Pew Research Center finding, 44% of child-free adults under 50 said their career success was easier to achieve without the responsibilities of parenting. Adults without children may have more flexibility to travel, work overtime, relocate for a current or new position, or assume additional short- or long-term responsibilities.

This article How To Navigate The Biological Clock While Building A Big Life was originally published on HerAgenda.com

As a professional looking to make a mark in your career, your workplace wardrobe is a subtle but impactful way to do so. Your clothing choices represent both your personal style and your professional ambition. Having a good work wardrobe is important as it affects perception as well as disposition. It should make you look and feel professional and confident. 

Crafting a professional wardrobe that reflects your goals and aspirations is key to making a lasting impression in the business world.

However, to do this, you have to understand the foundational models behind building a good work wardrobe and, more importantly, the practical steps to take, such as selecting the right pieces and styling them appropriately. In this piece, I’ll explore the key elements of creating a wardrobe that reflects your ambition.

How To Think About Your Workplace Wardrobe

Before getting into the specific clothes to buy and how to style them professionally, there are a few concepts to note that influence these steps. 

Focus on Your Fit and Comfort – Your work wardrobe shouldn’t have you counting down the hours until you can change. Focus on fit, such as relaxed trousers, a comfortable gown, or high-waisted pants, and comfort using breathable fabrics (like cotton or linen blends), adjustable waistbands, and silhouettes that let you move easily through your day.

Understand Your Organization’s Dress Codes – Before building your work wardrobe, you need to know the different dress codes that are common in the business world and, more importantly, your specific organization. This will help you navigate the company’s expectations and requirements. 

Separate your Work Wardrobe from your Regular Wardrobe – I recommend building a completely separate work wardrobe, as it makes it easier to create outfits by reducing decision fatigue. A ‘dual wardrobe’ model means you can compartmentalize your professional fits and personal fits, making it easy to dress with intention and clarity.

Audit the Work Wear You Already Have – Take inventory of your current work wardrobe and assess each piece. Does it fit well, suit your professional image, and make you feel confident? Sort items into keep, alter, replace, or remove, and note any gaps like missing blazers, trousers, or versatile basics. This helps you invest in new pieces and build your wardrobe intentionally.

Incorporate Your Personal Style – There is no one-size-fits-all work wardrobe. The basics might get you started, but you must also consider the workplace culture and your own style. Experiment and find what fits your body shape and personality. Adding a touch of personal style is a good way to express individuality. For instance, you can opt for silk scarves, statement necklaces, or stylish shoes to add flair to basic looks. This will not only make you feel confident and comfortable in your clothes, but also set you apart from others. 

Setting Up Your Workplace Wardrobe

Start With Quality Basics

The foundation of a workplace wardrobe is a set of quality and classic basics. These are staple pieces that can be mixed and matched to create endless outfit possibilities. Some must-have basics include a well-tailored blazer, a white button-down shirt, a bold midi skirt, tailored trousers, a camel coat, comfortable commuter flats, a range of different tops (shirts, knit sweaters, cardigans), and a versatile corporate black dress. When choosing these pieces, find one that fits your silhouette perfectly and complements your shape. These pieces make up the basic capsule wardrobe, and if chosen right, 20 pieces could be all you need (e.g., 3 blazers, 3 pairs of pants, 3 skirts, 8 tops, 3 pairs of shoes).

Bring In Statement Pieces

To reflect your personal style, you need to incorporate one or two statement items per outfit: a patterned blouse, a standout necklace, or a unique blazer. These can be comfortably paired with basics. As the seasons change, new trends emerge, so it’s good to incorporate trending pieces with the basic pieces mentioned in order to build a tailored work wardrobe. 

Another way to make a statement is to bring in less than subtle colours. Earth tones, muted pastels, and soft jewel shades add interest without distracting from your professionalism. Try layering a soft olive shirt under a charcoal blazer, or team taupe trousers with a soft grey sweater.

Accessorize With Detail

The details matter. A well-chosen belt, a classic watch, a patterned scarf, or understated jewellery can make basics feel intentional and personalized. Avoid loud and flashy accessories, and instead let your accessories support your outfit. Keep them refined and complementary.

This article How To Build A Wardrobe That Matches Your 2026 Ambition  was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Millennial women are defining their own paths, both professionally and personally. Instead of choosing traditional routes of marriage and motherhood, millennials are choosing careers over carriages. The focus is on success first, and children may be, after.

Her Agenda has gathered some key findings and reasoning behind the decline in the current birth rate. If you’re curious about the effects workplace pressures have on making major life decisions, keep reading.

What Is The ‘Motherhood Penalty’?

Many factors come into play for women when it comes to motherhood, as she is the one sacrificing so much from her body, emotions, work, and more.

According to Jasmine Escalera, Zety’s Career Expert, America’s declining birthrate is more than just a cultural shift; it’s a direct consequence of the “motherhood penalty” and corporate culture.

Zety Data states that 87% of mothers say they have missed out on promotions and growth opportunities due to becoming a parent, and 90% had to alter their career path. This is also known as the motherhood penalty, as women rightfully take maternity leave, their spots are often temporarily filled or replaced by someone else. This leads women to feel as if bearing a child is not a primary factor while they are chasing their goals and dreams. Thus, the decline of childbirth and the rise of millennial entrepreneurs and successful businesswomen.

Millennial Women Are Choosing To Have Fewer Or No Kids At All

The Zety Data also revealed that 84% of mothers felt like their pregnancy was viewed as an inconvenience at work, and 77% actually feared telling their boss or coworkers that they were pregnant. Entering the “Pregnancy Postpone Effect.”

The “pregnancy postone effect” evaluates the mother’s belief that having a child is a setback or disadvantage. As a result, millennial women prefer to postpone having children until they are settled into their careers and solidified. Although job security and negative reactions are still a heightened fear for many women, according to Zeta Data. 

Maternity Leave Expectations Are Shortening

The Zeta Data also highlights that 81% of mothers were asked to return to work early or adjust their maternity leave specifically for their employer’s benefit. The inconsiderate and unjust manner of the workplace can be brutal and selfish, prompting stress and anxiety at the worst time, during postpartum.

Ultimately, there aren’t many positive outcomes to having children if you’re looking to have an elevated career. Companies prioritize themselves and don’t allow mothers proper time to heal or bond with their babies.

According to Bonnie Marcus of Forbes, motherhood penalizes professional women in several ways. Not only does it negatively affect their income and leadership status, but it also influences their ability to get promoted and hired. They are often overlooked when it comes to career-advancing opportunities.

As a result, millennial career women are painting their paths in their 20s and 30s and choosing to have children or not in their late 30s or early 40s. This isn’t a negative note, as life’s essentials require more revenue, and stability comes with age and maturity.

Today’s Parent states that being an over-40 mom was considered unusual and even dangerous in the past, but today it’s more common and has fewer risks, thanks to medical advancements. A lot of parents wait to start a family once their careers are in focus, they’ve attained a certain level of financial stability, they’ve taken the time to find the right partner, or they’ve benefited from advancements in infertility treatments. Parenthood has become a personal choice based on circumstances, and not a deviation from a single “right” timeline.

This article Why More Women Are Delaying Motherhood To Establish Their Careers was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Due to a rise in demand for both flexibility and autonomy within the workplace, there has been an uptick in the presence of solopreneurs. According to an article in the US Chamber of Commerce, a solopreneur is an individual building and running a business on their own without any employees. They handle every aspect of the business, including delivering the work, marketing, and customer service. 

Thanks to technology and artificial intelligence, AI, solopreneurs can now get started and hit the ground running. Furthermore, with the now lower barrier to entry, solopreneurs can start, grow, and scale with the help of autonomous agents. A study conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the nation’s 29.8 million solopreneurs, businesses with no paid employees, contribute $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy, representing 6.8% of total economic activity.

Mark Valentino, Los Angeles-based head of business banking for Citizens Bank, chatted with CNBC, regarding the fact that he has seen a large increase in business loan applications for solopreneurs. In that same article, Angela Berardino credits AI with being able to strike out on her own as the solo founder of boutique marketing firm Brouhaha Collective. “I know, everything is AI these days, but at a startup level: AI has given me an army of admins and interns that take notes on calls, do first rounds of research, and help me analyze large data sets,” stated Angela Beraridino.

What Is An Autonomous Agent

An article by, 21AI, an AI development company, defines autonomous agents as AI systems capable of performing tasks and making decisions independently, once given a defined objective. They are designed to operate without ongoing human input, using available context to act in real time.

Furthermore, in the world of a solopreneur, autonomous agents allow for a vast landscape of opportunity. Meta’s head of business AI, Clara Shih, told CNBC, “The more AI does, the less people have to do, at least in traditional definitions of roles.”

How Can An Autonomous Agent Help You As A Solopreneur

Technology has granted several liberties. The ability to leverage skill, creativity, and a bit of elbow grease is allowing individuals to walk away from the traditional 9-5 work model. Specifically, paired with the access to use of a laptop coupled with the ladder, individuals now have access to entrepreneurship. With the power of autonomous agents, one set of hands can easily do the work of an infinite number of people. Making possibilities within the entrepreneur model essentially endless.

To further elaborate, this quote summarizes it all perfectly: “Solopreneurship also responds to rapid changes in the labor market, where skills and creativity are more valuable than organizational structures”, said Najiba Benabess, the business dean at Neumann University.

What The Future Holds

The rise of solopreneurship is being led by women. It is no surprise that women are leading this charge in this wave of flexibility, ownership, and realignment of what success looks like. An article by Biz Journals, a media outlet, shares that due to several factors, including:

• care taking responsibility
• a desire for ownership
• the need for flexibility
• unsatisfactory work-life balance
• the yearning for control
• a shift in what defines “success.”
• increasing fragility in job security
• decreased room for diversity and accommodation

Overall, women are not opting out of the workplace, it is the opposite, women are electing to build a career that has promise of longevity, sustainably and void of hierarchy. Although the future is not promised, the increasing number of women jumping on the solopreneurship bandwagon tells a clear story. It appears as if a huge shift in what work looks like is happening, and artificial intelligence is making room, closing gaps, and offering a leg up for those looking to join the movement.

This article The Rise Of The Solopreneur In The Age Of Autonomous Agents was originally published on HerAgenda.com

When you enter the workforce, whether that’s at age fourteen or age 40, you will have to sign a contract for a full-time job at a company, and it’s necessary to understand all of it, even if some of the terms might seem extremely common. The job contracts might include the term that presumes your employment to be “at-will.” This means that both the employer and the employee have the ability to end the contract and terminate the employment at any point for no reason. This is a labor doctrine both common and unique to the USA. Understanding the implications of “at-will” employment is crucial, as it has both pros and cons in our workforce.

At-Will Defined

The legal definition of at-will employment is employer can terminate an employee at any time for any reason, except an illegal one, or for no reason without incurring legal liability. Likewise, an employee is free to leave a job at any time for any or no reason with no adverse legal consequences. At-Will’s history in the USA stems from the end of the Civil War, created essentially by one person, Horace Wood. If, by the 13th amendment, everyone was free from involuntary servitude, legally, claimed Wood, employers could not be forced to keep servants either. However, starting with the Industrial Revolution and its severe factory conditions, at-will employment’s free-for-all rules began eroding immediately. In modern times, there are many key exceptions to the “no reason for firing” rule. For example, employers cannot fire you based on discrimination, retaliation, to prevent pension rights, and illnesses. Different states have different laws to expand protections. You can also unionize, effectively changing your contracts from “at-will” to “just cause”. 

Just-Cause Defined

Most countries around the world use a form of “just cause” employment rather than “at-will”. The legal definition of just cause employment is that employees may only be fired from their job for a legitimate reason. In the United States, government and union jobs tend to be just cause. In other countries, if employers do feel the need to fire people and they can’t find a legal just cause, they’re punished with statutory severance pay, where the terminated employee will receive a large amount of money. Poor performance in their job isn’t always enough to be a just cause, depending on the country’s labor regulations.

Pros And Cons

At-will employment is not the most advantageous doctrine for either employees or employers because it’s the most likely to lead to high turnover rates. About 50% of people already employed are still constantly looking for a new job. There is a lack of job security that people always feel. Plus, despite retaliation, discrimination, and other abuses of power often being illegal, they aren’t impossible to disguise.

However, there are plenty of positives as well. It gives the most freedom to employees to leave jobs without penalty. In just-cause, a contract traps employers with the same employees, preventing them from improving their workforce. The design of at-will focuses on skill and merit, so it promotes people who are good at their jobs to rise above those who aren’t.

How To Navigate “At-Will” Employment

If you’re ready to work “at-will”, you should try to keep track of your own performance just in case the company prepares to lay off people. You should document all the tasks and accomplishments you’ve achieved for the company, which will help you in future interviews, and note how others receive your work in case you are performing poorly. Remember the legal reasons for which your employer can and can’t fire you. Try to build a strong network while working in your company. By proactively managing your performance records and understanding your rights, you not only safeguard your current position but also prepare yourself for future opportunities.

This article Understanding At-Will Employment In The American Job Market was originally published on HerAgenda.com

The gig and side hustle economy has reshaped the labor market. Trends in employment all highlight a shift from the traditional one-to-two income household to workers juggling multiple streams of income to stay financially afloat in a challenging economy. 8.9 million Americans now hold multiple jobs, the highest ever since the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics started tracking this trend in 1994.  It’s no surprise that second jobs and side hustles have grown in popularity and in demand as a flexible way to make ends meet. Although the job market has changed and increased the ability to earn more money, tax obligations have not. All income still needs to be reported to the IRS each year during tax season.

Understanding taxes on its own can be overwhelming and opaque. When filing and reporting supplemental income, the math behind paying taxes from a side gig or freelance work can be even less transparent and more shocking.  

If you have a side hustle, don’t forget to manage your tax obligations this season. Avoid costly mistakes with strategies on how best to manage the tax liability on your additional income.

Here’s What To Know

Income from side jobs like delivery driving, contract work, freelance gigs, and selling goods and services typically does not withhold federal or state income taxes. Gig workers are considered independent contractors, responsible for paying their own taxes, unlike employees, whose tax withholdings are automatically withdrawn out of each paycheck.

According to the IRS, if you make more than $600 from goods and services outside of a conventional W-2 job, it must be reported on your tax returns. Be on the lookout for a 1099-K or 1099-NEC form from any businesses or services you’ve received income from to report on your personal taxes. Once you’re ready to file your personal taxes, additional income should be reported along with your employment tax documents, where your estimated tax payment on your profits will be determined.

Make sure to consult a Certified Professional Accountant or tax preparer regarding your specific tax situation on how best to navigate filing your additional income this tax season.

Keep Track Of Your Expenses For Possible Tax Deductions

Good recordkeeping is essential to a good tax strategy for your side hustle. Tracking out-of-pocket expenses and costs related to your side job will benefit you when filing during tax season.

Business losses and expenses help lower your taxable income and can be used as itemized deductions. Expenses incurred and equipment needed to carry out your side gig should be reported on your personal taxes to offset your tax liability. Ordinary and necessary business expenses can include home office or vehicle use by mileage, equipment and other costs associated with the job. Having a good record-keeping strategy for these expenses will help you be better prepared for filing your taxes.

A separate bank account for your side hustle keeps personal and business expenses separate and helps track costs to report these deductions in your tax filings. Keep physical and digital receipts of business-related expenses like supplies, home utility costs like your internet bill if your side job requires you to work from home and mileage and travel costs. Detailed records of your out-of-pocket costs related to your side job will make filing your personal taxes more efficient and lowers what you’ll potentially owe to the IRS.  

Consider Making Quarterly Tax Payments

If you are expecting a sizable revenue stream with your side gig, consider paying your taxes in advance throughout the year to avoid a large bill to the IRS during tax season. When making quarterly payments to the IRS, you are manually withholding earned wages to proactively pay taxes on that income. This strategy is on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether your earnings are significant or only a few extra bucks. Quarterly tax payments help lower your liability when filing your personal taxes, as it spreads your payments over time throughout the year vs. a lump sum.

Prepare Early For Future Estimated Tax Payments

Take control of your own tax liability and set aside some of your earnings to be prepared for any estimated tax payments you may have to make come tax season. Utilize a high-yield savings account and stash away a percentage of what you make from your side gig.

If you are a contractor, self-employed, or have a side job, the general recommendation is to save around 25-30% of your income to cover your tax liability, according to the national tax services company Jackson Hewitt. This percentage is in line with what would normally come out of your paycheck for federal and state taxes and helps cover future tax payments. Every tax situation is different, however, and in some cases, saving less or more for your estimated tax bill may be ideal. A good rule of thumb is to set aside some of your income made from your side hustle, no matter how small, as taxes will always be owed on the total amount every tax season.

This article Why You Need A Separate Tax Strategy For Your Side Hustle was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Growing up, many of us were handed a clear script: study hard, earn a degree, get a good job, and the rest will follow. It was not a lie, exactly. But it was never the whole story.

For many Gen Z graduates, the gap between expectation and reality has been jarring. As of the end of 2025, the underemployment rate for recent college graduates rose to 42.5%, the highest level since 2020, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. That number does not mean a degree is worthless. It means a degree alone was never meant to be the whole answer.

The Promise We Were Sold

The idea that education guarantees immediate career success is not just oversimplified. It is a narrative that has been packaged and sold for decades, often to communities that had the most to lose when it did not pan out. First-generation college students, immigrants, people of color, and women were told that getting a degree was the key. What no one explained clearly enough is that the door still requires effort, networking, and continuous skill-building to open.

A 2025 Graduate Employability report from Cengage Group found that only 30% of 2025 graduates secured full-time jobs related to their degree, and nearly half felt unprepared to apply for entry-level positions. Nearly half! 

The report also found that graduates report personal referrals, prior work experience, and interview skills as more decisive in securing employment than the degree itself. In other words, what you do around and after your education matters as much as the degree you carry.

That is a structural signal that the education-to-employment pipeline has gaps that a diploma alone cannot fill.

What a Degree Actually Does

This is not an argument against higher education. A degree still opens doors that are closed to those without one. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that in 2025, the employment premium for workers with a bachelor’s degree was 11.9 percentage points higher than for those without one. That advantage is real, meaningful, and worth acknowledging.

But a degree is better understood as a credential that signals commitment, foundational knowledge, and the capacity to learn. It is not a guarantee of expertise. And in a labor market that keeps shifting, expertise itself has to keep evolving.

Reframing How You See Your Education

The most useful shift you can make is treating your degree as a starting point rather than a summit. Here is what that looks like in practice.

• Stay curious about your field. Most industries change faster than any four-year curriculum can keep up with. Reading industry publications, attending webinars, following practitioners on LinkedIn, or completing short certifications are ways to stay current. Curiosity is a professional skill!

• Build the soft skills your campus may have underemphasized. Employers and educators remain misaligned: educators tend to emphasize soft skills, while employers want job-specific, practical competencies. The good news is that you can develop both. Communication, collaboration, adaptability, and critical thinking are skills that transfer across roles, industries, and even countries.

• Treat experience as education. Internships, volunteer work, community organizing, freelance projects, and even lateral moves at work teach you things that classrooms rarely do. Research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows that graduates who took part in experiential learning while in college reported higher rates of career satisfaction and higher average salaries than those who did not.

• Know that pivoting is not failing. One of the most limiting beliefs graduates carry is that changing direction means the degree was wasted. It was not. Skills transfer. Perspectives transfer. The ability to think analytically, write clearly, or understand human behavior does not disappear when you move from one field to another.

Evolving Is The Point

There is a certain relief in letting go of the idea that your degree was supposed to hand you a finished version of your career. It was not designed to do that. It was designed to give you enough scaffolding to start building.

The professionals who tend to thrive long-term are not always the ones with the most prestigious credentials. They are the ones who kept showing up to learn, who stayed engaged beyond their original training, and who understood that being good at your work is a practice, not an endpoint.

Your degree is proof that you can learn, and what you do with that proof is entirely up to you.

This article This Is Why Your Degree Is A Foundation And Not A Final Destination was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Here at Her Agenda, we celebrate and support the ambitious woman. But our ambitions wouldn’t be possible without the incredible women who have come before us.

This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting trailblazers who have paved the path forward, allowing us to dream bigger and bolder. 

1. Sojourner Truth

Although she was born enslaved to the name Isabella Bomfree in 1797, Sojourner Truth rose to be a fierce abolitionist and women’s rights activist. After experiencing a tumultuous youth, being enslaved, she eventually escaped in 1826 with her infant daughter, forcing her to leave her other children behind. Truth later sued for her five-year-old son’s freedom and won. Making her the first Black woman in US history to sue a white man and win.  She continued this advocacy, eventually giving her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech in 1851 that spoke about the exclusion of Black women in women’s rights spaces.

2. Ida B. Wells

Ida B. Wells was a pioneering journalist known for her work against lynching. Despite how difficult it was for women in the workplace at the time, she rose through the ranks and became a prominent editor for publications such as Memphis’ “The Evening Star,” “Free Speech,” “Headlight,” and owner of “Conservator.” Wells also started a number of organizations for Black women’s freedom, including the Alpha Suffrage Club, the League of Colored Women, and the National Association of Colored Women. A year before her death, she became the first Black woman in Illinois to run for state senate.

3. Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisolm was born and raised in Barbados, eventually making her way to Brooklyn, which became her home for the duration of her life. She became a nursery school teacher, and this led her to be very involved in the community, even joining the NAACP. In 1964, she was elected to the New York state legislature and served two terms. In 1968, she became the first Black woman ever elected to Congress and served seven terms, pushing for women’s rights, children, and education. In 1972, she also became the first Black woman to run for president and is known for her slogan “Unbought and Unbossed.” 

4. Addie Wyatt

Addie Wyatt was born in Mississippi, but she became a Chicagoan when her family moved during the great depression. She found work at a local factory applying to be a typist, but was denied and offered a position canning food because of segregation. After becoming outspoken at her job, she eventually became president of her local United Packinghouse Workers of America chapter, making her the first woman to do so. She eventually started working for the UPWA and helped to fight for equal pay for workers of all races and genders.  She continued this work by eventually founding the Coalition of Labor Union Women and the National Organization for Women. In 1975, alongside Representative Barbara Jordan, they became the first two Black women to be named Time Magazine’s woman of the year.

5. Kimberlé Crenshaw

Kimberlè Crenshaw began her career as a law professor at UCLA not long after graduating from Harvard Law School. Her work has helped form legal frameworks, including critical race theory. She also created the term “intersectionality,” referring to multiple prejudices happening simultaneously. Both of these ideas have helped shape programs and policies that have helped form more inclusive workplaces for women. She founded the African American Policy Forum, an organization dedicated to efforts that help to eradicate structural inequalities. In 2014, AAPF created #sayhername to lift the stories of black women killed by the police. 

This article 5 Women Who Paved The Way For The Modern Workplace was originally published on HerAgenda.com

For decades, the “power list” has served as the professional world’s most coveted shorthand for success. However, as the global economy undergoes a major shift, the traditional recognitions of achievement are changing. 

Today, leadership is no longer defined solely by tenure or title, but rather by the audacity to build in the face of uncertainty. At Her Agenda, we recognize that modern women are moving beyond the era of seeking permission. They are designing their own frameworks, funding their own visions, and, quite literally, designing their own paths.

To honor this evolution, we are proud to announce the call for nominations for our inaugural list of The Groundbreakers. Her Agenda will celebrate 50 women who are transforming their fields and shaping the infrastructure of tomorrow.

Being recognized on a curated list is more than a fleeting moment of prestige. We are documenting shifts in those making economic and professional moves. Research shows that visibility is an important tool for women in business. 

According to the 2025 Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey & Co. and LeanIn.Org, women continue to face the “broken rung,” where for every 100 men promoted to manager, only 87 women (and only 81 women of color) make that first step up. Inclusion in a high-profile list helps repair this rung by providing the external visibility and third-party validation necessary to attract sponsorship, venture capital, and board seat invitations. By highlighting these 50 leaders, we are creating a platform for their personal brands, ensuring their impact is seen by the decision-makers who shape the global economy.

Defining The Groundbreakers

A Groundbreaker is a woman who sees a void and treats it as a blueprint. Our 2026 index will focus on five distinct pillars of impact:

• The Ambitious: Rising stars who are fueled by vision and drive. These women are early in their journey but already demonstrating bold action, focus, and promise.
• The Agenda Setters: Cultural visionaries and media influencers shaping conversations across entertainment, fashion, art, and digital platforms.
• The Achievers: Proven leaders with track records of exceptional business results, organizational impact, and measurable success in their industries.
• The Advocates: Changemakers in nonprofit leadership, caregiving, social justice, and community building – perfect for purpose-driven brand alignment.
• The Architects: System builders and infrastructure creators whose work enables others to rise. These women design the frameworks, institutions, and foundations that transform entire fields-their innovations outlast trends and shape what comes next.

We invite you to help us find the women who are challenging norms and redefining the very nature of success. Whether they are building the tech of the future or the social justice frameworks of today, we want to hear their stories.

Nominations for the inaugural Groundbreakers are now open! Applications close on July 18, 2026.

This article The Groundbreakers 2026: Nominations Open Now! was originally published on HerAgenda.com

For first-time founders, choosing the right website platform can mean the difference between a fast, professional launch and costly delays. Website builders are no longer just publishing tools, as they’re evolving into a business infrastructure that shapes growth. 

In fact, 45% of small businesses use platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress for their ease of launch and all-in-one functionality, according to Zipdo. In 2026, the ideal platform balances speed, scalability, and aesthetics, letting entrepreneurs launch quickly, manage efficiently, and scale with ease. 

For those looking to build their next website, three platforms consistently stand out: Squarespace, WordPress, and Webflow. 

Here’s how they compare across key factors, including ease of use, integrated features, overall costs, and more. 

Ease Of Site Launch

Squarespace: This platform is designed for speed. Its drag-and-drop editor and prebuilt designer templates let founders get a professional-looking site online within hours. No technical skills are required, making it ideal for entrepreneurs who want to focus on business, not coding.

They’ve also recently introduced Blueprint AI. It’s a guided design system that enables users to construct fully customised websites through a streamlined five-step process. 

WordPress: This option offers more flexibility but comes with a steeper learning curve. While WordPress.com simplifies setup, self-hosted WordPress.org requires domain setup, hosting configuration, and plugin selection. Launching quickly may require some technical know-how before starting. 

Webflow: This strikes a balance between design freedom and speed. Its visual editor allows drag-and-drop site building, but unlike Squarespace, there’s more customization potential. However, beginners may need a short learning period to fully leverage its capabilities.

Maintenance and Updates

Squarespace: Maintenance is mostly hands-off. Squarespace handles updates, security patches, and hosting, freeing founders from technical upkeep. This makes it attractive for busy entrepreneurs who prefer focusing on content and marketing.

WordPress: Maintenance is a larger responsibility for this platform. Founders must manage updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins. Security requires attention, and hosting choices affect site speed and reliability. This platform works well for founders willing to invest time or hire support.

Webflow: This platform offers automatic updates and reliable hosting. While more complex than Squarespace, Webflow reduces maintenance headaches compared to WordPress. Its CMS and design tools are integrated, so founders can update content and layouts without touching code.

Cost Transparency

Squarespace: A predictable pricing plan is offered, ranging from $16 to $49 per month. All-in-one packages include hosting, SSL certificates, and support. The transparent costs make budgeting straightforward for first-time founders.

WordPress: While WordPress can be inexpensive upfront, its costs vary widely depending on hosting, premium themes, and plugins. The software itself may be free, but ongoing expenses can escalate unexpectedly if advanced functionality is required.

Webflow: This platform’s pricing starts at $14 per month for basic sites and scales with CMS and business features. Its pricing is more transparent than a self-hosted WordPress setup, though advanced features may increase monthly costs.

Integrated Tools And Features

Squarespace: This platform shines with built-in features such as email campaigns, analytics, and e-commerce tools. Entrepreneurs can manage most aspects of their site without third-party integrations, reducing complexity.

Long associated with sleek, design-led templates and tools that allow users to build professional sites without coding knowledge, the company now expands its offering with a feature that promises more than 1.4 billion possible design combinations, all without requiring users to start from a blank canvas.

WordPress: On the other hand, WordPress excels in flexibility and extensibility. Nearly tens of thousands of plugins are available for SEO, e-commerce, analytics, and more. While powerful, integrating and maintaining these tools may require technical skills.

Webflow: Webflow offers a diverse CMS, SEO controls, and e-commerce functionality. Its visual design tools and integrations allow more control over custom interactions and animations, giving founders professional-level features without extensive coding.

The Bottom Line

For first-time founders in 2026, Squarespace may be ideal for speed and simplicity, WordPress is best for full customization and extensibility, and Webflow offers a middle ground with advanced design freedom and integrated tools. Choosing the right platform depends on your priorities, such as launch timeline, scalability, or ultimate flexibility.

Ready to see what Squarespace can do for you? Get started with a free trial, then use code HERAGENDA10 for 10% off a new Squarespace plan.

[Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by Squarespace. All editorial views expressed are the author’s own.]

This article Best Website Platforms For Entrepreneurs In 2026 was originally published on HerAgenda.com

In a perfect world, we’d all like to wake up at noon, go have brunch, shop after, squeeze in a nap, and go wherever the wind blows afterward. Unfortunately, we don’t all have such luxuries. Present-day, the “soft life” social media trend has evolved into what some may call a facade, as what people choose to post online can be fabrications of their reality.

Let’s explore the true cost of living, said “soft life” while on a tight (realistic) budget, and see if it is financially possible. How soft can one’s life truly be in the real world?

What Exactly Is A ‘Soft Life?’

According to Dictionary.com, it’s a lifestyle of comfort and relaxation with minimal challenges or stress. Some people use the term in reference to a life that involves (and is a product of) wealth and luxury, while others interpret it as simply being a simplified life unburdened from stress and responsibilities.

Oftentimes, a soft life is glorified as a life of ease, focusing less on working and paying bills, but instead enjoying nature, prioritizing hobbies, and pampering; all of the things that aren’t regular activities that the average person with a full-time job can do at any time are considered soft. Soft is life without stress.

How Does It Feed Into Consumerism

Consumerism comes into play with the unlimited amount of products, places, activities, and more that can equate to a soft life. There’s an abundance of opportunity to tag, link, highlight, and create content online with brand deals, influencers, and the like to persuade people to purchase certain things to experience the ultimate effects of living a slower, more peaceful life.

Science of Retail adds that home cooking has moved beyond the utilitarian. Sourdough starters, small-batch pasta, and slow-roasted vegetables now fill social feeds. Activities that emphasize repetition, presence, and tactility (e.g., knitting, puzzles, journaling, gardening) have surged in popularity. Pilates has reemerged as a favored form of movement. It is praised for its focus on alignment, control, and low-impact strength. Even cleaning has been reimagined as a soothing ritual, with content creators dedicating entire channels to gentle restocks and reset routines.

A Soft Life Can Hit Hard Financially… Without A Plan

According to Mindy Smoak of Her Agenda, a soft life is financially attainable as long as you are willing to be wise and create a plan. When making decisions about how to live a soft life, think about this advice from Denee Tamia, a TikTok content creator and advocate of soft living, and add how to budget for it to your priorities.

If you have a tight budget, fixed income, or your hands are tied, planning is the best way to use your money wisely. Seeing your finances on paper can make all the difference. Write out your income(s), bills, expenses, necessities, and things you can do without, and a soft life may be feasible for you.

Is A Soft Life Self-Care On Steroids?

A soft life is often noted as a more boundary-filled, elevated, and intentional form of self-care. The major difference is that self-care isn’t as frequent as opposed to a soft life. For example, a person may get a massage for their birthday annually as self-care, while another person may get a massage every month, living a soft life.

People like to look at a soft life as freedom, free will, and fearlessness. It is a gamble, yet the intent is to recalibrate the system of life and reimagine it in a way that is beneficial to you. Instead of prioritizing and dedicating your life to work, stressing over bills, and living paycheck to paycheck, a soft life challenges you to prioritize yourself and the happiness you feel you deserve.

This article The True Cost Of Living A Soft Life On A Hard Budget was originally published on HerAgenda.com

As children, we’re taught early that “practice makes perfect.” Enter the birth of perfectionism. Perfectionism is a never-ending pursuit to appear flawless, always on-target, focused, and above the curve, and a high-standard goal setter.

While this may appear to be ideal on paper, it creates an unrealistic expectation. Striving to be perfect is impossible, so when that feat is seldom reached, all of that hard work feels like nothing. Inevitably this behavior often leads to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and burnout.

Present day, the standard is no longer perfection, rather peace of mind. Her Agenda has gathered the evidence to tell you why and how it works better than the past.

How Perfectionism Is Damaging Careers And Lives

According to Ryan Farsai of Forbes, perfectionism among young adults has surged 33% over three decades, driven by mounting social pressure to perform flawlessly. The trend continues to accelerate, with today’s students reporting even higher levels. We’re training people to optimize for grades that don’t exist, then dropping them into workplaces where speed beats polish every time.

Companies are always vetting for the newest, the fastest, and the vulnerable to make them more money. Meanwhile, a person straight out of college is looking for an opportunity, and once presented, will gladly take it, no matter the salary. However, the stress of working like a machine is unrealistic, but the demands are high. Perfectionism controls many jobs, and makes a person feel worthless when they don’t hit targets, deadlines, and quotas.

How Professional Peace Of Mind Took That Power Back

Government Leadership Solutions (GLS) states, to find peace amidst the hustle and bustle of the workplace, we can start by setting boundaries. Define your limits and learn to say no when necessary. Prioritize tasks, and don’t over-commit yourself. This not only reduces stress but also allows you to focus better on your work.

Additionally, GLS believes that effective communication is another key to workplace peace. Misunderstandings and conflicts often arise from miscommunication. Being a good listener, expressing your thoughts clearly, and seeking to understand your colleagues can go a long way in promoting harmony at work.

Knowing When To Say ‘Enough Is Enough’

Ultimately, the line between perfectionism and professional peace of mind is drawn by you. You decide how much you can take on, you voice when you need a break, and you set the boundaries that allow you to perform at your highest capacity in a healthy manner. 

Knowing when to say you’re overwhelmed, overworked, and over it. Don’t over commit when your plate is already full; if you’re aiming for a higher position at the job you won’t make it if you’re in the hospital due to not taking care of yourself.

Key Takeaways

Striving for perfectionism will only lead to a path of destruction. Practice doesn’t make perfect because perfect doesn’t exist. Furthermore, perfectionism is a downhill battle of sacrifice on your behalf to appear flawless and on-target at all times, and when you’re not, everything is wrong.

Perfectionism has damaged careers and lives due to stress and demand. Many mental illnesses have occurred such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and burnout.

Setting boundaries, communicating effectively when you are overwhelmed, overworked is essential. It is also imperative not to over commit at work while ignoring your health. Take care of yourself. 

Lastly, peace is what you make it; and peace is what brings you happiness. You can find peace at work by creating a space that is comfortable, quiet, and serene. It doesn’t take much to build your professional space.

This article Why We Are Trading Perfectionism For Professional Peace Of Mind was originally published on HerAgenda.com

College decisions are right around the corner and if you have a teenager eagerly awaiting a response from their top choice, you’re probably feeling the pressure. About 60% of teens say it’s extremely or very important for them to graduate from college. That points to them putting a lot of pressure on themselves. 

Waiting for college decisions can make both teens and parents feel anxious. So let’s anchor ourselves in some facts because getting away from the myth of “this decision defines everything” can alleviate some stress. 62.8% of U.S. High School graduates enroll in college after graduating, which means over a third do not go directly to college and about 90% of those who do take a gap year return to college after a year.

College education is incredibly important, no doubt there, and there are other paths, especially today. The modern job market makes space for all types of career pathways, from traditional corporate settings to freelancing to creative endeavors. That’s why today, 60.7% of the U.S. labor force does not hold a four-year college degree. It’s no longer “impossible” to be successful the untraditional way, as 40% of workers without bachelor’s degrees, across 20 industries, earn six figures. 

This limbo time between high school and college is perfect for discussing career life as a whole and empowering your teenagers about their futures. 

The First Path Isn’t The Only Path

First, let’s contextualize. Yes, college is super important, but your first path doesn’t need to be your only path. Life is long, and in today’s world, there are so many ways to become successful. From being a creative to being a freelancer to being an academic. The current work landscape is defined by poly-workers, meaning many of us don’t just have one, but multiple careers, income sources, and more. 

“You have to optimise your career for flexibility, not a single profession,” said Vinod Khosla, venture capitalist and founder, “That’s the most important advice because you don’t know what will be around.”

Sharing Is Empowerment

To help your teenager make sense of the expansive nature of what is possible for them career wise, it can help for you to tell them about your own journey. So share your own career path, your successes, trials, errors, and lessons. Show your kids that career, like anything else in life, isn’t always linear. There is time to figure things out. 

These conversations do more than just inform, they expand what your teen believes is possible. When young people are exposed to real-life experiences, especially the pivots and uncertainties, they begin to understand that there is no single “right” way to build a life.

Support Is Guidance

Let them know that you will always be there to support and guide them. That means helping them find the balance between doing what they want, understanding what they can reasonably do and expect, and how to ensure they are fulfilled while developing financial independence. Dreams are valuable and help foster drive but it’s crucial to maintain a balance rooted in learning how to support oneself financially. 

In order to help your teens be more receptive to advice, make sure you are actively listening to them first. “It’s extremely difficult for most teenagers (or adults, for that matter) to be open to advice until they feel that they’ve been heard out,” said Lisa Damour, adolescent psychologist.  

Encourage Exploration, Not Perfection

Instead of focusing on choosing the “perfect” path, encourage your teen to stay curious. Ask them what excites them, what they enjoy learning about. Go beyond what they see as the perfect job and encourage them to envision the kind of life they want. 

Exploration can take many forms: internships, part-time jobs, creative projects, a gap year spent travelling, the list goes on and on. Teens need to try to learn what attracts them, what is made for me, and what they could take or leave.

Remind them that the goal isn’t to have everything figured out right away, but to stay open, engaged, and willing to grow.

“Becoming is better than being,” said psychologist Carol Dweck, “The fixed mindset does not allow people the luxury of becoming. They have to already be.”

As a parent you want your children to grow into well adjusted adults and that extends beyond simply finding the “right” or the “perfect” career path. You want to support them in mapping out a future that feels like theirs rather than a cookie-cutter one. Remember to always lead with openness, honesty, and support. 

This article How To Empower Your Teen To Choose Their Own Path After High School was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Zewiditu Jewel is the co-founder of Cloudy Donut, a Black-owned brand she is building one store at a time, with a goal of opening a new location every single year. What makes her story even more remarkable: she has done all of this without stepping foot in the kitchen.

A fourth-generation Washingtonian who watched gentrification reshape her hometown, Zewiditu has built something that pushes back: a brand with four locations, partnerships with Oatly, LVMH, and Tiffany & Co., and a philosophy she coined herself called reverse gentrification, bringing Black-owned businesses into affluent communities where they have historically been absent.

A former teacher turned entrepreneur, Zewiditu brings the same commitment she once poured into young students into every community she now serves. Her vision extends far beyond donuts. 

There is a rare quality to Zewiditu’s presence. She is the kind of person who makes you feel grounded in conversation while simultaneously making you want to move. In our chat, she offers a peek into what it truly takes to be a visionary.

Her Agenda: Can you describe the brainstorming session that ignited Cloudy Donut Co. into existence?

Zewiditu Jewel: Cloudy Donut is essentially like this love story. Derek and I met in 2019 and a couple months after we met, he had just started Cloudy Donut. I was teaching. I’d been teaching for 14 years, and I was kind of at the end of the line in my journey.

We had a conversation in the year 2020. I distinctively remember I was literally on a lunch break in the library, and I was really frustrated with my job. Basically, we went over the numbers of how much money I was making as a teacher. And he said, ‘If I can match this, what do you think about coming on and starting the business with me?’

So [Cloudy Donut] was very, very new, and I was essentially in a place where I was ready for transition. I met Derek, I think maybe two or three weeks after my grandmother had passed. My grandma and I were very, very close, and I had said to myself, when my grandmother transitions. So will I. 

I had the privilege of helping my mother take care of my grandmother. So essentially, when she passed, I knew that I was in a particular place that was ready for change. I was one year sober from alcohol. I met Derek, we started building Cloudy Donuts and that really turned into a big thing for the both of us.

Her Agenda: At what point did you and your partner solidify the reverse gentrification aspect of the business model?

Zewiditu Jewel: I’m a fourth generation Washingtonian, and that’s important for the context, because I saw how hard gentrification hit my city. I literally grew up in Chocolate City, and I saw the city change. So we were unpacking some boxes, we were opening in Brooklyn Heights, our first location. So we’re unpacking these boxes, and a Black woman comes in, an older Black woman, and she’s like, asking us, essentially, who are we? And we’re kind of perplexed, like, what do you mean? And she was like, ‘Well, you know, I was wondering if you guys work for this company or, like, what’s happening here?’ [We told her] ‘no, we’re the owners of [this] shop.’ And she was floored. She couldn’t believe that there were Black people that were coming into the neighborhood and actually owned a business. And so from that conversation, I actually did my own research to see, are there other Black owned businesses in this neighborhood? And come to find out, there were not. So with the context that I have being from DC, I coined the term reverse gentrification. So it’s not the dictionary (definition of the word, which refers to the displacement of lower income residents) of  version which speaks to real estate. This is a term that I created based off of the work that we’ve done, which is bringing our Black owned businesses into affluent communities, affluent communities absent of color.

Her Agenda: What did it take, emotionally and mentally, to claim space in neighborhoods where Black-owned businesses are underrepresented?

Zewiditu Jewel: So when Derek and I first met, in the beginning phase of dating, we established that we were going to be transitional people. I assumed that was particular to our personal relationship, right? We want to create a healthy tone for relationships within our family based off of the family that we’re creating based off of the dynamics that we’ve seen. What I later found out, as we started to progress into the business is that we have become transitional people within the culture. It could feel heavy because it can feel like it’s a burden or a personal responsibility, but I say just being is enough. As long as I walk into this world as an honorable woman, I’m true to myself, I’m true to my family, then I understand that I’m doing the best that I can and being the best example that I can be. And I see it. There are some times where I feel a little bothered, you know, frustrated knowing that my white peers and counterparts have an easier time within the same industry that I’m in solely based off of their skin color, when I feel that my product is far more superior, I have to work 1,000 times harder to get people to see me. That can be a bit difficult. And I think that some people don’t want to keep hearing you say Black this, Black that. They want you to just be happy with the fact that you “made it.” But until we all make it, I didn’t make it.

Her Agenda: As a woman, what are some of the challenges you face, once people realize you are not the one making the donuts? 

Zewiditu Jewel: I am someone who is always honest and standing in my truth. So I would find people come into the shop and they’d be like, ‘Oh my God, you’re the baker. You made that.’ I’m like, actually, I’m not. Like, if I was the baker. We probably wouldn’t be standing in the shop today, right? But I also understand that for some people, gender roles are just a way for them to feel comfortable and understand and associate based off of examples and things that we’ve seen, you know? 

I was raised by very strong women, but these are also women that raised me to understand that the man is the head of the household. Now, the man that was the head of the household in my family dynamic was my grandfather, and rightfully so.

When we talk about gender roles, it’s not enough that a man has a penis and he is a man, right? What value does he bring to his family? Is he an earner? Does he create opportunities for his family? It goes beyond just you’re a man and I’m a woman, and so in our household I was taught how to be the type of woman that I was raised to be, and reminded of what that looks like, based off of the standards that Derek had before I came into this relationship. He cooks, he cleans, all these things are standards that he has for himself. And so he showed me, this is how he shows up in the relationship. And then in turn, this is the expectation for me. And on my end, I create a level of softness, and also a warmer tone in the house. [It’s him] myself and our dog (who was very much a boy dog). So [I’m] creating a space for light heartedness [and] fun, but also creating that nurturing environment. We do well, playing within our roles as male and female, but also understanding there are going to be times where I’ve got to step up and I’ve got to make money for the house. I run those shops. I’m responsible for the sales and making sure that we keep the money coming into the house. So it’s not just one person pulling more weight than the other. It’s really understanding the value of each. 

Her Agenda: How do you see reverse gentrification creating new experiences not just for Black customers, but for neighbors encountering a Black-owned, vegan business for the first time?

Zewiditu Jewel: We did a lot of positive and progressive things for the neighborhood since we’ve been there, and specifically when we first opened. We were the first business to have a ribbon cutting ceremony. We had a private opening for the neighborhood first, and then we opened. This was really to set the tone for how we would conduct ourselves as a business. Before we even opened, we were constantly giving out free products, as we were cooking in the kitchen, trying out the food and testing equipment and things like that. 

We gave out so many free donuts and products. I was going to the neighborhood association. I went to the churches. I went to the schools. I sat with the council person of that particular area. I was very intentional with introducing not only myself, but the business and creating the expectations of what we were looking to bring. We’re not just slapping our business in the neighborhood and saying, “we’re open.” We serve as an amenity. So what that looks like to this day, when kids are coming into the store, because we’re only open on the weekend, the kids running into the shop on Saturday saying, ‘donut, donut, donut.’ I can’t tell you how many kids I have experienced have their first donut. Seeing that experience is something that ‘s very special to me. I grew up in a neighborhood, I remember going to my neighborhood deli since I was a kid. And having that sense of connectivity to a space, and then being able to connect with the business owner, I know so many of the neighbors and the residents, and it’s a part of their weekend routine, they can’t wait for Saturday or Sunday to come into the shop. That is a level of community that I feel is lost. It’s really important for me to uphold that standard, because it’s where I come from, it’s what I value.

I say it all the time. Locals keep local businesses open. The majority of my customers are white people, specifically white moms and their kids, and they know who we are. They don’t all follow us on social media but some of them do so. They see the messaging. They see the tone and the same conversations that we’re having online, we’re having in the store. We have to be comfortable with ourselves everywhere we go. I can’t now open in a predominantly white neighborhood and feel like I have to shrink myself. I still have to show up as I am. And there will be some people that will embrace that, and there’ll be others that don’t, and that’s okay. My goal is to create a phenomenal product, which we’ve done, to provide excellent hospitality, which we do, and to stand on all 10 every day, every day. 

Her Agenda: How was the initial seed money for the business acquired? What did raising the money teach you about yourself and others?

Zewiditu Jewel: Oh, we worked and grind every day. Every year from 2019 to 2024 we’ve opened a new Cloudy Donut. That’s four Cloudy Donuts that we’ve opened. And the ones in Baltimore, Derek owns those buildings. We just came back from Baltimore, Sunday, we did a pop up. We’ve been doing pop ups every month or so. But the reality is that you can’t replicate yourself no matter how hard you try. So if you don’t have people that are going to uphold the same standards and integrity, the business is going to suffer. 

We don’t have any investors. I don’t come from a family of money, and neither does he. Every time we opened a new location, we had to work extremely hard. When we acquired our place in Brooklyn Heights, (obviously we rent in New York) we had to double down and triple down on the work that we were doing in Baltimore, just so we could have the money to pay for that. There isn’t a surplus of money that has afforded us the opportunity to now open and expand. It’s really just like, ‘Okay, we want to do this. All right. Let’s get on.’ If we got to get to it what can we create for ourselves where we can get this money so we can fuel this dream? But there is everything we’ve done, everything that you see online, we’ve acquired these things just by putting in the work.

Her Agenda: Being fully self-funded, what does this next milestone, opening another city location, represent for you personally as a woman building without institutional backing?

Zewiditu Jewel: The goal for us was, once we saw what we had with our first store, Cloudy Donut and the product, we thought, why not expand? We always wanted to expand to New York, because I lived here. I always wanted to move back. Derek was like New York is a great opportunity for us to go to a larger city, but not to be too far from Baltimore, because we still have businesses there to maintain.

So, building a life that you want to live, not just settling with the life that you’re living in. And in order for us to elevate, we had to expand.

Her Agenda: When customers walk into Cloudy Donut Co., what do you hope they feel or understand beyond enjoying a donut?

Zewiditu Jewel: Every customer is different. I want people to feel the possibility. All I do in my shop is talk to the customers. I am always looking to reach women. Particularly, Black women, but over all, women. I want women to see a level of possibility for themselves beyond just what we assume we deserve. Going after everything you truly deserve.

Understanding that you can strive for more and greater. As well as, understanding that what you’re striding for, it requires a certain type of [hard] work. I live in Tribeca, along with some of the wealthy and elite. I have learned that everyone that has it, works hard for it. I say all the time that vulnerability is my superpower. I know that what I am doing in my life is creating what I thought was impossible and now sharing it with other people so that they can see that it is possible.

Her Agenda: What are a few unique aspects of Cloudy Donut Co. and how do you see them directly benefiting inspiring women creatives?

Zewiditu Jewel: Self-care is a luxury. I don’t spend a lot of time alone. It is important to me that I spend time with the right people. Having positive friends around. It is really important to take an inventory of the things that we surround ourselves with. 

Her Agenda: How does your pivot from teaching now to an entrepreneur impact your mental health and your work-life-balance?

Zewiditu Jewel: My work-life-balance is definitely better now. Teachers are superheroes. We are trying to change a system that was never meant for us to change. It was really hard for me, as I got into the later years of teaching, I kept hitting a wall. I realize that I kept trying to make a difference in these students’ lives. I found myself in a space where I was extremely burnt out. Now, in the restaurant I find myself teaching and knocking down doors. But, if we are going to knock down doors, we might as well use the doors as a bridge. Now, I feel charged, I am teaching again, now, just in a different aspect. 

[Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.]

This article A Peek Inside Her Agenda: Zewiditu Jewel  was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Every woman has probably at least once thought to herself, “I wonder what it’d be like with no men around?” Because the pay gap, misogyny, and downright violence can make the weight of being a woman heavy. 

If you’ve thought about men leaving you alone, you’ll be happy to know that woman-centric spaces are becoming more popular. Between fitness, the arts, education, and more, women are realizing how much they need each other and are finding the capital to invest in ensuring women have safe spaces curated just for them.

Higher Education                                      

Since the 18th century, all-women’s schools have dedicated themselves to educating women. This is special because, at the time, women’s knowledge wasn’t valued, and they were often shunned from education. Barnard, Bennett, Bryn Mawr, Scripps, Smith, Spelman, and more are institutions that have spent decades cultivating safe and enriching educational experiences for young women. Spelman College’s mission statement emphasizes the importance of these values. 

“Spelman College, a historically Black college and a global leader in the education of women of African descent, is dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and the intellectual, creative, ethical, and leadership development of its students.”

Fitness

In recent years, there’s been an uptick in women-only gyms. These spaces are dedicated to creating safe spaces for women to work out and feel confident without worrying about potential threats that can come from the male gaze. Femme Gym, based in NJ, says this about their purpose. 

“We’re women that don’t compromise our privacy for our health. Femme is a support system that enables us to come together and share our collective experiences in pursuit of reaching the highest level of holistic wellness.” 

Professional Spaces

Corporate America is a notoriously difficult place for women. Between the pay gap and harassment in the workplace, trying to get ahead can feel at times impossible. Women’s professional groups can help women connect and lift each other up. The LOLA is a women’s coworking space in Atlanta that’s dedicated to “intentional inclusion.”

“At The LOLA, we are committed to creating a human-centered community that serves all women. This commitment is reflected in our values. We strive to create a better culture and system that benefits everyone, and we believe that is achieved by better supporting the most underrepresented.”

Book Clubs

Sharing the love of literature is something that women have been doing for a long time. But some women even exclusively read women-centered stories and authors in their clubs. Well-Read Black Girl is a virtual book club founded by Glory Edim that has now expanded into other community events to bring women together. Their mission is to uplift and promote Black women writers and challenge narratives surrounding them. 

“Its mission is to provoke conversations around publishing, politics, and pop culture, and to amplify new work by African-American artists, from authors to activists to playwrights to policymakers. Using literature and storytelling as a tool for advocacy, specifically in the areas of mental health and gender equity, Glory works nationally to shift the narratives of Black girls and women in society.”

Outdoors 

Exploring the outdoors is something that’s been male-dominated for a very long time. Camping, hiking, and backpacking traditionally are associated with men for a number of reasons, but a big one is safety concerns. Going into the wilderness often can be dangerous for women, with hikes being a notorious place where women go missing. But women-centered outdoor spaces are changing what people know to be true about venturing outside. Women Outdoors is an East Coast-based group dedicated to getting more women to explore nature. 

“We are committed to creating an inclusive organization that is welcoming, supportive, and empowering of all self-identified women across all demographic categories, experiences, abilities, and backgrounds. We are all nourished by nature.” 

This article The History Of Women Reclaiming Public Spaces For Safety was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Entrepreneurial success rarely hinges on a single flash of brilliance—or even on executing a brilliant idea perfectly. What truly separates lasting leaders from the rest is their willingness to pay attention: to study what’s working, confront what isn’t, extract the lesson, and move forward wiser than before. Then do it again. And again. And again.

It takes courage to revise the plan, rework the model, rethink the story, and keep going, anyway. The entrepreneurs and leaders of the Dreamers & Doers community embody this kind of staying power. Their success isn’t defined by getting it right the first time, but by their ability to adapt with intention and momentum.

Read on for the pivotal lessons and hard-won mindsets that shaped their understanding of resilience—and continue to guide the way they lead.

Farida Raafat

Founder & CEO of DALYA NYC, an NYC-based women’s custom clothing brand redefining tailoring for modern women.

In the early days of DALYA, I was building the business while working full-time, self-funding production, and constantly navigating cash flow uncertainty. Eventually, I realized that the pressure never really stops and had to learn to keep going by grounding myself in why I started and trusting that I was building the right thing. Discomfort is often just the cost of building something meaningful. 

Nicte Cuevas

Brand & Hue Strategist of Nicte Creative Design, helping growing brands turn scattered visuals and messaging into a unified, purpose-driven identity.

When my son was born premature and spent months in the NICU, I ran my business from a hospital room without a roadmap. As a military spouse navigating those early medical needs for our child, I’ve been forced to reinvent repeatedly, and it’s taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about staying moldable and building contingency plans so you’re never caught without options. When reinvention feels gut-wrenching, I shift my focus to how I want to feel on the other side.

Dom Farnan

Founder of DotConnect, embedded talent acquisition for growing startups.

For an entire year, our largest client told us that they were going to renew—but decided not to at the last minute. It left us very vulnerable. I revised the business model and decided to go back to being solo, ultimately leading to exciting new professional opportunities. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that when you attach to an outcome, life throws you curveballs. It might keep you stuck, but when you’re open, adaptable, and flexible, many things that seem like setbacks can really be springboards.

Victoria Anderson

SVP, Cultural Strategy & Communications of 160over90, a global cultural strategy and marketing agency within WME Group.

One of the truest tests of my resilience has been leading through constant industry change—moments when the ground is shifting even as you’re expected to keep building. I adapt by anchoring less to fixed models and more to principles: cultural fluency, clarity of value, and trust. Don’t confuse consistency with rigidity. Reinvention isn’t a failure of the original idea; it’s often proof that you’re listening closely enough to evolve.

Amanda Lien

Founder, Content Marketer & Strategist of Minutiae Content Co., a full-stack content writing and strategy firm specializing in creating creative, converting marketing content for founders, entrepreneurs, and SMBs.

Within a few weeks in late 2024, I lost my entire client roster as a result of economic pressures and AI anxieties. Rather than panic, I used the sudden pause to audit my business model. I cut unnecessary expenses, repositioned my offerings around what clients actually valued, and developed flexible packages that met founders where they were financially. When business gets tough, resist the urge to let fear paralyze your decision-making. Your most creative, strategic solutions often emerge from the pressure itself.

Ellen Hockley

Founder & CEO of Ellen Hockley Consulting, SAGE Women, and Good Ideas & Bad Decisions, leveraging expertise in both service and product-based industries to guide female founders to achieve their dreams.

As soon as quarantine began during the pandemic, I had to shift my entire business model and mindset to account for remote-only events—and adjust to the idea of potentially never going back to in-person. In the end, I rebuilt my business and sold it, but it was a long, hard, and winding road. You won’t know what is coming around the next bend, and while this is hard and scary, I am a firm believer in trusting your intuition and believing that you will end up exactly where you’re meant to be, even if you can’t see it in the moment.

Yewande Faloyin

CEO & Founder of OTITỌ Leadership & People Development, partnering to improve your leadership and performance by transforming how you show up.

Losing one of my largest clients was a real test of resilience, both financially and emotionally. Instead of reacting, I practiced what I preach in my coaching: creating space, listening to my intuition, and reflecting on the direction I truly wanted for my business. That pause allowed me to realign and create room for more integrated work. Turn potential setbacks into opportunities. The moments that feel disruptive often contain the clearest signals about where you’re meant to shift.

Natanya Wachtel

Founder & Chief Strategy Officer of The New Solutions Network, an interdisciplinary “company of companies” spanning media, enterprise solutions, and integrative wellness.

I’ve rebuilt my life and companies more than once, but the most destabilizing moment came when I sustained a near-fatal traumatic brain injury. There was no time to recover, forcing me to redesign leadership in real time as structure instead of performance. What kept me moving wasn’t heroic resilience, but learning to ask for help, let others lead alongside me, and build systems that could hold when I couldn’t—imperfectly, collaboratively, and more than once.

Routh Chadwick

Founder & Head Coach of Joie de Vivre Coaching, helping achievers shift out of struggle and burnout into work-life harmony and sustainable success.

I was running a successful referral-based business for years—until, suddenly, the referral streams dried up. At first, I panicked, but then I realized it meant I needed to accept help and try some different things. This shift created fresh energy and opportunities in my business. I believe that by relaxing into a challenging situation, our creativity can emerge, and we can be open to the flow of new ideas and insights.

Dorothy Fulop

Co-Founder & Head of Excitement of Gamewiz, an award-winning European board-game e-commerce company focused on turning customers into long-term brand fans.

My husband (also my business partner) was battling health challenges, and I suddenly found myself carrying the weight of the business. A colleague saw that I was crumbling and reminded me that success sometimes simply means not giving up. That moment taught me that resilience isn’t just about being strong, but about surrounding yourself with people who can hold you when you can’t do it on your own. 

Kristina Unker

Founder & Creative Director of MA’AM, a woman-led branding agency for hospitality clients who deliver indelible experiences to their guests.

In 2021, I contracted COVID and was chronically ill for over two years. I leaned heavily on my team and network of collaborators to survive personally and professionally, and it yielded some of the most profitable years for the business. Entrepreneurship is a constant balance of surrender and grit.

Patty Williams-Downs

Founder & CEO of BreakingBounds® Enterprises, a consulting firm delivering high-impact solutions for business transformation.

When business development fluctuated, we allowed it to inspire new business endeavors and unexpected opportunities. Instead of letting the challenge intimidate us, we accepted what was, which created the clarity to see new possibilities and boldly move toward what could be.

Ariana Friedlander

Founder & Principal of Rosabella Consulting, LLC, helping mission-driven teams and leaders create the conditions for clarity, connection, and growth.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, forcing me to scale back my workload and redirect my energy toward treatment and recovery. Receiving became both a leadership skill and a resilience practice. That year became my most profitable to date, largely because of the reputation and relationships I had built and my ability to express my needs.

Ashira Jones

Founder, CEO & Executive Coach of Perfect Ten Coaching, strengthening voice and presence for high-performing leaders navigating high-stakes moments. 

At the end of Q3 in 2025, I realized I wasn’t going to hit the ambitious growth goals I had set, despite increasing my visibility, outreach, and effort. Instead of questioning my strategy and long-term vision or pushing just to feel productive, I made the intentional decision to pause and recalibrate, inspiring the creation of a new signature workshop. Connecting with other founders during that time was also critical for reminding me that ebbs are part of the cycle.

Caitlin Daley

CEO & Founder of Face The Tiger, a boutique consultancy dedicated to helping female founders navigate the emotional journey that comes with business ownership.

The first time I was ghosted by a client, I was confused and embarrassed. Instead of running away from this emotion, I spent time feeling it. Self-reflection should be a key part of your business strategy. So often, I see founders overlook this important tactic, which leaves them drained, feeling lost, or lacking confidence. 

Folake Dosu

Founder & Lead Strategist of Fans In Focus, for organizations driving narrative change, creating audience-centric strategies to fuel growth and engagement.

Faced with shifting political and economic headwinds, more nonprofits viewed storytelling and audience development as a discretionary cost rather than an essential investment. By focusing on the impact media ecosystem, I shifted my efforts to engaging potential clients who already recognize the importance of narrative. Focusing on a niche can be intimidating when opportunities feel less abundant, but defining your target audience makes your point-of-view sharper and more memorable.

Cynthia Hellen

Co-Founder & CEO of QINTI, an applied AI and digital transformation platform helping traditional and small businesses adopt practical automation without losing their human edge.

Launching QINTI meant stepping away from established lanes and rebuilding from scratch in a rapidly evolving space. I adapted by returning to basics, focusing on practical implementation, global accessibility, and designing systems that strengthen people rather than replace them. Reinvention becomes possible when you stop protecting old identities and start building toward the future you know needs to exist.

Victoria Repa

CEO & Founder of BetterMe, a leading health and wellness platform that provides a tailored, holistic approach to well-being for millions of users worldwide.

After nine years of leading a global company, I realized that crises and unpredictable situations can arise at any stage of growth. What supported me most in these moments was discipline in both business and personal well-being, such as prioritizing sleep, movement, and mindfulness. While you can’t always control what happens around you, you can always control yourself, managing your thoughts, reactions, and energy so you respond consciously instead of acting quickly.

All individuals featured in this article are members of Dreamers & Doers, a highly curated community and PR Hype Machine​​ amplifying extraordinary women entrepreneurs and leaders through authentic connections, credibility-boosting visibility, and opportunities that accelerate big dreams. (Learn more about membership here.)

This article Women Leaders On The Strategies And Mindsets That Keep Them Resilient was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Hard decisions rarely announce themselves as turning points. More often, they arrive disguised as impossible tradeoffs: stay or go, scale or simplify, speak up or stay quiet, hold steady or pivot fast. For leaders, especially, the weight of those choices extends far beyond themselves.

For the leaders and entrepreneurs in the Dreamers & Doers community, resilience and adaptability were shaped in these moments. In each case, growth followed a decision: a clear-eyed assessment of what was no longer serving them or their business and the resolve to choose differently.

Read on to learn how they navigated the hard calls that strengthened their resilience, sharpened their adaptability, and ultimately positioned them to move forward with even greater clarity and conviction.

Catharine Montgomery

Founder & CEO of Better Together Agency, a values-led, AI-forward public relations and marketing agency built for organizations ready to make a positive impact in the communities they serve.

After two years of building with VC backing, investors tried to take control of the brand I built from scratch. I walked away from the money and started over with full ownership. It was the hardest business decision I’ve made, but protecting my mission mattered more than their timeline. The founders who make it are the ones who can reinvent without losing what matters.

Samantha (Sam) Alvita

Founder of Work Rewritten, a career strategy and coaching business helping professionals navigate work, identity, and change.

A moment that truly tested my resilience came when more and more people were asking for my support while being less able to pay for it because of unemployment and financial stress. I knew my work could help them and found myself offering more spots and resources at discounted rates, sometimes at a detriment to my own sustainability. Ultimately, this period forced me to rethink how to serve people generously while still running a business that could survive more challenging and complicated economic moments. 

Clara Ma

Founder & CEO of Ask a Chief of Staff, a boutique executive search and career development platform dedicated to placing and empowering the next generation of strategic operators.

Last year, I had to replace a teammate who had originally been a close personal friend—a decision I avoided for too long because I didn’t want to damage the relationship. Once we finally had the hard conversation and acknowledged the role was no longer a fit, we hired a new team member and that half of the business turned around almost overnight. It was a powerful reminder that “familiar” isn’t the same as “serving you,” and that making space, emotionally and operationally, is often the prerequisite for new energy and opportunity to come in.

Nicole Leon

Founder of L Leon Virtual Assistance LLC, providing high-level virtual and executive support. 

I lost a major client when they asked me to go full-time in a way that wasn’t aligned with why I started my business, and walking away meant losing a significant portion of my income. It forced me to get clear on my boundaries and quickly diversify my client base, so I leaned into community, relationship-building, and collaboration. Within about two months, I replaced that income by staying visible, networking intentionally, and trusting the long game.

Jessica Sikora

Founder & Executive Director of Superbands, a nonprofit at the intersection of music, culture, and youth mental wellness, transforming fandom into connection, resilience, and lasting impact.

A defining moment came when I realized that leading with crisis-centered mental health language was limiting our growth and partnerships, so I stepped back and rethought our messaging and how we showed up culturally. Repositioning Superbands as a culture-first, upstream platform rooted in music and fandom allowed us to move forward with clarity, confidence, and renewed momentum. Often, resilience looks like pausing, admitting something isn’t working anymore, and giving yourself permission to change the story as you go.

Dominique Mas

CEO of Group Coaching HQ, equipping organizations and coaches with the expertise and support to lead the future of coaching.

Early in my partnership with my co-founder, we hit a painful truth: our goals weren’t aligned, and our personal and professional commitments meant we couldn’t both give the business the time and energy it needed. For a while, I tried to push through and make it work, but I eventually accepted that the most resilient move was choosing clarity. We had a heartfelt conversation and agreed that I would buy them out. Writing that check felt like stepping into the unknown. But that decision became a turning point, allowing me to realign with what I wanted to build and how I wanted to build it.

Katherine Sprung

Founder of Squish Marshmallows, a small batch, handcrafted marshmallow company in NYC.

When the pandemic began, I had a storefront, and I had to halt everything except for the website’s nationwide shipping, which instantly increased like wildfire. Initially, I had to furlough staff, too, and started producing, fulfilling, and shipping everything myself. Being agile is the name of the game, and after going through all of that, I completely changed my business model, which was the best thing possible.

Marianna Sachse

Founder & CEO of Jackalo, a circular children’s clothing brand designing long-lasting, sustainable pieces that can be returned for resale when outgrown.

When tariff uncertainties threatened our supply chain in 2025, we doubled down on our resale program, encouraging customers to return outgrown pieces so we’d have inventory to bridge any product gaps. We also reimagined what “new” could mean by adding graphics and features to existing inventory, proving that innovation isn’t always about producing more. Your constraints can become your greatest creative catalyst. 

Peri Finkelstein

Founder & CEO of Team Peri Foundation, driven by justice, compassion, and the belief that true inclusion celebrates diversity.

After accepting discounted legal assistance recommended by a friend as I started forming my nonprofit, I discovered that the organization had been structured incorrectly, forcing me to start over. Rather than giving up, I treated it as a learning moment, sought better guidance, and secured pro-bono legal support to restructure the organization correctly. Resilience means pivoting when needed, seeking better solutions, and adapting your approach as your organization grows.

Sydney de Arenas

Founder of The Hive, Summit Chasers, Northwestern Millwork, The Etho, Etho Interiors, Ítaca, a serial entrepreneur who builds businesses designed to last.

The hardest moment in my career was making the call to undo a venture that had significant traction but structural misalignment at the leadership level. As deeper governance and trust issues surfaced, it became clear the foundation wasn’t sustainable, and I made the very tough decision to call out my partner rather than compromise my integrity. That decision reshaped how I am rebuilding the business today: tighter controls, clearer alignment, and zero tolerance for compromised integrity. I recommend feeling the pain of a “failure,” then setting your mindset to see opportunity in the dark. It’s always there!

Amanda Northcutt

Founder & CEO of Level Up Creators, helping founder-led B2B companies install Fortune-500-level clarity without the bureaucracy.

Several years into growing my firm, I experienced significant health challenges that forced me to confront a hard truth: my business depended too heavily on my personal capacity. I could not continue operating at that pace, so I rebuilt around clear structure, recurring revenue, and defined operating systems so it could function sustainably, regardless of my energy levels. Resilience is about designing a business that can withstand real life. If your company only works when you are working at full intensity, it is time to rethink the structure.

Bea Bennett

CEO of Liquid Collagen Stix, the first great-tasting ready-to-drink collagen shot.

During the R&D process, we were testing the most efficient way to produce our product. Unfortunately, the machine failed on several occasions, leading to loss of product, raw materials, and thousands of dollars. We worked through this and ultimately mastered our production process, made sellable products, and grew closer as a team. 

Natasha “Tash” Durkins

Founder & CEO of Fiercely Joyful LLC, an executive counsel firm for leaders with enterprise-level accountability who need someone in their corner who will tell them the truth.

After a 30-year career in institutional authority, I stepped away to build a business from scratch. I had no guaranteed clients, no safety net, and an identity that had long been tied to my title. I kept moving by telling the brutal truth about what was hard, choosing optimism on purpose, and deciding my authority would come from alignment, not a title. 

Emily Dick

Brand Strategist & Designer of Unbuttoned Brands, a bold brand studio helping values-driven service providers stand out without burning out.

I decided to rebrand my business after years of building under one name. Creating an entirely new online platform from scratch, starting with a new domain and zero traffic, rebuilding a website instead of tweaking it, explaining the change, updating every link, every graphic, every system… it all tested me. I kept moving forward in small, steady ways. Resilience doesn’t always look like pushing harder. Sometimes it looks like slowing down long enough to realign, even when it costs you short-term visibility.

Rachel McCollum

Co-Founder of SYS, a modern relationship ecosystem helping exceptional people find and sustain extraordinary love and connection.

Building SYS while becoming a single mother forced me to confront everything at once: my identity, my capacity, and my limits. There were moments I didn’t know how I would manage it all, but I had to let go of proving anything and rebuild the business around sustainability, community, and the kind of life I actually wanted to live. Reinvention asks you to walk away from what looks secure but feels misaligned, without knowing exactly how things will unfold.

Daria Leshchenko

CEO and Managing Partner of SupportYourApp, providing secure technical, customer support, and CX services to growing companies.

Our expansion to the Philippines was one of our toughest lessons. We scaled fast, but within months, turnover hit 80%, operational continuity was disrupted by blackouts and storms, and our remote management model simply didn’t translate culturally. Instead of doubling down blindly, we paused, reduced the hub, and rebuilt our global expansion framework using a lean approach, testing small, analyzing cultural fit, and scaling gradually. Those lessons later shaped our more sustainable entry into Argentina and taught me that resilience comes from designing your business for volatility.

Lisa Friscia

President & Founder of Franca Consulting, LLC, a leadership and operating advisory firm helping purpose-driven organizations build the infrastructure that makes performance sustainable.

As a consultant whose work depends on long-term partnerships, I feel the recent challenges across the social impact sector directly. Instead of retreating, I doubled down on clarity—refining my core offers, listening closely to what leaders were actually struggling with, and building infrastructure in my own business the same way I advise my clients to do in theirs. Reinvention and pivots work best when they’re built on foundations, not panic.

Natalie Nicole

CEO & Founder of Impackedful Creative, unleashing creativity for a cause to help businesses attract and engage the right audience.

I hit a point where the business demanded a level of leadership and structure I hadn’t yet developed, and continuing the same way would have capped growth. Instead of staying comfortable, I put myself in rooms where I was the least experienced, sought out mentors who challenged my thinking, and treated that season as the work required to become the founder the business needed. Treat your business as a training ground where every obstacle is preparing you for the next level, pushing you to learn, adapt, and evolve with it.

All individuals featured in this article are members of Dreamers & Doers, a highly curated community and PR Hype Machine​​ amplifying extraordinary women entrepreneurs and leaders through authentic connections, credibility-boosting visibility, and opportunities that accelerate big dreams. (Learn more about membership here.)

This article The Hard Decisions That Forged Resilience And Reinvention For Women Leaders was originally published on HerAgenda.com

It’s been said that a shift in energy can change the atmosphere, and this rings true to many things and spaces. Feng Shui is a 3,000-year-old philosophy that’s primary intent is to balance the flow of energy through furniture and positioning, to establish positive mental and emotional health, as well as good fortune.

When designing a home office, it should be a place of inspiration, motivation, and excitement.  An office you love to go to will certainly heighten your creativity and bring out your best work. However, if you’re not sure where to start, Her Agenda has gathered a starter pack to get your creative wheels turning.

Pick The Room With The Best Lighting

Finding the best room is the most essential element of all when it comes to designing your ideal home office. If you’re in a dark, cold basement, your creativity may not be as grand as it could be. Try finding a space that allows room to welcome the sun and offer creative freedom. Not to mention that natural lighting is healthier lighting.

According to PacLights, the correlation between lighting and productivity has been the subject of considerable research. Natural light, for instance, has been shown to boost alertness and improve mood, thereby enhancing cognitive functions. Many studies indicate that exposure to natural light helps in the regulation of circadian rhythms, which in turn can lead to better sleep and improved focus.

Let The Colors Do The Talking

Sometimes colors invite you in before a person does; Understanding the psychology of color means you know how colors create reactions.  If you’re looking for a zen vibe, try blues and greens. But if you’re looking to boost those creative juices, go for more vibrant colors like reds and oranges that are energy boosters and are known to inspire and motivate.

Since this is your home office, you have free rein to experiment with furniture styles, create accent walls, find statement pieces that speak to you, and add comforting whatnots like candles, plaques, art, and endless options.

Incorporate Who You Love

What’s a workspace without the ones you love? Every artist has a muse. Do your friends and family bring out the best in you? You can make a collage, frame pictures, or get a digital photo frame of your friends and family to sit on your desk. Sometimes, having that reminder that you are loved is all you need to power on your creativity.

Although you’re already home, making a small section/space for your loved ones can spark a memory and encourage you to write a chapter for your book, create a new painting, find a new creative approach to market your product, or promote a new business venture.

Make An Affirmation Wall

Affirmations are a great way to spark creativity and boost confident and low or slow days. Every day won’t be filled with inspiration and ideas, so creating an affirmation wall will work as a reminder that you are capable when you don’t feel or believe that you are, and that you can accomplish your goals. When creating this wall, you have creative freedom to pull quotes, pictures, poems, notes, letters from friends and family supporting you, and anything positive that drives you to operate as your best self.

According to HealthyPlace, what better way to create positive images in the brain than to fill your home with positive words and images? Positivity walls are particularly effective because they help you visualize goals that are deeply personal. Over time, you will learn what words and images build you up and make you feel that you’re ready to take on the world.

This article How To Design A Home Office That Fuels Your Creativity was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Step into most offices, and the scene reflects a microcosm of today’s multigenerational society. From Big Tech to startups, today’s businesses are made up of workers ranging from the early-career Gen Zer to the seasoned Boomer professional. U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that 36% and 31% of today’s labor force are Millennial and Gen X workers, respectively. But there is no shortage of workers at the other ends of the age spectrum, with Gen Z and Baby Boomers making up over a third of the current U.S. workforce.  

Because of this dynamic blend of generations now in the workforce, team interactions, individual work styles, and professional relationships can be a challenge to embrace across a multigenerational workplace, but can open the doors to more diversity, inclusion, and change. Navigating intergenerational mentorship in the workplace effectively can help improve your business, see your role with a new perspective, and bridge the gap between you and the next step of your career.

Mentorship Harnesses Collective Knowledge And New Ideas

Mentoring or being mentored by someone much more junior or senior than you can seem to magnify the age or seniority gap. But when approached in the right way, mentoring highlights different perspectives and new ideas to help shape the future of your team and business. Mentoring across age groups opens the lines of communication in a trustworthy environment. This helps reveal different viewpoints that might otherwise be biased based on the length of experience or lack thereof alone.

Looking for a new and innovative way to use AI and technology to enhance your role? A mentee or mentor in the Gen Z or Millennial age groups is best equipped to help you utilize technology to your advantage. Need guidance on navigating your industry to help unlock your career in its early stages? Establishing a mentor/mentee relationship with a seasoned Gen X or Baby Boomer professional can help provide perspective that comes with decades of experience. Your business and career can thrive from having a new and diverse outlook through intergenerational mentoring.

Mentorship Helps Reimagine Workplace Politics

A common theme that many industries share is workplace politics, a sometimes-unspoken code of ethics and guidelines that shape how professionals move and operate, and in many cases, how they position themselves for career advancement. Mentorship across age groups can be essential to shedding the barriers of workplace politics and help advance change forward.

Young professionals may benefit from a more senior professional’s mentorship through years accumulated in the workforce, helping to shape Gen Z’s approach to age-old workplace politics and etiquette, like networking and acquiring soft skill sets. Using feedback from mentorship that incorporates early-to-mid level professionals, more experienced Gen X and Baby Boomer workers, who are more likely to be in executive-level leadership roles, can use their level of seniority to reshape the workplace. Open communication and feedback in a mentoring environment that fosters transparency can help initiate change up and down the corporate ladder.

Inspire and Empower A Collaborative Workplace

Each generation has unique traits when it comes to their work styles. Baby Boomers are structured workers and appreciate clear and direct instructions and deadlines. Gen Xers are more comfortable with independent, autonomous work and prefer efficient communication to get the job done. Team collaboration and a sense of purpose drive the Millennial workforce, who value task delegation to achieve a common goal. The newest generation in the workforce, Generation Z, seeks a workplace that is diverse, prioritizes mental well-being, and values transparency.

With these distinctive work styles, intergenerational mentorship can help inspire and create a workplace that embraces these approaches and fosters more collaboration and inclusion. Bridge the gap between generations in the workplace by using mentorship to identify opportunities, like preferred communication styles, what training and career growth look like, and how to achieve it, better methods for team collaboration, and other open and transparent conversations. The more you make room to integrate professional mentorship in the workplace across age and seniority, the closer you can get as a mentor or mentee to a more collaborative workplace that benefits everyone.

This article How To Navigate Intergenerational Mentorship In The Workplace was originally published on HerAgenda.com

You can’t discuss Black culture without talking about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Mecca, Aggies, Spelman, Morehouse, the Rattlers, and more have made an indelible impact on our greatest minds. 

Since the 1830s, HBCUs have created academics, lawyers, musicians, doctors, and a plethora of other leaders who have helped propel the Black community forward. Since their inception, they’ve been a means of self-preservation, growth, and growing the future generation. This is especially true for women who were often given opportunities to thrive in these spaces in a world that often doesn’t make that easy. 

For women’s history month, Her Agenda is taking a deeper dive into how HBCUs have impacted some of our brightest stars and their journeys to success. 

Mary McLeod Bethune was a staunch advocate for Black women in the 1930s, even becoming an advisor for President Roosevelt’s Black Cabinet. In 1904, she founded Daytona Literary and Industrial Training Institute for Negro Girls, which eventually became Bethune-Cookman University in 1923. In her last will and testament, she said this about founding the school:

“Despite many crushing burdens and handicaps, I have risen from the cotton fields of South Carolina to found a college, administer it during its years of growth, become a public servant in the government of our country, and a leader of women.” 

Former Vice-President Kamala Harris is a proud Bison, having graduated from Howard in 1986. In a 2020 CNN interview with Dana Bash, she said this about how that time shaped her: 

“It meant that you could do anything, and you didn’t have to be confined by anyone else’s idea of what it means to be Black. You could be a fine art student and also be class president. You could be homecoming queen and be the head of the science club. You could be a member of a sorority and be in student government, and want to go to law school, and it encouraged you to be your full self.” 

Media icon Oprah Winfrey is also an HBCU graduate and a proud Tennessee State University alum. Her path was a bit unconventional, having taken a full-time journalism job and taking 10 years to graduate. She returned in 2023 to give the commencement speech and spoke about her time in school and what she hopes students will take with them. 

“We need audacious thinkers. Use my example. I was one good TSU teacher, Mr. Cox, and one timely phone call away from a career that would absolutely change my life. That story is not just my own. What dream are you one or two steps away from?”

Stacey Abrams has become a political giant for the Democratic Party over the last decade, but before that, she was a student at Spelman College in Atlanta. In 2022, she gave the commencement speech at her alma mater and had this to say about her experience. 

“I learned at Spelman, to learn my lessons, not my losses. Whether it was somebody breaking up with me, me making a mistake in class, me getting the first C I have ever gotten in my life — and I’m still mad about it — but it was also the loss of friends. The loss of opportunity. You are going to face a great deal of loss. But when we focus on not getting, we ignore what we have received.” 

This article The Enduring Influence Of Historically Black Colleges For Women Leaders was originally published on HerAgenda.com

If you are a millennial woman, Ann Shoket likely shaped how you view beauty, fashion, and pop culture. As the Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen during its peak era, she was the gatekeeper of cool. However, looking back, Ann doesn’t see her time at the legacy brand as the ultimate destination. She sees it as a lesson in the power that women hold.

When asked if ambition has become a dirty word for career women, Ann is quick to reframe the narrative. “Pick another word,” she challenges. “Freedom. Do you like freedom? Do you like possibilities? Ambition is just wanting what you want and knowing you have the ability to get it,” she stated in the episode.

From The Throne To Ownership

Ann describes her time at Seventeen as sitting in a borrowed seat, a legendary throne she was honored to sit in, but realized she didn’t own. Shoket admits the transition to entrepreneurship wasn’t initially the plan, but it became her savior. Ann recalls the weight of trying to save the magazine business from the 2008 crash and digital shifts.

“The day I realized those were no longer my problems to solve was the best day of my life,” she clarified. Freed from trying to save a dying industry, she focused on her true mission: talking to the next generation of women about their life plans.

Solving The Loneliness Of High Achievement

After the pandemic halted her summit-based business, Ann pivoted again, acquiring The Li.st, a high-impact community featuring names like Shonda Rhimes and Jodi Cantor. Why? Being a high-achieving woman can be inherently lonely.

“The world is not built for you. The world is not built for me,” Ann says. By creating a community for women who have already broken the rules, she is moving past incremental change toward sparks of creativity. 

Click the image below to listen everywhere podcasts are available.

This article Ann Shoket On Why Ambitious Women Need Each Other was originally published on HerAgenda.com

As we round up the first quarter of 2026, it’s helpful to reflect on our career journey to understand where we are and plan out where we want to go. The best way to do this is to track your career wins, the big ones, the small ones, and the process towards this win. 

In order to do this, you can create a personal archive of your career wins. Record the significant milestones that have defined your journey. This involves stepping back to see the defining moments, while also paying attention to the everyday victories that might be overshadowed by bigger accomplishments.

By doing this, you can create a list that’s both meaningful and comprehensive.

What Belongs In Your Archive

To set the foundation for this archive, think about the significant milestones in your career. And broaden the meaning of significance by including achievements across all areas of your career, such as professional, emotional, relational, and more.

When recording these wins, include context about what each one means to you personally. For instance, if completing a project required you to push through anxiety or challenging interpersonal relationships, add that context because it demonstrates the depth of that achievement. 

These are some categories to look out for in recording these wins.

Impact – when it comes to professional achievements, they can be broad, from developing projects to leading a team, so you can define this yourself. For each accomplishment, what you specifically did, processes, or creative decisions you led, the difference it made, and any obstacles you overcame to get there. Additionally, try to quantify the achievement. Track metrics such as percentage increases or decreases, time saved or processes improved, budgets managed or revenue influenced, and growth in users, audiences, or engagement.

Skills – What’s a professional skill you’ve mastered that once seemed intimidating? What abilities have you used or developed? Tracking your skill growth helps when reporting annual reviews, writing resumes, prepping for reviews, or pivoting industries. Both hard and soft skills are relevant, from learning how to use a piece of software to facilitating a conflict management session. 

Testimonials – Record any praise, feedback, or recognition you receive from clients, coworkers, mentors, or supervisors, such as emails, DMs, Slack shoutouts, or words of thanks. This will help you see how others perceive your value and, most importantly, act accordingly. Double down on these positive acts.

Some of your most significant professional growth happens in the quieter moments, the everyday interactions, and the ways you navigate your career. They include:

• Relationship building: Moments when you helped a new team member feel welcomed or supported, or when you facilitated a difficult conversation between colleagues.
• Advocacy and leadership: Instances when you spoke up for yourself or others and used your voice to create positive change.
• Overcoming Challenges: Times when you persevered through challenges, maintained professionalism under pressure, or recovered from setbacks.

How To Track Your Wins

Record regularly – Set aside 20 minutes every Friday to jot down your week’s wins.

Reflect periodically– if you want to record the career archive of previous years, go through your life year by year, or even period by period, to uncover these career wins.

Technically, you can set up your personal career archive online: 

Create a dedicated file in Google Drive, Google Sheet, or Notion. In this file, include all the subsections we discussed in the “What To Record” section, record with detail by including the name of the task, dates worked on, your role and contributions, and the impact. If the task involves deliverables that can be saved, such as pitch decks or presentations, save those decks.

An example, though not exactly the same type of document, is Mindy Seu’s CV, a detailed database of every task or project Mindy has carried out in her multipotentialite career. Explore it and adapt elements of it to build your own personal career archive.

Over time, this archive becomes more than a record; it’s evidence of your growth. When new opportunities arise, or self-doubt creeps in, you’ll have something tangible to return to: a clear record of just how far you’ve come.

This article How To Build A Personal Archive Of Your Career Wins was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Although crucial and in a person’s best interest, individuals often fail to negotiate. Studies show that only 7% of women negotiate salaries after graduating from business school compared to 57% of men. Negotiating is a business tactic, not an argument, Margaret Neale of Stanford Graduate Business School reinforces in an interview, “The reality is that negotiation is a dyadic interdependent decision. No one can force anybody to say yes.”

Negotiation is more of a necessity than many realize. Negotiation skills come into play when taking meetings centered around salary compensations, purchasing a car, buying a house, hiring contractors, submitting bids, and even shopping at the market. In real estate school, the term “a meeting of the minds” was often used during my courses. Learning to negotiate without leaving with the short end of the stick takes time and skill. Let’s explore a few tips.

Do Your Research

A blog post from the Program of Negotiation at Harvard Law School elaborates on the fact that the most common mistake people make when negotiating is showing up unprepared. Failing to do research can be costly for your negotiation outcome. A negative outcome is getting taken advantage of, or worse, leaving value on the table. It is best to do research and analysis so you are prepared and don’t walk away with the short end of the stick.

Know Your Boundaries Ahead Of Time

It is recommended that you define goals and desired outcomes in advance. Brainstorming about what is important to you, what the other side might value most, and what you are willing to compromise on puts you at an advantage. Walking into a negotiation blind will cost you because you will have to decide on the spot. Putting in the proper time and consideration ahead of time will give you confidence while negotiating your side of the deal.

Leave Your Emotions At Home

Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgement. You will get the best results by thinking with a level head, staying polite, and not burning a bridge. At times, it may be tempting to lead with your emotions, but this will impact your negotiation in a negative way.

Don’t Underestimate The Other Person

It is important to never underestimate the other person. Treat each negotiation as if the other person wants the deal to happen just as badly as you do. An article in Psychology Today discusses the importance of figuring out what the other party wants. Don’t underestimate what is important to them and the goals they have behind this negotiation.

Know When To Walk Away

According to The Negotiations Training Institute, it is important to know when to walk away. Walking away is not a show of weakness, but a display of strength. Identifying your non-negotiables or items you are not willing to compromise on in advance will put you in the strongest position while negotiating. Sometimes walking away is the best way to ensure you don’t get the short end of the stick.

Effective Communication

Listening and asking questions are strong weapons when negotiating. An article published by the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law emphasizes that effective communication and active listening involve more than just talking; it requires an understanding of both verbal and non-verbal cues. The article goes on to reinforce the importance of good active listening skills. Comprehension of motives, limitations, and validating your counterpart with clarifying questions increases your chances of leaving with a mutually beneficial agreement.

A Muscle That Needs Exercising

Like any acquired skill, negotiating requires practice. Through trial and error and multiple attempts, negotiating can become like second nature. Michele Gelfand of Stanford Graduate School of Business stated, “It feels very intimidating, particularly for certain groups. Negotiation is inherently a cooperative exercise, but you’re competing at the same time.”

Just know, if you feel uncomfortable navigating how to negotiate, you are not alone.  

This article 6 Ways To Negotiate Like A Pro Without Leaving With The Short End Of The Stick was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Interested in a career change or learning about a new industry? The life sciences industry ranges across a diverse range of disciplines with many career paths that focus on expanding our understanding of health, disease, and the natural world.

Learn more about what the life sciences what it entails, career opportunities in this sector, and how it compares to the tech industry for women.

What Does “Life Sciences” Mean?

Cancer diagnostic tools company Leica Biosystems defines the term ‘life sciences’ as the study of living organisms that can incorporate diverse fields, including biology, cell biology, genetics, neuroscience, and environmental science.

The Massachusetts College of Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, a health sciences-focused university,  mentions a variety of careers in settings ranging from hospitals and other healthcare settings, public health departments, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology (biotech) companies. The latter two have especially promising career and growth opportunities.

A 2025 report from Intuition Labs shows that pharmaceutical and biotech companies have shown notable growth in employment. Biotech currently outpaces the rest of the private sector in the United States. This same report also states that biotech wages are high and outpace regional averages by up to 50-100%. Learn more about what that means for women developing careers in these kinds of companies, as well as the types of roles available.

Promising Roles For Women In Life Sciences

For women looking to develop careers in life sciences research, there is good news. According to the Association of Women in Sciences, women make up 41-42% of scientific researchers. Research positions can include roles in both laboratory research and clinical research. While the former focuses on scientific experiments such as developing drugs before testing on humans, the latter focuses on testing drugs on human subjects. Some laboratory research titles can include clinical laboratory technologist, biomedical researcher, and biological technician. Those who are interested in the clinical trials side can pursue titles such as clinical trial manager and regulatory affairs associate.

However, having a life sciences degree is not required to build a career in the industry. For example, pharmaceutical sales representatives inform physicians about medications and develop relationships with them, and many of them happen to be women. 67% of the pharmaceutical sales workforce is female (in contrast with the 28% of technology sales representatives)

Life Sciences Vs Tech: Which Industry Has Better Career Opportunities For Women?

Women can expect to find more female peers in the life sciences than they would in the technology sector.

A 2023 article by Poonam Sharma-Voorhoeve, a senior operations manager at pharmaceutical/medical device/biotechnology giant Johnson & Johnson, states that more than half of the life sciences workforce (48 %) is made up of women. In contrast, the technology workforce is only 28% women. An October 2025 article from pharmaceutical industry publication Fierce Pharma shows this number increases to 56% in life sciences, while the Women in Tech Network reports that the female workforce in tech remains at 27-28% in their 2026 outlook report.

Fortune 500 reports that the number of female CEOs is low in both tech and life sciences. However, there has been an influx of female CEOs at major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including incoming Takeda CEO Julie Kim, Dr. Reshma Kewalrani at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and Yvonne Greenstreet at Anylam Pharmaceuticals, to name a few.

Despite these statistics about the C-Suite, women in life sciences companies still have an opportunity to move up the corporate ladder. Fierce Pharma, shared in their 2025 annual report that women outnumber men on most rungs of the career ladder at pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Interested in pursuing a career in life sciences and want to connect with women who are currently in the field? There are several resources for women interested in networking, including the Life Science Women’s Network and Women in Bio network.

This article Why Life Sciences Is The Fastest Growing Sector For Women Beyond The Tech Industry was originally published on HerAgenda.com

The creator economy has afforded creators and builders the opportunity to earn from an array of devices. Starting with brand sponsorship, the field has evolved to creators advertising for various brands, to creating their own branded products. Brand sponsorships involve partnerships where a company offers financial or material support to a creator in exchange for sponsoring a product or service. It often leads to exposure and promotion of the brand and increased brand awareness and sales. 

However, there are challenges that come with it. Brand sponsorship deals depend on the marketing ecosystem and budgets, so these sponsorships may not be available all year round. There can also be creative restrictions as sponsors often dictate messaging, tone, or even content length. Lastly, audiences prefer content based on authenticity as they can feel when content shifts to prioritize ads over realness. 

Sponsorships work, but don’t provide the foundation creators need to thrive long-term. Creators now use the power of their community to build brands that offer products and services that reflect their audience’s values, solve their community’s problems, and transform loyal followings into a sustainable, revenue-generating business.

Why The Shift Toward Community-Driven Ownership?

Currently, there’s a clear shift of creators toward building brands around their communities, prioritizing direct relationships and member value. The shift happened when creators realized they could sell directly to their audience. With a dependable community, they have something even more valuable than brand sponsorships—they have trust. The line of thought is, “Why promote someone else’s brand when you could build your own?”

Today’s audiences are different. They want independent content solely shaped by creators they’re interested in, not a feed dictated by different brand sponsorships. This direct support turns them into active partners. This relationship creates a deeper loyalty between the creators and their audience, a natural growth of community through referral and word-of-mouth, and a mutual and simultaneous growth of the creator and their community. 

This community-driven model turns inconsistent income into predictable and recurring support. Audiences can now support their favorite creators directly by essentially putting their money where their mouth is. They now fund the creator’s voice instead of the sponsor’s message. This might also lead to developing a creative niche, engaging in riskier and more experimental projects, and tailoring their content a lot more to their audience. Creators can finally focus on depth.

Community-Driven Ownership Models

This has led to the development of community-driven ownership models where creators provide their own products and services directly to their audience. This model has multiple ways it presents, but the two most common ways are subscription models and the creation of physical or digital products. 

Membership And Subscription Communities

The creator economy has led to an ecosystem of membership-based, community-driven, and hybrid monetization tools. Each of them helps creators build sustainable creative independence while staying genuinely connected to their audiences. The subscription model dominates community monetization in 2025. A paid community of about 26 members at ~$40/month yields $1,000 monthly, which is certainly more efficient than sponsorship alternatives needing 100,000+ followers.

There are several benefits of membership platforms for content creators, which include the provision of a steady stream of revenue, a direct line of communication between the creators and their subscribers, a model of exclusivity for the community, and total execution of content by the creator. 

A creator who does this excellently is Omondi, the creator of The Cutting Room Floor, a podcast of deep-dive interviews with elite members of the fashion industry. They have a dedicated Patreon account where they post the podcast episodes. The basic membership plan starts at €5.50 per month. 

Physical And Digital Products 

As we know, creators start by building a personal brand through regular, authentic content and storytelling. Over time, they learn what their audience cares about, what problems they face, and what would excite them. Then they transition to launching a product that fits seamlessly into that lifestyle.  

They choose based on their audience’s needs, their personal bandwidth, and their long-term brand vision.  They either create physical products from scratch or digital products such as e-books, courses, and other digital tools. 

Leah Kateb, an alumna of the reality television show Love Island, was able to build her career as a digital creator up to becoming the Chief Creative Officer and Refounder of Skylar,  a clean and California-inspired fragrance brand that offers hypoallergenic and conscious formulas for a modern lifestyle. 

This article Moving From Brand Sponsorships To Community-Driven Ownership Models was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Yes, AI has redefined the modern professional landscape. Many fear it is “coming for” their jobs, but it isn’t, at least not necessarily. Re-framing AI as a tool to help you in your career, rather than one trying to replace you, can help put you at ease and focus on what truly matters: what you can bring to the table. 71% of Americans fear AI could cause permanent job loss. Yet, the World Economic Forum sees the shifting global trends in tech and other industries as sources of opportunities. In fact, they anticipate the creation of 78 million new jobs by 2030. They do state that upskilling will be needed to prepare the workforce.  

A recent National Bureau of Economic Research survey found that around 70% of firms actually use AI, but 80% of them report no clear business benefit from doing so. Additionally, you may be surprised to find that out of the two-thirds of leaders who use AI, they only do so for an average of 1.5 hours a week. 

It is estimated that nearly13,000 jobs were lost to AI in 2024. Scary, I know, but it’s also estimated that nearly 120,000 jobs were created by AI that same year. You’re not wrong to be scared by AI; everything is telling you to be, and you may benefit from looking at the facts and practicing intentional professional practices to ensure you advance with the times rather than being left behind by them. 

Here are some things you can do to stay on top of the AI fear: 

Recognize That Soft-Skills Are Some Of The Most Valued In 2026 

A recent Forbes article pointed out that while AI will continue to gain significance, the skills employers are placing the most importance on in 2026 are soft ones, such as “interpersonal communication, empathy, creativity, teamworking, and leadership.” That’s a great sign because these are skills only humans can develop and cultivate. Read our article to learn more.   

Learn How To Direct AI, Not Compete With It

“What will be the difference between a person who becomes more capable and powerful with AI versus those who will be withered and consumed by it? Curiosity,” said Mark Schaefer, globally recognized keynote speaker, educator, business consultant, and author, “If you’re a curious person, AI is an intellectual wonderland. It will feed that curiosity and help you bloom into a bigger, bolder, wiser person.”

As we saw above, even leaders are using AI, but they are doing so sparingly. Finding the line between relying on AI and utilizing it to speed up certain tasks in order to free up space and time can help improve your productivity and creativity.  

Shift From Fear To Agency

Fear is natural, especially when it comes to something as broad and relatively unknown as AI. One of the best things you can do to combat this fear is to match it with your adaptability and resilience. Any major technological advancement in the past has brought some level of fear along with it: think the printing press, the industrial revolution, the personal computer, the internet, and even ATMs. Now think of all the things these advancements have brought us: mass literacy, mass production, process automation, access to knowledge, and bank tellers being able to focus on customer service. History reminds us that disruption is not new. Each wave of innovation eliminated certain roles while simultaneously creating entirely new industries.

Those who thrive during technological shifts experience fear, of course, but their response to it is what distinguishes them from the rest. Instead of running away from or ignoring change, they learn, they experiment, they adjust.

“Artificial intelligence is not a substitute for human intelligence,” said Fei-Fei Li, Co-Director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, “it is a tool to amplify human creativity and ingenuity.”

AI is no different than any other major advancements. It may automate repetitive tasks. It may reduce the need for certain roles. But it also increases demand for judgment, creativity, oversight, and human connection. It raises the value of distinctly human capabilities. By realizing this, you can change your fear into a catalyst for adaptability and benefit from the changing times.

This article Why Being Afraid Of AI Is Rational And What To Do With That Fear was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Founders are no longer competing solely on hard work or intuition, as they’re now competing with how fast they can learn, iterate, and deliver value. According to Tech Bullion, the “10x founder” framework reframes success as a function of accelerated learning cycles powered by AI, where iterative feedback, real-time insights, and automated systems transform founders into exponential learners. 

This framework doesn’t just boost productivity. It reshapes the core mechanics of startup growth and innovation with a modern tool at hand. 

What Is A 10x Founder In The AI Context?

A “10x founder” has traditionally been someone whose output greatly exceeds that of peers. As Tech Bullion stated, when adapted to artificial intelligence, this concept evolves into 10x learning velocity, founders who use AI to compress feedback loops, accelerate experimentation, and iterate with real data instead of intuition.

AI enables founders to extract insights, validate assumptions, and refine strategies at speeds that were previously impossible without large teams or long development cycles. According to Entrepreneur, AI-driven startups are achieving faster product-market fit and scaling sooner thanks to data-rich cycles that inform decisions in real time. 

How AI Accelerates Learning Cycles

1. Real-Time Feedback And Rapid Iteration

In traditional startup frameworks, finding product-market fit could take months of slow experiments, surveys, and manual analysis. AI compresses this cycle by automatically interpreting user behavior, highlighting patterns, and suggesting next steps without weeks of manual processing. AI can analyze user signals to reveal what works and what doesn’t within days or even hours, per Startup Magazine. 

Startup Magazine also suggests AI can instantly reveal which features users engage with most, where engagement drops off, and what improvements might increase value, which cuts the classic “build-measure-learn” loop down dramatically.

Efficient Feedback Loop Design

Research from Tellrlabs shows that the design of intelligent feedback loops is crucial to AI-enabled learning velocity. For instance, when founders engineer systems that gather and act on feedback from product usage, customer support interactions, and market signals, they unlock a cycle where each iteration informs the next with increasing precision. 

This can then translate into faster product optimization, higher retention, and clearer paths to monetization. 

Automation With Strategic Oversight

AI tools can generate prototypes, suggest pricing strategies, develop initial marketing content, or even forecast performance trends. 

However, founders still guide strategy, prioritize hypotheses, and make key decisions. According to Forbes, what differentiates 10x founders is the integration of AI into structured decision systems, not unfiltered reliance on outputs alone.

Why This Framework Matters

Competitive Advantage Through Speed And Efficiency

Forbes also suggests AI fundamentally shifts the competitive landscape. For instance, founders who build feedback systems can validate assumptions and pivot faster, giving them a strategic edge in crowded markets. Modern AI tools allow startups to test go-to-market strategies, code features, and build MVPs in a fraction of the time traditional methods demanded. 

This speed can change how startups learn about their customers, adjust pricing, and refine user experiences. Founders who harness this effectively can also accelerate scale without proportionally increasing costs. 

Democratization Of Expertise

Before generative AI, deep analytics, prototype development, and complex simulations required large teams or specialized skills. With AI, even solo founders or small teams can wield tools that previously took months to master, as per Idasara.

This article The 10x Founder Framework For Accelerating Learning Cycles With AI was originally published on HerAgenda.com

When speaking with Dr. Arleen K. Lamba, it becomes immediately apparent that her transition from her career as a physician and anesthesiologist to skincare was ignited by a personal mission: making radiant skin a reality for everybody. Frustrated by her own personal skin problems that she couldn’t find solutions for in the current market, she decided to build her own skincare brand based on medical science. Founded in 2012 just outside Washington, D.C., GLO30 emerged as a next-generation skincare studio focused on delivering medical-grade, AI-personalized treatments through a unique membership model.

Dr. Arleen believes that glowing skin should be a part of everyday life, not just a luxury. “Thirteen years ago, when I founded GLO30, the vision was simple but bold: create a place where people could see real, measurable change in their skin, not just feel pampered for an hour. From the beginning, I believed skincare should sit at the intersection of medical science and consistency. Skin is a living organ. It changes every 30 days. It responds to stress, hormones, lifestyle, and age. Yet, we were treating it like a one-time luxury service instead of an ongoing health practice.”

To achieve this, she provides treatments that are both smart and adaptable. These treatments are designed to meet the changing needs of the skin every month. Over the years, GLO30 has experienced remarkable growth, expanding rapidly to over 100 studios across the United States, including locations in Texas, Florida, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Arizona. This expansion is driven by an innovative franchise model emphasizing community, empowerment, and wellness. The brand is expanding by partnering with entrepreneurs to establish their own GLO30 communities.

The Challenges Dr. Arleen Faced

Skincare has often been depicted as a vanity or luxury industry. This has primarily been based on its branding or marketing strategy as well. Skincare and spa treatments are marketed as things that cost not only money but also time. The relaxation is part of the spa essence, but using time for nothing but skincare is seen as a privilege, not as taking care of health.

The “Pink Tax” is a term derived from sales or marketing where products targeted towards women are priced higher than those for men, despite being identical in function. Women’s skincare often suffers from shrinkflation and price markups from the men’s version of the same products or services, even within the same companies. According to data, Gilette is the company most associated with the Pink Tax because they literally display the products of blue and pink with different packaging and pricing. By offering high-quality, easy access, and affordable skincare, Glo30 reduces the disparity in skincare.

How Glo30 Is Redefining Skincare

The perception of skincare overlooks its vital role in overall health and well-being. Skin, being the largest organ of the body, serves as a crucial barrier against environmental pollutants, pathogens, and harmful UV rays. Treating skincare as part of healthcare means acknowledging its importance in protecting and maintaining the body’s first line of defense. Proper skincare routines can prevent a host of skin conditions, from acne and eczema to more serious concerns like melanoma.

By integrating skincare into healthcare based on Dr. Arleen’s methods, individuals can proactively manage their skin’s health. According to Dr. Lamba, “For a long time, skincare lacked what I call the three A’s: Affordability. Accessibility. Approachability. Luxury has traditionally meant expensive, exclusive, and intimidating. Skincare lived in that space for decades. It allowed high margins without always delivering measurable results. When something feels hard to access or understand, it becomes positioned as indulgent rather than essential. But skin is your largest organ. It protects you daily. It reflects inflammation, stress, nutrition, and hormonal balance. That’s not luxury, that’s health.”

The Glo30 Model And Why It Works

Glo30’s unique business model operates like a fitness club. Rather than a traditional spa, where every visit is an expensive splurge, this model provides everyone membership for affordability and lets you fall into a routine for your health and schedule similar to a gym.

According to Dr. Lamba, “The membership model was honestly born from a consumer mindset. I had no formal business training. I simply asked: What does skin need to improve? The answer was consistency, every 30 days, aligned with the skin cycle. Then I asked: Where do people already show up consistently? Gyms. Fitness studios. Health clubs. So, we built what we call The Health Club For Your Skin. Members commit to monthly SmartGLO treatments. This builds routine, accountability, and visible progress. It removes decision fatigue and replaces sporadic appointments with structure. Traditional spas focus on occasional visits. GLO30 focuses on ongoing transformation.”

The clients receive personalized skincare and long-term value. Glo30 analyzes your skin and creates the perfect skincare treatments for you using their AI Gloria. Studies show that modern skincare AI has a high degree of accuracy and is a useful tool for dermatology.

Want To Get Involved? Consider Franchising!

Glo30’s franchise model is a helpful tool for more women to open their own businesses. They provide an entire support system, with training, tools, and the business model. Helping more women enter the business sector is how to close the gender gap, grow individual women’s confidence, and support the growth of more economic communities. Former “Real Housewives of Potomac” star Robyn Dixon opened a Glo30 franchise of her own after being a longtime user.

The entrepreneurial growth is one of the most important things to Dr. Arleen. “We’ve watched women open one studio and grow into multi-unit operators. They lead teams. They create jobs. They collaborate with local businesses. They build wellness hubs in their neighborhoods. But most importantly, they create true GLO communities where members don’t just come for treatments, but connection and confidence. Empowering women to own, lead, and scale within a proven system is one of the most meaningful impacts GLO30 has had.”

Dr. Arleen has transformed skincare from a luxury into an accessible health practice with GLO30. By creating her membership and franchise model, she promotes consistent, personalized care and empowers communities through entrepreneurship. Her approach not only challenges traditional industry norms but also has made breakthroughs for other women.

This article Putting The Convenient In Luxury: Dr. Arleen K. Lamba And Glo30’s Subscription Spa was originally published on HerAgenda.com

There is no doubt that leaders, no matter the industry, benefit from having emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is used when weighing pros and cons, making decisions, and planning strategically.

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you. There are five key elements to EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. According to an article in Mental Health America, effective leaders are often very emotionally intelligent.

As a leader, it is important to know your strengths and weaknesses. Having a clear introspection will spare the organization leakage in time, money, resources, team members, and reputation. A strong leader with a high emotional IQ will know when to delegate, when to seek expert advice, when to hire, and when to fire.

Delegation

A key skill in leadership is knowing when to delegate a task or a project. Delegation is not easy for many leaders, but it is a skill motivated by emotional intelligence.

According to an article in Gallup, a business journal, CEOs who are more willing to delegate generated 33% greater revenue than those with low or limited levels of delegation. Having the self-awareness to know the importance of handing a task to a team member better equipped with the skills and or bandwidth, demonstrates high emotional intelligence.

Advice From An Expert

It never feels good to admit you don’t know something. Leaders with high emotional intelligence know when it is time to call in an expert. Paying for consultation from an expert in the area of focus needed will save time and money, a decision that comes with experience and grants a gift of a fresh, alternative perspective.

When the bottom line is literally at stake, a strong leader puts ego aside and invests in gaining the resources necessary to reach important goals.

When To Hire

In addition to self-awareness, an element of EI is empathy. The ability to recognize when your team is stretched too thin or has a heavy workload might cause a need for the acquisition of additional staff. Deliberation over budgets vs productivity might be at the forefront of the conversation. It is important that leaders take burnout into consideration.

Staffing professionals at Green Key Resources share that burnout doesn’t just affect individuals. It costs organizations in the form of turnover, absenteeism, and decreased output.

A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine estimates that burnout costs American companies between $4,000 and $21,000 per employee annually due to lost productivity and turnover. An article in Forbes, a media outlet, elaborates that the discussion of burnout is often overlooked. The results of burnt-out team members and executives may mirror lower productivity, bad decision-making, and diminished organizational performance.

When To Fire

On the other side of the same coin, knowing when to terminate employment is very important and is a big decision that carries weight. Oftentimes, companies “fire” employees for a few of the following reasons:

• budget cuts
• poor performance
• redundancies
• bloat
• restructure
• relocation
• automation
• aqusition
• offshore talent

Depending on state laws, terminating an employee can come with financial responsibility. It is important to use emotional intelligence to make sure the decision to fire employees aligns with the goals of the organization.

More Than A Nice To Have

Decision-making is a job requirement expected of all leaders. Using emotional intelligence in daily activities is a growing requirement, not just a nice-to-have, when it comes to the necessary criteria observed while vetting the perfect candidate. If mobility and climbing the corporate ladder are career aspirations, emotional intelligence is a strong skill to have in your toolbox.

This article Emotional Intelligence And How It Impacts Decision Making was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Balancing work and home life can feel like a juggling act that may not always flow. Many career women find themselves missing out on family birthdays, holidays, and important life events due to their drive, ambitions, and will to accomplish their goals. However, experiencing loss is inevitable, and when it happens, it puts a lot of things into perspective.

If you’re a millennial woman looking to find ways to navigate the loss of a loved one while still pursuing your dreams, Her Agenda has gathered some insight that may help.

Allow Yourself Time To Grieve

Although work can be a great distraction, it won’t take away the loss of a loved one, and the pain you may feel. By allowing yourself to be still and sit in the realization that you’ll no longer see that family member, you’re allowing yourself to let go of that person and what they meant to you. This doesn’t mean you forget about them, but you continue life and learn to live without them.

According to NBC News, for our own health, we shouldn’t stop or delay grieving. We have to go through it, and while we can’t control it all, we can take measures to make it manageable while we’re maintaining other obligations.

Don’t Feel Guilty For Being Career Driven

Guilt can be overwhelming when death is involved. Don’t allow guilt to rear its ugly head and make you feel worse because you weren’t around as much as you would like. No one ever said chasing dreams would be easy. As a career woman, you have to sacrifice time often, and most times your family suffers, but that doesn’t make you a bad person for going after your goals.

Help Guide says, don’t judge yourself, think that you should be behaving in a different way, or try to impose a timetable on your grief. Grieving someone’s death takes time. For some people, that time is measured in weeks or months, for others it’s in years.

Lean On Your Village

According to Help Guide, when you lose someone you love, it’s normal to want to cut yourself off from others and retreat into your shell. But this is no time to be alone. Even when you don’t feel able to talk about your loss, simply being around other people who care about you can provide comfort and help ease the burden of bereavement.

Call on your “true blues” since diapers, your high school and college friends, co-workers that have become friends, and your peers that understand completely how you feel. Career woman to career woman is unmatched when it comes to the fast-paced lifestyle, always on the go, never enough hours in a day, getting home late just to come back to the office three to four hours later. Enlist people who know and love you to help you through this trying time.

Prioritize Time For Family Every Week

Death will force you to change your perspective on life. Losing a loved one simply makes you aware that you have to cherish the short time we have here. No matter how busy you may be, arrange time in your schedule to make a brief call to your parents, elderly family members, nieces and nephews, and so forth during the week. That short call could change the entire trajectory of someone’s day– even yours.

Indeed states, establishing your core values means identifying what’s important in your life. When you understand what you want and enjoy the most, you might find it easier to balance your work and family life. Consider reviewing each aspect of your life and seeing if it contributes to your mission.

This article How To Navigate The Loss Of A Loved One As A Career Woman was originally published on HerAgenda.com

One major truth of organizational performance is reemerging—connections matter. While smaller micro teams can offer agility and focus, businesses that intentionally build strong internal networks and social capital often outperform purely task‑oriented, scale‑focused counterparts. 

Research across organizational science and management theory increasingly shows that relational networks that demonstrate trust, communication, shared knowledge, and collaboration create advantages in innovation, productivity, and resilience that rigid “high‑scale micro teams” alone struggle to match.

The Power Of Social Capital In Organizations

At the heart of connection‑rich organizations is social capital.  This is the web of relationships, trust, and reciprocity that links employees and teams. Social capital is not merely friendly socializing, as it’s a measurable resource that helps organizations coordinate complex work and innovate. 

Studies demonstrate that workplace networks involving informal ties and mutual support can contribute to firm performance and competitive advantage. Employee networks themselves can correlate with better organizational outcomes, because connected employees are more likely to share knowledge and influence others’ contributions. 

On the other hand, high‑scale micro teams often silo work into narrowly focused clusters that lack the broad relational links needed for cross‑organizational learning. This can then create “islands” of expertise rather than a well‑connected corporate culture. 

Collaboration Boosts Innovation And Problem‑Solving

Organizations that prioritize connection also benefit from enhanced collaboration, a known driver of innovation and creative problem‑solving. According to Forbes, when employees share information and engage proactively with colleagues across functions, the organization becomes better at generating ideas and solving challenges. 

For example, collaborative work climates have been linked to higher employee engagement and increased innovation output, as workers feel safer sharing insights and experimenting with solutions. 

Connections Enhance Employee Engagement And Retention

Another advantage of connection‑rich organizations is their effect on engagement and job satisfaction. Research in organizational psychology shows that strong social relationships at work. This can be built through trust, consistent communication, and support, which can also significantly boost employee satisfaction and engagement. Feeling connected to colleagues fosters a sense of belonging and reduces turnover, which in turn enhances team stability and long‑term performance.

On the other side, overly lean micro teams, though efficient in theory, can sometimes leave employees feeling isolated or disconnected from the larger organization. Without broader networks to anchor their work, employees in smaller groups may experience lower engagement, making retention and knowledge continuity more difficult.

Why Scaling Alone Isn’t Enough

The drive toward scaling quickly has become a popular organizational strategy. However, scaling without connection risks fragmenting knowledge and undermining communication. 

A firm may achieve rapid scale in headcount or output units, but if team members lack interpersonal ties and shared norms, the organization often struggles with duplication of effort, misunderstandings, and slower problem resolution.

Management research emphasizes that team effectiveness comes not just from size or agility, but from relational health, which helps build trust, shared understanding, and collaborative norms. This can then help facilitate information exchange and joint problem‑solving. Teams that feel connected across boundaries often outperform those structured purely around task modules because they can harness broader organizational intelligence.

This article Why Connection‑Rich Organizations Outperform High‑Scale Micro Teams was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Artificial intelligence is widely heralded as a way to modernize hiring — promising speed, neutrality, and objectivity.

However, emerging research reveals that AI recruitment tools can replicate and even magnify gender bias instead of eliminating it. These biases don’t stem from malfunctioning systems, but ratherfrom models trained on historical patterns and built without sufficient diverse representation. 

Recent evidence suggests that automated hiring systems may unintentionally disadvantage women and other underrepresented groups in the U.S. job market, as per Brookings.

AI Hiring Bias: The Evidence And Gender Disparities

Studies show an increase in the prevalence and forms of bias in automated hiring systems.

A 2025 analysis from the Brookings Institution simulated resume screening using large language models (LLMs) and found significant gender and racial disparities. Many were found withidentical resumes attributed to women selected at lower rates than those attributed to men. 

Gender imbalance in the tech and AI workforce also contributes to biased system design. According to research by Deloitte, women account for roughly 30% of the AI-related workforce, meaning fewer female perspectives inform the development and evaluation of these systems, which is a gap that can inadvertently reinforce gendered patterns in hiring tools.

Further illustrating these disparities, an industry analysis reported that some automated hiring systems systematically recommend women for lower-wage roles, even when qualifications are equal to those of male candidates. 

How Algorithmic Bias Shows Up In Recruitment

Artificially intelligent screening tools often don’t make overtly discriminatory choices, but their outputs can nonetheless reflect bias in the following ways. 

1. Learning from History

According to Brookings, many AI systems are trained on historical hiring data, which in many fields reflects longstanding gender imbalances. This can lead the algorithm to prefer characteristics historically associated with male candidates.

2. Proxy Variables

Even if gender isn’t directly used, AI can learn indirect signals,  such as wording patterns, prior employment gaps (often associated with caregiving), or keyword usage. Research has shown that AI can infer gender from these proxies, meaning even ostensibly neutral inputs can produce biased outcomes, as per Brookings. 

3. Reinforcing Stereotypes

AI language and resume ranking tools have also been shown to amplify subtle stereotypes. For example, by portraying women candidates as younger or less experienced than their male counterparts, which potentially skews hiring decisions, as per Forbes.

Legal And Policy Context: Accountability Still Matters

AI systems used in hiring do not escape existing U.S. anti-discrimination laws. Agencies like the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) make clear that employers remain responsible for ensuring their tools — including those powered by AI — do not result in disparate impact against protected groups. Employers can face legal liability if biased algorithms disproportionately disadvantage women or other protected classes.

Federal and state bodies are also increasingly emphasizing the need for fairness testing, auditing, and transparency in automated hiring practices to guard against algorithmic discrimination.

Strategies To Navigate And Reduce Algorithmic Bias

While broader systemic work is needed to address bias in AI hiring, individual job seekers and employers can take proactive steps in the following ways, as per Hire Flow. 

1. Optimize Resumes for Skills and Outcomes

Create measurable achievements (e.g., metrics, performance outcomes) rather than subjective descriptors. Algorithms often weigh structured data more consistently.

2. Use Neutral Language

Gender-neutral phrasing and formatting can help reduce the risk that subtle language patterns trigger algorithmic bias.

3. Strengthen Human Connections

Networking through referrals, informational interviews, and direct contact with hiring managers remains one of the best ways to complement or bypass purely automated screening.

4. Ask Employers About AI Use

Job applicants can inquire whether AI is used in screening, whether bias audits are in place, and what human oversight exists. 

5. Enhance Digital and ATS Literacy

Understanding how applicant tracking systems (ATS) identify keywords and structure resumes can help candidates improve their visibility within automated pipelines.

This article Beyond The Glass Ceiling And Navigating The New Algorithm Bias In AI Hiring was originally published on HerAgenda.com

In-person events are often a hit or miss. With travel, booth fees, several hours at the event, and other tiny expenses, the costs can add up very quickly. There are a few tips and tricks to get the biggest bang for your buck and maximize your time, even with zero sales.

Although very frustrating, it is best to keep a level head and think strategically when conducting in-person events. Planning ahead and being well prepared will put you in the best position. When sales are low, focus on lead capture, brand awareness, and consumer feedback. You will want to take advantage of the golden opportunity of face-to-face engagement.

Lead Capture

The ability to contact potential customers is critical to businesses in any industry. Although people are not yet ready to buy, this does not discount that they find value in your product. Properly capturing a lead is the key to staying in touch with potential customers and not missing sales.

A great example of a fun and exciting way to capture leads at pop-up type events is a giveaway or freebie. The task is easy and pressure-free. I simply approach nearby patrons, letting them know that we have an exciting giveaway at our booth. Interested individuals are shown the freebie and reminded that simply signing up for our newsletter registers them for the freebie. This works 99% of the time.

It is important to use a SaaS product like MailChimp or Constant Contact to collect leads. I typically have an electronic device in hand with the landing page ready. The patron enters their information, I am shown the confirmation screen, and then the patron receives the freebie! It is as simple as that.

Brand Awareness

Brand recognition is often undervalued. Getting the name of your business in front of people has so many advantages, and pop-ups are a great opportunity. Even though people are not making purchases, there are still several ways you can connect with the patrons and help them keep your brand top of mind.

A common tactic is giving away swag. People love free, branded items. These swag items help you and the brand increase recognition and build loyalty with potential customers. One common swag item is a coozie, or a more practical one is a phone charger. My go-to swag item is a branded everyday item like lip gloss or key chains, but we can’t forget stickers! People love stickers.

Consumer Feedback

Face-to-face events are amazing for real-time feedback. I love to ask customers product preferences. As well as other great questions regarding the product selection, their must-haves and their not-so-favorites. This valuable feedback helps me understand the wants and needs of the customer. This helps me save time and money on what items I bring to my next pop-up event.

It is important not to take feedback personally, but as free market research. Learning about price sensitivity, product preferences, and quality concerns directly from customers is priceless, valuable first-hand feedback.

I find it very interesting to offer a deal when a customer is on the fence. A pop-up is the perfect time for getting a better understanding of why people are not buying. Is it price vs quantity or quality vs price?

Showing Up For The Business

A long day at a pop-up event with zero sales does not feel good. But don’t be discouraged, there are a few things that can make your pop-up event a win. Despite low or even if you leave with zero sales. Capturing leads, generating brand awareness, and getting valuable consumer feedback are three simple ways to maximize your time and effort. In-person events have value, even if you don’t make sales.

This article 3 Ways To Make A Pop-Up Event Worth Your Time, Even With Zero Sales was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Simply being “resilient” —  the ability to bounce back after setbacks — is no longer enough to ensure long‑term career stability. 

Employers and workforce researchers increasingly argue that “agile literacy”, which is the capacity to learn rapidly, adapt to new situations, and apply skills in changing contexts, is the core competency differentiating successful professionals from those left behind. 

According to the World Economic Forum, as organizations grapple with technological disruption, hybrid work models, and continuous change, agile literacy has emerged as the skillset that enables workers to stay relevant, employable, and future‑ready. 

From Resilience To Agility: What’s Changed?

For years, resilience was touted as the cornerstone of professional success. However, workforce trends show that work itself is changing so fast that mere resilience no longer guarantees stability. 

According to Deloitte’s 2025 Global Human Capital Trends research, most workers face frequent organizational changes, technological shifts, and new role expectations, with workers experiencing an average of 10 workplace transitions per year. This has increased significantly from previous decades. Organizations now emphasize not only stability, but the ability to adapt and learn continuously to remain relevant.

In this context, agile literacy is becoming a new form of job security. Workers who can anticipate change, update their capabilities, and navigate uncertainty are more likely to enjoy long‑term career stability than those who rely solely on grit or resilience.

What Agile Literacy Actually Means

Agile literacy is more than familiarity with software development frameworks; it’s a meta‑skill encompassing cognitive flexibility, rapid learning, and a proactive mindset. Workers with agile literacy actively embrace change and seek opportunities within disruption. They are willing and able to:

• Continuously learn and update skills
• Apply knowledge to new or unexpected problems
• Collaborate effectively across teams and roles
• Adapt priorities in real time
• Navigate ambiguity without excessive stress

These qualities are precisely what employers seek in the modern labor market. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, analytical thinking, adaptability, and agility rank among the top skills employers expect workers to have,  reflecting shifts in workplace demands and the rapid pace of technological change. 

Why Employers Prioritize Agile Skills

Organizations themselves are undergoing transformations that demand agile workforces. Deloitte’s research finds that while a majority of executives believe agility is essential, only a minority describe their organizations as truly agile, signaling a competitive advantage for those who can adapt. Agile skills allow employees to:

• Respond quickly to market and technological change
• Cross‑train and contribute in multiple roles
• Innovate and experiment rather than simply follow routines
• Support continuous learning and upskilling initiatives

Employees with high agile literacy help create stability within organizations, which is a concept Deloitte refers to as “stagility”. This is where stability and agility are not opposing forces but complementary capabilities that sustain both workers and businesses in times of disruption. 

This trend reflects a broader shift in workforce strategy where employers are no longer just hiring for what skills you currently have. Instead, they’re investing in your ability to learn new ones, adapt to new systems, and pivot across functions as business needs evolve.

Career Stability In The Age Of Constant Change

The half‑life of many technical skills is now measured in years, not decades, meaning knowledge quickly becomes obsolete. The World Economic Forum estimates that nearly 39% of workers’ core skills will change by 2030, urging an ongoing commitment to learning and adaptability.

Agile literacy directly counters this trend: professionals who can rapidly acquire new competencies are better equipped to:

• Navigate career pivots
• Transition to emerging roles
• Sustain long‑term employability
• Thrive in environments of uncertainty

Rather than waiting for opportunities to arise, agile learners create opportunities by positioning themselves as adaptable contributors across contexts — a key differentiator in the modern career landscape.

This article Why Agile Literacy Is Replacing Traditional Resilience As The Key To Career Stability was originally published on HerAgenda.com

As American activist and humanitarian Rosalynn Carter famously said, “There are only four kinds of people… those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”

However, due to the caregiving cliff, caregivers face some of the most significant barriers that have become invisible in the economy and culture. These challenges are intensified by the impact that the lack of funding and federal support has on those who serve as caregivers.

Caregivers have become the silent backbone of today’s society, supporting children, aging parents, and chronically ill loved ones. Most people do not plan to be a caregiver; it chooses them.

According to AARP, caregiving is a full-time job: Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers report providing 40+ hours of care per week. One-third have been caregiving for five years or more. Nearly half of caregivers experienced at least one major financial impact, such as taking on debt, stopping savings, or being unable to afford food. 

The Financial Strain On Caregivers

One of the significant barriers caregivers face is the financial strain. Many caregivers reduce work hours, take unpaid leave, or leave the workforce entirely to meet caregiving demands. This loss of income is often paired with increased out-of-pocket costs for medical care, transportation, accommodation, equipment, and basic living expenses, which is a major cause behind a workplace exodus. 

A workplace exodus is when a large number of employees leave the workforce within a relatively short period of time, not because of layoffs, but due to systemic pressures that make staying unacceptable. 42% of women are leaving the workforce due to a lack of caregiver support.

For many caregivers, continuing to work becomes economically strained or physically impossible, so people stop working, not by choice, but by necessity.

With the uncertainty of the economy, caregivers are being pushed into financial strain. Not to mention the effects of long-term caregiving can also reduce lifetime earnings, retirement savings, and Social Security benefits, creating lifelong economic consequences.

There are still employers that lack adequate paid family leave, flexible scheduling, or remote work options. Federal protections such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are limited: leave is unpaid, and eligibility requirements exclude many workers.

In a tight employment market, employers that offer less flexibility risk losing working caregivers, according to a Catalyst report from HR BREW.

Also, of the women who voluntarily left their jobs over the past year, 37% said that their employers did not offer flexible work schedules.

The Mental and Physical Strain on Caregivers

Caregivers also face emotional, physical, and mental health challenges. The constant responsibility of caregiving, especially for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, severe disabilities, or complex medical needs, can lead to chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Social isolation is common, as caregivers may have little time or energy to maintain relationships or engage in self-care. 

Data from AARP cites that nearly half of caregivers experienced at least one major financial impact, such as taking on debt, stopping savings, or being unable to afford food. 

The lack of sufficient federal funding and support systems significantly worsens these barriers. Public programs such as Medicaid-funded home and community-based services are underfunded and can vary by state, leading to long waitlists and inconsistent access to care. Many caregivers step in because formal services are unavailable, not affordable, or inadequate. Without federal investment in caregiving resources such as paid family leave, caregiver tax credits, respite care funding, and standardized training, caregivers are left to absorb the costs that society avoids.

Additionally, caregivers are struggling with navigation and policies. Managing benefits, insurance, medical systems, and legal requirements can feel like a full-time job in itself. The lack of a centralized, caregiver-focused support system means individuals must advocate constantly, often without guidance or expertise, while already overwhelmed.

Not only is the current workplace exodus a warning sign. It is proving to us that people aren’t opting out of work; they’re being pushed out by systems that no longer support the realities of today’s society.

This article The Caregiving Cliff: How The 2026 Lack of Federal Support Is Forcing A Workforce Exodus was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Professional societies geared towards the black community are vital pillars of economic mobility, leadership development, and industry upskilling. Before diversity initiatives became mainstream, historic organizations existed for Black professionals that were excluded by offering mentorship, advocacy, scholarships, and networks. 

These organizations serve different industries such as medicine, law, engineering, communications, and more. These institutions prioritize protection, empowerment, and legacy, ensuring that Black talent not only enters professional spaces but thrives, leads, and builds generational impact.

Here are some black professional societies that have been operating since the 1990’s and how they function to serve their members and community. 

National Medical Association

The National Medical Association (NMA) is a national organization representing African American physicians and their patients in the United States. It was founded in 1895, an era when the majority of African Americans were disenfranchised. The segregated policy dictated virtually every aspect of society, including the medicine industry. The American Medical Association (AMA) restricted membership to whites only, so Black physicians and health professionals established the NMA to secure equal rights and privileges for all doctors.

The organization represents about 50,000 African American physicians and the patients they serve by focusing on the health issues related to African Americans and medically underserved populations. NMA helps its members through its membership, professional development, community health education, advocacy, research, and partnerships with federal and private agencies. 

National Association of Real Estate Brokers

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) is a membership-based professional organization dedicated to advocating for African American real estate professionals and promoting fair housing practices. Founded in 1947, NAREB emerged to fight for equal housing opportunities for all people, regardless of race, creed, or color. They represent a wide range of disciplines within the industry, such as a real estate broker, real estate agent, property manager, and mortgage consultant.

Their goal is to unite minority professionals in real estate, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and innovative strategies to better serve their clients. They achieve this by actively engaging in critical advocacy and legislative efforts to promote fair housing and challenge systemic barriers. Additionally, they offer extensive training, industry insights, and educational opportunities tailored to their communities’ needs. This includes certifications and special designations in various fields.

National Technical Association

The National Technical Association (NTA) grew out of local technical societies created in 1920, encouraging African-American opportunities in technical and engineering fields, and promoting interest in science.

They aim to diversify the vocation of scientists and engineers by providing programs to encourage underrepresented minority students in middle school, high school, and college to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. 

In addition, they mentor and nurture young technical professionals to help them develop the skills to innovate solutions for today’s technical problems. It encouraged professional development through conferences, scientific journals, and/or competitions. The organization serves as a conduit for obtaining information about the status of the African American technical community and to obtain advice on technical matters affecting African Americans.  

National Pharmaceutical Association

The National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA) operates as a membership-based professional organization dedicated to advocating for and advancing the role of African American pharmacists in healthcare. Established in 1947, they strive to promote excellence and uniformity among minority health professionals in order to improve the quality of health care in minority communities.

It provides resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to support members in their professional development, while promoting diversity and addressing health disparities in the pharmaceutical field. The organization shares current information on medical products and services through newsletters, journals, conventions, and regional meetings, encourages minority students to pursue careers in pharmacy, fosters collaboration with other health professions, and advocates on public policy issues affecting minority patients and pharmacists.

National Society of Black Engineers

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), a professional organization, dedicates itself to empowering Black engineers and promoting their success in the field.  They provide resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, and advocacy to support members’ academic, professional, and leadership development. Their mission is to expand the pipeline of Black engineers who achieve academic and professional excellence while making meaningful contributions to their communities.

This organization has over 700 chapters and a membership of more than 24,000 worldwide. It plays a vital role in fostering innovation, supporting corporate leaders, guiding countless engineers to graduation, and enhancing STEM education for many K–12 students globally. NSBE aims to create a future where excellence and diversity thrive.

This article 5 Historical Black Professional Societies You Should Know In 2026 was originally published on HerAgenda.com

In today’s era of extended lifespans, where individuals may need savings to last 30+ years, the traditional focus is asset accumulation, but in recent years, we’re now giving way to longevity-focused cash flow strategies. 

This shift prioritizes sustainable and reliable income over mere wealth growth, ensuring financial security without the pitfalls of market volatility. This article defines both approaches, weighs their benefits, and suggests a seamless transition from asset accumulation to longevity-focused cash flow.

Asset Accumulation

Asset accumulation is the process of acquiring and building up financial assets that hold value or generate income over time, which can include real estate properties, stocks and bonds, retirement accounts, businesses, and intellectual property. Unlike tangible assets like cars or houses, these assets gain value from contractual rights or their ability to produce income.

However, this kind of asset accumulation is centered around compounding. This takes time, as large returns come when you start using the capital generated by your investments to reinvest. It involves three key steps: generating income, saving, and investing. 

Asset accumulation is crucial in the journey towards generating wealth and financial stability. 

Benefits Of Asset Accumulation

1. Building Wealth: Asset accumulation serves as a fundamental strategy for building wealth. By continually acquiring assets that appreciate, individuals can increase their net worth. An example is investing in stocks or mutual funds where the earnings will be reinvested to generate additional returns over time. This compounding effect significantly enhances the value of an individual’s portfolio.
2. Portfolio Diversification: This is the spread of investment holdings across different asset classes, industries, and geographical regions. This helps protect one’s wealth from market fluctuations. For instance, a well-diversified portfolio may include a mix of stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities. Diversification makes sure that any potential losses in one asset class can be offset by gains in another, resulting in a resilient investment strategy.
3. Generating Passive Income: Active income requires continuous time and effort—when you stop working, the money stops flowing, but passive income flows whether you’re working, sleeping, or on vacation. Rental properties continue collecting rent. Dividend stocks continue to deliver quarterly payouts. These income-generating assets work effectively without requiring your direct involvement. This income can also be reinvested to acquire additional assets, accelerating the process of wealth creation.
4. Time Pays Well: While income is typically decreased with inflation, cost-of-living raises, or promotions, assets can experience exponential growth through appreciation. One can leverage this through strategic long-term holding. When quality assets are held for decades, their value can multiply several times.

Longevity Focused Cash Flow

Asset accumulation and investments feel real but can disappear. On the other hand, cash flow is tangible. A portfolio that creates predictable income, regardless of stock market volatility, offers confidence and control. It’s better to focus on asset performance in terms of yield, not just appreciation. Acquire assets that spin off income, rather than ones that require liquidation to produce cash. At some point, the cash flow from these assets becomes self-sustaining.

Creating a cash flow model is absolutely doable, and the current trend of the “side hustle” and “entrepreneurship” shows how feasible it is. Some of the paths to developing these model assets include the use of rental properties, equity investing, cash-rich small businesses like laundromats and supermarkets, and online businesses. You can set up a new business or leverage your existing one for multiple income streams like website ads, e-books, memberships, consulting, public speaking, and franchise opportunities. 

Benefits Of Longevity Focused Cash Flow

1. Stability and Predictability: Cash flow prioritizes tangible income (e.g., dividends, rentals) over fluctuating asset values, ensuring expenses are covered regardless of market dips. This “paycheck-like” reliability supports longevity, with modeling projecting sustainability under scenarios like inflation or healthcare costs.
2. Risk Reduction: It minimizes sequence-of-returns risk by using safe buckets (cash/bonds for 2-5 years’ needs), preserving principal and avoiding forced sales during downturns. It inspires confidence, as income exceeds outflows predictably.
3. Lifestyle Benefits: This model fosters discipline and longevity, which is key for long-term adherence and trust. It aligns with real expenses, allows lifestyle flexibility, and supports multigenerational wealth.
4. Legacy and Flexibility: Surplus cash flow preserves wealth for heirs or charity without depletion, while enabling adjustments for quick life changes like relocation and urgent purchases. For instance, income-focused portfolios can yield steady returns while growing principal, outperforming strategies in volatile markets.

How To Shift From Asset Accumulation To Focused Cash Flow

In an investment backed by asset accumulation, one bear market, one recession, or even a few bad quarters can derail an otherwise reliable portfolio. 

As one gets older and matures, one’s focus starts to shift. We begin to wonder if our money is working as consistently as we need it to. Most importantly, we start contemplating how to generate a reliable income stream that will last for the next 20 or 30 years during which we might not be able work as effectively. 

The first step is awareness. You need to see your personal economy as something that should earn for you. That means tracking not just your balance, but your flow. How much truly comes in? Where exactly does it go? What is the consistent surplus?

Once you know the surplus, you can stop letting it just accumulate. Now, instead of leaving this extra money in your banking portfolio, you move it to a separate, dedicated venture that can make you more money.

Then you decide, do you step into a strategic rental, a business partnership, or a dividend-focused portfolio? Shifting from asset accumulation to focused cash flow is about refusing to let your surplus income be accidental. You have to become intentional about directing it toward assets that feed you back.

This article Shifting From Asset Accumulation To Longevity Focused Cash Flow was originally published on HerAgenda.com